This is a 1959-built home with 774 sqft of living space on a 2,330 sqft lot. Its assessed value is $160,000. The property stands out most for its age: it ranks in the top 9% within the West Alexander neighbourhood and top 21% on Pacific Avenue for year built, meaning it’s noticeably newer than many surrounding homes, which average from the 1920s and 1930s. The living area and land area are both below neighbourhood and city averages—the lot is especially compact, ranking in the bottom 12% locally and bottom 2% citywide. The assessed value is modest, sitting around the local average but well below the citywide norm.
The appeal here is twofold. First, the newer construction relative to the area offers a degree of modern build quality and likely fewer immediate structural concerns than a pre-war house. Second, the below-average size and value suggest it may be one of the more accessible entry points into a central neighbourhood like West Alexander. This property would suit a buyer focused on location and a newer shell rather than square footage or yard space—someone who values a solid, mid-century home in a built-up area and is comfortable with a smaller footprint and lot. It’s less suited to families needing room to grow or buyers looking for a large garden or high immediate resale value relative to city benchmarks.
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How does the compact lot affect usability or future expansion?
At 2,330 sqft, the lot is small by both neighbourhood and city standards. This limits options for adding a garage, large deck, or significant addition without potentially violating setback rules. It’s best suited for low-maintenance, urban living rather than extensive outdoor projects.
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The house was built in 1959—what should I expect in terms of maintenance?
Homes from this era often have original mechanicals (furnace, electrical, plumbing) that may need updating. The structure and foundation are generally sound, but expect to budget for modernizing systems over time. The upside is it’s newer than most nearby homes, so major envelope issues (roof, windows) may have been addressed more recently.
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Why is the assessed value so much lower than the citywide average?
The $160,000 assessment reflects the smaller living area and lot size, not necessarily poor condition. In West Alexander, this price point is typical. The citywide average includes larger, newer homes and properties in more expensive suburbs, so the comparison is more about scale than quality.
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Does the low living area rank (top 92% citywide) mean the house feels cramped?
774 sqft is compact, often arranged as two bedrooms and one bathroom. The layout and natural light matter more than the number alone. If the floor plan is efficient (little wasted hallway space), it can feel comfortable for one person or a couple, but it wouldn’t suit a larger household.
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Is the neighbourhood stable or changing?
West Alexander is an older, established area with a mix of pre-war and mid-century homes. Properties like this one—smaller and newer—sometimes attract first-time buyers or investors. The rankings suggest a fairly consistent market with moderate turnover, not a rapidly gentrifying or declining pocket.