Affordability, choice attract new homebuyers to Northeast Calgary

More than three decades ago, the communities of Rundle, Pineridge, and Falconridge were among the top new home options in Calgary’s northeast. In the 2000s, Saddleridge and Taradale took their place. Then, in the 2010s, it was the Skyview Ranch and Redstone as the city expanded further north.

All those communities are now built out, but with new developments like Homestead and Cornerbrook, this ever-evolving, ever-growing sector of the city continues to pull in new homebuyers. These new northeast communities exemplify Calgary’s continued advantage as the city that offers the best home affordability, compared to the rest of the country.

Homestead, by Partners Development Group, and Cornerbrook, from WestCreek Developments, are among the youngest and most popular communities in the northeast these days. They are attracting a lot of new homeowners from Ontario and other provinces who see a better, more enjoyable, and affordable lifestyle here.

Trico Homes offers a range of laned and front-drive garage homes in both Cornerbrook and Homestead and they have a first-hand view into why buyers are falling in love with the northeast.

“The Northeast offers a quadrant of the city that is highly connected through major roadways and infrastructure to important amenities for day-to-day life. The airport is minutes away and you can travel to downtown Calgary in less than 20 minutes,” says Ali Tahir, Trico Homes area manager for Homestead.

Marvin Gonzalez, Trico Homes area manager in Cornerbrook, agrees, adding that beyond its central location, the northeast also brings a sense of community.

“The culture in the area has a strong sense of community with events, activities, and local initiatives that contribute to a positive living experience,” Gonzalez says. “The northeast has also proven to have great historical resale value, which can be significant factor for families.

International flavour

Gonzalez says that the northeast has such a rich diversity in culture that it serves a veritable smorgasbord of ethnic foods.
“With the northeast being such a diverse, culturally rich quadrant of the city, you can come here to enjoy some of the best cultural foods that the city has to offer - from Vietnamese, Malaysian, South Asian, Lebanese, Nigerian, Jamaican - the list goes on.”

Tahir agrees, but a new favourite is Karahi Boys. “It is a newer restaurant to the McKnight shopping Centre and a great addition to what the Northeast has to offer for dining. This restaurant chain offers amazing Pakistani/South Asian cuisine and delicious family sized naan. Definitely a place to check out if you’re looking for something a little spicy.”

Amenity rich

As far as shopping amenities go, there is the venerable Pacific Place on 36 St. NE that houses the iconic T&T supermarket and other international stores and gets crowded every Chinese New Year; Basha International Foods along Barlow Tr. is the go-to spot for fresh ingredients for South Asian dishes; and, the most recent addition, Seafood City just off Sunridge Blvd. draws Filipino shoppers from as far away as Saskatchewan.

“The East Hills Shopping Centre, just south of Homestead down Stoney Trail provides residents with some great shopping like Costco, Sport Chek and other box retailers, as well as multiple restaurants, and family entertainment with things like Cineplex theatre,” Marklund adds.

Then there is the magical Genesis Centre, a 225,000 square foot multi-purpose complex dedicated to enriching the health, wellness, and unity of northeast Calgary. It has two indoor filed houses, a community gymnasium. The Saddletowne YMCA and the Calgary Public Library are at its wings.

With all those amenities – not to mention the plentiful schools and places of worship– it is no wonder that the northeast is known as a very welcoming place.