Lots to 'Bragg' about in mountain-view community

Convenience, diversity key to big-city alternative

A short drive west of Calgary, the community of Bragg Creek is an oasis for homebuyers looking for a convenient escape from the big city.

And the good news is the tranquil hamlet of less than 500 residents, situated in the shadows of the Rockies, has something for everyone, whether they're empty-nesters or first-time buyers.

"It's not really urban living; it's rural-urban," explained Lee Edwards, REALTOR® with MaxWell Canyon Creek, who has worked out of Bragg Creek since 1986. "The price point starts at the lower end, and, as such, a lot of young families are coming out here."

Edwards noted entry-level home prices in the area tend to average $450,000 and up, which is comparable to nearby Calgary.

Meanwhile, for buyers wanting larger properties and/or acreages, opportunities exist valued into the millions.

"There is quite a range of floor plans. Some are quite individualistic opportunities," said Edwards, who is also the top-selling REALTOR® in nearby Redwood Meadows. "There are no apartment buildings out here, so it's all single-family dwellings or acreages.

"There's quite a cross-section (of properties). I recently sold a home on six acres for $605,000, and I've sold several in the area of $800,000-900,000; I'm on track for this to be my best year ever."

Bragg Creek's proximity to Calgary and Cochrane makes the hamlet a convenient alternative to town or city living.

"Many major destinations in Calgary are just under 25 minutes away, and in Cochrane there's a lot of shopping and fine dining within even shorter driving time," said Edwards.

"There are a lot of golf courses within a one to 15-minute drive, Kananaskis Country is just minutes away as well. It's not every day that a community has a provincial park on its doorstep."

While Bragg Creek has faced some recent challenges, notably last year's flood, Edwards said the hamlet has "bounced back."

In fact, the community's true spirit during the aftermath ended up being a highlight, said Suzanne Jackett, vice-president of the Bragg Creek and Area Chamber of Commerce.

"There was unbelievable togetherness like we've never seen before in Bragg Creek. Situations like this have a way of uniting a community."

Jackett echoed Edwards, noting Bragg Creek's top attraction is its "sheer beauty".

"You can't go very many places that have so much to offer in terms of outdoor recreation and river-rafting, horseback riding, skiing, golfing," she said.

The community is also poised for growth as more residences and businesses hook up to Bragg Creek's new municipal water-distribution and wastewater-treatment system.

"It's absolutely going to help the real estate market and opportunities for anyone trying to sell a home. You don't have to deal with a well and a septic tank or field (anymore)," said Jackett. "I think it'll be a great selling feature."

Added Edwards: "It's a huge deal that will allow for further residential development. It will also support more commercial development."

For more information about living in Bragg Creek, call Edwards at 403-540-0540 or email lee@braggcreekrealestate.com.

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