Red hot growth continues in Airdrie

New communities spell new opportunities as Airdrie continues to attract new residents, and growth well into the next decade is expected.

What started out as a small railroad outpost in the late 19th Century has today become one of southern Alberta’s most populous and progressive cities in the 21st, rivaling even Calgary as a premier destination for new home buyers, as more new communities and housing options are introduced.

Airdrie has enjoyed all kinds of growth, especially over the last decade, but it has not lost its small-town heart.
“I would tell people that Airdrie is a fantastic community to make your life in,” says Sara Chamberlain, Team Leader, Economic Development, City of Airdrie.

“Our growing city has been able to maintain its small-town feel. Neighbours are friends in Airdrie, all your daily shopping and service needs can be met within a 10-minute drive, and you benefit from Airdrie’s great location close to Calgary, the Rocky Mountains and an international airport,” she tells Calgary New Home + Condo Guide.

Airdrie is now a major regional commercial and industrial hub, a steadily growing metropolis with its own distinct character and not just another one of Calgary’s bedroom towns. It remains on the fast track to growth – and picking up speed.

The City of Airdrie’s population continues to grow with the official 2024 census results coming in with a total population of 85,805, a 6.39 per cent growth rate since the 2023 municipal census.

Growing with the times

With the rapid growth comes challenges, but Airdrie is seeming to cope. It just opened last fall the 40th Avenue Interchange to the QEII that improves commute times to Calgary. The $65 million project is hailed as a major milestone as it will connect communities, enhance safety and boost economic development.

New home opportunities also continue to rise, as a couple of new communities just launched offering buyers a wide range of home types for all budgets.

Small-town vibe

Even with its rapid growth, Airdrie has worked to maintain its small-town heart through their numerous festivals and events,

Chamberlain says. “A long-time favourite is the Airdrie Festival of Lights that has been running for the entire month of December for two decades. It’s so fun to stroll through Nose Creek Park and look at the lights. Newer to Airdrie is the Airdrie Children’s Festival, a two-day event in May that is quickly becoming a favourite for visitors and residents.”

When asked what she thinks the biggest challenges are facing Airdrie, Chamberlain says: “Honestly, I can’t think of any. I’ve lived and worked in Airdrie for nearly 20 years and it is a create place to raise a family.”

Shopping: big box to boutique

One of Alberta’s biggest shopping malls, CrossIron Mills, is just a short drive from Airdrie, and the city itself has its own retinue of independent and big box stores that offer tons of convenience to residents.

“There are so many great places to dine and shop in Airdrie. This is probably one of our best kept secrets!” Chamberlain says. “There’s the fabulous Where on Earth Antiques and Vintage Store, Muk-luk Magpies Stained Glass Emporium, and the ever-reliable Airdrie Farmer’s Market.

For dining, there’s the popular La Table Haute Pastry & Café serving French inspired goodies, Paros on Main for hearty Mediterranean and Greek fare, and Il Forno Fusion for authentic Italian pizza and more. Airdrie also has a growing brewery scene, and Atlas Brewing and 948 Brewing Company are among the best in the scene.

New home opportunities

There are several new communities in various stages of development that are sprouting in all sectors of Airdrie, a few of them coming in less than a decade ago, and more are opening. Among the newest is Lanark and Cobblestone Creek by Melcor Developments. Bayside and Bayview by Genesis Land Development and Cooper’s Crossing by Westmark Holdings are the biggest and the most established of these new communities.

The south part of Airdrie is where majority of the new growth is seen. Southpoint by Vesta Properties and Chinook Gate by Brookfield Residential are going strong. Vesta has also just launched its Elevate Collection at Cooper’s Crossing featuring an array of homes including 3-Storey Village Townhomes, 2-Storey Brimstone Townhomes, and Bungalow Villas with master-on-main living options. Also now selling, are Luxury Urban Monarch Condos with premium amenities.

Coming up are Hopewell Residential’s Sawgrass Park in northwest Airdrie, and Vantage Rise by Qualico Communities in the southwest.

Hopewell Residential’s Sawgrass Park is a master-planned community totaling 480 acres, and ultimately planned for 1,800 homes.
Vantage Rise is Qualico’s second development in this bustling city just north of Calgary after Ravenswood.

With a total of 160 acres (65 hectares), Vantage Rise will be built out in four phases and will house roughly 1,200 homes and 3,000+ residents upon completion. Home types will include Front Garage Homes, Laned Homes, Townhomes, and multi-family housing.