Located in the heart of Calgary's new northwest, Panorama Hills is Calgary's most populated community, with almost 26,000 residents calling it home.

Nestled into the sweet spot between several major arteries, the community is bordered by Stoney Trail to the north, Country Hills Boulevard to the south and Beddington Trail to the west, providing quick and easy access to surrounding areas and the downtown core.

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):

Full steam ahead for new communities in Calgary

Calgary's residential development sector continues to move dirt, lay down infrastructure and create lots as it responds to current consumer interest and prepares for the inevitable economic turnaround.

Within the city limits are several active new-home communities that continue toward buildout or are adding phases.

"Despite Alberta's current economic challenges, there is still a demand for the homes we build in Calgary and Edmonton," said Jason Palacsko, vice-president of Calgary communities for Brookfield Residential. "We are confident in Calgary's future and are moving forward with major projects."

Developer hands keys over to community 

Nearly two decades after it was first constructed, Panorama Hills' e-Community Centre is officially being handed over to the community in which it resides.

Genstar Development Co., the developer behind the northeast Calgary community, will turn over ownership of the two-and-a-half hectare private park to the Northstar Residents' Association, by way of a volunteer board of directors, on April 1, 2016.

The ownership change was part of a long-term plan after Genstar built the facility in the late 1990s. The developer agreed to maintain and operate the facility before handing over control to the Northstar Residents Association, which encompasses residents in Panorama Hills and neighbouring Hanson Ranch.

The original agreement had the cutover occurring on or before April 1, 2026.

Calgary's fledgling communities have plenty to offer

Calgary's growing list of new communities is providing a haven for buyers looking for a little bit of everything.

According to last year's civic census, nine of the city's fastest-growing communities are located in new areas, led by Saddleridge in the northeast, which saw 2,373 residents move within its borders in 2014.

It was followed by Auburn Bay (2,242), Cranston (1,858), Skyview Ranch (1,759), Evanston (1,704) and Panorama Hills (1,384).