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

Cochrane, Alberta, is a rapidly growing community located less than 40 kilometres northwest of Downtown Calgary. From 2001 to 2021, Cochrane's population nearly tripled in size, from around 11,000 to 32,000. If you're considering moving to Cochrane, there are a number of great neighbourhoods to choose from, and picking the right area for you can greatly enhance the living experience here. 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. Let's dive in and explore the best neighbourhoods in Cochrane.

Cochrane's Top Neighbourhoods at a Glance

• Fireside: Offers new homes, parks, and schools, including the Fireside School.
• Riversong: Known for natural reserves, river views, and access to Bow Valley High School.
• GlenEagles: Upscale community with stunning views and golf amenities.
• Glenbow: Central location with green spaces and proximity to downtown.
• Heartland: Features parks and easy access to Ghost Lake.
• Sunset Ridge: Outdoor-focused community with parks and schools.
• Cochrane Heights: Adjacent to Cochrane Ranche, offering scenic trails.
• Heritage Hills: Offers modern homes with mountain views.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cochrane

Fireside

Fireside is a charming neighbourhood in the Cochrane community, offering a variety of new homes, numerous recreational options, and conveniently located amenities. It is located five kilometres south of Downtown Cochrane and set amidst the Rocky Mountain landscape and the Bow River Valley.

Homes in Fireside are a blend of townhomes and detached homes, with prices generally ranging from the mid-$500s to $1 million. 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 of the schools in Cochrane: 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

Homebuyers seeking more suburban alternatives to Calgary's best master-planned communities should check out Riversong in southeast Cochrane. 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.

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 nearby. Meanwhile, as one of Cochrane's southernmost communities, it's convenient to reach the Trans-Canada Highway/Highway 1A for trips into Calgary, west to the Canmore community and the Rockies, or elsewhere across the country. 

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.

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, and at less than 20 kilometres from communities in Northwest Calgary like the Rocky Ridge neighbourhood, convenience and accessibility are abundant.

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. 

Homes for sale in GlenEagles include duplex-style villas and detached single-family houses. They usually list for between $600,000 and $1.3 million.

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. Several casual dining options and professional services are just across the highway in the other direction. 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 $600s. Since this community is more established than many other neighbourhoods, offerings range from properties built in the 1970s to some of the most recent new construction homes in Cochrane.

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 $500,000 to the mid-$700s.

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. Multiple neighbourhood parks have playgrounds and a pathway system throughout the development.

Located in northeast Cochrane, Heartland is one of the neighbourhoods closest to Ghost Lake, one of the best lakes near Calgary. In summer, this is a great spot for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, 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.

Sunset Ridge

Sunset Ridge is an idyllic area north of Highway 1A, just east of the Cowboy Trail. The neighbourhood consists of a large share of the condos in Cochrane alongside townhomes and detached homes. 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 is 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 high $200s to over $1.25 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 some of the best walking trails in Cochrane.

Cochrane Heights is also close to everyday shopping and services. It is also the site of several public schools, including Cochrane High School. Meanwhile, the proximity to Highway 1A allows for fast, direct trips into Calgary. 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. 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 for the high $600s to over $1 million.

Heritage Hills

Heritage Hills is a large community on Cochrane's scenic, less-developed northwest side 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. The community also has several small parks, playgrounds, and public green spaces. Nature lovers can explore Riverfront Park, while Hills Park is perfect 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. These homes were primarily built from the late 2000s to the late 2010s, but quite a few new constructions are also 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 the 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.

West Terrace

West Terrace sits along the Bow River west of Highway 22/Cowboy Trail. It consists 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 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 West Terrace's housing stock, 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. 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 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. Thanks to The Links of GlenEagles, one of the top courses in town, some of the most sought-after golf course homes in Cochrane are located in the GlenEagles neighbourhood.

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 key to the East End's popularity. 

Numerous biking trails, parks, and playgrounds are available for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as a golf course and tennis courts for sports lovers. 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 and rarely topping $750,000.

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 the $500s, though there are exceptions outside this range. With its mix of nostalgia and modern convenience, Downtown Cochrane is one of the best neighbourhoods in town.

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.