Picture Calgary ten years from now.
A growing city. New communities are emerging on the horizon. Revitalized urban neighbourhoods. More housing options. More people are searching for a place that fits not only their budget, but also their lifestyle.
The question is simple:
What kind of neighbourhood do Albertans actually want to live in?
A new research project funded by the Alberta Real Estate Foundation and led by Dr. Jason Hawkins at the University of Calgary aims to answer exactly that. The study is exploring how Albertans balance some of the most important factors in housing decisions, including affordability, commute times, housing style, neighbourhood character, and access to amenities.
For anyone considering buying, selling, or investing in Calgary real estate, the findings could offer valuable insight into where the market may be heading.
For years, housing data has focused on what people are buying. While that information is useful, it doesn't tell the whole story. It doesn't reveal what buyers would choose if more options existed. It doesn't capture demand for housing styles that are scarce or unavailable. And it doesn't fully explain how people prioritize affordability versus convenience, space versus location, or privacy versus walkability.
This research seeks to fill that gap.
Using advanced statistical modelling and AI-generated visualizations, participants will be able to react to different neighbourhood and housing scenarios. The goal is to better understand what Albertans truly value and how future communities can be designed to meet those preferences.
The timing couldn't be more important.
Across Calgary and Alberta, conversations about housing affordability, housing diversity, population growth, and rezoning continue to shape the future of our communities. As more people move to Calgary, demand for housing remains strong, creating pressure on both housing supply and infrastructure.
The challenge facing policymakers, developers, and real estate professionals is finding the right balance.
People want affordability.
They want access to parks, schools, restaurants, and services.
They want reasonable commute times.
And they want neighbourhoods that maintain a strong sense of character and community.
Understanding how these priorities intersect is critical because today's planning decisions will shape Calgary's housing market for decades.
As someone who closely follows Calgary real estate trends, I believe buyers and investors should pay attention to studies like this. The most successful real estate decisions aren't based solely on where the market is today. They're based on understanding where demand is likely to go tomorrow.
For buyers, that could mean identifying emerging communities before they become highly sought after.
For investors, it could mean recognizing housing types that may experience stronger future demand.
For sellers, it provides insight into the features and neighbourhood characteristics that future buyers may value most.
The reality is that Calgary remains one of Canada's most attractive real estate markets because it offers something increasingly rare: choice.
From downtown condominiums and townhomes to suburban detached properties and investment opportunities, buyers have access to a wide variety of housing options that continue to attract people from across the country.
As Alberta's population grows and housing needs evolve, understanding consumer preferences will become more important than ever.
The future of Calgary real estate won't be shaped by guesswork.
It will be shaped by the people who live here, invest here, and choose to build their future here.
And if this research tells us anything, it's that the next chapter of Calgary's housing story is already taking shape.
