You've always headed west for summer vacation because it doesn't get better than lazy days spent on the water. But what if you could get all the perks of a lake vacation, including that laid-back cottage lifestyle, without leaving your neighbourhood?

The Calgary region's two newest lake communities – Harmony in Springbank and southeast Calgary's Mahogany – are both four-season, amenity-rich neighbourhoods built around water.

As more and more people take the plunge into simplified living – moving into spaces that are smaller and offer a lock-and-leave lifestyle – downsizing is becoming a well-heeled buzzword.

"We like to call it right-sizing," said Ismahan Omer, sales manager at Partners Development Group, known for its popular Arrive townhome.

When temperatures drop and snow flies, Calgarians need not stay indoors or head out of town to stay active.

Calgary developers are getting creative in tough condo market

Like much in life, the only constant in the housing market is change. Buyer tastes are ever evolving, and developers of new-build condo projects in Calgary must keep pace.

"Homebuyers today know what they want and need in a new home," said Nicole McLaws, marketing manager at Hopewell Residential. "They want excellent quality, timeless style, affordable pricing and a location that works for their lifestyle."

To meet those needs, developers offer a range of floor plan layouts and sizes, with stylish finishings and long-lasting materials. At the same time, they are keeping one eye squarely on the big picture.

For Patricia Kan and Sam Schnitman, finding the right designer made their dream home a reality

Whether it's adding a few pops of colour and some fabulous artwork, or completely redoing the interior aesthetic, a designer can make all the difference when it comes to creating a polished look. That's why Brazil natives Patricia Kan and Sam Schnitman, who moved to Calgary three years ago, turned to Katie Rioux of DWK Interiors when it came time to furnish and decorate their new home in Mahogany. The couple wanted a family-friendly design for their three girls, aged 10, 14 and 21 – one that would highlight the home's stunning views of the surrounding wetlands. Rioux utilized neutral shades and soft textures, highlighted by pops of "bling" in the fixtures and hits of soft turquoise, creating an elegant and warm ambience that's perfect for cozying up by the fire or entertaining large groups.

Calgary's lake communities are great for more than just summer fun

While lakes are thought of as a source of summer-time recreation, they also offer plenty of recreational opportunities during the winter months. Just ask Auburn Bay resident Sonja Hayes-Powers. She, along with her husband and two children, moved to Auburn Bay two years ago.

"We moved here specifically to be in a lake community, because it gives you lots of things to do with your kids, both in winter and summer," said Hayes-Powers. "For example, we'll be going to the lake tonight with some friends to go sledding."

Ontario transplants Andrew Palmer and Vicki Bernier built their dream home in Okotoks' MountainView

Andrew Palmer and Vicki Bernier had been tossing around the idea of relocating to the Calgary area to be closer to family and to carve out a better lifestyle for their family. With two teens – Kaelyn, 15, and Jake, 13 – and two dogs, finding the right home in the right neighbourhood was a key factor in the couple's decision-making process. They found the perfect match with Excel Homes in the Okotoks community of MountainView.

Single-level homes are in high demand among retirees planning for their future

For active senior JoAnn Fetzner, who golfs three times a week and travels widely, one-level, bungalow living was an obvious choice for the rest of her life.

For empty-nester Patti Clarkson, 54, who is easing her way into retirement, her recently purchased bungalow villa will be the perfect "forever home."

For both women, finding a single-level home was a priority – part of their long-term planning for possible mobility issues down the road.

New schools in the works across Calgary

For many homebuyers, especially young families, nearby schools are a major factor when it comes to choosing a house and neighbourhood. While Calgary is full of older, established schools, there are also a number of new schools that have recently opened or are slated to open in the near future – many of them in Calgary's newest communities. Here are the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School District's new school projects.