11 Best Neighborhoods in Cochrane: Where to Live in Cochrane, AB

Cochrane, Alberta, is a great place to live, with many wonderful neighbourhoods to choose from. Whether you're looking for a more expensive neighbourhood with luxury amenities or a more affordable neighbourhood that suits a tighter budget, the city of Cochrane has something for everyone.

Get ready to explore the best neighbourhoods in Cochrane!

Best Neighbourhoods in Cochrane

Fireside

Fireside is a charming community offering a variety of new homes, numerous recreational options, and conveniently located amenities. The Fireside community is set amidst the Rocky Mountain landscape and the Bow River Valley, flawlessly blending beauty and character.

Detached homes, duplexes, and townhouses are available among the homes for sale in Fireside, typically priced between the high $300s and mid-$700s. Residents enjoy easy access to local conveniences within the community, including a community garden, outdoor rink, parks, soccer fields, a baseball diamond, pathways, and wetlands. 

The Embers commercial area at the entrance offers 30,000 square feet of shopping and professional services. Fireside is also home to two Cochrane schools: Fireside School under Rocky View Schools and Holy Spirit Catholic School affiliated with the Calgary Catholic School District. All these factors make Fireside an ideal place to live and invest in Cochrane.

Riversong

Sitting in the southeast corner of Cochrane, Riversong is a large master-planned community of homes on the southern banks of the Bow River off River Heights Drive.  Surrounded by natural beauty, this sought-after neighbourhood offers a variety of homes to suit all preferences and budgets.

Riversong offers a variety of amenities, from river viewpoints to walking trails and playgrounds to Bow Valley High School, making it convenient for residents of all ages. Residents can explore the 100 acres of natural reserve lands, 19 kilometres of pathways, two spacious playgrounds, and 16 sports fields. The pedestrian bridge connects to Downtown Cochrane, while the 22-kilometre drive to Calgary makes it easy to reach Banff National Park. 

It's even easy to stroll across the river to enjoy the Cochrane Golf Club or Matt Krol Park via the historic River Avenue Bridge. The popular Spray Lake Sawmills Centre is similarly close by. Meanwhile, as one of Cochrane's southernmost communities, it's extra convenient to reach the Trans-Canada Highway/Highway 1A for trips into Calgary, west into the Rockies, or elsewhere across the province. 

Homes for sale in Riversong typically range from the mid-$500s to over a million dollars, giving buyers many options to choose from, including fully detached, semi-attached, and townhome-style properties. Homes are also available in both front-drive and laned configurations. Three bedrooms start at around 1,300 square feet of interior space, while distinctive and spacious freestanding homes can reach nearly 3,000. A significant number include incredible river views from their backyards or directly onto preserved forests and green space for serenity and privacy. The contemporary and elegant architectural style of the homes makes Riversong a desirable destination. 

With its stunning natural landscape and abundant amenities, Riversong is easily one of the best neighbourhoods in Cochrane.

GlenEagles

The upscale community of GlenEagles sits on the northeastern edge of Cochrane in the hills above the Bow River, providing some of the best views in town from these high-end homes. It's bordered to the north by Highway 1A/Bow Valley Trail, making trips into Calgary easy and quick as one of Cochrane's closest communities to the big city. 

GlenEagles is also conveniently located near downtown Cochrane, just over two kilometres down the road via the extensive walking and cycling paths. Along the way is GlenEagles Park, which offers a playground, sports fields, and more amenities. 

Golfers will love calling this neighbourhood home, as The Links of GlenEagles winds through the community. It’s one of the top public courses in the nation and a convenient local spot to grab a bite to eat. 

GlenEagles boasts a wide range of amenities, including golf courses, art galleries, libraries, shopping, restaurants, and outdoor adventures. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of green space, encompassing over 13 acres with four parks, boulevards, and green areas.

