The meandering Highwood River that runs through it, the rolling prairie grasslands surrounding it, and the misty Rocky Mountains just on the horizon, High River is truly a unique place to call home.

And many have. The population of the town about 70 kms south of Calgary has grown by leaps and bounds no doubt attracted by the engaging scenery and lifestyle, but also of its affordability.

High River population in 2023 is 14,556, it was at 13,584 in 2015, an almost seven per cent growth, according to the World Population Review website.

“There are few communities that boast everything that High River already has,” says, Jennifer McDonald, Marketing Manager for Dream, the developers of High River’s Montrose community.

The town itself that evokes a sense of nostalgia of simpler times make, but it is geared towards the future with new amenities and services that equip it for a modern lifestyle.

Back on its feet

A decade since the historic flood that ravaged the town, High River is back up on its feet and ready to grow.
Since 2013, the Town of High River has invested over $400 Million in mitigation and re-building to protect the community from high water events. And today, flood mitigation projects have made High River one of the best protected towns against high water.

The town says approximately $210 million on mitigation went to the construction of dikes, bank armouring, flood gates, floodway for overland flow, riparian storage and other projects.

While over $200 million on rebuilding including the downtown, underground infrastructure, roads, parks and other projects.

These measures seem to have attracted a new generation of homebuyers, as well as the fact that High River remains one of the most affordable communities to buy a home.

In fact, High River was among the two communities in the Calgary region that saw home sales rise last year when higher interest rates dampened the market in the rest of the region.

Prices though are on the rise as the average home price here according to the Zolo real estate marketing website is up 11.2 percent on a year-to-year basis at $429,000.

A lifestyle for everyone

The Town of High River has a wide range of housing options, both to own and to rent, that are suitable for all lifestyles, including the new norm - working from home, the town says in its website.

“Whether you want to live in an established neighbourhood, a new and developing community, near the golf course or within the downtown, High River has housing that will suit your needs,” it adds.

Newer developments such as Montrose offer home buyers a freshly designed living environment. Proximity to schools, parks and pathways make Montrose family-friendly, while fine architectural additions lend elegance and style.

“These housing options are suitable to everyone from first-time homebuyers, families, retirees or those looking to downsize,” McDonald says.

Montrose

Montrose covers over 200 acres on the south side of this southern Alberta town and is built around a 16-acre pond that winds through the neighbourhood. A well-manicured central park with pergolas and benches provides a serene setting for residents to enjoy in the warmer months, as do the winding pathway system and playgrounds.

Established in 2006, Montrose has proven to be just what High River needs, offering laned homes, villas and front drive homes from Homes by Dream and Hopewell.

“Montrose has seen a lot of change over the years of development. We’re excited to re-introduce laned homes back into the community with a limited release in the current Phase 2D and a much larger selection in the upcoming Phase 3,” McDonald says. “Alongside the front drive and villas product, laned homes encourage the neighbourliness of a small town with approachable and diverse architectural styles that appeal to a variety of homeowners.”

She says High River itself provides a less hectic lifestyle for those who are seeking the small town charm yet are not willing to compromise on convenience and services.

“Montrose offers an appealing option for both residents who are looking to upgrade within the town, a central location for people moving from surrounding rural communities to be closer to amenities, and people that are not forced to commute to downtown Calgary for work – self-employed, remote workers, out-of-town workers or home-based businesses and retirees.”

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