8 Best Neighbourhoods in Airdrie: Find the Best Airdrie Communities

The city of Airdrie may be smaller than nearby Calgary, but that doesn't make it any less exciting. If anything, Airdrie's best neighbourhoods offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of a large metropolis while still affording residents access to modern amenities. They're positioned near the city's best restaurants, schools, shops, and recreational areas, leaving no shortage of things to do in Airdrie. Better yet, they boast an affordable housing stock of recent builds, helping Airdronians stretch their dollars even further.

But for those visiting or moving to Airdrie, where are the best neighbourhoods in the city? And with so many unique Airdrie communities, how does one choose?

To help narrow down the search, here are a few of the best Airdrie neighbourhoods to consider.

Cooper's Crossing

Cooper's Crossing is a master-planned community filled with green spaces and many opportunities to enjoy a peaceful life. It's located in the southwestern part of Airdrie, near the Highway 2 and Yankee Valley Boulevard intersection. Residents enjoy clean streets with no traffic jams and proximity to parks, shopping centres, and restaurants. Housing options include new-construction properties and pristine townhomes with two-car garages and two levels. Homes for sale in Cooper's Crossing list from $300,000–$900,000, though larger homes featuring six bedrooms can go for upwards of $1 million.

For everyday needs, residents can easily access a shopping centre just off Highway 2. Walmart, Home Depot, and Winners are among the largest department stores at the centre, while EggsOasis, Noodlebox and Montana's are some of the most popular eateries. Residents also spend time at Cooper's Town Promenade, a vibrant commercial district west of Cooper's Boulevard and east of 8th Street. The promenade is home to Balzac Craft Brewery, Moody's Mediterranean and a wide selection of shops and services.

Schools in the neighbourhood include public and separate options, with elementary, junior high, and senior high schools available. Cooper's Crossing School is a popular public option, serving Pre-K through Grade 5 students.

Bayside

Located on the western side of Airdrie, Bayside offers residents an opportunity to experience the best of nature right at their doorstep. Here, tranquil cul-de-sacs wind around a network of canals and ponds, with plenty of walking, jogging and cycling trails alongside these features. Additionally, the community's outdoor rink is one of the most popular ice hockey spots in Airdrie, especially during winter. In terms of housing, Bayside is home to charming bungalows, colourful bi-level row homes, and two-story single-family properties, many of which were built in the 2010s. Homes for sale in Bayside list from the $300s for a 1,000-square-foot condo to $900,000 for a spacious five-bedroom house.

Amenities in Bayside include Sorso Lounge, a popular spot for breakfast and lunch, and Tequila & Tacos, an upscale Mexican restaurant. These eateries are situated near the intersection of 8th Street and Yankee Valley Boulevard. Residents can also find discount and drug stores, a daycare, a wellness centre and a pet clinic. North of this commercial district, residents have access to several green spaces, including Bayview Park, Bayside Playground, and Sandpiper Park. For shopping needs, Safeway Tower Lane Mall is nearby, offering a wide selection of stores and restaurants. Schools in the neighbourhood include Nose Creek Elementary and W.H. Croxford High School.

Hillcrest

Aptly named for its hilltop location and mountain views to the west, Hillcrest in Southwest Airdrie is a picturesque subdivision of well-manicured homes surrounded by nature. The neighbourhood is bounded by 40th Avenue to the north and 8th Street to the west, with easy access to Highway 2 and Balzac Boulevard. It's home to stormwater ponds that improve the water quality of nearby streams, doubling as picnic and wildlife-viewing spaces for residents.

Homes in Hillcrest showcase a mix of two-story single-family and multi-family homes, with contrasting trims on their exteriors for an eye-catching effect. Home prices range from $400,000 for a three-bedroom townhome or multi-family dwelling to $900,000 for a sizeable new-construction property.

Popular green spaces in Hillcrest include Southpoint Off-Leash Dog Park and Hillcrest Playground. A grocery store, entertainment venue and technical services can be found near the dog park, while local shops decorate the area near the playground. These include Creamy Mama Skincare, Shola's Sweet Pastries and OlaSquared Kitchen. Daycare centres, hair salons and other services are also conveniently located in the neighbourhood. The primary school servicing Hillcrest is Northcott Prairie School, located in the centre of the community. Residents are also near Cooper's Town Promenade, where there's a Save-On-Foods, a Pet Valu, and other popular retailers.

Morningside

Nestled just west of Highway 2 in Southwest Airdrie, Morningside is a great community for anyone looking to live in the Calgary area and enjoy suburban living. Coopers Drive is at the heart of this neighbourhood, winding from north to south and connecting Morningside to other Airdrie communities. Homebuyers here have a range of housing styles to choose from, including modern bungalows and new-construction, single-family homes. Homes for sale in Morningside list from the $300s to the $900s depending on size and features, with many residences featuring open layouts and two-car garages.

Morningside residents are conveniently located near Walmart Supercentre, London Drugs and casual restaurants. These include Harvey's, The Chopped Leaf and Panago Pizza. Nearby Nose Creek and Jarvis Pond offer great places to jog, bike, and ice skate in the winter. The centre of Morningside is also home to a large recreational complex with fields, sports courts and an indoor swimming pool. Morningside Park is at the heart of the community, offering a playground and walking trails with nearby local businesses. Schools include St. Veronia and Windsong Heights School. For shopping, residents have easy access to Yankee Crossing and Sierra Springs shopping centres.

