Nearly ten years into the East Village Master Plan, which was developed in 2009, the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) has invested close to $400-million into its delivery.

"That has attracted nearly $3 billion in private investment, including RioCan's urban retail centre, now under construction, and various condo developments," said Clare LePan, CMLC's director of marketing and communications.

"Mission is a phenomenal place to live and play," said Julie O'Donnell, executive director of the 4th Street Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ).

There's no doubt that the communities of Mission and Cliff Bungalow spin at a vibrant pace, with people always out strolling, talking, poking into galleries and artisan shops, and enjoying the vast selection of restaurants and coffee shops.

It was that hum that enticed Nicole Butz to make a move to the area a year ago.

Until last year, when the community hit the number-three spot on Avenue Magazine's 2017 best neighbourhoods list, Edgemont was one of Calgary's best-kept secrets.

"We were really excited by the recent ranking," said Paul Clark, president of the Edgemont Community Association. He's been living in the neighbourhood for 24 years and can't say enough about the location.

"It's the green spaces within the community that make this such an amazing place," he said. "And we are right next door to Nose Hill Park, which is literally a five-minute walk from my doorstep."

Location, location, location. "That's one of the top things that this community has going for it. Location and amenities," said Cindy Arevalo, co-area sales manager for Trico Homes's new townhome project in the Wentworth area of West Springs.

Bounded by Springbank to the west, Old Banff Coach Road to the north, Bow Trail to the south and 69th Street S.W. to the east, West Springs boasts easy access to the downtown core and the Rocky Mountains. With over 10,000 residents, it's a young and vibrant community where 97 per cent of the population is under retirement age.

Nestled side by side, the northwest communities of Royal Oak and Rocky Ridge share an abundance of amenities, including grocery stores, community green spaces and walking trails. But two features that make these communities stand out are the jaw-dropping views of the Rocky Mountains and the brand-new Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge, a 284,000-square-foot health and wellness centre that opened its doors in January.

"The hunger and desire for this type of community space has been long anticipated," said Ken Lima-Coelho, vice-president of community engagement for YMCA Calgary.

Appealing to a variety of demographics, the dynamic community of Cranston offers a taste of the good life.

"It's a great community with so much to offer, including schools and shopping right in the area," said Justin Castelino, marketing manager for Brookfield Residential, the developer behind upper Cranston and the niche community of Cranston's Riverstone.

A new condominium project loaded with urban appeal has launch in the new-urbanist-style enclave of Sage Hill Quarter in the heart of Calgary's new northwest. The project, which is called Q Condos, is the latest offering from Morrison Homes Multi-Family.

"There is really nothing like this in the northwest," said Robert Toth, marketing lead for Morrison Homes Multi-Family. "It is very unique."

With its diverse mix of housing types, rich history and close proximity to Calgary's core, Tuxedo Park is rapidly transforming into a thriving community of hip, young families.

"There are so many young families in the neighbourhood. And I've met so many new people, just by walking around the community with my baby in his stroller," said Anne Johnson, president of the Tuxedo Park Community Association.

By the end of this year, Calgary's full secondary suite policies will put into play a "gentle density" housing market.
After consulting with community associations and collecting online public feedback, city administrators will send design guidelines for backyard suites to committee and city council for approval.

Lisa Kahn, the City of Calgary's legislation and land-use bylaws co-ordinator, says the new rules will govern how backyard suites look and interact with their communities.

"Life at the lake is just better," said Tannis Anstey, marketing manager for Calgary communities at Brookfield Residential, while explaining the vision behind the community of Auburn Bay.

"It was really inspired by the cottage lifestyle. We wanted to create a four-season lake community where everyone feels welcome and neighbours become friends."