A City on The Move

Priding itself on being "one of the fastest growing communities in Canada", the numbers coming out of Airdrie certainly don't do anything to dispel the assertion.

In keeping with the claim, the city's population grew by nearly six per cent in 2012, climbing to 45,711 residents and more than doubling Calgary's 2013 growth rate of 2.62 per cent. While the 2013 census figures for Airdrie have yet to come in, a look at the real estate market provides a good argument that the city's appeal has continued to increase.

Meg and Dan Martin are one couple that was lured by the city's appeal. Choosing to purchase a home to raise their growing family, Meg said the diversity of options available to her and her family played a key role.

"Both of us are family-oriented and we love the access to recreation, sports, entertainment, parks, mountains, and tourist attractions. Airdrie is also home to many young families and new sub-divisions."

Airdrie's population numbers reflect Martin's comments, with 19 per cent of residents between the ages 30-39, and almost 80 per cent under age 50.

Despite the growth of the city, Meg said Airdrie still manages to maintain the atmosphere of a tight knit community.

"For a city of 45,000, it still has that small town feel which we're accustomed to (from) back home. All of the amenities are so close and everyone we've ever dealt with has been very friendly and accommodating."

Undaunted by the same decline in MLS® listings present in many area markets, yearto- date sales in Airdrie have increased by more than five per cent in 2013. Along with the increased number of homes changing hands in the city, the value of those homes has increased as well, rising by an average of 2.47 per cent over the same span.

Another benefit of calling Airdrie home is the affordability available to prospective buyers. Despite the rise in Airdrie home prices, the average price of a home still compares favourably to those in Calgary, coming in at $351,726 compared to $457,232.

Possibly as a result, the average number of days Airdrie homes have spent on the market has fallen sharply in 2013, dropping by more than two weeks to just 42 days.

Further demonstrating the considerable appeal of Airdrie living, a survey released earlier this year showed that 96 per cent of respondents rated the overall quality of life in Airdrie as good or very good, while 72 per cent of respondents reported receiving either good or very good value for their tax dollars.

"The survey results are exceptional this year, with significant increases in every key success indicator," said Dorian Kachur, Team Leader, Business Strategy, City of Airdrie.

To help guide the community in the future, Airdrie has a Sustainability Plan aimed at balancing the "small town feel" and natural environment of the community with its continued economic prosperity. Scenic Nose Creek Park is one of the city's greenspaces protected under the plan. Sitting in the heart of Airdrie, the park is home to a pond, plenty of paved walkways, picnic shelters, skate park, play areas and hosts the city's very popular Festival of Lights.

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