One of the first communities to establish a foothold in Calgary's new north, Skyview Ranch has been steadily growing ever since its inception almost 10 years ago. In fact, its population has more than doubled in the past five years, growing from 4,519 residents in 2013 to more than 10,000 in 2017. It has attracted a young and diverse demographic looking for an affordable lifestyle that's close to everything.

The master-planned community is located in Calgary's northeast quadrant and surrounded by several major thoroughfares. Skyview Ranch is bounded by Metis Trail to the west and is minutes away from the Stoney Trail ring road. Where once it stood as the lone new community in the area, Skyview Ranch is now surrounded by a bevy of vibrant and unique new neighbourhoods, including Redstone, Cityscape and Cornerstone.

Tucked away just five minutes north of Airdrie and less than half an hour away from Calgary, the hamlet of Crossfield offers the best of small-town living, plus quick and easy access to the rich amenities of two vibrant cities.

It's a fact that wasn't lost on Creation Communities, a developer and homebuilder with a knack for identifying small, well-located towns that offer a connected, vibrant and affordable lifestyle.

If the idea of living on an acreage appeals to you, but you don't think you can afford the price of admission, don't despair. There are some areas around Calgary where affordable acreages can still be found.

Named after the French novelist and playwright Honore de Balzac, the tiny hamlet of Balzac, located just north of Calgary, is so small that its population doesn't even crack double digits. However, it packs a wallop when it comes to commercial development.

Courtyard homes in Cornerstone offer buyers their own private oasis

For those homebuyers seeking privacy when it comes to their outdoor living spaces, Jayman BUILT's Courtyard homes in the northeast community of Cornerstone offer just that. What makes these homes unique is their rear-facing, double-attached garages, and yards at the side of the home.

"When you have a backyard, you often lose your privacy," said Nishi Saraswat, area sales manager for Jayman BUILT, describing the Courtyard's side yards as "verandas" between dwellings that allow residents to garden, entertain and play with increased privacy.

Selection, convenience and one-of-a-kind design continue to draw crowds to CrossIron Mills 

Bigger isn't always better. However, CrossIron Mills is a classic example of the perfect combination of quantity and quality. The ambitious retail development has enjoyed smooth sailing, even through periods of economic downturn, and become the go-to shopping centre for area residents and visitors alike.

Located in Rocky View County, just north of Calgary on Highway 2, CrossIron Mills occupies 1.4 million square feet across 674 acres of land. It offers 200 specialty stores and premium-brand outlets, as well as 17 large-format anchor stores.

While mall patrons sing its praises, some feared the timing of its launch in 2009 might start things off on the wrong foot.

Canadian Tire's decision to open a new location in the Beltline marks the latest in a series of announcements where major retailers are refocusing on the Calgary market. And while past once confined to the suburbs, this new round of retailer interest is bringing their offerings to new and once unconventional neighbourhoods.

CREB®Now takes a look at five of the latest announcements.

Canadian Tire:
Formerly accessible only to those willing to hop in the car, Canadian Tire will be bringing its wide range of automotive, sports and leisure and home products to the newly redeveloped 90,000-square-foot, three-storey Mount Royal Village building at 8th Street and 16th Avenue S.W. Scheduled to open in "about" two years, the Canadian Tire Express store will be similar to one in midtown Toronto, which offers about a quarter of the goods available in the retailer's largest stores.