Valley Ridge / Valley Ridge Estates - What do you know?

[amorak]

We are buying a new place and had been looking in Aspen Hills, but our Realtor has pointed out some nice homes in the Estate Portion (new 2006+) area of Valley Ridge.

I really like the proximity to the river and some paths, but I can't find any local grocery stores or school or even a community centre?!

Can anyone give me the 411 on the area?

[Jayems]

The nearest grocery store is either Safeway on 16th (bowness) or up in Tuscany.

There's a few parks with fields and a rink.

There's of course the golf course.

There's a little strip mall with a gas station, pharmacy, hair dresser, pizza 73 and Van Goghs restaurant, which is delicious.

There are good paths in the area and they link to Bowness park or whatever it;s called. You can go down the tree line and then it takes you under the Stoney trail bridge and into the park.

No school either. Think tuscany is the next closest too.

Also, that 4-way stop is crap. 1/20 or so cars dont realize it's a 4 way and blow right through it. And idiots still fail to navigate the tiny roundabout.

However, in 3 seconds you're on the highway out of town to the mountains.

[amorak]

That's great - I take it you live in the area too? How do you find it? Do you work downtown? What do you think of the commute?

[Jayems]

I used to live there. Not anymore. I live in the south now.

I only worked downtown for a little bit when I was there and I drove up to Brentwood or Dalhousie C-train for the rest of the way. There are closer stations now (Crowfoot & Tuscany soon).

I've never done a 9-5 downtown, so I really don't have much to say about that commute.

[amorak]

What made you leave?

[Jayems]

It had nothing to do with the neighbourhood. My wife and I bought a house in the south that we liked.

[amorak]

I am just concerned about shopping access (groceries) and schools for when I have kids... If anyone lives in these areas, I'd appreciate a 411 on how you find the day to day grind living there!

[1stLand]

The only issue with that area is the lack of amenities.
The location is beautiful.

[Jayems]

The other thing too is that if they ever get the SW leg of the ring road going, that'll be a prime location. You'll be able to get anywhere rather quickly when they connect 16th with Hwy. 8.

But that's obviously years and years away.

[scotty2hotty]

Originally Posted by amorak

I am just concerned about shopping access (groceries) and schools for when I have kids... If anyone lives in these areas, I'd appreciate a 411 on how you find the day to day grind living there!

We used the hit the Safeway on 16th Ave in Bowness when we lived there. Easy peasy.

Sorry, can't help you with the breeder info.

[drewboy12]

I hear they are building an estate on the ridge of a valley....

[Shazam]

You can go to Costco, et al at Beacon Hill. You can also head onto Sarcee Trail South and go to Westhills. Also all the Crowfoot stuff is nearby.

Valley Ridge was probably the last community built before the city started putting in densification requirements. Most of the lots there back onto green space.

[1stLand]

Here is a little history on Valley Ridge - What existed prior to development.

It's an interesting read:
http://www.calgaryarea.com/nw/valley...al%20Ver.).pdf

[amorak]

We took my mum by today and she brought up Happy Valley... Old people and their memories!

Thanks 1stLand.

I just wish I knew if a sobeys/safeway/something was going in nearby... It's mind blowing that with the combined population of Crestmont and VR, that a grocery store hasn't come in.

[frinkprof]

Originally Posted by 1stLand

Here is a little history on Valley Ridge - What existed prior to development.

It's an interesting read:
http://www.calgaryarea.com/nw/valleyridge/communitynews/plandev/History%20of%20VR%20-%20Dec-03%20Breeze%20Article%20(Nov.5%20Final%20Ver.).pdf

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by amorak

We took my mum by today and she brought up Happy Valley... Old people and their memories!

Thanks 1stLand.

I just wish I knew if a sobeys/safeway/something was going in nearby... It's mind blowing that with the combined population of Crestmont and VR, that a grocery store hasn't come in.

Try contacting someone at the community newsletter. They're usually in the know.

http://www.calgaryarea.com/pdf/valleyridge.pdf

[1stLand]

A Developer wanted to proceed with a large Commercial Power Center near Calaway Park / Woody's RV World - Bingham Crossing, but residents of Springbank were vehemently against it.

That probably would have been the closest place for Valley Ridge residents to get Groceries, shop for clothes, ect:
http://www.binghamcrossing.com/

Here are some news articles regarding the issue:
http://www.rockyviewcountynews.ca/ro...munity-resolve

http://www.myspringbank.ca/index.php...pment-Map.html

The project is not completely dead from my understanding. The developer still owns the land and they are trying to re-work their development proposal to make it more palatable to residents in springbank.

[Nage Waza]

I know about Aspen, lots of shopping, schools (including a new high school), some paths, and the C-train with assorted road upgrades are currently in the works. The Glenmore and 37 St bridge is actually complete, but I am not even sure if it is permanent.

[Ducay]

So you have to risk life and limb going into Bowness each time you need food? Sounds like a death wish

A friend at work lives in Valley Ridge, I'll give him a shakedown for his opinion on travel times, groceries, etc.

[Olao32]

I can’t comment on VR, however I currently live in Springbank Hill which is literally right across from Aspen. Actually, we are in a very similar situation in that we are looking to move. We seriously considered VR due to the points already mentioned (green space, larger lots…) but mainly price. In the end I think we have ruled it out for the following reasons:
- Long commute from downtown
- No amenities close to the community
- Lack of school system in place (which is a major factor for resale)

Compared to Aspen and surrounding areas:
- Multiple schools (elementary, middle and a new high school currently being built). Both private and public schools to chose from.
- Multiple amenities (Strathcona centre, Aspen, and up near West Springs)
- Direct commute to downtown via bus system (and new c-train currently being built)

I guess it depends on your exact price point, and either area has beautiful million dollar houses, but generally speaking, you will get more bang for your buck in VR in that you get a larger house/lot, nice finishing’s etc. for an equally priced home in Aspen. However, you have to weigh that against other factors and choose what is more important to you.

Other areas around Aspen you might also like would be:
-Cougar Ridge
-West Springs
-Strathcona