Neighbours can play such an integral and important part in our daily lives. We have been blessed to have some of the best neighbours over the years. When I bundled up to go out in the cold and start my car the other day, I found that in my husbands absence, our neighbour had blown off my car and shovelled the driveway in the wee hours of the morning before he went to work. It was a kind and thoughtful gesture and a reminder of how having great neighbours can really improve your quality of life. 

Good neighbours are extremely helpful and make our live’s safer- and more fun. Good neighbours also tend to give us more peace of mind. There is an old saying that “you can choose your friends but not your neighbours”, but this is not completely true!

When buying a Fort McMurray home it can be easy to get caught up in looking for all the features that check off everything on your wish list, however it is every bit as important to pay close attention to the neighbourhood. After all, a house can be updated and fixed but you can’t change its location, the vibe of the community or your neighbours. Do your research: how, you may ask? Your Lore Group Real Estate Associate is a good resource for pointing out important features of your neighbourhood. Is it kid friendly?? Check out the nearby parks, the quality of the schools, daycares, crime rates and access to medical care and amenities. Information about a neighbourhood’s walkability, proximity too transportation, restaurants, community centres and other places of interest. Seek out neighbourhood Facebook groups, websites, and community newspapers to get a feel for the community and local events.

Take a walk through the area, chat up the neighbours and take notice of pride of ownership around the neighbourhood. tour you through the neighbourhood. All good communities maintain their homes, yard and public spaces, showing care for their neighbourhood. 

Don’t be afraid to ask a neighbour in their front yard or elevator while you are out and about how they like the area. They will be a wealth of helpful information. 

Finally if you want a good neighbour, remember, be a good neighbour. ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’. Therefore, we should be respectful, thoughtful, courteous and make efforts to build good relationships. You all look out for each other. You are not just buying a home, you are also buying into and becoming a part of a community: making close friends that can be a happy part of your daily life. 

If you would like more information about the many fantastic Fort McMurray neighbourhood’s feel free to reach out to one of our experienced and knowledgable Lore Group Team members.