Oct 4, 2025 | Archives, Country Home
For those looking to buy a country home or home on a few acres, we’ve rounded up answers to 10 of the most common questions buyers ask when considering an acreage in Ontario.
From land use to affordability, utility systems and vital services, there is certainly more to consider when you are buying a home on a larger acreage, rural home or hobby farm. In this article we cover 10 of the most common questions we get asked by buyers.
1. Is it more affordable to buy a country home than a suburban home in Ontario?
Sure, it’s absolutely possible to find a rural home that costs less to purchase than one in the suburbs but this is dependant on many factors – location being a huge one and then of course, the type of house, size of house, size of property, condition of house, market demand, etc.
In Ontario, the supply of rural homes is lower than suburban homes, making rural homes and acreages a “rare” commodity and on average you should expect to pay more for a home on acreage.
Now, if you have a budget of let’s say $1.5M, you could absolutely still buy an acreage in Ontario instead of a suburban home – but you may have to be a little more flexible on location and home condition to do so.
As far as other costs like taxes for example, you may have a higher tax rate in a more rural area or smaller town compared to a larger city but no, taxes are not always higher on larger properties. This depends on the municipality you are in and what the assessed value of your home and land is.
Keep in mind when you purchase a country home you will also be spending a little more on additional inspections (well, cistern and septic) and may have higher insurance rates depending on the property.
Buying a rural home is an investment. It may come with some additional costs but the quality of life and value to your family (and wallet) is well worth it long term.
2. What conditions should I include in an offer when buying a rural home in Ontario?
Another property dependant question but in general we want to see the regular home inspection and financing conditions (if applicable). Second to those you’ll want to include septic and water system (well or cistern) inspections as well as a water quality test conditions. You may want to include a zoning check and/or include a due diligence condition as well to confirm you can do what you plan to on your rural property.
Conditions related to paying HST, Tenant Farmers, Tax incentive programs, lawyer review, heating systems, WETT certifications, and many more could all apply.
There will also be important warranties and representations from the seller that you’ll want to include in your offer to protect yourself.
3. The home I am interested in is on an unpaved road, who will maintain this road?
This is always a great question and an important one to find out early on.
Generally this is easy to confirm with the seller, listing agent or local municipality.
If the road is unmaintained by the local municipality you will want to find out if there is an agreement between neighbours as occasionally they pool together to have the road at least ploughed in the winter.
No matter how long and winding your driveway is, you will of course be responsible for all maintenance and snow removal.
4. How do I know they won’t develop the farmland behind my house?
Now this can be a little more difficult to answer …
The first step is to check the zoning of the surrounding properties… Do they have environmental zoning protecting the area? Are they zoned agricultural? Is it in the Greenbelt or under the jurisdiction of another conservation authority? What is the history of the area and does the local government have track record for allowing a lot of development to take place with passive re-zoning policies or have they been more restrictive in that regard?
Next, check how close the nearest town is. Is there a lot of development and urban sprawl happening there? Is the rural home located on the outskirt of a small town in Ontario?
Have there been any Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZO’s) granted nearby?
Unfortunately there is no predicting if development could happen 10, 20 or 50 years into the future. If the surrounding properties are environmentally protected or within the Greenbelt you are likely ok but even agricultural (and sometimes environmental) zoning doesn’t always guarantee the farm next door will stay that way.
We go out of our way to do as many checks on this as possible when helping you buy a rural home in Ontario.
5. Can my home inspector also inspect the septic system?
Typically no. Usually you’ll want a company that can pump the septic to verify if it is in good working order.
6. A farmer is renting the property I am interested in on a handshake, is this a cause for concern?
Typically no… I mean we always prefer to have things in writing but this is not always how it works in rural areas.
You can confirm the details prior to offering on a rural home that has a portion of the land rented to a tenant farmer. You could also ask the seller via a condition if the tenant farmer would be open to signing a rental agreement that details the rate, location and length of the lease.
It can be great to have a tenant farmer – why not have a little extra income if you’re not using the land anyway? But if this is not for you, or you need the land, confirm the details prior to your purchase and write in your offer to confirm vacancy at closing or end of lease term.
(Please note – this is a very simplified answer, if you want to buy a rural home in Ontario with us but are concerned about handshake agreements, please email us here).
7. What happens if my property has an Environmental Protection (EP) zoning?
This doesn’t have to be cause for concern but due diligence up front is required.
Most municipalities have a map showing what areas of the property are considered protected.
Now, typically you cannot build on these areas. This is fine if you have a large property and only a small portion zoned EP. You can run into issues when the majority of property is protected meaning aside from the currently standing house, you may not be able to built a detached garage, workshop or barn on the property.
Your can read more about this here.
Most of the time the EP zoning protects forested or marshy areas – places you wouldn’t generally build on and that add a charm to the rural property as is.
8. Do I need a survey to buy acreage in Ontario?
No, you do not legally require a survey to buy a country home in Ontario. Is it a bonus if the home owner has one, yes absolutely, but it is generally not mandatory (unless a lender happens to request one for example).
9. How do I know if they water is safe to drink?
You need to get a water quality test done. Preferably you do this during your conditional time period.
