Shaun Nilsson Shares Savvy Urban Lifestyle Steps

Once upon a time, there was a daily commuter who drove from one side of the big city to the other in order to get to the workplace. Up early enough to make the daunting trek through the city's ever-worsening morning traffic maze, our heroine grudgingly made her way every day for several years. Strangely, the only thought that made this daily trial bearable was the knowledge that the people in the dreary rows of cars all around her were feeling the exact same thing. And, let's face it, there wasn't really any other option, was there?

Thankfully, yes. The commuting ritual is something that more and more happy, fulfilled people are shrugging off as a part of a past way of thinking. In the quest for self-actualization, productivity, and a stress-free lifestyle, many are discovering that living within walking distance of their major activity centres work, gym, school, shopping, favourite social hot spots has revolutionized their lives and made a huge impact on their well-being.

When carefully considered, there are a number of benefits that can accrue from the walking distance focused life:

(1) No need for the car. A close friend was able to lose her $1,000 monthly auto liability and switch to a membership with a car sharing service that cost $150 for the same amount of travel convenience. That alone meant her mortgage could increase by $850 when buying her walking distance home and she would still break even financially.
(2) Less stress. Imagine waking up an hour later every day, or getting your workout done first thing in the morning before the office. Now imagine the same level of productivity in the new free hour after work. Having another two hours or so per day can really make a difference in getting your tasks done and feeling confident about yourself. Plus, not having the stress of the commute itself can be unbelievably energizing, especially in the late afternoon an energy low-point for many.
(3) Convenience. Being in close proximity to the grocery store and other important locations frees up a host of possibilities that do not exist for the commuter. For instance, think about how cooking a healthy meal with daily fresh ingredients from the market across the street will affect your happiness, health and bottom line versus a fast food or delivery meal ordered on the rush home.
(4) It's green. We all care about the environment; now more than ever. Walking is just another way that we can reduce our negative impact on the world around us and feel great about making a big contribution to a clean future for everyone.

I adopted the walking distance lifestyle several years ago and have never looked back. In order to conduct my real estate business I still maintain a vehicle, but it certainly gets used less for local errands, which I love. Would your life benefit from a walking distance upgrade? Feel free to let me know at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Until next time,

Shaun Nilsson
The Downtown Guy

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Shaun Nilsson, The Downtown Guy
		About the author:
		Shaun Nilsson, 'The Downtown Guy,' is a downtown Toronto Realtor, and avid connoisseur of the downtown lifestyle.  He writes about real estate, life, landmarks and culture in the heart of the city, and provides relevant, street-level advice for real estate buyers, sellers and investors.  As both a writer and a professional real estate salesperson, Shaun keeps firmly tuned-in to the pulse of the city, in order to best provide timely info to his readers and clients. Shaun lives in downtown Toronto, in the city he loves, happily serving his amazing clients and friends.
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