If you’re thinking about moving to Calgary but aren’t completely sure where you want to land, you’re not alone.
A huge number of relocations from BC, Ontario, and across Alberta have one big question in common:

“What suburbs should I actually be looking at?”

The truth? Calgary has some incredible surrounding communities — each with its own vibe, price point, lifestyle, and personality.

After helping countless families relocate, here are the Top 5 Suburbs Near Calgary Everyone’s Relocating To Right Now — and why they’re so popular.

🏡 1. Airdrie

Best for: Families, commuters, and anyone wanting great affordability + convenience.
Drive to Calgary: ~15–30 minutes

Airdrie is one of the fastest-growing cities in Alberta — and for good reason.
It offers newer communities, family-friendly streets, amazing schools, parks, and easy access to Calgary without the Calgary price tag.

Why people love it:

• Affordable detached homes

• Strong community feel

• Great amenities (restaurants, rec centres, shops)

• Fantastic for young families

Airdrie feels like Calgary’s northern extension — just easier and more relaxed.

🌄 2. Okotoks

Best for: Families, nature-lovers, and anyone wanting a slower pace.
Drive to Calgary: ~15–25 minutes

Okotoks has serious charm.
Gorgeous foothill views, well-run schools, walkable paths, and a true small-town heart — all while being a quick hop to south Calgary.

Why people love it:

• Scenic views and natural beauty

• Great school system

• Tight-knit community

• Family-focused lifestyle

It’s where people go when they want space, peace, and room to grow.

⛰ 3. Cochrane

Best for: Mountain lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families.
Drive to Calgary: ~20–35 minutes

If you want that “mountain lifestyle” without Banff or Canmore prices, Cochrane is the sweet spot.
The scenery is stunning, the communities are modern, and you’re minutes away from some of Alberta’s best outdoor recreation.

Why people love it:

• Mountain views

• Affordable compared to Canmore/Banff

• Huge growth in new neighbourhoods

• Charming downtown + river pathways

Perfect for outdoorsy families and remote workers.

🌊 4. Chestermere

Best for: Lake lovers, families, and those wanting the best of city + suburb.
Drive to Calgary: 5–15 minutes

Chestermere is a lake town just minutes from Calgary.
Yes — an actual lake. Paddleboarding, lakefront paths, summer events, and a whole community centred around the water.

Why people love it:

• Lake living (!!)

• Large family homes

• Quick commute to Calgary

• Great recreation options

If you love summer and want a resort-style vibe close to the city — this is your town.

🌾 5. Balzac / Rural Rocky View

Best for: Acreage seekers, space lovers, and those wanting quiet but not isolation.
Drive to Calgary: 10–25 minutes

This area gives you the peacefulness of country living with the conveniences of the city.
Acreages, big skies, quiet nights — and yes, Costco is still close enough to keep your sanity intact.

Why people love it:

• Acreage lifestyle

• Privacy + quiet

• Space for kids, pets, horses, hobbies

• Still close to major amenities

It’s the perfect compromise for people wanting more land without giving up convenience.

💡 Which Suburb Is Right for You?

Here’s the truth:
There is no “best” suburb — there’s only the one that best fits your lifestyle.

Ask yourself:

• How important is commute time?

• Do you want walkability or wide-open space?

• Do you prioritize schools?

• Do you want lake access? Mountain access? Acreage?

• What style of home are you dreaming of?

This is where working with someone who knows all these areas really matters. (Hi 👋)

📩 Want My Full Calgary Relocation Suburb Guide?

I created a detailed guide that includes:
✔ Commute times
✔ Price ranges
✔ Community demographics
✔ School options
✔ Amenities
✔ Pros & cons
✔ Who each suburb is best for

💬 DM “SUBURBS” and I’ll send it directly to you.

❓ FAQ

Q: Are these areas more affordable than Calgary?
A: Generally yes, depending on the community — but lifestyle is usually the bigger factor.

Q: Which area is best for families?
A: Airdrie, Okotoks, and Cochrane are top choices.

Q: Which suburb has the best access to the mountains?
A: Cochrane — hands down.

Q: Which is best for acreage living?
A: Balzac / Rural Rocky View.

Q: Which has the fastest commute to Calgary?
A: Chestermere.

📚 Related Reading

• 🏡 Why Everyone’s Moving to Calgary in 2025 — And Not Just for the Oil Jobs

• 🌆 Calgary vs Vancouver: What $1M Really Buys You in 2025

• 🚗 Costco, Coffee & Commuting: What It’s Really Like Living in Northwest Calgary

About Kristen Edmunds

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.

Discover why this fast-growing city north of Calgary continues to win hearts and attract new residents year after year.

🌟 Small-Town Feel, Big-City Access

Airdrie offers the best of both worlds — a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere with quick access to Calgary’s employment opportunities, shopping, and entertainment. You can enjoy quieter streets, less traffic, and a close-knit community while still being just a short drive away from downtown Calgary.

🏠 Housing That Fits Your Budget

Compared to Calgary, Airdrie delivers more space for your money. Detached homes, townhouses, and even newer builds are typically more affordable than similar options in Calgary. This makes it ideal for first-time buyers, growing families, or anyone looking for a great value without sacrificing convenience.

🌳 Parks, Recreation & Green Spaces

Airdrie is full of beautiful parks, pathways, and outdoor spaces. From Nose Creek Park to its extensive pathway system, there’s no shortage of spots for biking, walking, and family picnics. The city also invests heavily in recreation, with facilities like Genesis Place offering pools, gyms, and fitness programs for all ages.

🚗 Easy Commuting & Connectivity

For those who work in Calgary, Airdrie’s proximity to the QEII Highway makes commuting straightforward. You can reach north Calgary in as little as 15 minutes and downtown in about 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic. Public transit options are also expanding, making it easier to connect to Calgary’s LRT system.

🎉 Community Spirit & Events

Airdrie residents take pride in their city and it shows through their vibrant events calendar. From the annual Airdrie Festival of Lights and Canada Day Parade to local farmers markets and cultural festivals, there’s always something to bring the community together.

🛍 Shopping, Dining & Amenities

Whether it’s local boutiques, big-name retailers, or diverse restaurants, Airdrie offers a growing list of amenities to meet every need. With ongoing commercial growth, residents have more options than ever without needing to travel to Calgary.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Airdrie

1. Is Airdrie a good place for families?
Yes! Airdrie offers excellent schools, sports programs, parks, and family-friendly events year-round. It’s a safe, welcoming community with plenty of amenities for all ages.

2. How does the cost of living in Airdrie compare to Calgary?
In general, Airdrie offers more space and lower housing prices compared to Calgary, making it a great choice for buyers looking for better value while staying close to the city.

3. What’s the commute like from Airdrie to Calgary?
Depending on traffic, the commute can take 15–30 minutes to north Calgary and about 35–45 minutes to downtown. Quick access to the QEII Highway makes commuting convenient.

4. Are there job opportunities in Airdrie?
While many residents commute to Calgary, Airdrie has a growing local economy with jobs in retail, healthcare, education, trades, and small business.

5. What kind of community events does Airdrie have?
Locals love events like the Airdrie Festival of Lights, Canada Day Parade, and numerous farmers markets, concerts, and seasonal celebrations.

🔗 Related Topics You Might Like

• What $500K Gets You in Calgary vs Okotoks

• Hidden Costs of Relocating to Alberta

• Top 5 Mistakes That Cost Calgary Sellers Money

• Where Should You Live If You Work Downtown Calgary?

• Buying Acreage in Winter vs Summer: Big Differences

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.