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Top 5 Reasons to Live Outside of Calgary

We all became accustomed to spending more time at home during the years of the pandemic. And while things have certainly changed, the time spent at home meant that a lot of people started to think more about where and how they want to live.

While there are certainly many pros to living in the city of Calgary, there are a lot of benefits to living outside the city as well. We put together this list of reasons to live outside of Calgary, along with information on some of the communities you can choose from. If you’ve been considering moving a little further out, then this list might just be the motivation you’ve been looking for!

1. Close to Nature

If you’re someone who loves the great outdoors, living outside of Calgary is a fantastic option for bringing you closer to what you love.

Not only will you live within nature each and every day, you’ll be closer to the outdoor attractions our province has to offer, whether it’s a lake for fishing or mountains for hiking. It’s easy to live an active lifestyle when you can hop on your bike, take a swim in a pond, or go for an outdoor jog.

Being outside of the city means you’ll breathe cleaner air free from pollution, and will be able to see the beautiful stars and constellations at night.

2. Cost

Cost is a huge factor when buying a home, and it’s the simple truth that homes outside of the city are more affordable. As a result, you get more value for your money and are sure to check more things off your list of wants and needs while staying within your budget!

The cost per square foot will be lower outside the city and your down payment is sure to go a lot further. The lower cost of a rural home also means you’ll have more to spend on things like furniture and renovations if needed.

3. Peace and Privacy

If peace and privacy are at the top of your list when it comes to buying a home, then outside of the city is definitely where you want to be!

When you live in the city, you’ll likely share walls, floors, and ceilings. Living outside the city means you’ll have peace and quiet, not to mention lower crime rates and peace of mind when it comes to you and your family’s safety.

4. A Close-Knit Community

In contrast to the peace and privacy you receive from living outside of Calgary, the communities are generally much closer. Not physically closer, but closer in the sense of the relationships between people.

The slower lifestyle away from the buzz of the city allows residents to enjoy life and take time to get to know those around them. You really can’t go wrong with that small town feel!

5. More Space to Live

One of the best things about living outside of Calgary is the amount of space you can live in. There’s simply more land for you and your family to enjoy. Whether it’s growing a garden or building a treehouse, there’s endless possibilities for what you can do with your space.

Where to Live Outside of Calgary

So, what are some of your options for living outside of Calgary? Here are two of our favourites!

Dawson’s Landing, Chestermere

Morrison offers lots across from the pond, facing east towards the mountains in Dawson’s Landing, Chestermere, located just 20 minutes south of Calgary’s inner city. Each home in this area just outside of Calgary boasts 5 to 7 feet side yards, 20 x 22 foot concrete parking pads, and front yard landscaping. We especially love Dawson’s Landing because you can experience nature, head to the golf course, get lake community access, go for runs around the lake, and so much more!

D’Arcy, Okotoks

D’Arcy in Okotoks is another incredible community on the southern outskirts of Calgary. It was ranked as one of Alberta’s safest communities and is close to many great schools and the mountains. There’s so much to do, whether it’s hiking, climbing, running, skiing, or hitting the D’Arcy Ranch Golf Course for a convenient round with friends. D’Arcy offers small town charm with tons of great boutiques, vintage stores, and artsy culture. There’s never a dull moment in D’Arcy!

If these five reasons piqued your interest in living outside of Calgary, then it’s time to start exploring your options. Click to learn more about Dawson’s Landing and D’Arcy, and get started on your journey towards living the rural lifestyle!