Distinctive architecture sets the tone for Melcor Development's master-planned community of Sunset Ridge in the picturesque town of Cochrane. Inspired by arts-and-crafts and craftsman design elements, homes feature deep and rich natural colour palettes, varied roof pitches and decorative elements like gables, brackets, blocks and false trusses. Old-world charm abounds, with large porches and usable, covered landings.

Despite real estate's recent shift to virtual showings and meetings conducted via Skype and Zoom rather than in person, Rohit Communities continues to place relationship building at its core.

New communities are sprouting up in all four corners of the quaint mountain town of Cochrane to meet rising demand for a range of housing types and lifestyles.

Stunning scenery and affordable homes make Cochrane a perfect fit for discerning homebuyers

As the warm spring sun crests the eastern horizon, its dazzling rays cast a purple light on the foothills circling Cochrane's western fringe. Below this stunning backdrop, the Bow River sparkles, as it winds its way through the town's core.

The beauty of this quaint town of 30,000 people is one of the things that attracted South African expats Heidi and Allan Lester-Olivier. The couple has lived all over the world, but Canada has always called out to them. In 2012, after spending two years in Houston, they made the trek north to Calgary with three young children in tow, settling in Tuscany.

New communities and developments in bustling town offer more choices for would-be residents

The explosive growth that Cochrane continues to enjoy is evident when Mayor Ivan Brooker reels off the names of more than a dozen new communities either under development or in the planning stages in the scenic town west of Calgary.

"We've had huge growth – we were the second-fastest growing community in all of Canada from 2011 to 2016," said Brooker.

"People love the location. We're a beautiful community, you're on your way to the mountains, and we're not a small town necessarily, in the aspects of not having services. We have everything you would expect in a big city. The amenities are there for anything you might want to entertain as a family."