Baysprings

One of the newest Airdrie communities on this list, Baysprings is a rapidly growing development located west of Bayside near the city's western limits. This subdivision of new-construction homes with generous square footage boasts views of downtown Airdrie and the surrounding Alberta prairie. However, one of the biggest draws is the Pier 11 Canal System, which offers over eight kilometres of cycling and walking trails. Homeowners who want to maintain an active lifestyle can take advantage of these amenities and Chinook Winds Regional Park. The park has a splash pad, a beach volleyball court, baseball fields and a skate park.

Baysprings has a range of housing styles to match different budgets. Homes for sale in Baysprings list from $400,000 for a sleek two-bedroom townhome to just over $800,000 for a four-bedroom Airdrie new construction home in the neighbourhood. Local businesses within the subdivision include a music school, a bakery and other services. Residents are also conveniently close to Bayview Park and Woodside Golf Course. The course is home to The Woods Restaurant and features an 18-hole layout, nine water hazards, and a junior academy for beginners. The Rocky View School Division serves the local community, with Nose Creek Elementary and AE Bowers Elementary just a few minutes away.

Kings Heights

East of Highway 2 and south of Yankee Valley Boulevard is the sought-after community of Kings Heights. The neighbourhood is known for its lush landscapes, water features and tree-lined streets. Residents are closer to Airdrie Air Park, with the area also boasting an array of restaurants, shopping outlets and recreational opportunities. Homes feature at least 2,000 square feet of living space, with many builds dating from the 2010s. Homes in Kings Heights typically list from the $500s to $1 million.

Residents are minutes from Kingsview Market, where they can find a Save-On-Foods grocery store and a Shoppers Drug Mart. The mall is also home to nightlife venues such as Toad 'n' Turtle Pubhouse and Atlas Brewing. Green spaces and picnic areas can be found in the eastern part of the neighbourhood, notably Kingsland View Playground and Marquis Place Park. Additional outdoor recreation is available at Kings Heights Soccer Field, Kingsview Park, and Kings Off-Leash Dog Park. Schools in the area include Heloise Lorimer School, serving Grades Pre-K to 5, and Footprints for Learning Academy.

Thorburn

Thorburn is one of the more established Airdrie communities on this list, located east of Highway 2 and north of Yankee Valley Boulevard. It grants easy access to the city centre, with many homes offering views of the nearby fields and East Lake. Most homes for sale in Thorburn are single-family detached, with the occasional townhome in the mix. Home prices range from $400,000 for a 2,000-square-foot build to $700,000 for properties closer to 3,000 square feet. Architectural styles include Craftsman and Bungalow, as well as more contemporary styles.

Residents of Thorburn are steps away from Genesis Place, a 450,000-square-foot leisure centre that's well-known in the city of Airdrie. The rec centre boasts a running track, swimming pool, gymnastics club, and other indoor facilities, making staying active during the colder months easy. The neighbourhood is also home to Bert Church Live Theatre, a 370-seat performing arts venue. Other places of interest include East Lake Park and Thornfield Close Playground. South of the community, Yankee Valley Mall hosts a variety of retail stores, plus a NOFRILLS supermarket. Schools serving the community include Meadowbrook Middle School, and Bert Church High School.

Canals Landing

Canals Landing offers waterfront luxury in a pocket of Airdrie, located near the city's western limits. Here, many homes front the city's canal system, drawing residents who want to look out onto the water from their windows. The picturesque canals, scenic walking trails and tree-lined streets add a touch of beauty, while the green spaces sprinkled throughout offer many recreational opportunities.

Homes in Canals Landing are primarily single-family detached, with designs ranging from Craftsman to contemporary. Home features include two-car garages, open layouts and manicured yards. Home sizes typically range from 2,000–3,000 square feet and are generally priced between $400,000 and $800,000.

Residents have access to Nose Creek Elementary School, Bayside Park and a handful of local boutiques. They can also find popular restaurants like Tequila & Tacos and Pizza Cottage in the neighbourhood's main commercial centre, just north of Yankee Valley Boulevard. Residents are also close to many attractions north of the canal system. These include Monklands Fields, Woodside Golf Course, and Creekside Crossing Mall. The mall is home to popular restaurants like Bogey's Pub & Pizza, Original Joe's, and Zenbu.

Enjoy Airdrie in its Best Neighbourhoods

Choosing one of Airdrie's best neighbourhoods over the others boils down to personal preference, especially since they're all located in one of Calgary's suburbs with the lowest property taxes! Bayside, Baysprings and Canals Landing offer waterfront luxury, while Thorburn puts residents close to the city's best indoor rec facility. Those who want to be near Airdrie's best shopping destinations can look to Cooper's Crossing, Morningside and Hillcrest. Kings Heights should fit the bill for outdoor recreation and proximity to nightlife.

No matter the choice, these neighbourhoods prove that Airdrie is ideal for those who want suburban living without sacrificing urban amenities. Airdrie residents can enjoy all that Alberta has to offer without straying far from their neighbourhoods.