Condo living has its perks. It’s convenient, low-maintenance, and often close to everything. But for many families, there comes a point where it simply stops working. Maybe it’s the toys spilling out of a storage ottoman, the home office wedged into the corner of a bedroom, or the growing sense that your space is no longer supporting your lifestyle.
That’s usually when moving to the suburbs start to make sense.
Moving to the suburbs offers more than just square footage. It’s about space to grow, routines that feel easier, and a home that reflects where your family is headed. At The Halyard Group, we help families transition from downtown condos to homes that actually fit their lives. If you’re thinking about making that shift, here’s what your condo won’t tell you – and what you’ll want to know before you pack that first box.
More Space Comes with More Choices
In a condo, life tends to be compact and efficient. You might use the same table for meals, work, crafts, and school. Storage is calculated down to the square inch, and multi-purpose furniture is essential. When you move into a house, though, your space options multiply – and so do your decisions.
Will the basement become a guest suite, playroom, or office? Should the spare room be used for storage or transformed into a proper home gym? What about outdoor space – will you be mowing the lawn, installing a swing set, or starting a vegetable garden?
These choices offer real freedom, but they also require planning. This article on how families perceive square footage explains why function matters as much as layout when deciding what kind of space fits your family best.
The Commute Looks Different, but the Trade-Off Is Real
Urban condos are typically located near transit, shops, restaurants, and nightlife. You might be used to walking everywhere or having food delivered to your door in minutes. Moving to the suburbs can change that rhythm, but it doesn’t mean giving up convenience entirely.
Many suburbs across the GTA are designed with commuters in mind. Whether you live near a GO Transit station, have easy access to the 401, or benefit from express bus service, it’s still possible to stay connected to the city. And the trade-off? You come home to a quieter street, more space to unwind, and the ability to truly disconnect after a long day.
Parents also find that moving to the suburbs opens up opportunities they didn’t have downtown – like enrolling kids in local sports programs, walking to school, or spending weekends exploring conservation areas.
If you’re just beginning to explore potential communities, diving into local Neighbourhoods can help you learn more about family-friendly areas across the GTA.
You May Already Be Outgrowing Your Condo
Most families don’t move just because they want more space. They move because their current space has stopped working. That moment can sneak up on you – when your stroller no longer fits in the hallway, your toddler needs room to play, or your kitchen table has permanently become a work-from-home setup.
If you’re unsure of whether or not you are experiencing some of the tell tale signs you’ve outgrown your home, some of the daily stress points families often overlook might be worth diving into. If it feels like you’re constantly reorganizing, decluttering, or downsizing just to stay sane, your space may be limiting your quality of life more than you realize.
Your Budget Needs to Expand Beyond the Price Tag
One of the most common assumptions buyers make is that moving to the suburbs will automatically save money. And while you may get more square footage for your dollar, there are new costs to consider.
Larger homes come with higher utility bills, greater property taxes, and added responsibilities like lawn care and roof maintenance. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) suggests budgeting 1.5 to 4 percent of your home’s price for closing costs, and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada highlights the importance of preparing for insurance, repairs, and other homeownership expenses.
Moving to the suburbs and owning a home is entirely manageable – but going in with a clear understanding of the full financial picture ensures a smoother transition.
Schools and Green Space Change Everything
Downtown life can feel vibrant and exciting, but it’s not always built around family routines. Moving to the suburbs tend to prioritize things like walkable school zones, bike-friendly streets, and easy access to public parks.
For families with young children, this can be a game-changer. Instead of relying on crowded elevators and shared amenity spaces, your kids can play safely in your backyard or local playground. Weekend outings become simpler and more spontaneous.
You’ll Need a Strategy to Make It Work
Selling your condo and moving to the suburbs requires more than just good timing. It means coordinating finances, understanding the pace of two different markets, and knowing how to make your equity work for you.
For a breakdown of these complexities it might be worth learning how to time the sale and purchase of your home. Whether you’re buying first or selling first, your plan for moving to the suburbs should consider timelines, contingencies, and the realities of the GTA market.
Our team at The Halyard Group guides families through these transitions every week. If you’re already browsing options, take a look at our current real estate listings to see what types of homes are available at different price points and life stages.
Making the Emotional Shift
Moving to the suburbs is often framed as a practical choice – more space, better value – but it’s also an emotional one. You may feel attached to your neighbourhood, your building, or even the lifestyle you’ve built downtown.
Those feelings are valid. But change doesn’t have to mean loss. In many cases, moving to the suburbs means finally having space to host extended family, enjoy weekends at home, or give your kids a childhood grounded in stability and routine.
Talking through these feelings with someone who’s helped others make the same move can be incredibly helpful. That’s part of what we offer – not just real estate advice, but personal insight from working with hundreds of families who’ve felt the same way.
Final Thoughts
Your condo gave you a great start. It was your first home, maybe your first investment, and definitely a place where early memories were made. But if that space no longer reflects the life you’re building, it might be time for something more.
Moving to the suburbs isn’t about giving something up. It’s about expanding into a lifestyle that supports your goals, your routines, and your family’s future.
At The Halyard Group, we’ve helped countless families make the move with confidence and clarity. If you’re ready to explore what’s next, connect with our team for advice tailored to your situation.
We’ll help you step into your next chapter – one that feels just right for the life you’re growing into.