Often this is a free service offered by the local municipality (through Public Health Ontario). If you need a rushed order you may have to pay for this at the municipality or take the water sample to a private company to test it.
This test should be done for both well water systems and cisterns on country properties.
10. What is the internet service like?
A very valid question in todays age.
Unless it is an extremely rural, the home should have access to a decent internet service.
This question can be asked of the seller in advance, you can use Google to search for local internet services – most of these have an address search on their website and you can see if typical services like Bell or Cogeco are offered there.
If not, there are also smaller internet companies that offer services in rural areas in Ontario like Starlink, Xplornet and Swift amongst others.
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Have questions about buying acreage in Ontario? Send them to info@landandtitle.ca and we’ll have the answer.
Oct 4, 2025 | Archives, Country Home, Investment
The total number of farms in Canada has been decreasing since 1941.
According to the latest Census of Agricultural data (2021), in just 5 years (since 2016) the number of farms has decreased by 1.6% and farmable area by 3.4% across the country.
[Number of Farms – Stats Canada: Table: 32-10-0153-01 (formerly CANSIM 004-0002)]
To put that into acres, the total farmable area has fallen from 158 million acres reported in 2016 to 153 million acres as of the 2021 census.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) cited a loss of 319 acres of farmland per day in Ontario during this 5 year period. Naturally, I wanted to see how this calculation compared out to other important farming provinces.
If we look at the change in farmable land from the 2016 Census of Agriculture to the 2021 Census of Agriculture, we see that:
- Alberta has been loosing almost 600 acres per day since 2016.
- Manitoba 283 acres per day.
- British Columbia 412 acres per day and
- Saskatchewan over 700 acres per day.
For how we arrived at this numbers take Alberta as an example:
2016 Acres: 50,250,183 vs 2021 Acres: 49,157,232
50,250,183 – 49,157,232 = 1,092,951
Divided by 5 YEARS = 218,5900
218,5900 / 365 days
= 599 acres per day.
Smaller farming provinces like Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI and Newfoundland & Labrador aren’t loosing nearly as much.
To look at Canada from the outside as a land mass, you would think that we have more than enough land to accommodate all of our farming needs and urban sprawl with room to spare.
Yet this is far from the truth and the landscape of Canadian farmland is changing drastically.
From east to west Canada has some of the most versatile and rich agricultural land in the world, with Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan & Quebec being home to a large chunk of that.
Some who don’t know the geography of our country claim that we should be looking further north in Ontario to increase our farmable land area while accommodating urban sprawl closer to our existing urban centres.
However, as pointed out by the Dominion Review (John Meyer), although there are spots of useable farmland, “most northern ground is Canadian Shield, permafrost and muskeg … with “very little agricultural potential and any good soil requires huge energy and fertilizer inputs”.
I think we all have an idea about why farmland is dwindling but let’s dig into a few major contributing factors.
Urban Sprawl
One big issue eating up our farmland is urban sprawl.
“For every million people we add to Canada’s population, we lose 530 square kilometers of prime farmland near our large urban areas” – Canadians for a Sustainable Society.
Much of the urban sprawl is happening on farmland closest to cities. This graph put together by Charles Brockman of the CBC shows the majority of the conversion of farmland into urban settlement is happening in the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
Urban sprawl has been happening on a large scale in an attempt to keep up with our exploding population. Yet, we are still experiencing housing supply and affordability issues.
Among the G7 countries, Canada has the lowest average housing supply per capita with 424 units per 1,000 people.
You might be asking how it is possible that this urban sprawl can take place on agricultural land – most of which is zoned agricultural.
Surely by-laws for an agriculturally zoned property only allow for a single detached dwelling, outbuildings and a possible accessory dwelling for labour accommodations.
Sadly these by-laws don’t mean anything to some.
Developers with deep pockets seem to easily sway municipalities and local governments into accepting a zoning change, allowing them to change its use and develop the land.
But, there is another avenue some well connected developers have been using. Minister’s Zoning Orders.
Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs).
An MZO is a provision included in a Province’s planning laws (e.g. Ontario Planning Act) that gives the provincial government and municipalities the authority to override the typical planning and zoning protocols when considering the use of a piece of land.
Although planning laws in Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan allow for similar provisions to be used, as of the 2021 Auditor General’s Report: Land-Use Planning in the GGHS, no such provision had been used in these provinces. If you know of any, please email us here.
This provision was included for “situations of extraordinary urgency”. However, in recent years this tool has been misused to allow urban sprawl on farmland and wetlands. Often done without public or environmental consultation.
According to the same report, from 2019 to 2021, 44 MZO’s were issued (double the total number issued in the past 18 years).
All were issued for residential, commercial and industrial uses (5 being pandemic related) and not a single MZO was issued to conserve natural heritage or agriculture land as had been done in the past.
Of this 44, 18 MZO’s were issued on lands zoned agricultural.
Does this seem hard to believe? Well we have a few (of many) examples to share below.
