Trading In Lawn Mower for High-Rise Views

Trading In Lawn Mower for High-Rise Views

What factors do people consider when deciding whether or not to move to an urban setting? Maybe they are tired of spending hours cleaning and maintaining a yard, or having to always get in a car to drive to a restaurant or visit a museum. Whatever the reason, people continue to be drawn to downtown living and its variety of amenities right outside their door.

There’s a phrase that real estate agents use to describe condo living: Lock it and leave it. Condo owners can just lock the door and go. And when they return, it will be exactly the way they left it. That is not always the case for single-family homeowners. When they return from being away for a while, the grass will be taller, there may be storm debris in the yard that needs to be cleaned up, and the list goes on and on.

As condo owners at downtown Raleigh’s tallest building, RBC Plaza, Bill and Cristi Heffelfinger know the benefits of downtown living.

“My wife and I were, mostly, raised in the country. We lived in several nice neighborhoods, but never really felt a sense of community until we moved to downtown Raleigh. We've lived downtown for a little more than four years, and are amazed at the sense of community that exists. We always see people we know and take time chat.”

The ability to walk to an array of entertainment venues continues to draw people to live downtown. Raleigh features a wonderful performing arts center, several great art galleries, unique eating establishments, and a vibrant schedule of street and park events that draw a diverse crowd. “There is truly something for everybody. If you're bored, you're not trying hard enough,” said Bill Heffelfinger.

Pool at RBC Plaza

It is not just about what is outside your door, but what your condo building has to offer in the way of amenities inside the building. Have you ever wanted a pool, but didn’t want the maintenance headache that goes along with having one? At RBC Plaza residents can sit pool side and have a cookout several stories above the City. Condo living can also provide a place for you to stay in shape, watch your favorite flick or host your buddies for a card game.

If you are considering a move to downtown Raleigh, here are some helpful tips from the Heffelfingers:

• Embrace the downsizing. Purge, purge, purge. Condo living is right-sized for life, so it forces you to reconsider what's really important to you. The rest of it is just extra baggage.
• Attend City sponsored events when you can.
• Shop local. Make every effort to support your local businesses. You'd be surprised what you can find downtown or within a short (and very nice) walk. 

No matter what peaks your interest, visit downtown and get a tour of an RBC Plaza condo to see what all the buzz is about.