Growth spurt

As Airdrie grows, new communities flourish

Airdrie's new communities are looking forward to renewed expansion in 2018, as more buyers are looking to the city, fuelling a boom that has put residential housing sales at their highest point since 2013.

According to the city of Airdrie, nearly 2,000 houses were sold in 2017 for an average price of $394,046, up from 1,336 the previous year. The housing boom has not only led to a population increase, but has helped Airdrie grow its young, vibrant demographic. The city's statistics now show that 35 per cent of residents are between the ages of 25 and 44, with children under 15 accounting for the second largest demographic.

The communities popping up in Airdrie are currently adapting to this demographic shift, offering family friendly options that are still affordable for those taking their first steps into the market.

"Airdrie is a city with great energy. It offers virtually every convenience and amenity of the 'big city,' yet it has this very comfortable, safe, small-town feel." - Justin Castelino, Brookfield Residential marketing manager

"We really see this being a community for families, or families to be, who are active and spend as much time outside their home as they do within it," said Justin Castelino, marketing manager at Brookfield Residential, the developer behind Airdrie's Chinook Gate community. "We are really trying to create a community where people can come home and truly feel like they are at home – where the neighbourhood kids all play together, and the parents know each other."

Chinook Gate is located in southwest Airdrie, where getting to Calgary and amenities in Airdrie is very convenient. The community includes a four-season park that features places for children to play and a variety of outdoor paths for active residents. Chinook Gate is also only a few minutes from Yankee Valley Boulevard, a shopping district that houses everything that a new family could need.

"Airdrie is a city with great energy. It offers virtually every convenience and amenity of the 'big city,' yet it has this very comfortable, safe, small-town feel," said Castelino.

Airdrie is home to several new developments for buyers with a variety of housing needs.

Hillcrest by Apex, Southwinds by Mattamy Homes, Bayview by Genesis Land Development Corp. and Ravenswood by Qualico Communities are just a few of the new communities bringing exciting energy to Airdrie.

These communities are well suited to young families, and trips into Calgary for major shopping have been made all but unnecessary thanks to the shopping options now available in Airdrie.

"You spend more time with your family, and less time in your car," said Laura Field, marketing co-ordinator with Qualico Communities. "With all the amenities you need on the east side of Airdrie, you never have to go far from home."

With so many options available, Airdrie's expansion shows no signs of slowing down, and the city is quickly becoming one of the best places for new homeowners to put down roots.