Varsity is an established community with a lot to offer, which explains why nobody wants to leave.

Residents of this northwest neighbourhood generally stay put until the kids leave the nest and it's time to downsize.

Selection, convenience and one-of-a-kind design continue to draw crowds to CrossIron Mills 

Bigger isn't always better. However, CrossIron Mills is a classic example of the perfect combination of quantity and quality. The ambitious retail development has enjoyed smooth sailing, even through periods of economic downturn, and become the go-to shopping centre for area residents and visitors alike.

Located in Rocky View County, just north of Calgary on Highway 2, CrossIron Mills occupies 1.4 million square feet across 674 acres of land. It offers 200 specialty stores and premium-brand outlets, as well as 17 large-format anchor stores.

While mall patrons sing its praises, some feared the timing of its launch in 2009 might start things off on the wrong foot.

Residents of Calgary's dynamic campus communities benefit from youthful energy and added amenities

Bob Benson fondly recalls many a Bermuda Shorts Day – the University of Calgary's annual end-of-academic-year celebration – at the Benson home in the northwest community of Varsity.

"We'd host a Bermuda Shorts Day breakfast with ham and pancakes. Kids would congregate at our place at 8:30 a.m. or 9 a.m. and then head over to the university," said Benson, adding he and his wife moved to Varsity in 1988 with the hope that the community's proximity to the university would make it easier for his four children to attend. Apparently, it worked – three of Benson's children studied there.

Varsity is one of several Calgary communities that borders a post-secondary institution. That proximity comes with all the pros, and the occasional con, of living near a large body of students.

Living in Calgary gives the big city feel, but the city offers so many easy ways to find nature. Nose Hill Park is just one of the many vast open parks found within city limits.

Located along 14 Street NW, Nose Hill Park spans 11 square kilometres and is surrounded by 12 Calgary communities. The park
was created in 1980 and it is believed the name comes from the fact that from certain areas with some imagination the hill can look like a nose.

Calgary resident, Pamela Chapman loves taking her dog to spend time at Nose Hill Park.