Taking a scenic drive about 35 minutes southwest of Calgary will bring you to the sister towns of Turner Valley and Black Diamond, with populations of 2,500 and 2,700, respectively. Another 10 minutes south is the village of Longview and its 300 residents.

All three have a lot in common, including a friendly, small-town feel and a variety of housing options to meet many buyers' needs and budgets.

Lowell Harder and Lee Edwards are longtime residents of the Bragg Creek area, and both men are quick to list the many benefits of living in this scenic, tight-knit community.

If you're a city dweller who has dismissed the small-town lifestyle due to outdated ideas about commute times and amenities, it might be time for a second look at life in Beiseker and Irricana. Recent years have seen progressive changes to these small towns' populations, services and accessibility.

Proximity to Calgary, affordable home prices and a variety of nearby amenities are making two towns in Mountain View County enticing options for house hunters willing to commute.

At about 40 minutes and 30 minutes from Calgary, respectively, Didsbury and Carstairs have helped some homebuyers balance a job in the city with the benefits of rural life.

With its roots in southern Alberta's agriculture and ranching history, Claresholm is a town with plenty of old-world charm. It's also a place that embraces a strong sense of connection and community – just ask anyone who lives there.