Franchise businesses in Canada contribute almost $100 billion annually to the economy and generate jobs for 1.8 million people, according to the Canadian Franchise Association.

Owning a franchise can also be a solid investment, provided a person does their due diligence before signing on the dotted line.

CREB®Now sat down with the mayors of Calgary's four primary satellite communities – Airdrie, Okotoks, Chestermere and Cochrane – to find out what makes their town or city unique and a great place to live.

A Calgary attached-home purchase income guide (for detached homes, click here)

Many would-be homebuyers find the home of their dreams, only to wonder, "can I afford it?" Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., as well as many major banks, recommend spending no more than 30 per cent of income on housing, including mortgage (principal and interest), property taxes, insurance and utilities. To help, we did the math for a typical attached-home in each region of the city.

Buying or selling real estate is one of the biggest transactions you'll make in your life, so having the right REALTOR® by your side is essential.

Just 30 minutes east of Calgary is the lovely town of Cochrane, a bustling and vibrant community offering all the amenities a resident could want, from shops and services to a world-class recreation centre.

East of downtown Calgary, in the shadow of the core's hulking skyscrapers, stands the city's oldest home in its original location – Fort Calgary's Hunt House.

North of Calgary, where Highway 2A splits off the main route to Edmonton, are three communities offering the best of quiet, rural-Alberta living.

Carstairs, Didsbury and Olds each have their own unique appeal, along with real estate choices ideal for growing families.