Homes for sale in GlenEagles include both duplex-style villas and detached single-family houses. These can be found from the $600,000s and up, starting with two and three-bedroom properties with 1,200–1,400 square feet of living space. GlenEagles' top luxury homes can sell for $1–$1.5 million, offering four or more bedrooms and up to 3,000 square feet. Owners enjoy features like tall ceilings, multiple fireplaces, oversized garages, outdoor entertaining areas, and other high-end touches.

GlenEagles is one of the top neighbourhoods in Cochrane for its serene atmosphere and many convenient amenities.

Glenbow

Situated just east of Highway 22 as it passes through Cochrane, Glenbow is a peaceful neighbourhood with diverse housing options and abundant green spaces. Residents can enjoy various parks, playgrounds, and tennis courts within the community, from the picturesque Cochrane Ranche to the north to Riverfront Park to the south. Glenbow is also home to the Rodeo Grounds, making it an ideal location for nature enthusiasts.

Downtown amenities such as shops and entertainment facilities are just a short distance away. In the other direction, just across the highway are several casual dining options and professional services. Glenbow Elementary is also within walking distance of homes in this neighbourhood.

Homes for sale in Glenbow usually range from the mid-$300s to the high $500s. Since this is a more established community than many of Cochrane’s new housing developments, offerings range from properties built in the 1970s to brand-new construction.

Heartland

Heartland is a picturesque community with easy access to Highway 1A and plenty of green spaces and parks. Homes for sale in Heartland are typically available from the high $400s to high $600s. 

Located just a short five-minute drive from downtown Cochrane, Heartland offers an attractive balance between rural living and modern conveniences. The community covers 250 acres, with 45 acres (18% of the community!) dedicated to open green spaces, providing residents ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. There are multiple neighbourhood parks with playgrounds and a pathway system throughout the development.

As it’s one of the farthest northeast neighbourhoods in Cochrane, it’s one the closest ones to Ghost Lake. This is a great spot for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding in summer, while winter offers ideal conditions for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Heartland Station is also a hub for shops and services, such as casual restaurants, coffee, daycare, and a dentist. There’s another small commercial plaza just across the highway in Heritage Hills.

Altogether, Heartland has earned its spot as one of the best neighbourhoods in Cochrane.

Sunset Ridge

Sunset Ridge is an idyllic area north of Highway 1A, just east of the Cowboy Trail. It's perfect for enjoying the outdoors, as this community features a six-acre freshwater pond, a central park, an outdoor exercise circuit, and five kilometres of pathways. Sunset Ridge Playground is even considered one of the best parks in Cochrane.

Its northern location within Cochrane puts it close to attractions such as Cochrane Lake and Big Hill Springs Provincial Park. Plus, it's well-equipped with easy access to schools, services, shops, restaurants, and recreational opportunities.

Buyers can choose from single-family homes, townhomes, semi-detached units, and estate homes. Homes for sale in Sunset Ridge typically range from the mid-$400s to over $1 million. 

Sunset Ridge is a dynamic and vibrant community that facilitates a peaceful, nature-filled lifestyle.

Cochrane Heights

Homebuyers who'd like to be close to the heart of Cochrane and its best amenities, but still a bit removed from the hustle and bustle, should explore Cochrane Heights, located on the north side of Highway 1A/Bow Valley Trail east of Highway 22/Cowboy Trail. Built on a hill overlooking the city, the community is adjacent to Historic Cochrane Ranche, now a park and local historic site. 

This neighbourhood is within easy reach of Calgary, Canmore, and Banff National Park, making it a desirable home for those seeking convenience and outdoor adventure. But you don’t need to go that far to enjoy the outdoors—Cochrane Heights itself features walking trails and greenbelts.

Everyday shopping and services are also close by. Cochrane Heights is also the site of several public schools, including Cochrane High School. Meanwhile, fast, direct trips into Calgary are also a benefit from the proximity to Highway 1A. Residents can take advantage of a range of nearby amenities, including schools, libraries, shops, restaurants, and professional services.

