The southwest community of Evergreen is snuggled against the southern edge of one of Calgary's most beautiful and accessible natural areas – Fish Creek Park. But perhaps its greatest claim to fame is an unexpected one.

Justin Becker - REALTOR^®, founder and team leader with YYC Realty

Top attraction

"My favourite attraction in Calgary is Stephen Avenue. I love all the amazing eateries, shopping, bars, pubs and lounges in such a beautiful setting. Our downtown is gorgeous, with its stunning architecture balanced with lots of green space and the river running through."

Taradale (N.E.)
This northeast neighbourhood shares bountiful amenities, from schools to recreational centres, with its neighbouring communities of Saddle Ridge to the north and Martindale to the west. The three communities seamlessly flow into one another, with no sharp boundaries. The Genesis Centre acts as a hub for all three communities, with sport and wellness offerings for the entire family.

A growing family often means it's time to grow the home as well – a space that once seemed roomy and open often feels cramped once a little one is running around.

Depending on your priorities, it might also mean the time has come to relocate from an inner-city area to a quieter, family-focused community in the suburbs. If you're struggling to pick a new neighbourhood to call home, or have no idea where to even start looking, these are Calgary's top-10 communities for young families (based on percentage of population 14 years old and under):

Sumeet and Shweta Singla were drawn to Shawnee Park by promise of a new community within an established area of the city

Sumeet and Shweta Singla lived in the southwest community of Evergreen for over 14 years. They loved the location, the schools and their friends in the neighbourhood, but the couple and their 14-year-old daughter were ready for a bigger home.

New schools in the works across Calgary

For many homebuyers, especially young families, nearby schools are a major factor when it comes to choosing a house and neighbourhood. While Calgary is full of older, established schools, there are also a number of new schools that have recently opened or are slated to open in the near future – many of them in Calgary's newest communities. Here are the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School District's new school projects.

Granary Road will offer more than the traditional farmers-market experience

A new farmers market set to open just south of Calgary city limits is reimagining the traditional market as a family entertainment venue.

Granary Road will have a variety of shops in its public market, but also an active learning park that is a mash-up of a children's playground and an interpretive centre.

"Parents are always looking for something to do with their children and while we have some amazing attractions in Calgary, there aren't enough," said Jane Walter-Lockwood, director of business development for Granary Road.