Moving to the Calgary Suburbs: Airdrie, Cochrane, or Okotoks?

Every week, we help families move from Calgary to Airdrie, Cochrane, and Okotoks — the three satellite towns that have become genuine alternatives to Calgary suburban living. They all offer more home for less money, but each has a distinct personality. Here's how they compare.

Airdrie: The Commuter's Choice

• Population: ~75,000 (Alberta's 6th largest city)
• Distance from Calgary: 30 km north (20-30 min to north Calgary)
• Housing: Newest and most affordable of the three. Brand-new communities with modern homes from the low $400s
• Character: Fast-growing, young-family focused, excellent recreation facilities
• Best for: Budget-conscious families, commuters to north Calgary, people wanting brand-new homes
• Downside: Highway 2 traffic during rush hour, less distinct town character than Cochrane or Okotoks

Cochrane: The Mountain Town Feel

• Population: ~32,000
• Distance from Calgary: 35 km west (25-35 min to west Calgary)
• Housing: Mix of established and new. Slightly higher prices than Airdrie due to mountain proximity and charm
• Character: Historic main street, mountain views everywhere, Western heritage, strong arts scene
• Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, people who value town character, commuters to west Calgary
• Downside: Highway 1A is a single-lane road that congests heavily during rush hour. Limited shopping — many residents still drive to Calgary for major retail

Okotoks: The Community-First Town

• Population: ~30,000
• Distance from Calgary: 35 km south (25-35 min to south Calgary)
• Housing: Carefully managed growth means less availability but higher quality community planning. Mid-range pricing
• Character: Award-winning community planning, strong schools, environmental leadership (Drake Landing solar community), Sheep River setting
• Best for: Families who prioritize schools and community, environmentally-conscious buyers, commuters to south Calgary
• Downside: Smaller commercial base — most major shopping requires a Calgary trip. Growth cap means limited new housing supply

Side-by-Side Comparison