1. Caledon – Old School Rd & Chinguacousy Rd (Brookvalley Phase 3)
4,550 dwellings. Granted MZO over the express opposition of Peel Region. If constructed as approved, this would enrich landowners connected to political donors with very strong ties to the government (Project Management Inc, Conservatory Group, Fieldgate Developments, Laurier Homes, Mattamy Homes, and Paradise). – Source
2. Niagara Falls – 8656 Mountain Road
Farmland to Golf Course. Some reports say this golf course will be built on good farmland, others say the farmland is not good but the proposal does require significant woodlands and watercourses to be protected and at least it will look like Greenspace???
3. New Tecumseth – Beeton – MZO approved to Flato Inc.
995 housing units & neighbourhood commercial space. This is just a few examples – you can visit the map show below by clicking here to view information an locations of these MZO’s.
Urban sprawl doesn’t just include the building of residential neighbourhoods. With this sprawl comes other infrastructure projects such as commercial spaces, supporting facilities, industrial areas and more roads – all requiring a large amount of space.
Investment & Consolidation
The price of farmland is on the rise and has been for some time.
According to FCC’s most recent annual report (2023), Farmland prices across Canada have increased, on average, by about 9.1% annually for the last decade. From 2022 to 2023 price per acre nationally increased by 11.5%, down slightly from the pervious years 12.8% increase.
In case that isn’t crystal clear – it is still very expensive to buy farmland.
Canadian Farmland Price Per Acre – Stats Canada & FCC.
Christie Young of FarmLink stated, “If you’re a new farmer who’s trying to buy a piece of land and pay for it by working the land, it’s almost an impossible proposition,”
While those looking to expand existing farms look at financing options as a way to acquire more but often need a decent equity base to do so.
Not to mention the high cost of farm vehicles, machinery and other equipment that will be required.
Well established farms, businesses and investors continue to buy up farms to add to their operations which could be contributing to the 1.9% decrease in the number of farms from 2016 (193,492 farms) to 2021 (189,874 farms).
While there has been a 23% decrease in individual farms over the last 20 years, the size of farms has increased across the country.
In 2001 the average Canadian farm was ~ 676 acres compared to ~ 809 acres as of the most recent census (2021). And according to Stats Canada, the average farm size has nearly doubled over the last “50 years due to consolidation and technological advantages”.
This increase in the price of farmland has been a driving factor for many investors who are looking to farm land as a stable investment with promising returns.
FCC’s vice-president and chief economist J. P. Gervais states a 15% increase in the number of non-farmer investors over the last 10 years. This includes private equity firms who fund the purchase of farmland and lease back the farms to the farmer.
According to the 2021 Agricultural Census, ~6.5% of farms are owned by non-farmers. This is up from ~5% in the last 10 years.
One of the largest farmland investment companies, AGinvest, holds 6,000 acres of ON farmland, making about a 15% annual return since 2019.” Today, most of these companies’ websites boast fund returns of eight to 14 per cent annually” – Globe & Mail.
Many of the farmland investment companies claim to have a desire to keep the land in farming and help alleviate the financial strain on farmers, which they say has been a “saving grace” for some because of the rising price of farmland.
Some raise caution here … When profit is the main motive, stewarding the land could become secondary and a valid concern many have is that farm consolidation and investment corporations could lead to more intensive farming practices, destroying the viability of the land to grow crops or grass for livestock. If you can just turn around and sell this chunk of land to the next developer, what do the investors care about sustainability?
Of course this is not to say that every person investing in farmland feels this way and there seems to be genuinely forward thinking investment firms who don’t look at farmland in a solely speculative way like Andjelic Land, AGinvest and Equate Asset Management to name a few.
These investment firms should also not be confused with other investment firms who look at farmland as a solely speculative play with future development potential.
Lack of Generational & Family Farmers
A worrying sentiment shared by many has been that we are losing both family farms and the family farmer.
An RBC report released early April 2023 reported that more than 40% of our farm operators would be retiring over the next 10 years leaving us with a shortage for farmers. Rising inflation, cost to acquire and lack of succession plans were cited as being the main reasons.
The reports solution suggests accepting 30,000 permanent immigrants by 2033 to take over existing farms and greenhouses.
This has been happening for a number of years through the various immigration programs such as the Agri-Food Pilot, Express Entry – Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations, as well as province specific programs like the AAIP (Alberta Advantage Immigration Program).
It is incredibly difficult to run and operate a successful farm, with many not being able to make a decent enough living for the next generation to be enticed to take it over.
To compete against the larger, firmly established operations is a massive feat very few want to undertake (understandably).
On this note, it is understandable that a farmer may want to cash out on his hard working by selling to a corporation or developer.
This does not mean Canadians are no longer farming, or that no young people want to get into farming but the numbers a dwindling.
As an aside – it is important to note that just because a farm is classified as a business or registered as a numbered company, it does not mean it is no longer a family farm.
Changing Landscapes
Perhaps playing a small part in the decline in the number of reported farms and farmland is the change to land characteristics itself.
Some of which is hard to account for accurately. For example, a farmer may mark a wooded area once used for grazing as a forest.
As stated by Darrel Cerkowniak ( a scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada), some arable land could also be “lost” as a result of flooding or re-naturalisation.
Other factors such as soil erosion, desertification, salinization, and contamination from industrial activities could also render farmland unsuitable for farming or grazing ultimately leading to a change of its use.
