Perhaps one of Calgary's most beautiful neighbourhoods, Crescent Heights is a photographer's dream. Situated on a staggered bluff overlooking downtown to the south and the Rocky Mountains to the west, the community is peppered with two-century-old elm trees that create whimsical canopies along the streetscapes.

"We've lived in the neighbourhood for more than five years and the view just doesn't get old," said Victor Gallardo. "I'm always thinking how lucky I am to have my everyday running route include a spectacular view of downtown and the mountains."

At a time when it's common to be shut in, Calgary's business improvement areas (BIAs) are reaching out to help entrepreneurs through the challenges of COVID-19.

Calgary's most walk- and transit-friendly communities

While Calgary is still viewed by many as a car-centric city, there are many other ways for Calgarians to get around – whether you choose to walk, bike or take transit. Just ask the residents of the following communities, the proud recipients of some of the city's highest walk and transit scores from www.walkscore.com.

Diversity and volume of home options offer something for homebuyers of every stage

There is no such thing as a "typical" home in the $500,000 to $750,000 price range in Calgary's market today.

"It is more than a starter home, but no mansion," said Ray Riley, a REALTOR® with RE/MAX First. "It could even be a teardown in a desirable (inner-city) neighbourhood, or a luxury apartment downtown. It just depends on what the buyer is looking for, and where."

A crash course in Calgary bridges

Most Calgarians probably don't stop to think about the city's bridges every time they cross over them by car, by bike or on foot. However, many of these important structures have interesting backstories or architectural designs that make them special.

New Green Line LRT stations are poised to bring transit-oriented development to several communities

Proposed transit-oriented development (TOD) around first-stage Green Line stations is expected to turn city thoroughfares that currently lack curb appeal into new live, work, shop and play destination areas.

Later this year, station area plans or area redevelopment plans will go to city council for six of the 14 stations in the initial stage of the new LRT line – 16 Ave N., Inglewood/Ramsay, 26 Ave S.E., Lynnwood/Millican, Ogden and South Hill.

The Green Line's first phase will extend from 16th Avenue N. to 126 Avenue S.E., with construction slated to begin in 2020.

Calgary's rivers have shaped the city's development since its inception

In 1875, members of the North West Mounted Police built a fort at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers.

Fort Calgary quickly attracted early settlers to the area, and a thriving little community started to grow – one that never strayed far from the rivers that would shape its development.

Nearby, quality schools are a must for many Calgary homebuyers

Tiffany Gaura wanted her two young kids to be able to easily walk to school without crossing a busy road.

In March, the family moved into the northeast, inner-city community of Bridgeland, two-and-a-half blocks away from the specialized Langevin School – a Calgary Board of Education (CBE) science school.

Meanwhile, Amanda and Jonathan Corson and their two-year-old son will move into a larger home in their Auburn Bay neighbourhood this November, just a short walk from the community's two new elementary schools – one in the Catholic school system, the other public.

"Whichever school he goes to, he should be within walking distance," said Amanda Corson, who is a teacher herself and who grew up walking to school.

Calgary is coming together to win the war on homelessness, one home at a time

What a difference a year can make. The City of Calgary launched its affordable housing strategy in July 2016, aiming for a more unified approach to building more housing for low-income individuals and families. Since then, a lot has happened, according to groups that provide housing for low-income Calgarians.

"What we've seen in the first year is a tremendous drive toward increased collaboration and recognition that none of us can go it alone," said Kim O'Brien, CEO of Horizon Housing Society.

The importance of working together in a more co-ordinated fashion cannot be understated because the challenge of providing affordable housing in Calgary is daunting. It's a problem the City, as well as other Canadian municipalities, have been struggling to address for several years – despite the best of intentions.