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Canadian families choosing ‘small living’ over suburban sprawl amid rising housing prices

Young families say their generation has been priced out of the Vancouver condo market, making it impossible to get housing anywhere near the city. Global News

Skyrocketing real estate and rental markets across much of the country have some families choosing small spaces over suburban sprawl — and finding unexpected benefits.

Adrian Crook lives with his five kids in a one-thousand square-foot condo in downtown Vancouver.

He says living small requires some creativity, but also allows the family to easily walk to parks, galleries and libraries, and teaches the kids about diversity that they may not see in the suburbs.

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Crook says people have a mistaken idea that kids need a lot of space, when what they really need is to be loved and have opportunities to be creative.

WATCH: Toronto renter uses creativity to find a condo

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Toronto renter uses creativity to find a condo

Shelley Vanderbyl’s family of five also lives small, in a 950-square-foot house in Winnipeg.

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The artist says the lack of floor space has required flexibility and constant shuffling, but it’s also taught her kids about creativity, problem solving and conflict resolution.

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