Although land conversion likely only accounts for a very small portion of the reported farmland loss.
On the other hand, in areas like Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan, the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute released a report in 2022 stating an increase in crop land due to pasture, forest, and wetlands being converted for growing crops.
As the value of farmland continues to rise, existing farmers or farm owners could be converting more of their woodlands, wetlands and meadows into farmland to expand their operation on their current property to avoid buying more, or to increase the value of their land. This of course causes issues for wildlife but that is a discussion for another day.
This may account in small part to the increase in the size of farms but not farmland.
Combating Farmland Loss
While increasing the number of mouths to feed every year, we are simultaneously decreasing our farmable land and green spaces.
The need for affordable housing in Canada has been at the forefront of many Canadian minds over the last 5-10 years, depending on when you started paying attention. Of course these issues need to be addressed but the expansion of urban sprawl onto valuable farmland is short sighted.
It is not enough to say “well we will just import our food.” Excuse me but f*** that. We need to be self-sufficient as well as support our existing farmers with local availability and our economy with continued exports.
Farmland is a finite resource which alone makes it valuable and results in rising prices over time.
Those with deep pockets are reportedly helping this along. Large companies who purchase farmland and green spaces as speculative assets with plans for future development are driving prices upwards.
These types of investors should not be confused with the equity funds or other investors who purchases land to lease back to farms and have intentions of keeping farming on farmland. Although, even these types of purchases are driving the price of farmland upwards.
Prices will continue to rise for the foreseeable future making the barrier for for those looking to get in or expand even higher.
Farmers and landowners are adapting as best they can – finding ways to use more sustainable farming practices, investing in new technologies, implementing renewable energy sources on their land and exploring new ways of selling direct to consumer.
The irony of allowing our valuable natural resource to succumb to urban development seems to be lost on those living in cities demanding farmers act in a more sustainable manner while they simultaneously continue to push for more housing, more amenities and more urban sprawl.
Continuing to put an immense amount of pressure on cities and expanding them while, allowing our rural areas and natural beauty to be swallowed up is not a solution.
Sep 5, 2025 | Archives, Country Home, Mountain
For those looking to purchase a rural home or hobby farm in Alberta, here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get from buyers.
From land use to affordability, utility systems and vital services, there is certainly more to consider when you are buying a home on a larger acreage, rural home or hobby farm.
1. Is it more affordable to buy a rural home in Alberta? (Taxes, purchase price…)
Yes and No. This really depends on a multitude of factors with the biggest one being location.
If you are comparing a home in the exact same location with the exact home, it makes logical sense that the rural home that is on a larger piece of acreage is going to demand a higher price. But a high-end home in Canmore on a 50 x 100ft lot may be more expensive than buying a 40 acre farm in Pincher Creek.
Location, the type of house, size of house, size of property, condition of house, etc will play a part in the cost to acquire the home. These factors will influences your tax rate as well.
If you have a $1.5M budget, perhaps you won’t be able to purchase a completely renovated 5 acres property on the outskirts on Canmore, but you certainly could find a beautiful turn-key rural home somewhere in Foothills County.
Keep in mind when you purchase a rural home you will also be spending a little more on additional inspections (well, cistern and septic).
Buying a rural home is an investment. Both financially and into your lifestyle. It may come with some additional costs but the quality of life and value to your family (and wallet) long term is well worth it!
2. Do I need an RPR report?
Most real estate transactions will require a Real Property Report (RPR) in Alberta. If you have an existing report and you haven’t made any changes or additions to your property, you can sign a Statutory Declaration or Affidavit stating the existing RPR is accurate and the property hasn’t changed since the RPR was prepared.
If you are a Seller, it is simple to get an RPR. You simply need to contact an Alberta Land Surveyor. If you have an RPR that you need to make updates too, we recommend calling the Surveyor who completed the original.
Don’t forget, once you get your report from the Surveyor, you will also need to send it to your city or county to get a compliance certificate.
In cases where the property is larger (often at least a quarter section), an RPR is typically not required.
3. I am interested in a property for sale but it has a conservation easement on it. What does this mean?
In short, a conservation easement is legally binding (voluntary) agreement between a landowner and a conservation organisation or government body to essentially protect part or all of a property in perpetuity. The easement is registered on the title of the property while the landowner continues to retain ownership/title.
Any future owners will be bound by the terms of this conservation easement.
A conservation easement can be beneficial as it could protects, conserves and enhances the ecological, environmental and agricultural aspects of the land. It can prevent development, subdivision and may have financial and tax benefits.
However, it can also be restrictive as to what you can do with or on your property depending on the terms.
The best course of action is to ensure you read and accept the terms of the existing agreement prior to purchasing a property with a registered conservation easement on it.
4. My property currently has a cistern on it, is there a way to check if a well could be placed on the property instead?
Yes, you can hire a well driller contractor to come out and check for a viable aquifer. If the contractor is local he may know the area already and have information on whether to not it is a viable option.
If you have an older home and there is no well, it is very likely it is not a viable option which is why your home has a cistern on it.
5. What is the internet service like?
A very valid question in todays age.
Unless it is an extremely rural, the home should have access to a decent internet service.
