Three spots near Calgary named among the best places to live in Alberta in 2026
If you’ve been looking to move just outside of Calgary, three nearby spots just landed on a list of the best places to live in Alberta in 2026.
World Atlas, one of the largest publishing resources in geography, recently released a list of the eight best places to live in Alberta in 2026, and a few spots just outside of YYC made the cut.
First up is Okotoks, which is found just south of Calgary, and was noted for its small city identity while still being a bigger town to live in. The town has good options for schools as well as health care, and some amazing amenities to check out, including the Okotoks Art Gallery and the Sheep River, which runs through the town.
Town of Okotoks/Facebook
“Households after a river-valley town within reach of Calgary jobs land naturally in Okotoks.”
Next up, Cochrane, which is found just west of Calgary, was touted for its historic roots, coming from the Cochrane Ranche and its ties to Western heritage, which still show in the town.
“Growing families who want foothills and cowboy character at the city’s edge find it here.”
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Ramon Cliff/Shutterstock
The list notes the town’s popular attractions, like MacKay’s Ice Cream on 1 Street and Riverfront Park, which opens the Bow River to rafting and the paved pathway network, perfect for outside recreation.
Last but not least, Calgary’s eastern neighbour, Chestermere, made the list. “A lake at the door with Calgary within reach makes Chestermere an easy call for active households,” the list touted.
Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock
Of course, one of Chestermere’s big draws is the lake that the city surrounds. It’s home to kayaking, paddleboarding, and wakeboarding through the warm months, and residents can try their hand at skating in the winter.
For anyone looking to move to Chestermere, the city is growing, with a new 2,000-home neighbourhood in the works.
The other spots to make the list include St. Albert, Canmore, Medicine Hat, Beaumont, and Spruce Grove.
You can find the full list online.