Carla Nelson and her husband moved to Signal Hill seven years ago, attracted by the home styles and location. "We were looking for a bigger home to raise our family in – a home with a developed basement and a yard that was already established and larger than what was available in the newer areas," said Nelson.

The couple purchased a two-level split that amply accommodates their two boys, ages five and seven, and rambunctious puppy.

When one thinks about Calgary's southeast community of Forest Lawn, one of the first things that come to mind is its lively food scene.

"I try to take a meander through the area at least once a month, exploring new restaurants and grabbing some great ingredients from the local ethnic food stores," said Jenna McNab, who loves to whip up authentic culinary gems. Although she doesn't live in the neighbourhood, like many Calgarians she considers Forest Lawn's International Avenue a can't-miss destination.

However, Forest Lawn is about more than just food. It's also about diversity and inspiration.

A major two-part project aimed at improving connections within east Victoria Park should keep interruptions to a minimum when work starts later this year.

The next step in the Rivers District Master Plan – Calgary Municipal Land Corp.'s (CMLC) 20-year vision for the area – includes a redesign of the Victoria Park/Stampede LRT station and an extension to 17^th Avenue S.E. that will take it across Macleod Trail and into Stampede Park.

The communities of Upper and Lower Mount Royal have long been home to an eclectic mix of everything Calgary's real estate scene has to offer.

Just steps away from the action and amenities on 17th Avenue S.W., the sister communities of Upper and Lower Mount Royal epitomize the best of the age-old adage: location, location, location.

International Avenue's unique mix of individuals, businesses and ideas is one of a kind in Calgary

Every year, people from all over Calgary flock to 17th Avenue S.E. to take part in a foodie favourite event called Around the World in 35 Blocks.

The event sees people tour some of the many restaurants between 26th Street and 61st Street S.E., dubbed International Avenue, stopping to taste the cuisine, chat with restaurant owners and see cooking demonstrations.

The event is organized by the International Avenue Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ), and is a showcase for a shopping and dining district that rivals 17th Avenue S.W., but with a wholly different flavour.

City eyes the future with 17th Avenue facelift

Whether you're a person or a stretch of pavement, 30 years of hard labour can take its toll. When you're as heavily travelled as 17th Avenue S.W., the effect is multiplied. That's why the City of Calgary, armed with a $44 million budget, is giving much of the area a facelift. From Macleod Trail to 14th Street S.W., the City is upgrading utilities, rebuilding the road and improving pedestrian areas to pave the way for future use.

"This began as simply a road construction project," said Ryan Murray, a spokesperson for the City of Calgary's transportation department. "After 30 years, it was time to dig down and rebuild the foundation of 17th Avenue. We decided that while we were down there, we should make the most of it by upgrading old utilities and rebuilding the road."

Sampling the 17th Avenue restaurant scene

Crossing the city from east to west, 17th Avenue is both thoroughfare and destination. Cleaved by the Elbow and Bow rivers, it's not a direct route, but the two halves are sides of the same coin, bonded by street name and a string of restaurants worth seeking out. Whether east or west, expect to find restaurants that celebrate and reflect Calgary's well-crafted and culturally diverse culinary scene.

Joshua Smith achieved his ideal downtown lifestyle at the right price point with a new Beltline condo

Joshua Smith, a 31-year-old communications adviser, was living in the northeast community of Taradale with his brother, commuting close to two hours a day to his job in the downtown core and back. His goal was to save some money and purchase a condo in the inner city. He yearned for the downtown lifestyle, where he could be close to coffee shops, restaurants and workout facilities. He wanted to be able to walk to work, and to meet friends for dinner or drinks without having to worry about a lengthy drive or an expensive cab fare. He also required a home with a great view, and it had to be affordable.