This question can be asked of the seller in advance, you can use Google to search for local internet services – most of these have an address search on their website and you can see if typical services like Shaw or Telus are offered there.
If not, there are also smaller internet companies that offer services in rural areas in Alberta like Tough Country Communications, Xplore Net, Starling among others.
It is a good idea to check cell service while you are at the property as well. Even if you think the area has good cell service always double check. For example, we have great cell service on our property but just a minute north of us, our neighbours have no cell service.
6. If the property has agricultural zoning, will I get a tax benefits?
In short no, just because your property is zoned agricultural does not mean you will pay less taxes or receive tax benefits. Although this question likely requires more a nuanced explanation but in short, your property will need to be an operating farm with agricultural production, earning income from whatever you produce on the farm.
If you are operating a hobby farm and selling vegetables at the local farmers market you still wouldn’t qualify – this would simply be looked at as taxable income.
Again, this is a very difficult question to answer if we don’t know your information. You should always speak to an accountant when it involves taxes.
7. What conditions should I include in an offer when buying a rural home in Alberta?
Another property dependant questions but in general we want to see the regular home and financing conditions (if applicable). Second to those you’ll want to include septic and water system (well or cistern) inspections as well as a water test condition. You may want to include a zoning confirmation and/or include a due diligence condition as well to confirm you can do what you want to do on your rural property.
Conditions or warranties related to obtaining a Real Property Report (RPR), covenants, rights of way, paying GST, Tenant Farmers, road maintenance, Tax incentive programs, lawyer review, heating systems, WETT certifications, appraisals, and more could all apply.
There will also be important warranties and representations from the seller that you’ll want to include in your offer to protect yourself.
8. The home I am interested in is on an unpaved road, who will maintain this road?
A great question and one you should get an answer to prior to purchasing your rural home.
If it is a very rural road you are likely not going to be on a priority road for snowplowing and road maintenance.
The seller should be able to readily tell you this information or you/your agent can call your local municipality or township to confirm if the road is maintained by them or if it is a road you will need to maintain.
9. How do I know they won’t develop the farmland behind my house?
Now this can be a little more difficult…
The first step is to check the zoning of the surrounding properties… Do they have environmental zoning protecting the area? Are they zoned agricultural? Is there a registered conservation easement on any of the property? What is the history of the area and does the local government have track record for allowing a lot of development to take place with passive re-zoning policies or have they been more restrictive in that regard?
Then check how close the nearest town is. Is there a lot of development and urban sprawl happening there? Is the rural home located on the outskirt of a small town in Alberta?
Unfortunately there is no predicting if development could happen 10, 20 or 50 years into the future.
If the surrounding properties are environmentally protected or have a conservation easement you are likely ok but even agricultural (and sometimes environmental) zoning doesn’t always guarantee the farm next door will stay that way.
We go out of our way to do as many checks on this as possible when helping you buy a rural home in Ontario.
10. How do I know if they water is safe to drink?
You need to get a water quality test done. Preferably you do this during your conditional time period.
Often this is a free service offered by the local municipality (through Alberta Health Services).
You can also pay a lab to do this test if preferred.
This test should be done for both well water systems and cisterns on rural properties.
Looking for a rural home, farm or horse property in Alberta? Get in touch with us at info@landandtitle.ca.
May 8, 2024 | Archives, Country Home, Investment, Mountain
Alberta offers some of the best rural living options in the country.
So what makes these “the best” areas?
Well of course it is subjective, some people prioritise certain lifestyles over the other. For some a quiet town close to a large city is the ideal for them, and for others (like us) a more rural way of life is preferred.
Something I think we can all agree on, is that it certainly helps when the town is situated in a beautiful spot.
On the list below we have taken into account just that.
We have also taken into account the desirability of the surrounding rural areas, variability in housing options, recreational opportunities, proximity to amenities and the potential of those areas to see a rise in property values over time.
The below are listed purely in alphabetical order and include their surrounding areas (not just the main little town). Each place is special in its own right.
Average | Median Sale Price (Detached – 2024) +: $1,097,588 | $1,127,500
Proximity to Calgary: 40 Minutes
Located in: Rocky View County
Nearby Natural Areas of Interest: Bragg Creek Provincial Park, Elbow Falls Provincial Park, Prairie Creek, Mclean Creek Provincial Park.
Bragg Creek is a gorgeous rural hamlet located about 40 minutes west of Calgary. Some refer to it as Kananaskis’ best kept secret and you can see why.
Nestled in the foothills of the Rockies, Bragg Creek is home to the meandering Elbow Creek, rolling hills, rich green coniferous trees and spectacular rural properties. The residents and visitors here have an appreciation and great respect for the surrounding natural environment. As far as recreational activities – well, look no further. Hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, skiing, sight seeing and more are on offer here.
Stop in at the “Heart of Bragg Creek” shopping area to pick up exquisite wines from the local liquor store, or grab a snack at the PowderHorn Saloon and you may even see some cowboys ride in, tie up their ponies and grab a beer. It’s a fun spot!
