5 Reasons Young Families Are Leaving Calgary for Cochrane, Alberta

The Cochrane lifestyle young families are craving

Over the past few years, Cochrane has become one of Alberta’s most sought-after destinations for young families—and it’s easy to see why. Nestled in the Bow River Valley just 18 kilometers west of Calgary, Cochrane offers the best of both worlds: a small-town feel with big-city access. If you’re raising kids in Calgary and dreaming of a lifestyle with more space, less stress, and tighter community connections, here are five reasons why making the move to Cochrane might be the best decision for your family.

1. A Lifestyle Built Around Nature and Community

Cochrane offers a lifestyle that prioritizes the outdoors and meaningful community connections—two things that many young families crave but struggle to find in a large urban center. With the Rocky Mountains practically in your backyard, weekend getaways to Kananaskis or Banff are not just possible—they’re easy. The town itself boasts an impressive trail network along the Bow River, family-friendly parks, and scenic mountain views that become part of everyday life.

Unlike Calgary’s sprawling neighborhoods and congested commutes, Cochrane gives families the chance to slow down and reconnect. Neighbors know each other, local festivals are well-attended, and the town’s charming Western-themed downtown (featuring the iconic MacKay’s Ice Cream) creates the kind of place where childhood memories are made.

2. Affordable Homes with Room to Grow

Housing prices in Calgary have climbed in recent years, making it tough for young families to find homes that balance affordability with size and quality. Cochrane, while not the cheapest option in the province, still delivers better value for money—especially when it comes to detached homes with yard space. As of early 2025, the benchmark home price in Cochrane is around $572,000, compared to Calgary’s average of $600,000+ in many family-friendly neighborhoods.

Not only are homes in Cochrane newer and often situated on larger lots, but the property taxes are also competitive. Families can enjoy more space to raise their children—without moving too far from the job opportunities and amenities of Calgary.

3. Big-City Jobs, Small-Town Commute

One of Cochrane’s most attractive features is its strategic location. While it's far enough to feel separate from the city hustle, it's close enough to make commuting to Calgary entirely feasible. The average drive to downtown Calgary is about 35–40 minutes, with lighter traffic than other routes (like the often-congested QE2 Highway from Airdrie). Plus, recent improvements like the completion of the Stoney Trail ring road have made the commute more reliable.

For many parents, this means being able to keep their Calgary-based careers while raising their family in a calmer, more connected environment. And with high-speed internet and a growing 

remote-work culture, many professionals now work from home in Cochrane while staying plugged into major business hubs.

4. Top-Tier Recreation Without the Crowds

Parents with active children know how valuable it is to have great recreation facilities close by—and in Cochrane, everything is within easy reach. The town is home to the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, a massive 325,000 square-foot complex with ice arenas, pools, a wave park, indoor fields, a climbing wall, and more. From hockey practice to swimming lessons, it’s all local and convenient.

Compared to Calgary, where similar facilities may be spread across the city and involve long drives or competition for spots, Cochrane offers a hassle-free experience. Kids can walk or bike to sports and arts programs, and parents won’t need to spend hours shuttling them across town.

5. Excellent Schools and Family-Focused Programs

Education is a top priority for families, and Cochrane delivers with a strong public and Catholic school system. Schools in Cochrane tend to have reasonable class sizes, newer buildings, and above-average academic performance. French immersion, Christian academies, and even Francophone schools are available—offering flexibility for different learning paths.

Beyond academics, Cochrane shines in its extracurricular offerings. Whether your child is interested in dance, music, coding, martial arts, or community leadership, there’s a local program to support them. And because Cochrane is a community that values family life, these programs are often more accessible and community-driven than their big-city counterparts.

More Than Just a Move—A Lifestyle Upgrade

For young families in Calgary feeling the pressure of urban living—rising costs, traffic, overstimulation—Cochrane offers an alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality of life or opportunity. It’s a town where your kids can grow up with fresh air, a safe environment, and a real sense of community, all while staying close to Calgary’s economic and cultural heart.

So if you’re ready for a change that prioritizes your family’s well-being, Cochrane might just be the place to put down roots.