Cochrane Heights mostly consists of detached homes with three or four bedrooms, and as one of Cochrane's original communities, some homes are slightly older but are generally well-updated for modern styles and needs. Homes for sale in Cochrane Heights usually list from the high $600s to over $1 million.

Heritage Hills

Heritage Hills is a large community on Cochrane's scenic, less-developed northwest side, just across Highway 1A/Bow Valley Trail from Heartland. This makes it extra convenient to hop on Highway 1A for a quick and easy trip to top destinations in the Rockies like Banff and Canmore. 

The elevated location also provides some incredible Rocky Mountain vistas and views of the rest of the Cochrane area. While Heritage Hills is only minutes by car from the many services and amenities of central Cochrane, residents have dining and shopping options even closer by at Mountain Ridge Plaza. There are also several small parks, playgrounds, and public green spaces within the community. Nature lovers can explore Riverfront Park, while Hills Park is the perfect spot for gatherings and events. 

Buyers in Heritage Hills can choose between semi-attached and fully detached single-family homes ranging from two-bedroom models to spacious five-bedrooms, primarily built from the late 2000s to the late 2010s. However, there are also quite a few new constructions popping up. Prospective homeowners enjoy features like expansive chef's kitchens with high-end cabinetry, quartz bathroom and kitchen countertops, walkout basements, and bonus rooms. Some offer front garages, while many others have convenient laned access.

Homes for sale in Heritage Hills typically range from the mid-$500s to upper $700s, providing various options for potential buyers. Heritage Hills is a great place to live and experience Cochrane's Prairie culture with a modern twist.

Bow Meadows

Those looking for equal parts convenience and natural beauty in their Cochrane home should check out Bow Meadows. The neighbourhood includes a few quiet loops and cul-de-sacs, sitting on a small hill bordered by the Bow River on one side and Jumpingpound Creek on the other, just west of Highway 22/Cowboy Trail.

Residents can stay intimately acquainted with the natural environment around them thanks to a network of walking trails nearby that provide serene escapes from daily living just steps from owners' front doors. 

These lead to various nearby communities and parks, including those across the river stretching nearly as far as downtown. One of the best is Riverfront Park, an ideal location for fishing, boating, and nature walks along the Bow River or using amenities like the playground or disc golf course. 

Homes for sale in Bow Meadows usually start around $400,000 for homes with three to four bedrooms in both one and two-storey layouts. Many properties also back directly onto riverfront or creekfront areas, providing gorgeous views and additional privacy despite the compact design.

Riverview

The unique development of Riverview follows the Bow River as it bends through southern Cochrane and surrounds the Cochrane Golf Club, which sits right in the backyard of many homes. This forms the neighbourhood's centrepiece, with a nine-hole regular course supplemented by an 18-hole mini-golf course and a popular local eatery, WOW Store Cochrane. Public green space is also available at Matt Krol Park and on hiking and biking trails along the Bow Riverfront.

Residents are also just down the road from Spray Lake Sawmills Centre, which includes a fitness centre, swimming pool, and other activities. Riverview is even walkable to downtown Cochrane, putting the area's many restaurants, shops, and other amenities close by for residents. In addition, Riverview includes an active community association that hosts regular events.

Homes for sale in Riverview enjoy more privacy than most, backing onto either the golf course or the river—providing beautiful, serene views. They range from condos just under 1,000 square feet to spacious detached five-bedrooms with twice that much space. Riverview homes can sell for as much as $800,000, though most list for half a million to around $700,000. 

West Terrace

West Terrace sits along the Bow River west of Highway 22/Cowboy Trail, consisting of winding residential streets lined with high-end homes. Mitford Park is one of the neighbourhood's best features, spanning a large area of riverfront green space with sports fields, a dog park, and fishing areas. 

