Downtown Real Estate & Community Guide
Located only 18km west of Calgary, along 1A Highway, sits the quaint and fast-growing town of Cochrane. With a population of almost 35,000 and boasting old western-style architecture and vibes, Cochrane is a great alternative to those employed in Calgary who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city at the end of the day. Developed in the valley of the Bow River, the downtown fills all your immediate needs with plenty of amenities for shopping, dining and entertainment.
So Much to Love in Downtown Cochrane
Downtown Cochrane is a walk down memory lane while offering modern-day shops and restaurants. Historic Main Street takes you back to the good old western days, with music wafting over the street as a street entertainer plays the outdoor piano. Historical buildings, western architecture, pubs and restaurants, art galleries, museums, vintage boutiques, theatres and grocery stores fill the streets of downtown. Located in the Centennial Plaza, Cochrane brings recognition to women who contributed to the early success of Cochrane with a cast bronze tableau, known as “the chicken lady” to locals. Although downtown is not as friendly to bikers with its numerous slopes, it’s very walkable and extremely car-friendly with easy parking.
Families with school-age children will love that no matter which part of downtown Cochrane they live in, there are schools and daycares nearby. Cochrane schools fall under Rocky View Schools and the Calgary Catholic School District. There is also an active home-schooling network, Cochrane Home Educators.
What You Need to See in Downtown Cochrane
Rockyview Hotel
One of the few remaining original buildings in Cochrane, the 3-storey Rockyview Hotel sits in the heart of downtown. Constructed of wood and tin ceilings, the historical building was built in 1904. She has met many of the community’s needs over the years, including converting a floor once a week as the area’s only hospital, renting out rooms for travelling salesmen, housing a livery stable, and transitioning from saloon to teahouse during the prohibition years. Today, visitors to the hotel can have a taste of the Old West in the restored rooms above the Texas Gate Bar & Grill. The hotel offers an ambience and atmosphere like none other, hosting fundraisers, events, and country-themed weddings throughout the year. Locals enjoy a fun evening out at the popular bar, listening to live music while they dine, watching sporting events, or shooting pool and playing darts.
Festivals & Events
The town of Cochrane puts on several vibrant and exciting events and festivals throughout the year. Christmas time brings the annual Cochrane Light Up, a 3-hour street festival where Cochraneites welcome Christmas, as well as the Parade of Lights. Street entertainment, hot cocoa, hayrides, a children’s area with crafts and games, and a visit from Santa puts smiles on young faces.
The Cochrane Classic Car Club hosts the Fall Colours Show N Shine, while the Great Cochrane Outhouse Races offers a one-of-a-kind experience no one should miss! The quirky event has the community rolling outhouses up and down Main Street chuck-wagon style, with bystanders laughing so hard tears roll down their cheeks!
Farmer’s markets, Christmas markets and more make this small town easy to fall in love with.
Fence & Post
One of Cochrane’s most popular and highly-rated restaurants, Fence & Post is one restaurant that will have you finding excuses for a night off of cooking! It offers a casual upscale dining atmosphere in a modern setting. Acknowledging themselves as a “prairie kitchen”, the restaurant focuses on using premium local ingredients for a tasty experience. This in turn creates a changing menu with the season, as well as supports the local farmers in the area.
Mackay’s Ice Cream
The perfect stop for a cold treat on a hot summer day, Mackay’s Ice Cream is a taste of tradition, with a unique menu of flavours. The store was originally built as a general store in the 19th Century. The family-run business has been making ice cream since 1948. That’s over three generations!
Real Estate in Downtown Cochrane
Approximately two-thirds of the housing downtown is small apartment buildings, with single-family detached homes and townhouses making up the rest. Homes in the downtown area range from lofts to homes with several bedrooms. Around forty per cent of the real estate is rented, with the rest occupied by the homeowner. Prices range from $170,000 up to $550,000 depending on size and location.
If downtown living with its historical charm and nearby amenities sounds like a good fit for you and your family, contact our office at 403-253-1901. We will be happy to match you with the best agent to move you into your next home!
