Acreages provide room for growth, rural sense of community

For more than two decades, Ray Howell has lived "free" on an acreage west of Calgary.

It's a freedom that Howell doesn't take lightly.

"I enjoy the opportunity to do what I want, within reason," he said, noting the added benefits of raising children around animals, plus the smaller student-to-teacher ratio at school.

"We have a large garden and have had many animals throughout the years. Overall, you have more freedom to do what you want."

Small-town community feel, a stone's throw from Calgary city limits
While it's a quick jaunt from Calgary's southern limits, residents of Okotoks are happy with the small-town feel the town possesses.

"I like living in Okotoks because it is family-oriented, family-focused, has a small-town community feel and it is 10 to 15 minutes away from the city," said community resident Charlie-Mae Marlatt.

"There's so much to do here; fishing, rafting and camping, a person can go on and on."

Airdrie's housing market on pace for record year

Housing affordability and changing lifestyle choices are fueling double-digit growth in Airdrie.

The city's residential resale housing market recently posted its best third quarter ever, with sales activity jumping 16 per cent to 455 units between July and September, according to CREB®. Year-to-date sales, meanwhile, have increased by 28 per cent to 1,354 units compared to the same period in 2013.

Don't abandon your garden too soon

The back of the truck was full of flowers – even though they still looked decent. The gardener, in this case, wasn't about to wait until all her blooms were frozen in her beds and flowerpots, so she was tearing everything out early.

Dead flowers are a downer and no one wants to look at them for the next eight – yes eight – months. 

A handful of early communities in the area helped Calgary grow to the city it is today

More than 130 years ago, Calgary consisted of a fort surrounded by prairie grasses, First Nations tribes and settlers making a fresh start in the new west.

Today, the city is home to more than one million people and represents the industry engine of Canada's thriving economy.

Still, many of the communities founded yesterday remain today. Here's a snapshot of just a few:

The backdrop to the M.D. of Foothills is currently awash with the vibrant colours of autumn. What better way to enjoy the fall foliage than by searching out some local hidden gems? CREBNow has compiled a list of must-sees for the M.D. in the fall.

Scenic School Search

Take in the gold and crimson of autumn with a road trip to one of the M.D. of Foothills' historic
school sites. Noted destinations include Big Hill School, DeWinton High School, Maple Leaf School, Windy Hill School and Millarville School. Sheep Creek School in Millarville, which first opened in 1951, is still in operation today, while Blackie School, one of the oldest within the M.D. has been around since 1913. Blackie School has undergone a number of renovations over the years, including a two-storey addition in 1925 and eight new classrooms added in 1959.

$45-million centre highlights town's continued growth

Big things are in store for Calgary's western neighbour.

The Town of Cochrane voted 6-1 in favour of a new $45-million aquatic and curling centre last week – the largest project ever approved in the growing community.

Financed by the town, Rocky View County, provincial/federal grants, developer fees and a fundraising campaign, the design plans for the new 130,000 square-foot facility call for a 25-metre lap pool, a wave pool, hot tub, "lazy river" and an outdoor splash park.

Transit communities provide options for Calgarians on the go

Calgary's evolution as a transit community didn't happen overnight. It just seems that way.

The city's light-rail transit system actually dates back to 1978, when construction began on the south leg, stretching nearly 11 kilometres from Anderson Road to Seventh Avenue. More than three decades later, the system has added three more lines, most recently opening a new $122.9-million Tuscany/Rocky Ridge stop along the northwest Red Line.

*CREB®Now real estate news luxury feature*

Today's luxury homes boast more than just curb appeal

With the ability to purchase a home priced at more than a million dollars, most luxury homebuyers also have the ability to add even more amenities to their new homes.

With the kitchen, living room and backyard serving as the main entertainment areas in the home, CREB®Now asked some local businesses what they're seeing in the city's luxury renovations industry.

*CREB®Now real estate news luxury feature*

Calgary has always had a flair for luxury living

Luxury comes in many shapes and sizes. Earlier this year, a penthouse unit in the Princeton Hall highrise at Eau Claire sold on MLS® for a record $4.4 million. A Priddis-area home, meanwhile set a provincial record in June when it went on the market for a cool $38 million.

Yet set amid today's multimillion-mansions and copious condos comes a reminder of just how far Calgary luxury housing market has come.