(06-17-2016, 06:09 PM)Elmira Guy Wrote: I see many people in my building doing likewise, so to say "balconies are rarely used" seems awfully inaccurate, or perhaps just your experience.

Quote:“Most people don’t use the balconies, but they insist on having them,” he says. “People fantasize about what their lifestyle will be in a condo, but the reality is they come home, they turn on the TV and eat dinner, and they don’t go out there.”

Condo balconies are probably the most visible fantasy objects on the urban landscape, and often the homeliest. The standard minimum is a shallow concrete platform, just big enough for a couple of chairs and a bicycle. But even a small balcony costs money to build, usually drains heat from the interior space and may set its owner up for expensive repair or replacement in the future. Multiply those costs over thousands of units, and balcony love looks like an expensive and mostly pleasureless affair.

(06-17-2016, 01:08 PM)panamaniac Wrote:

(06-17-2016, 11:27 AM)Viewfromthe42 Wrote: I lived with a balcony at the42 facing the oncoming Bridgeport traffic, and would still often be on it. No, it's not silent. No, urban areas aren't meant to be. Still incredibly enjoyable.

Tolerances vary.  I never use mine on Benton St, which I imagine would if anything be less busy than Bridgeport.

(06-19-2016, 08:31 AM)kitborn Wrote: I currently live outside of Kitchener but planning on moving into the city in the near future. I would not be without outdoor space. A balcony is a must.

(06-19-2016, 10:18 AM)tomh009 Wrote:

(06-19-2016, 08:31 AM)kitborn Wrote: I currently live outside of Kitchener but planning on moving into the city in the near future. I would not be without outdoor space. A balcony is a must.

Just make sure you consider the building location and balcony orientation when deciding on a condo or apartment.  Better yet, if it's an existing building, go spend 30 minutes on the balcony so you can judge whether the noise levels are OK for you.