As far as what style of home you can expect to buy in Bragg Creek… there is a wide range of options. Expect seriously stunning log homes, mountain chalets, large acreages, modern homes to the more modest gems nestled on half an acre. Now and again you may also be able to find vacant land on which to build your dream home.
In terms of re-sale, as of 2023/2024, you’re looking at an average of about 63 days to sell. So it may not be as liquid as one may want but that won’t matter to those who are looking for a place to call home for the long term. With its close proximity to Calgary and to the mountains, you can’t go wrong buying in Bragg Creek.
Average |
Median Sale Price (Detached – 2024): $1,775,746 | $1,550,000
Proximity to Calgary: 1 Hour
Located in: MD of Bighorn
Nearby Natural Areas of Interest: Nordic Centre Provincial Park, Banff National Park, Bow Valley Wildland Park, Three Sisters Peak, Ha Ling Peak, Upper Kananaskis Lake.
It will come as no surprise that Canmore is on this list.
If you’ve only ever visited one place in Alberta, it was probably Banff National Park. On your way there you very likely drove through Canmore and marvelled at this quintessential mountain town.
A truly spectacular little spot tucked away on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies and boarded by the glacier-fed Bow River. Conveniently located just over an hour from Calgary but you don’t need to go that far for amenities, they are all right here.
The residents are proud of their beautiful scenery, historic downtown and outdoor adventures all culminating in a vibrant community spirit. Think a tight-knit community that fosters a sense of camaraderie, connecting with neighbours and gathering at the Canmore Mountain Market in the summer and fall months.
Surrounded by lush forests and mountain peaks, you won’t have a hard time finding something to do outdoors. Hiking, golfing, biking, skiing, sight seeing, horseback riding and rafting are available.
All of this beauty comes at a price though. The real estate market here can be expensive and is in high demand. Although poised to see even more suburban housing development over the next number of years, you can expect to find everything from classic mountain villas, estates, modern masterpieces to both luxury and modest homes on small lots.
On average you can expect it to take around 61 days to sell a home here as of 2024. This number is slightly skewed by the multiple high value homes ($4M +) that generally take a longer time to sell.
If you enjoy a small town vibe with all the conveniences of big town living (and of course breathtaking beauty), Canmore may be the place for you!
Average | Median Sale Price (Detached – 2024): $352,350 | $305,000
Proximity to Calgary: 2 hrs 30 minutes
Located in: Cardston County
Nearby Natural Areas of Interest: Waterton Lakes National Park,
Nestled amidst rolling hills and vast farmland, Cardston is a picturesque town with a rich pioneering heritage and a community proud of tradition. Presenting a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty all lying in the heart of the prairies.
The town’s close proximity to the stunning landscapes of Waterton Lakes National Park and the Rocky Mountains provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, from hiking and camping to fishing and wildlife watching.
Community is at the core for residents here, evident in the well-preserved historic buildings, charming main street and community events.
Affordable living options are available here, as are more high end luxury acreages. Due to the rural nature of this community homes take a long time to sell here – on average we are looking at about 110 days as of 2024.
If you want a quiet life in a tranquil setting away from the big cities, Cardston is worth exploring.
Average | Median Sale Price (Detached – 2024): $770,571 | $655,500
Proximity to Calgary: 36 minutes
Located in: Rocky View County
Nearby Natural Areas of Interest:: Big Hill Springs Provincial Park, Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, Ghost Lake and Bow River.
Just 37kms west of Calgary is the quaint little town of Cochrane. Sitting at the base of “Big Hill” in the Bow River Valley, and with views of the foothills and Rocky Mountains, the stunning natural beauty serves as a backdrop to everyday life here.
Cochrane has a strong and proud western heritage to go along with its pretty views, making it a little slice of paradise close to a big city.
The residents here are hospitable and welcoming, hosting various events and festivals throughout the year. Enjoying a relaxed pace of living while still having access to all the amenities they need, including boutique shops, cozy cafes, delicious dining options and basic everyday necessities.
Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice with nearby hiking trails, parks, ATV and Snow Mobile trails, making it easy to stay active and explore the picturesque surroundings.
You can snap up a nice suburban home here for a great price, especially as the once little village is seeing quite a bit of urban development! If you’re looking on the outskirts of town in a more rural area, well you might want to check in with your accountant and mortgage broker as you’ll be paying a pretty penny for an acreage out here. For fellow equestrians, this is a great spot to find a property already set up for you and your horses as well.
If you’re selling a home, as of 2024, on average it takes about 45 days to do so. Undoubtably the proximity to Calgary, while also offering expansive living opportunities makes Chochrane a very desirable place to call home.
Average | Median Sale Price (Detached – 2024): $399,363 | $350,000
Proximity to Calgary: 2hrs 30 mins
Located in: Municipality of Crowsnest Pass
Nearby Natural Areas of Interest: Crowsnest Provincial Park, Castle Provincial Park, Bob Creek Wildland, Parts of the Rocky Mountains Forest Reserve.
If you’re really looking to immerse yourself in rural living, Crownest Pass is a beautiful place to do it. In the 70s the town of Crowsnest Pass amalgamated with the nearby towns and hamlets of Bellevue, Blairmore, Coleman, Frank, and Improvement District (ID) No.5. The laid-back pace of life allows for a sense of tranquility and connection to nature that is increasingly rare in today’s world.
