Rose and Dan Moon researched Vancouver's real estate market for 16 months before deciding to buy their condominium in Concordia I. "We looked all over downtown and did a big soul search of where we wanted to live," says Rose, a vice-president of two junior mining companies. "We realized this is where the future is."
"The central location and quality construction were the two most important features to us," says Dan, 48, a lawyer. "The fact that we can walk out our door and be on the seawall was also a big plus," he adds.
Though the Moons like the idea of living downtown, they weighed their options carefully before moving to Concordia I. Both were busy professionals, living and working in Squamish, where they owned a spacious home in the town, as well as a gorgeous waterfront cabin near Lillooet. "We have a lot of friends in Squamish and we were emotionally tied to our cabin," says Rose, 42.
The Moons decided to take the plunge and sell both their homes when their careers brought them to Vancouver. "We didn't want to commute, and we thought change is often more difficult when you're older," says Rose. "So, we both agreed if we're going to make a change, we better do it sooner than later."
To help them finalize their decisions, the couple rented a condominium in Yaletown for a year. "We liked not having to get in the car and drive everywhere," says Rose. They also liked being close to downtown restaurants.
The Moons haven't looked back since. Last Spring, they purchased their two bedroom plus den condominium, which features a breathtaking view from all directions. They were impressed with the quality of construction and finishings at Concordia I, as well as the 10-year building and five-year in-suite warranties. "The concrete construction was very important," says Dan, adding, "We were used to living in a house, and we wanted privacy."
Nowadays, the Moons gaze across False Creek, downtown and the surrounding parks from their expansive living room window. "It's an entirely different lifestyle than what we had in Squamish," says Rose. "We walk everywhere, including work, and now we're going out a lot more." Adds Dan: "When we had the cabin we were tied to it. We missed seeing different things and going to different places. Now we have no maintenance and more time for travel and leisure."
Since moving, the Moons have taken up rollerblading and sailing. Dan jogs the seawalk in the mornings and Rose windsurfs at Jericho. They're attending plays and sporting events. Recently, they purchased an RV to tour the countryside.
"I want to be active now and travel," says Rose. "Then later, if we don't want to be quite so active, we have all these other stimulating things such as the library and the theatres. Whatever lifestyle you want to pursue, you can do it here."
