When it came online almost 17 years ago, the southeast community of Cranston, with its characteristic windmill at its entrance, was at the forefront of new and exciting urban planning – design that pushed forward a new way of thinking about community, where access to nature and connecting people was top-of-mind.

"Cranston is a great example of thinking differently about community. It creates plenty of opportunities for residents of all generations to meet up, get outside, have fun, and engage in community events," said Jessie Seymour, senior manager of strategic marketing at Brookfield Residential, the developer behind the community.

Michael Podwalski and his wife Kate relocated to Calgary from Ottawa three years ago and purchased a starter home in upper Cranston, practically sight unseen.

The experience worked out exceptionally well. So last year, they commissioned the builder, Cedarglen Homes, to build their dream home in Cranston's Riverstone.

When an opportunity arose to expand their financial portfolio and leap into real estate investment, the couple went with Cedarglen Living, the multi-family arm of Cedarglen Homes, purchasing a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium with an east-facing balcony at Seton Park Place in Seton's new urban district.

Many buyers are reluctant to consider an attached home, citing concerns around build quality, space, privacy, condo fees, location, variety and parking. However, the latest wave of developments across the city, which exemplify a new attached lifestyle, might change their mind.

If bigger really is better, these communities are the best of the best.