A testament to rugged beauty, The Pass offers an abundance of awe-inspiring scenery with towering peaks, lush forests, and pristine lakes. Once a coal mining town, the area is steeped in a rich history. If you’re driving through be sure to stop in at the Frank’s Slide Interpretive Centre for a fascinating telling of the Frank’s slide tragedy. For a good lunch, stop in at The Pass Beer Co. For incredible Pizza and a pint.
Outdoor enthusiasts will fall in love with the ample opportunities for hiking, nearby skiing opportunities, fishing in crystal-clear streams, biking, ATV and snowmobiling adventures, horseback riding, golfing and more!
The sense of community runs deep in The Pass, where neighbours come together to celebrate local events, support small businesses, and preserve the area’s unique heritage and natural surroundings.
Now, the average and median sales price is on the lower side, but if you are looking to buy a rural home or a home on acreage, you should expect to pay upwards of $700,000 for this, and more for if the property comes with a mountain view, which many do. Time to sell is a littler slower here with the average being 66 days.
Although you may have to drive a bit of a distance to larger stores, mountain living and stunning surrounding come at a decent price in The Pass and boy is the driving worth it for those views!
Average | Median Sale Price (Detached – 2024): $563,741 | $560,000
Proximity to Calgary: 50 minutes
Located in: Foothills County
Nearby Natural Areas of Interest: Sheep River Provincial Park, Bluerock Wildland Provincial Park.
Tucked away amidst rolling hills and vast prairie landscapes, Diamond Valley epitomises the beauty of Alberta’s countryside. Formerly Turner Valley & Black Diamond separated by the Black Sheep River – the two amalgamated in January of 2023. This is a rural town about 50 minutes south of Calgary.
Residents here enjoy a tight-knit community atmosphere, where friendly neighbours quickly become like family. With a slower pace of life, Diamond Valley provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of city living, something we hope remains for many years to come.
Similar to other areas already mentioned, Diamond Valley offers extraordinary outdoor recreating. Horseback riding, sight seeing, hiking or cycling on the town’s Friendship Trail. If you’re looking for some epic views, be sure to take a drive down to the Bluerock Woodland Provincial Park area and marvel at the beautiful scenery along the way.
If tasty bites are your thing, Westwood is a MUST visit. And for the best milkshake – I would argue in the country – check out the iconic 50s style diner Marv’s Classic Soda Shop. Neither will disappoint.
You can find affordable living options here but properties don’t last long. The average days on market for 2023/2024 was about 32 days. A range of properties are available, from cute suburban gems to sprawling acreages. Horse properties and large homes with plenty of charm too.
We were hesitant to put this town on the list as we’d like to maintain the rural charm here. So be sure to only make the move here only if you are ready to embrace a rural way of life.
Average | Median Sale Price (Detached – 2024): $689,432 | $630,000
Proximity to Calgary: 33 minutes
Located in: Foothills County
Nearby Natural Areas of Interest: Various Woodlands & Wetlands
The perfect balance between small-town living with all modern amenities you need, just 30 minutes south of Calgary. Nestled along the Sheep River Valley with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and acres of sprawling farmland, Okotoks boasts a picturesque setting that you’ll adore.
This is a growing community that has seen a lot of urban development over the last numbers of years. As both Calgary and Okatoks expand, it is starting to feel like Okatoks is becoming a suburb of Calgary. You have access to all the amenities you need here as well as good schools and safe neighbourhoods – it is easy to see why this area is vastly becoming a top choice for families.
Despite development, residents and the township have implemented green initiatives and commitment to preserving green spaces. Plus, there are numerous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with multiple golf courses and extensive pathways for hiking and biking in the beautiful surroundings.
A mix of housing opportunities are available in Okatoks. In town you can find newly built homes on large lots, older homes in need of some TLC and everything in between. On the outskirts of town, you can find impressive, high end homes with postcard views of the mountains, timber frame beauties and picturesque farms.
It doesn’t take long to sell a home here. As of 2024, the average days on market sits at 27 days with the median being noteworthy at only 15 days.
Average | Median Sale Price (Detached – 2024): $377,974 | $341,000
Proximity to Calgary: 2hrs 10minutes
Located in: MD of Pincher Creek No. 9
Nearby Natural Areas of Interest: Beauvais Lake Provincial Park, Castle Wildland Provincial Park, Oldman River.
The spirit of “the west” is alive and well in the incredible rural area of Pincher Creek with a strong and thriving ranching community. Situated at the doorstep of the majestic Rocky Mountains, residents enjoy spectacular Livingstone Mountain Range, vast pastureland and pristine waterways.
Community is at the heart of life in Pincher Creek, where friendly faces are a familiar sight. The town’s rich history is evident in its charming downtown, lined with historic buildings and local shops, where residents gather to support small businesses and connect with neighbours.
If you’re staying, make sure to hit up Pincher Creek Meats for some of THE MOST delicious “ranch to table” meat we think you’ll find anywhere. Plus every Friday they do a Brisket on a Bun that is surreal. Driving through town you’ll see deer lounging in backyards and grassy patches without a care in the world.
