The northeast remains a favorite for new Calgarians

Calgary’s population is growing fast, increasing by 22,200 people from April 2021 to April 2022, according to the City of Calgary. And it is expected to grow even more in the next four years. And one of the best places for these newcomers to the city to find a home is in the northeast.

The signs of growth are everywhere in northeast Calgary. Someone who hasn’t been in the area over the last 10 years might even find it unrecognizable with all the new commercial and residential developments. And more are underway.
What was once a lonely stretch of prairie country road, Country Hills Boulevard – one of the main thoroughfares in the area – has become emblematic of the explosive growth of what has been termed Calgary’s “New North.”

Indeed, the appellation works. The northeast has ever been the area for new beginnings, as it has been favoured by new immigrants to the city for its affordable housing options. And it’s not just immigrants, but anyone who wants to become a homeowner – especially first-time-buyers - will find something within their budget in the myriad of new communities that have fuelled the sector’s growth.

Rapid growth

The northeast has been so popular that Skyview Ranch and Redstone are all but built out – the latter only has townhomes from StreetSide Development left, as far as new build homes are concerned. The hottest communities for new homes in the northeast currently are Homestead by Partners Development Group, Cornerbrook by WestCreek Developments and Savanna by Genstar.

“There’s definitely some exciting stuff going on in Homestead as we head into the new year,” says Partners Marketing Manager, Cale Marklund.

“We’re excited to now be offering paired homes in Homestead, further broadening our product offering. These homes will be built by Partners and will feature a gorgeous streetscape that is unique to the community. The paired homes are offered in Phases 3, 4 and 5 of the community, and allow us to now offer four different home styles (front garage, laned, street towns, paired) as we try to accommodate multiple lifestyles and stages.”

The Phase 3 paired homes have the idyllic location, directly across the street from the first community playground – perfect for young families. Two showhomes will be opening around spring 2023 for the paired homes. “We are mostly sold through Phases 1-3, Phase 5 will begin sales early in the new year with laned, front garage and paired homes.”

Homestead will also soon have its own commercial development – Homestead Landing. “This commercial area will feature a gas bar/convenience store, grocery store, food and drink options, childcare, and so much more,” Marklund says. Construction on the first phase of the commercial section will commence in April 2023.

Homestead will also have a further connection to the rest of the northeast with the construction of the 80th Avenue overpass. “Construction is underway, and will be complete October 2023 allowing for city transit, emergency services and bike/pedestrian traffic only,” he adds.

A mecca for new homeowners

Newcomers to the city have indeed found a home here. Recent census data reveal that Wards 5 and 10, both in the northeast, had the highest proportion of people who identify as visible minorities compared to the overall population of each region. More than 80 per cent of those in Ward 5, encompassing areas such as Falconridge, Martindale and SaddleRidge, identify as a visible minority. In Ward 10, which includes Abbeydale, Marlborough, Mayland Heights and Rundle, it is at 58 per cent of the population.

The most common ethnicities are South Asian, Chinese and Filipino. One doesn’t even need those stats to know this truth. One can tell simply by noticing all the supermarkets and restaurants that serve those particular segments of the demographic doing brisk business in the area.

Amenity-rich area

The venerable T&T supermarket on 36 St. NE 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 newly renovated Sunridge Mall continues to be the commercial mecca of the northeast and the new Daily Fresh Produce area combines the traditional shopping mall with a farmer’s market offering local produce.

Families love the northeast as it offers several inexpensive ways to engage young children. The Prairie Winds Park along Castleridge Drive, just east of 52nd Street NE, has become a lovely four-season outdoor playground for residents living in the surrounding communities. The city-run Village Square recreation centre is a great option, as well.

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. Then there are the family-friendly new communities that abound.