The New Frontier for Smart Real Estate Investors
Calgary’s growth story doesn’t stop at the city’s edge. Surrounding towns like Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, Okotoks, and Strathmore have become vibrant extensions of Calgary’s housing market, offering affordability, lifestyle appeal, and exceptional long-term potential.
As housing demand surges and inner-city prices rise, these satellite communities are emerging as top investment destinations for both new builds and rental properties.
1. Airdrie: Calgary’s Northern Powerhouse
Just 25 minutes from downtown, Airdrie has transformed from a bedroom community into a thriving urban hub. With strong schools, expanding retail, and quick highway access, it attracts families and professionals alike.
Investor Highlights:
- High demand for single-family rentals and duplexes.
- Rapid population growth with steady rent increases.
- Excellent potential for build-to-rent projects using CMHC MLI Select.
Airdrie’s consistent infrastructure investment makes it a low-risk, high-demand market for both developers and buy-and-hold investors.
2. Chestermere: Lakefront Living Meets Suburban Growth
Once a small town, Chestermere is now a highly desirable community with lakefront amenities and family appeal.
Why Investors Are Paying Attention:
- Limited housing supply keeps values strong.
- Increasing demand for executive rentals and new builds.
- High-income demographic supports higher rental rates.
As new developments expand, Chestermere offers investors the chance to secure properties that blend lifestyle and investment stability.
3. Cochrane: Scenic and Fast-Growing
Cochrane combines small-town charm with proximity to the mountains and Calgary’s northwest business centers.
Market Insights:
- 8–10% annual population growth.
- High occupancy rates in rental homes.
- Popular with families, retirees, and remote professionals seeking value and lifestyle.
With new subdivisions under construction, Cochrane is a prime market for new-build investors looking to capture long-term appreciation.
4. Okotoks and Strathmore: Underrated but Rising
Both Okotoks (south of Calgary) and Strathmore (east) are seeing an influx of families priced out of Calgary proper.
Opportunities for Investors:
- Affordable land for multi-family or duplex development.
- Steady rental demand driven by commuters.
- Attractive financing terms under CMHC MLI Select for energy-efficient builds.
These communities may not make daily headlines, but their steady growth and affordability make them hidden investment gems.
5. The CMHC MLI Select Advantage
For investors and builders, the CMHC MLI Select program is a game-changer.
It allows qualified investors to purchase or construct multi-unit rental properties (5+ units) with:
- As little as 5% down payment
- Amortization up to 50 years
- Flexible qualification through a points system (based on energy efficiency, accessibility, and affordability)
This program helps investors achieve positive cash flow even in higher-rate environments, making it ideal for both Calgary and its surrounding communities.
Whether you’re building a new fourplex in Renfrew or a 10-unit complex in Airdrie, MLI Select opens doors to scale your portfolio sustainably.
Final Thoughts: The Wider Calgary Region Is Booming
From the lakeside serenity of Chestermere to the tech-driven energy of Airdrie, Calgary’s surrounding towns are writing the next chapter of Alberta’s housing story.
For investors who act now, there’s a chance to build wealth in areas where growth, affordability, and livability converge. Combined with new-build opportunities and MLI Select financing, the potential for strong returns has never been clearer.
