Widely regarded as a distinctive, one-of-a-kind community, Elbow Valley is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning, nature-filled backdrop.

As home of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and world-class equestrian hub Spruce Meadows, it's no wonder many Calgary-area homebuyers have horses on the brain.

For horse lovers of all breeds – including pleasure riders, cowboys and competitive show jumpers – the region offers a premium selection of properties for those looking to enjoy the best of the horse world right in their own backyards.

One of Rocky View County's best-kept secrets, the picturesque hamlet of Langdon is starting to turn heads, as its wide-open spaces and country charm place it firmly in the spotlight.

Developers are teeing up a new community on Calgary's southwestern edge designed to appeal to both golfers and non-players alike.

Tucked away in the Rocky Mountain foothills, Sirocco at Pine Creek is a master-planned community with a prime location, a variety of front-drive and paired homes, and a picturesque golf course that shares its name.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, a wave of new golf course development swept across Canada, with many of these courses serving as centrepieces for residential communities. Since then, that growth has slowed as golf's popularity has waned. Some of those courses are now closing, opening prime real estate that, in many cases, is being redeveloped into new subdivisions.

The result has been a boon for builders and homebuyers, as land becomes available for new residential development within desirable, well-established communities. However, it has also created resentment among long-time residents of these neighbourhoods, who originally purchased their homes with the golf course as a major selling point.

A special stretch of residential development in Calgary, including communities that took root more than 100 years ago, continues to be a treasure trove for today's high-end homebuyers.

While the Smiths were first drawn to Harmony because of its lake access and proximity to the Rockies, a golf course development involving PGA icon Phil Mickelson was the icing on the cake.

"It was a slam dunk when we knew the Mickelson National (Golf Club) was coming in," said Kevin Smith, director of communications for Alberta Golf.