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As your family grows, so does your home. Or so we're told. But the truth is that this isn't always the case. Families with young children find themselves seeking apartments to rent for a vast number of different reasons.
Whether to save money, because of a transition or temporary relocation, or simply to foreground a minimalist approach to parenting, many young families find apartment living to be a perfect fit for the short or long term. That being said, the search for a family apartment in Winnipeg, MB, involves unique criteria and is inherently different from the hunt for a bachelor pad, retirement-friendly property, or other type of rental. The right two-bedroom apartment may become the anchor that allows your family to thrive and evolve in new and meaningful ways, but you have to know what you're looking for.
At Globe Property Management, we take pride in offering an extensive inventory of 2-bedroom apartments located throughout many of the city of Winnipeg's most family-friendly neighbourhoods. From Osborne Village to North Kildonan, West Broadway, Pembina Highway, River Heights, East Kildonan, and more, each and every property has something special to offer. Below, our experienced team offers some tips on what you may wish to consider when entering into apartment life with children and what to look for in a kid-friendly neighbourhood:
Searching for an apartment rental with young children can feel like a balancing act, but with a little practice, you'll be able to quickly evaluate whether or not a space has the potential to meet your family's needs. Here are three fundamental questions to ask yourself as you walk through potential apartments for rent in Winnipeg, MB:
Security is a priority no matter your circumstances, but living in a building that feels safe and comfortable day in and day out with children is non-negotiable. Consider physical safety elements such as how visitors are screened and allowed to enter the building, the quality of locks on entry and interior doors and the unit's proximity to fire escapes or fire exits.
Also essential to keep in mind is the overall character of the block where the apartment is situated and the broader surrounding neighbourhood. Research crime statistics for the area, talk with neighbours and long-time residents if possible, and be intentional about spending time near the rental unit at different times of day and on various days of the week. These relatively small investments in time will help you determine whether the community feels like a place where your family could confidently put down roots.
A balcony can be a standout apartment feature, but if you have young children, you'll want to be sure that it is (or can easily be) childproofed. At the very least, ensure that the door out to the balcony can be permanently locked if necessary. In addition, be sure to examine opening windows to make certain they won't pose a risk. This is particularly important in units above the ground floor.
While it may initially seem challenging to meet the needs of multiple family members in a 2-bedroom apartment, the truth is that a little creativity goes a long way. The perfect rental for your family doesn't have to have to be extraordinarily spacious (though that doesn't hurt), but it does need to have a floor plan that is practical for your needs. For instance, you may wish to look for an apartment that is slightly older but has two bathrooms, on-site laundry, and is designed around a generous living area while foregoing a modern loft with a trendy bar area.
Family apartment life is all about minimizing clutter while maximizing the spaces you've got. Check out some innovative space-saving solutions for family living here.
Each family's definition of a kid-friendly neighbourhood will be different, but certain neighbourhood elements are pretty universally sought after by parents and children alike. These include:
This one almost goes without saying. No matter the age of your children, you want to provide them with an education that is engaging, meaningful, and will prepare them for a successful future. Take time to explore the schools in the neighbourhood you're considering renting in. Even if you have young children, it may be worth investigating middle and high schools as well as elementary schools if you expect to live there for many years. Talk to community members, meet with teachers, and ask about special offerings like language programs, arts programs, or after-school activities.
Walkability (not to mention bike-ability, trike-ability, and skate-ability) is a major consideration when you're renting as a family. Even if you own a vehicle, chances are that you'll often leave your apartment on foot looking to run errands, get some exercise, or simply let the kids burn off steam! Easy access to public transportation is also a major consideration for many families, so be sure to scout out the nearest bus or rapid transit stop to the Winnipeg apartment you're considering renting.
No matter the suite you choose for your family, you'll want to make sure it's within easy reach of quality recreation centres and green spaces. Fortunately, this shouldn't be too hard, given that Winnipeg is home to a wide variety of accessible natural areas. From Assiniboine Park to pocket playgrounds, you're the best judge of what types of green spaces and recreation opportunities will be most impactful for your particular family members. The team at Globe recommends making time to explore with the kids in tow prior to signing your lease.
Is your family ready to embark on the search for the right apartment? Start the journey by viewing Globe Property Management's 2-bedroom apartments for rent in Winnipeg!