Thinking About Buying? You’re in the Right Place.

The Blue Mountain Group Real Estate team, Claire and Lindsay standing beside a realtor sign that says 'For Sale' in front of a house with a lush green yard and trees.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first home, making a lifestyle move, or finally trading city traffic for Foothills views — buying a home is a big deal. And if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, you’re not alone.

We’re here to help you breathe a little easier. We’ve got resources and tips to help you feel more prepared (and less panicked) as you step into the buying process.

We’ve walked this road with a lot of good people — and we’d be honoured to walk it with you, too.

How The Buying Process Works

“They know a great deal about properties, wells, septic tanks and issues that are relevant to country buyers…

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If you like the Diamond Valley country or if you want real estate in a town or city you ought to choose people who dig to uncover all the information you need to make the right decision. They will help you to make the correct and best decision and they do it with patience, caring and strong professionalism.

A score of 10 out of a 5! The highest praise I can give.

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A Local’s Guide to Life in Foothills County (and Beyond)

Whether you're relocating, daydreaming, or just want to get a feel for what life looks like around here, we’ve got you covered. From coffee shops to community events, here’s a local’s take on what makes each town and hamlet around Diamond Valley special — and why we love helping people call them home.

Large "Big Rock" reddish-brown rocks under a clear, purple sky with dry grass in the foreground in Okotoks, Alberta.

Diamond Valley (formerly Black Diamond + Turner Valley)

An outdoorsy, artsy foothills town with small-town charm. Perfect for river days, community events, and that sense of “everyone knows your name.”

Okotoks

A growing town with a little bit of everything — good schools, solid amenities, and a ton of community spirit. It’s close enough to Calgary for commuting but still feels like its own place, especially once you discover the pathways along the river or the local shops downtown.

    • Best Coffee: 94 Take the Cake (yes, it’s a bakery — yes, they do a perfect latte)

    • Best Playground: Bill Robertson Park — tons of space and great for all ages

    • Local Gem: Hit Big Rock Brewery’s taproom or browse the boutiques on Elizabeth Street

A rural field with large hay bales scattered across green grass, under a dramatic cloudy sky with varying shades of gray and some blue.

High River

A welcoming foothills town with small-town charm, beautiful parks, and a cozy downtown vibe that’s perfect for families or weekend escapes.

    • Best Coffee: Colossi’s Coffee Houseon 4th Ave — warm, friendly, and known for a strong latte or London Fog

    • Best Playground: Birchwood Natural Playground — recognized as one of Southern Alberta’s top 10, with logs, slides, and open space to run wild

    • Local Gem: George Lane Memorial Park — riverside trails, shaded play areas, spray park, and a campground — perfect for a full family day out

Millarville

Tiny but mighty, Millarville is all about space, land, and lifestyle. It’s where you go when you want to stretch out, grow a garden, and maybe host a few goats. It’s also home to one of the best farmers markets in the province.

Oil pumpjack in a yellow flowered field under a blue sky with scattered clouds in Foothills County, Alberta.

Bragg Creek

If you want mountains without giving up civilization, Bragg Creek is the dream. Surrounded by forest and trails, it’s an outdoor lover’s haven with a bit of upscale energy. Think log homes, boutique shops, and weekend brunch before a hike.

    • Best Coffee: Cinnamon Spoon — an institution for a reason

    • Best Patio: The Italian Farmhouse — tucked away and so worth it

    • Local Gem: The West Bragg Creek trail system is a year-round win for hiking, biking, or cross-country skiing

Redwood Meadows

A one-of-a-kind hamlet nestled along the Elbow River and tucked within Tsuu T’ina Nation, only 20 km west of Calgary. It feels like a tight-knit village with plenty of outdoor charm—think trails, a disc golf course, and community events—wrapped in forested foothills beauty.

    • Best Playground: Curtis Field Park & Playground — big play structures, sports fields, trails along the river. Great for a multi‑generation outing

    • Best Community Vibe: Redwood Meadows Community Centre — pop in for the Tuesday morning Parent & Tot group (toys, coffee, friendly faces)

    • Local Gem: Redwood Meadows Golf & Country Club — 18 scenic holes with iconic ponds and forest views—a local favorite whether you golf or just enjoy a peaceful walk .

