While Calgary’s inner core is leading in redevelopment, the next wave of real estate opportunity lies just outside city limits. Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, Okotoks, and Strathmore are on the radar of every savvy real estate investor. These communities are growing faster than Calgary’s average population rate and are attracting families, remote employees, and new Canadians who want more space without sacrificing access to jobs and city amenities.
The suburb and small town surge
During the last three years, lifestyle priorities shifted. People began valuing:
- Better work-life balance
- Larger living spaces
- Safer communities for children
- Lower housing costs
These towns delivered everything buyers and renters wanted. This shift has created intense competition and rising rental prices, without the price tag of Calgary’s inner core.
Airdrie
Airdrie is the poster child for rapid growth. Just fifteen minutes from Calgary, Airdrie feels like an extension of the city. It has schools, shopping centers, recreation facilities, and business parks. Investors love Airdrie because new homes commonly allow legal secondary suites. That means two rental incomes from one property.
Chestermere
Chestermere is built around a lifestyle that Calgary cannot replicate. A lake community only minutes from the city, which alone drives demand. Many renters here are relocating professionals or families who want the vacation feel every day of the year.
Cochrane
Cochrane offers a mountain town aesthetic with the convenience of being half an hour from Calgary. Its strong community culture, amazing views, and newer subdivisions attract stable long-term tenants.
Okotoks and Strathmore
Both towns are known for affordability and community-focused living. Investors can acquire larger lots at lower costs, making multi-unit new build projects financially viable.
The new build advantage
Investors targeting these surrounding towns are now focusing on newly constructed rentals because:
- New homes require less maintenance
- Tenants are willing to pay premium rents for modern finishes
- Multi-family construction creates high monthly cash flow
And this is where CMHC MLI Select becomes a game changer.
If a fourplex or small purpose-built rental property includes energy-efficient design, accessibility, or affordability, CMHC MLI Select can provide up to a 50-year amortization. That significantly lowers monthly carrying costs and improves cash flow.
Alberta gives investors something Ontario and B.C. do not
Alberta has no land transfer tax.
No foreign buyer tax.
No provincial sales tax.
These three factors alone save investors thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, compared to provinces like Ontario and British Columbia.
Alberta is an investor-friendly province. Calgary and the surrounding towns are structured to welcome development and encourage growth.
The result
Investments here produce better financial performance with fewer barriers.