It's easily reachable from most homes, either on low-traffic streets with sidewalks or the extensive nature trail network by the river. While most of West Terrace is homes and park space, there's a thriving strip of businesses along Westside Drive, including restaurants like Chinese Wok and several popular chains. In addition, two schools reside within West Terrace, the Mitford School (which serves grades 5-8) and the French-language École Notre-Dame Des Vallees. Just south of Highway 1A, it's also a top spot for those who regularly travel into Calgary. 

Single-family detached homes make up the majority of the housing stock of West Terrace, ranging from three-bed, two-bath models with around 1,100 square feet to five-bed, three-and-a-half-bath layouts with upwards of 1,800 square feet. While most were built in the late 1990s, they've seen updates over the years. Top homes for sale in West Terrace, including those with direct riverfront views, can reach nearly $1 million on the high end. Most sell from the $400s and up.

More Expensive Neighbourhoods in Cochrane

GlenEagles, Riversong, and Sunset Ridge are some of Cochrane's more expensive neighbourhoods. However, neighbourhoods like Riverview and Bow Meadows have their fair share of luxury homes with gorgeous views, so be sure to keep your eyes open if you’re looking for the best luxury homes for sale in Cochrane.

Located on the east side of town, GlenEagles is home to some of the most high-end homes in the city. With beautiful views, plenty of nearby parks and trails, and an abundance of amenities, this neighbourhood is ideal for those looking for the best of the best.

Just south of GlenEagles, Riversong is an up-and-coming neighbourhood that offers prospective homeowners the chance to invest in a home with stunning views of the Bow River. With plenty of nearby parks and trails, this neighbourhood is perfect for those looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Sunset Ridge is home to some of the most prestigious homes in the area. With plenty of nearby amenities, this neighbourhood offers plenty of options for those looking for the best in Cochrane real estate.

Whether you're looking for a luxurious property with stunning mountain views, or a more established neighbourhood with plenty of amenities, GlenEagles, Riversong, and Sunset Ridge offer luxury real estate in Cochrane that’s suited to your needs.

More Affordable Neighbourhoods in Cochrane

Those looking for a more affordable home in Cochrane should consider East End and Downtown Cochrane. Both neighbourhoods offer plenty of amenities at a more affordable price.

East End

East End is a tranquil and well-established community in Cochrane, offering a perfect retreat near downtown amenities. This unique combination of serene living among mature trees and the vibrant downtown scene is a key factor in East End's popularity. 

There are numerous biking trails, parks, and playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as a golf course and tennis courts for sports lovers. Plus, the Tim Bannister Memorial Rink also features a playground.

The diverse selection of homes for sale in East End includes heritage homes, detached homes, modern condos, and townhomes, with a wide variety of prices starting as low as the $200s.

Downtown

Downtown Cochrane offers an exciting blend of historic Wild West and modern attractions, perfect for anyone looking for a vibrant atmosphere and convenient amenities. Historic Main Street is alive with street musicians, vintage boutiques, art galleries, museums, and theatres. The area is also home to pubs, restaurants, and grocery stores, making it easy to find whatever you need.

Downtown Cochrane is highly pedestrian-friendly, and cars are accommodated with plenty of parking options. Homes for sale in Downtown Cochrane range from stylish lofts, townhouses, and small apartment buildings to spacious single-family homes. Prices usually range from the $300s to $700s, though there are exceptions outside this range. With its mix of nostalgia and modern convenience, Downtown Cochrane is one of the best neighbourhoods in the town.

Residents are just minutes from the best of the quaint, western-flavoured downtown district, including a variety of local shops, restaurants like Fence & Post, and other gathering spots, including Rocky View Brewing Company and Cochrane's famous, long-running institution Mackay's Ice Cream.

Find Community in Cochrane

Cochrane is a great place to live, no matter your budget. There are amazing neighbourhoods that cater to all types of lifestyles and budgets. From the more expensive neighbourhoods with luxury amenities to the more affordable areas with great community vibes, Cochrane has something for everyone.