This single in the suburbs trend has been chronicled in North American cities from Philadelphia to New York, but it appears there's more to it than making or saving money. Lifestyles are changing and so are attitudes about the 'burbs.

A U.S. Bureau of the Census report from 1996 predicted that by 2010 traditional families (two parents living with children under 18) would only make up 20 per cent of households, whereas people living alone would comprise 27 per cent of households. These singles will need to live somewhere and homes are, generally, more plentiful and affordable outside the city centre.

Perhaps the number of traditional families is on the decline because couples are postponing marriage. Statistics Canada data released last month showed Canadians are marrying later in life. In 2003, the last years for which figures were available, the average age for a first marriage for men was 30.6; for women, 28.5 (excluding Ontario). In comparison, 30 years ago men were tying the knot at 25 on average, marrying 22-year-olds. (Statistics Canada does not track migration patterns of specific household types.)

Since Canadians are staying single longer, they're deciding to take the mortgage plunge solo. A 2004 report by Royal LePage found that, among those who had never owned a home, 55 per cent of single women said they'd purchase their first property by 2007, as did 45 per cent of single men.

"Traditionally, marriage came before the mortgage, but goals have clearly changed," said Phil Soper, president and CEO of Royal LePage Real Estate Services.

As the single set has aged -- outgrowing the condo and clubbing scene found in the core -- perhaps their lifestyle goals have changed as well.

That's one take on the trend voiced by Brenda Bouw, author of Home Girl: The Single Woman's Guide to Buying Real Estate in Canada. While researching her book, Bouw came across single women who bought in the suburbs because such a move suited their evolving lifestyles.

"They'd lived downtown, they did the whole downtown thing and now they want to live a little more grown up. They want trees and a garage and things like that," says Bouw.
That description fits Lara Harrison. The 37-year-old grade school teacher bought a new house in Cougar Ridge four years ago. She moved from a four-plex in Killarney, a neighbourhood she liked, but one that was out of reach financially, for the kind of home she desired.
"I wanted the house with the garage and the yard. The hustle and bustle of the core was getting to me. I just wanted some peace and quiet," she says.

"There wasn't a man in my life to help me get that house, so I had to do it on my own."
She owns the aforementioned ideal home: 1,800 square feet, three bedrooms, 21/2 baths, a bonus room and the double car garage. She built the back deck on her own and did all the landscaping herself.

Harrison sometimes feels out of place in the community since the majority of her neighbours are young couples, or families that send their kids to the school across the street. She knows several other singles in Cougar Ridge, but they are still in the minority. Though she
occasionally visits the local pubs, Harrison mostly socializes like her single contemporaries living in the core. "I still go out downtown, but I don't go out and drink as much." She doesn't like leaving her car overnight and paying for a cab home.

But maybe Harrison is just too gen X. Talk to members of generation Y, such as 24-year-old Andrew Faulds, and the suburbs are -- and always have been -- home.

Faulds, a travelling salesman, lives in a new two-storey house in Copperfield that he shares with two male roommates, also 20-somethings. He grew up in the Calgary suburbs and his family and all of his friends still live far south of downtown. For him, there's no reason to venture north.

"We have no urge to go downtown. Everything we do is in the suburbs," he says.
Faulds says he's met quite a few singles in his neighbourhood, or through friends. In fact, Jaime Plain of the Marquis de Lorne Community Association says she still can't believe the number of young singles snapping up starter homes in Copperfield and New Brighton.
Still, Faulds' attitude on life in the 'burbs is more octogenarian than Lothario-driven. Asked what he likes about living in Copperfield he lists the nearby amenities and then turns philosophical and parental-sounding.

"It's away from everything. It's nice and quiet. When you go home you don't have to worry about sirens or crackheads."

The only drawback he voices is his home's distance from the city, but why would he want to go there?

Copperfield has parks and pubs and shopping nearby.

As Faulds sums up: "It's got a Wal-Mart."

I wanted an agent with a track record for success, expertise and professionalism. Someone bright and sophisticated. An agent who was completely committed to my goals, compassionate enough to understand my needs, and who had the wisdom to negotiate the right deal for me.

Just as importantly, I looked for someone who, like me, was a parent, an active community member, and who had a personal and intimate knowledge of the area.

The combination of these attributes is as important to me now - as I help others buy their homes - as they were to me twenty-five years ago. So, whether you are a family of eight, a single parent with children, or simply an individual who loves this community and is tired of the City, your best interests will always be my top priority.

If you're ready to get started looking for a home in the Millburn/Short Hills area or surrounding communities, I'm ready to help. You can reach me via email through my quick contact form, and if you're in a big hurry to get started, you can use my Push to Talk service and instantly get connected to my cell phone from this web page.

I look forward to talking with you!

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