One of the most spectacular aspects of the northwest community of Mount Pleasant is the trees. "We live right by the park and it is just beautiful," said community resident Simone Carr-Smith. "We are surrounded by trees and at night, when the wind blows, you can hear the leaves rustling. It is just so calming."

Brimming with families, many of whom have been in the community for decades, Applewood Park extends to the north from International Avenue near Elliston Park in Calgary's southeast. Big houses, double-car garages perfect for home workshops, and large yards are a few of the defining characteristics of this community developed in the early 1980s.

Ask anyone who lives in the community of Scarboro what makes it so special and you will get a variety of answers.

"It's hard to put a pin in it," said resident Kate Morisset. "There is just this real sense of connectivity."

With the pristine parklands of Fish Creek Provincial Park in its backyard, along with quick and easy access to a variety of upscale amenities, Douglasdale offers the best of all worlds – both suburban and urban.

"It's absolutely amazing here," said community resident Karen McQueen, who has lived in the area since 2004. "I feel like I am in the middle of nature in the middle of the city."

Mount Royal boasts a long and storied history.

Long before the area was populated by European settlers, members of the Blackfoot Nation camped in the lee of Mount Royal on their journey up the Elbow Valley each season. The base of the hillside made for a solid campsite, with brush for cover and fires, and plentiful small game.

The community of Varsity spreads out from the University of Calgary's campus and endowment lands, expanding north of 32nd Avenue N.W. on the west side of Crowchild Trail.

The community of Redstone in Calgary's new northeast has been a resounding success since its launch in 2010.

Fringing the Bow River Valley with stunning views of the Rockies, the neighbouring northwest communities of Scenic Acres and Silver Springs offer a connected lifestyle in an established area.

With new residential developments popping up everywhere – along with a growing selection of culinary gems, coffee shops, yoga studios, craft breweries and funky boutiques – the buzz around Calgary's inner-city community of Altadore just keeps getting stronger.

When it comes to housing, the northeast riverside community of Bridgeland and its under-the-radar neighbour Renfrew offer loads of diversity. Both communities feature everything from wartime bungalows and mid-century character homes to modern infills and innovative condo projects.