Tewin Algonquin land development [Hwy 417/Boundary Rd] | Proposed

[SidetrackedSue]

Originally Posted by Acajack

Some city slickers seem to think that if you move further out, you'll never be allowed to eat fine cheeses or listen to classical music again.

When we moved to Kars from Barrhaven in 1990 our (Barrhaven based) real estate agent warned us that there weren't any rocket scientists in Kars. The only people we knew out there was a couple where the husband worked with my husband and the wife for Telsat.

There is something to be said for moving to a place where there is a wide variety of ages, economic status, and education levels. Our street in Barrhaven was homogenous on all of those, our life in Kars introduced our family to all sorts of people.

Wide variety of ages mean less pressure on finding a babysitter (there's more than one family with a teen.) It is interesting to learn from people who have lived longer than you, watching what a mature couple relationship looks like, or at least seeing there's a life beyond when you are stuck at home with little kids. There's much less 'keeping up with the Joneses' when everyone has a different style of home. And there's a lot to learn when hiring neighbours for help with snow removal, home repairs, accounting services. Kars had few visible businesses but dozens of home-based ones.

But it is important to take time studying a community to make sure you think you can fit. You really have to know yourself and the community to make a good choice. Kars was perfect for us at that time of our lives. Over two decades later, we had changed and were ready to return to the city. Our friends were all moving away to smaller homes too, they just went further from the city rather than closer.

It is important to note that places change as well. Formerly 'hick' towns are changing as refugees from the city seek out less expensive housing. Kemptville has changed dramatically, and I'm sure Smiths Falls is changing as well. So don't just go on anecdotal stories from friends, try and spend some time in the community before buying, maybe take in a church supper, or at least shop at the local stores a little bit, eavesdropping on what the conversation is like.