A mountain lake surrounded by pine trees and mountains in the background on a sunny day in Bragg Creek, Alberta

Longview

Tiny, friendly, and full of cowboy charm. Known for its beef, views, and proximity to the best mountain drives around, Longview is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town — but the locals wouldn’t live anywhere else.

    • Best Coffee: Little Apple Cafe- don’t miss the cinnamon buns and butterhorns!

    • Can’t-Miss Stop: Longview Jerky Shop

    • Local Gem: Drive the Highwood Pass in the summer — unreal views and epic hiking

Nanton

A charming stop full of nostalgia, small-town cheer, and just enough to keep everyone interested—from antiques to aviation—and yes, it’s worth the drive for a day-trip.

A rural landscape with a dirt path, green grass, and tall dry grass along a fence, under a stormy dark sky outside of Okotoks, Alberta

Vulcan

“Canada’s Official Star Trek Capital”—this town leans into its name with a themed visitor centre, starship replica, and even a Spock statue. Beyond the fandom, you’ll find a vibrant community feel close to Calgary and Lethbridge.

    • Best Family Fun: Vulcan Recreation Centre pool — five lanes, hot tub, climbing wall, and even a diving board—this is a locals’ favourite for weekend outings

    • Local Hangout: Vulcan Trek Station & Visitor Centre—pop in for coffee (yes, they serve it), check out the Star Trek displays, and snag a selfie with “Spock”

    • Local Gem: The VulCON Convention each July and “Spock Days” weekend — a fun, family-friendly attraction that brings in fans from around the world

Stavely

A historic farming and ranching hub with that genuine western spirit—rodeos, friendly nods at the grocery store, and big open skies.

    • Local Vibe: Everything’s cowboy-casual here—especially around the Stavely Indoor Rodeo, which dates back to 1929—yes, the world’s first indoor rodeo

    • Outdoor Adventure: Just west of town, the Stavely Research Ranch offers guided tours in native grassland restoration—great for a thoughtful walk in the Porcupine Hills

    • Community Hub: Stavely Golf Club—a nine-hole, friendly course (now with artificial greens) plus a campground and arena keep the community humming year-round .

Champion

A tiny, tight-knit village that packs a lot into a small space. Notable for its historic grain elevators, community park, and easy access to outdoor escapes.

    • Best Splash Spot: Champion Community Pool—great for a quick dip and perfect when the weather heats up .

    • Family Favourite: Champion Community Park & Campground—nice green space, baseball diamond, and a rodeo arena make it a hub for summer memories

    • Local Gem: Pioneer Club & Legion Hall—great for social drop‑ins, supper clubs, skating in winter, and meeting friendly locals

Tips for Buying a Home in Foothills County

If you’re dreaming of wide-open space, mountain views, and no next-door neighbours in sight — this is it. Foothills County stretches across the rural land surrounding Okotoks, High River, Diamond Valley, and beyond. From rolling pastures to forested retreats, it’s where country life meets real convenience.

Two women sitting on a white couch in a bright room, looking at a phone.
  • Know your water: Most acreages in Foothills run on wells or cisterns — and yes, it matters. We’ll help you understand what to test, how they work, and what to expect for maintenance.

  • Winter is a factor: Snow clearing, long driveways, wind drifts — rural living comes with seasonal prep. Ask about what the county handles (and what you’ll need to).

  • Internet isn’t a given: Some areas have fibre, some have spotty LTE, and others need Starlink. Always check before you fall in love with a listing.

  • You can still have community: From Millarville Market Saturdays to community halls and local events, rural doesn’t mean isolated. It just means you get to pick your peace and your people.

  • Let’s talk zoning: Whether you’re thinking horses, a second dwelling, or a workshop, land use bylaws matter. We help you find a property that fits your vision — and avoids headaches down the road.

Still Have Questions?

Whether it’s big, small, or somewhere in between — we’re just an email away and always happy to help.