Pincher Creek is an adventurer’s paradise – enjoy nearby hiking, fishing, skiing, horseback riding, or simply take a drive and explore the rural roads that boast million dollar views.
Although homes are affordable here, similar to others, rural homes do come with a higher price tag. This is a rural community so although all your necessities are in town, accessing major big box stores means having to drive to Lethrbidge or Fernie in BC. As you might imagine, home take a while to sell here where 71 days is about the norm.
This is a special place. And new residents are welcoming. But it is important that those moving here know it is important to integrate into the culture, while also ensuring you maintain respect for the land, the ranchers and abundant wildlife.
If you would like to purchase a home in this region, please reach out to us.
Looking for a rural home in Ontario? Read out “The 8 Most Popular Areas to buy a home in Ontario” post here.
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For the latest statistics on RURAL Home prices in Southern Alberta, be sure to read out 2023/2024 Rural Home Report [Alberta] by clicking the image below.
Nov 15, 2023 | Archives, Equestrian, Country Home, Investment
What does it really mean to live in a country home and outside of the city?
If you are reading this article you are likely considering what it would be like to live in the countryside, have already made the decision to do it, or are just dreaming of escaping the city and starting a new chapter of your life in the serene setting.
This can look very different from person to person.
Some people envision a place with a small barn or workshop for hobbies, tinkering or housing their toys. Others dream of having some animals or a big garden where they can be a little more self sufficient. We even have a few gentlemen clients that just like to smoke a cigar while riding around on their lawnmowers for a few hours on the weekend.
Then there are those that want a larger property where they can run more of an operation or business. Maybe in horses or some other livestock like cows or sheep.
We recently helped a family purchase a property where they did non of that and instead naturalized an entire section of their acreage. They planted over 2000 trees and have a trail system running through it simply for walking and enjoying their land.
There are many different reasons people desire a little more space and a lot more privacy. And a country property is exactly where you’ll find it.
Of course, it means more time outdoors, pretty scenery and quiet evenings. But these are all examples of what people do with their properties, but there is a deeper question of what does it actually mean to them and their families.
If you were to ask people what it truly means to them you will find its EXACTLY what YOU are searching for.
We all want some sort of connection. Some people would hate to live in the country, they want the city, the buzz, the restaurants and all the action. For them that is the connection they want. Living in the country offers a deeper longing for a connection with the earth and the natural world. This is a connection with the circadian rhythm, the seasons, the weather, the plants and animals that cohabitate with you on your property. The chance to connect with family and friends in a more grounded environment. This is that type of connection those living in the countryside have.
When you wake up in the morning, trade in the ever present hum of traffic, your neighbours car alarm going off, the garbage truck, the construction workers banging their hammers on the neighbours roof or the framing crew building the subdivision close by for stepping outside to hear the breeze in the trees, the symphony of birds chirping, or the gentle call of your animals as you head down for morning feeds.
When you arrive home, you trade in awkward conversations with your neighbours for meadows and a scenery that changes with the seasons.
There is a lot of research that suggests being in nature has great positive psychological effects. A study done in 2018 showed that between 10 – 50 minutes of time spent in nature can reduce stress levels shown by a measurable reduction in cortisol – a stress producing hormone. Imagine what it can do when you live in a more natural space.
When you eat a large fast food meal how do you feel? Usually not very good, but you want to keep eating because your body isn’t getting what it needs. How do you feel when you eat a healthy and wholesome meal? Usually you feel satisfied! You don’t need to over eat. You feel good because you gave your body what it needed and you feel content.
Contentment is much easier to find when you are in an environment where you have more connection to nature, connection to family actives and lower levels of stress. When your sitting on your porch or deck in the evening overlooking the nature on your property, hearing the crickets, the frogs, an owl or the song birds singing their final notes of the day, you can’t help but feel a sense of contentment. The trees, the meadows, the pastures, the animals, don’t judge you for how much money you have, the clothes you wear or the car you drive. You accept things as they are and you feel accepted. This is contentment.
There is a lot of noise in the world, and no-one can avoid it completely. However, having your home be a reprieve from the urbanised world gives you a tremendous sense of peace.
Peace in its definition means freedom from disturbance.
There is an endless list of benefits from finding peace that range from the psychological, physiological, and spiritual. A place to reflect, clear the mind, find your creativity, the list goes on and on. If you haven’t laid in a hammock between a couple of trees in the country side on a lazy afternoon, I highly recommend you try it, you will find peace there.
Peace comes when you find connection, lower stress levels, and are content with your life in the moment.
This is what is really means to escape the city and live in the country.
If you have read this far then there must be a part of you that truly resonates with this vision.
The brokerage we are part of has a motto – live life on your terms. And we often talk about what that means for us, our clients and our families in our Monday morning team meetings.
On Monday we looked at the below chart. It is sobering chart and gets us every time.
It shows how much of your life you have already lived and what you have left … all laid out in plain black and white. If we didn’t know before, the chart definitely helps to show how short life can be and how precious our time is.
If you are thinking of doing something for yourself, like making an escape to the countryside, don’t wait. Start your search for your little slice of heaven and start enjoying where you live sooner rather than later.
