Key Characteristics and Buyer Profile
This property at 1 Alderwood Road is a 1955-built home with 892 square feet of living space on a 5,441-square-foot lot. Its strongest feature is the building’s age: within its street, it ranks among the oldest homes (top 3%), giving it a solid, well-established construction that may appeal to buyers who prefer vintage character over modern infill. The living space is slightly above average for the street but noticeably below the Windsor Park neighborhood norm and well under city medians, so the interior is compact by broader standards. The assessed value sits close to the neighborhood and city averages, suggesting the price aligns with local expectations rather than standing out. The lot size is very close to the street average but smaller than the typical Windsor Park plot, which may limit expansion potential but keeps yard maintenance manageable.
The appeal lies in the trade-offs: you’re getting a competitively priced home on a decent lot in a street where many comparables are similar in size and vintage, but you’re not buying a standout in terms of space or land. This suits first-time buyers or downsizers who prioritize location and condition over square footage, and who appreciate the stability of a 1950s build in an established neighborhood. It’s less suited for families needing large interiors or room for major additions, or for investors looking for undervalued land.
Five Possible FAQs
1. How does this home’s size compare to others nearby?
On Alderwood Road, the living area is slightly above the street average of 841 sqft, ranking in the top 29%. But within the broader Windsor Park neighborhood, it’s below the 1,091 sqft average, and city-wide it’s also smaller than the 1,342 sqft median. So it’s compact for the area but on the bigger side for this particular street.
2. Is the assessed value a good reflection of market price?
The assessed total value of $34,300 is slightly above the street average and very close to the neighborhood average. It’s below the city median of $39,000. Assessments are based on market conditions at a fixed point, so they’re a useful baseline, but the actual sale price could vary depending on condition, upgrades, and demand at closing.
3. What does the “top 3%” ranking for construction year actually mean?
It means this home was built in 1955, making it one of the oldest houses on the street. In Windsor Park and city-wide, the average build year is newer (1961 and 1966 respectively). Older construction often means different materials, layout styles, and possibly more maintenance, but can also mean better lumber and craftsmanship compared to some later builds. It’s worth checking the foundation and mechanicals regardless.
4. Can I expand this house or build a second unit?
The lot is 5,441 square feet, which is typical for the street but smaller than the neighborhood average. Any addition would depend on local zoning rules, setback requirements, and whether the existing home’s footprint already occupies a large share of the lot. It’s not a massive lot for major expansion, so check with the city if you’re planning structural changes.
5. Why is the home “above average” on the street but “below average” in the neighborhood?
Streets often have more uniform housing stock, so this home’s size and age are a good match for its immediate neighbors. But Windsor Park includes a wider range of homes, many larger and newer, so the property falls below those broader averages. This is common in older, established areas where one street may have been built at a similar time while surrounding blocks saw different development eras.