For growing families dreaming of more space, amenities and nature at their doorstep, affordable homes can be tough to find.

But if you鈥檙e ready to move up, some tempting possibilities are just minutes away, with the features families need 鈥� and want.

Topping the list is , hosting an open house July 21 from noon to 4 p.m.

Tucked into Chilliwack鈥檚 eastern hillsides area, Phase 5 of a six-phase planned community from experienced local builders , Elk Creek is built for families, notes Warwick Massey, whose family recently moved into the three-year-old community.

鈥淭hese are amazing homes, and if you want more for your family, you really need to visit,鈥� he says. 鈥淲e鈥檝e found it鈥檚 such a great place to raise your family.鈥�

1. Room to move:

Priced under $800,000, the beautifully finished four-bedroom, three-bathroom executive homes boast open-concept living with bedrooms upstairs. A second design offers three bedrooms, three baths and a large bonus room, plus a walk-out basement.

With a finished area of 2,200 to 2,500 square feet, plus covered patios and generous yards, you鈥檒l have space for your family today, and tomorrow. Add the spacious unfinished basement and the homes jump to 3,200 to 3,700 sq.ft. with the potential for a rec room, teen space or even a suite for mom, with revenue potential.

2. Location & convenience:

Knowing you can鈥檛 get this much house for the price in town, is there a compromise in location? Not really!

Your new home is 15 minutes from shopping and 20 from downtown Chilliwack, home to just about everything you need, while the Annis Road exit to the Trans Canada Highway is just seven minutes away.

3. And you can鈥檛 beat the neighbourhood!

In addition to the protected riparian greenspace behind Phase 5, a two-hectare park is slated for construction next year, with design guided by resident input. As is fitting with the neighbourhood, the park will incorporate 鈥榥ature play,鈥� such as natural boulders and logs, and a hillside area is slated for a cycling pump track.

Trail networks are expanding and will connect to the nearby Community Forest, while for golfers, one of the region鈥檚 premier courses, , sits on your doorstep. Both Harrison Hot Springs and Cultus Lake, along with its waterslide and adventure parks, are just 30 minutes down the road, and for anglers, Elk Creek is just 20 minutes from the Vedder River, world-renowned for its fly fishing.

Visit Elk Creek鈥檚 open house this Saturday, July 21 from noon to 4 p.m. at , or learn more .