Pick your spot in the northwest

Weekends have been very busy at the new Calgary Farmers Market location in the northwest, the dizzying array of delectable choices available will make any foodie’s dream come true. The same is true nowadays in the new home opportunities in this rapidly growing sector.

There’s a new vibrancy coursing through Northwest Calgary, as new communities open up providing an exciting range of lifestyle-centric options for starter homes, move-up homes, and dream homes.

The northwest is undergoing a rapid transformation, the sector which had once lived in the shadow of southwest Calgary as the most sought-after residential neighbourhood is now gaining prestige of its own. Where growth used to be focused along the Country Hills Boulevard NW, there are more new communities now sprouting around the northern sections of Stoney Trail and in other now-highly urbanized areas to the west.

New communities, like Livingston, Carrington, Carrington South, Evanston, Glacier Ridge, and Ambleton are clustered around Stoney Trail and the accessibility the ring road offers. While University District, Greenwich, and Trinity Hills have become hotspots of cosmopolitan living. Rockland Park and Crestmont are at the very western edge of the city and offer stunning nature backdrops. Arbour Lake West is growing around an already established lake community.

It’s this diverse offering of homeowning opportunities and lifestyle that has fuelled the growth of the Northwest and it’s not about to stop.

Recreational haven

Calgary’s northwest has always been one of the most desired residential areas in the city, and the diverse range of amenities – from shopping, dining, recreational opportunities and more – attract new homebuyers.

Nose Hill Park is at the very heart of the sector, it is surrounded by 12 residential communities and offers a ton of four-season recreational fun. The sprawling, 11 square-kilometre park is popular for hikers, joggers, and dog-walkers.

The 50,000-square-foot Calgary Farmers Market’s second location opened last year and sits just across from the Greenwich community. It has injected new vitality in the area, and the ongoing commercial developments along Trinity Hills just across from it promise to make this part of the city a mecca for retail therapy for a long time to come. There are also negotiations for a new Costco to come up just a little bit to the west of the Calgary border near the Springbank community of Harmony.

Recreational opportunities abound as well at Winsport Calgary Olympic Park. It is a multi-purpose training and competition facility that is used both for high performance athletic training and for recreational purposes by the general public. Its ski hill is very popular in the winter.

Plenty of groceries and big box stores around these northwest communities, too, like the Creekside Shopping Centre, which has the popular Bro’Kin Yolk restaurant. Tipsy Pig Kitchen + Bar in Evanston is just also highly recommended, as well as JPs Indian Bistro nearby. There’s also Sushi Al in Panorama Hills, as the northwest cuisine offerings has become as varied as the housing opportunities it presents.

University District

The ingenious mix of commercial and residential is best seen in University District, the hugely successful undertaking by University of Calgary Properties Group that has blossomed into a community of tomorrow now. In addition to strong sales for its residential condominium developments, the influx of a varied range of commercial and retail establishments here has created a truly cosmopolitan lifestyle.

The retail businesses are seeing steady traffic and the recent opening of Cineplex VIP Cinemas, OEB and Village Ice Cream have created more awareness for the retail main street due to their popularity. The mix of local favourites and well-known staples continues to create a desirable mix of offerings.

The recent opening of the new Central Commons Park adds an immeasurable appeal to living here. The new three-acre park is at the very heart of the community and features the city’s newest refrigerated outdoor public ice rink.

Find out more at myuniversitydistrict.ca.

Anthem

Anthem has a long history of development in northwest Calgary. It has developed some of the most successful and pioneering communities in the sector, including Edgemont and Hawkwood, and they recently just sold out the award-winning communities of Sage Hill and Nolan Hill. Glacier Ridge, which opened last year, marks its successful return to the northwest.

Development is well underway for this 832-acre community just off 144 Avenue and Sarcee Trail in the northwest. New showhomes are open from Cedarglen Homes, Jayman BUILT, Morrison Homes, Shane Homes, and Trico Homes.

Glacier Ridge offers families a rare chance to live in a brand-new community in Calgary’s desirable northwest. The community’s first collection of homes is inspired by Western Canada’s historic farmhouses and ranches, with Paired, Laned, Front Drive and Park Front home types available.

Visit glacierridgecalgary.ca for more.

Brookfield Residential

Brookfield Residential has been very active in the development of the northwest. Its Livingston community ushered the growth of The New North when it began just a few years ago. Its popular Rockland Park further west maintains its commitment to the sector’s growth.

“At Brookfield we provide a diversity of housing types to fit the lifestyles and budgets of a wide range of buyers,” says Brookfield Residential’s Mary Aucoin. “Our communities are planned to incorporate the best of what Calgary has to offer, enhance the landscape, and foster community spirit.”

Of note in Livingston is that it has the largest homeowners’ association facility that Brookfield has ever built: The Hub. “This is an amazing building and outdoor park space exclusive to residents to experience and enjoy. We also have a temporary dog park and pump track, multiple greenspaces, pathways, and a few different playgrounds,” Aucoin adds. Go to experiencelivingston.com for more.

Qualico Communities

Qualico Communities is just as invested in the northwest’s growth. It’s hit Evanston community was a main driver for residential growth in the sector in recent years and it is all but sold out now. Its follow-up, Ambleton, promises to replicate this success.

The biggest amenity in Ambleton will be the pond. This area is meant to create neighbourhood gathering spaces and a way to bring the community together. There will also be areas along the pond that will keep a more naturalized look. There is also a future High School planned for the community that will be an amazing addition to the area once it is built

There is a wide variety of housing options here as well. Jayman BUILT and Broadview Homes offer Laned and Duplex models. There is also Shane Homes, Sterling Homes, and Trico Homes with Front Garage homes. Trico also offers Front Garage Wide Shallow Models as well. And Truman Homes will have townhomes soon, but sales have not begun yet.

Go to liveinambleton.com for more.