Living in the city can be exciting, with its bustling atmosphere and endless entertainment options. But for some, the appeal of quiet, spacious living on an acreage can outweigh the perks of city life. As custom home builders in Edmonton, we have noticed a major increase in acreage builds – in fact, approximately 50% of our current projects are being built outside of Edmonton – within 30-45 minutes of our city. Here are the top reasons we are seeing that people choose to build an acreage rather than a home in the city limits.
Firstly, privacy is a major factor. Living on an acreage allows for a greater sense of seclusion and a more peaceful living environment. With more space between neighbours and less noise pollution from traffic and other city sounds, acreage living can provide a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Secondly, the ability to have more control over your property is another reason why people choose to build an acreage. With more land to work with and fewer controls regarding architectural design, homeowners can design and implement their own landscaping, gardening, outdoor living spaces and home exterior. On an acreage, there is more flexibility with setbacks and bylaws that need to be followed. This freedom to personalize one’s living environment can be a huge draw for those who want to create a truly unique and personalized living experience.
Finally, the opportunity to live closer to nature is an attractive feature of acreage living. With more land to explore, homeowners can enjoy activities such as hiking, gardening, and even raising farm animals. Even without stepping outdoors, the natural views from inside the home can create a cozy and enjoyable living environment. This connection to nature can provide a sense of peace and fulfillment that is difficult to achieve in the city.
While there are many benefits to acreage living, there are of course some downsides that need to be considered. There are a number of issues that can come up when choosing to build and live on an acreage. Utility set up (and maintenance) can be a more expensive investment outside of the city due to the lack of existing infrastructure and increased distance to run utilities. We also must consider things like wetlands and bird migratory routes when building on an acreage lot. Dependency on a reliable vehicle and the increased maintenance and upkeep required can also be seen by some as a downside for acreage living.
In conclusion, while city living certainly has its advantages, the appeal of acreage living cannot be denied. With more privacy, control over one’s property, and a closer connection to nature, it’s easy to see why building an acreage is a popular choice for many homeowners.