Alberta_Rose

We did have a Pakistani family living about three doors down the road ... the boys used to play cricket across the street onto a wicket set up towards the back of their garage. They moved. Other than that it's a fairly multi cultural, with chinese next door to us on one side, and Newfies on the other!

I must admit that house has a particularly ominous looking garage ..... and the inside is a bit odd too .... I missed the bit about under 18's not allowed ..... hmmmm .... yes I think it is probably designed as a grow-op, you're right!

Former Lancastrian

It could also be for students 4 bedrooms 4 bathrooms makes sense.
Ive no ideas of rent but say $750 a month per student thats 3 grand a month Im thinking that would pay off any mortgage.

Geordie Lass

Well I have a big lab and a 6 year old. Neither of which make much of a mess so that grow op is out (what on earth is a Grow Op anyway?)

We are looking for a 3 bed - not massive and under $1800 if poss. Want a nice house but also must be cheap enough to let us save too.

Close to the C- train to see if we can manage on one car.

Garage is a must as I ain't scraping the car every day in winter!

Don't want much do I?

Almost Canadian

Grow Op - place where wacky backy is grown/harveseted until the place is busted. All communities have them.

gryphea

If you have a 6 yr old and you don't want to move them schools and you want a short commute then the NW C train is a really good option. Nearer than Shawnessy.

As some of these areas are older the schools take out of area kids making it easier for new arrivals who may not end up renting where they want to buy. Our K-4 school does and its rolling in money as it has only 130/140 kids and it has casino money coming out of its ears.

Geordie Lass

Oh I see. Don't want to live in one of those!

That's important to me - that he doesn't switch schools... What is a K-4 school?? haven't heard of that before? Which areas are you talking about that are older exactly? thanks

JonboyE

Kindergarten to Grade 4. What we used to call an infants school.

Geordie Lass

Oh duh. Geordielass slaps her forehead...

gryphea

A fair few NW elementary schools will take kids out of area. Plenty of these are near the C-train. Some of these would get you walk distance to C train. Plenty downtown commutors also cycle in from some these communities using riverside path

Think these will take out of area:
Marion Carson - Varsity
WO Mitchell - Silver Springs (although is in discussion for merging)
Hawkwood
Scenic Acres
EW Coffin- Brentwood
Briar Hill (pricey area though)

Others such as Ranchlands may also; not sure about West Dalhousie

These are CBE schools; not catholic

gryphea

PS older areas have older houses from 1950s to 1990s. These tend to have declining or stable rolls for elementary until the areas explode again once people move out. Its this weird sort of circle which goes out and then goes back in again. The newer communities are more pushed and stretched for schooling (eg Tuscany) , schools are full to overflowing and they wouldn't even look at anyone from other communities.

helcat12

There are people who set themselves up as facilitators for new immigrants. We saw some at the Emigrate Fair.
They are usually British expats themselves and for a fee they will sort you out a suitable rental, pick you up from the airport, help you sort out bank accounts and other things that are helpful in the early stages.

I have never used one and I don't know anyone else who has but I suppose some people must use them.

RKS_in_Calgary

Is there any reason why OH wants to be close to the C-train other than for a short commute? - there are very nice areas close enough to walk into town in 20-40 mins (or you can take a bus) with good schools where you can rent for around $1800/month?

Former Lancastrian

Its a shame my current job gets in the way of this I think the fees charged on this site for info are pretty reasonable though

HGerchikov

I see that you got one response that says realtors don't do rentals. This may well be the case in Calgary (honestly have no idea) but in some other provinces realtors will help sort you out a rental. Their commission comes from the landlord (in the same way as if you use a realtor to purchase the home the commission comes from the seller). A good one will drive you around to check out properties, give advice as to areas and schools etc. I would call a few in Calgary and see if they really don't, some just prefer not to because it is a lot of work for very little money.

Geordie Lass

Short Commute is the main reason. I want to live as far out as possible as I don't like living too close to the city! So we have to compromise!