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.

Perched high on the bluff overlooking Deerfoot Trail in Calgary's northeast sits the iconic Calgary Herald building. But few know that behind the iconic structure lies the thriving residential community of Mayland Heights.

Originally named Crossroads, the community was annexed to the city of Calgary in 1910, long before shovels hit the dirt to carve the two super highways that now bind it. Running along its northern edge is the Trans-Canada Highway, while to the west, Deerfoot Trail carries hundreds of thousands of cars, as Calgary commuters make their way to work and others pass through the city on their way to other destinations.

On Airdrie's southwest side, Cooper's Crossing stands as an example of what a great master-planned community can look like. It was named after the Cooper family, who farmed the land for more than 100 years. The 320-acre development features 44 acres of parkland, two six-acre ponds and Discovery Park – a multi-generational gathering space with a fire pit, toboggan hill, secret forest, play structures, half-basketball court, gazebo and picnic area.

"Buzzwords like placemaking, walkability or 'live, work, play' communities are popular today, but we had a firm grasp on the importance of these concepts 20 years ago when we first started designing Cooper's Crossing," said Paul Gerla, owner and manager of WestMark Holdings Ltd, the Airdrie-based developer behind Cooper's Crossing.

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.

Nestled on the eastern edge of Okotoks, the community of Drake Landing stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when innovation meets technology and sustainable master planning.

"The vision for Drake Landing has always been to provide a safe and sustainable community for people to raise a family in a scenic, small-town setting," said Steven LePan, director of sales and marketing for Anthem United, the developer behind the community.

Perched along the shores of the Bow River in Calgary's northwest, the adjacent communities of Montgomery and Bowness share a powerful sense of history.

"Bowness is now 116 years old, with generations of families that still live and work here," said Jacqui Esler, executive director of the Mainstreet Bowness BIA and former main street business owner.

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.

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.