When it comes to location and convenient access to major thoroughfares, you can't beat Calgary's northwest neighbourhood of Dalhousie.

Bounded on four sides by major roads – John Laurie Boulevard, Shaganappi Trail, Crowchild Trail and Sarcee Trail - Dalhousie is at the heart of it all. Getting to and from downtown, or out to the mountains, is a breeze.

"Definitely the proximity to downtown attracted us," said Sean French, president of the Dalhousie Community Association, who moved to Dalhousie 10 years ago from nearby Varsity.

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.

Roughly 25 years ago, the northwest community of Citadel began taking shape. At the time, it was literally pushing the northern edge of the city, etching its boundaries along Country Hills Blvd and Sarcee Trail, while its northern edge spilled into the wild sagebrush of ranchers' fields. Today, it is bounded by Stoney Trail to the north and west.

Carnaby Heights offers sustainable townhomes in a tranquil setting

Nestled within the northwest community of Nolan Hill is Carnaby Heights, a collection of urban and estate townhomes that mesh seamlessly with the softness of the rolling prairie landscape.

"It's a very lovely place to come home to, said Hal Pike, area sales manager for Jayman BUILT, the builder behind the townhomes. "The architecture is very quaint, and it is so quiet."

Ring road construction accelerates plans for new Richmond-Sarcee interchange

Plans for a $106-million interchange at Richmond Road and Sarcee Trail are taking on added importance as construction continues along Calgary's southwest ring road.

Residents of surrounding communities, and the area's city councillor, want the interchange plan to be funded and built in time to handle traffic when the ring road opens around the end of 2021.

New developments on Calgary's western edge hope to raise the bar for active, outdoor living

Two major developments in Calgary's northwest will soon solidify the area's reputation as the gateway to Rocky Mountain recreation and winter adventure.

While the nearby Trans-Canada Highway will guide future residents towards mountain playgrounds in Canmore and Banff, the communities of Rowan Park and Medicine Hill will offer their own built-in recreational amenities.