Tell me about your SE community.

[Vox]

Originally Posted by ken0042

To be fair, it wasn't planned to be that way at all. There was supposed to be an entrance into McKenzie Towne behind Walmart. Walmart bought the land and was supposed to build that entrance, and decided against it. (I've heard conflicting reports as to why- pressure from residents, etc.)

The 4 way stop was supposed to be back where the crazy 2 way stop is by Winners. By the time they tried to remove the 4 way, it was too late. They removed it and all hell broke loose. Dozens of crashes in the first few days, so they put it back.

I still think they should put a NB only entrance/exit on the western most part by Marshalls, using the off ramp for Deerfoot. The problem would be that you'd have to enforce a 50 km/h on the off ramp, which could cause issues on Deerfoot.

My understanding is the residents in McKenzie Towne fought the entrance to the Walmart. The concern being too much traffic through the residential streets. They were probably right, unfortunately.

I also agree with you on the off ramp from Deerfoot. I always though that even an entrance only access coming off the ramp would be beneficial.

[Maccalus]

Originally Posted by psicodude

Yeah, I agree. If they would just build a (can't believe I am saying this) Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, and some fast food places in Seton, traffic on 130th would be way better. Do I recall correctly that Seton was going to avoid a lot of the big box retailers and try to go for a small town shopping experience?

Seton is definitely going to have some more big box stores, but not as much as 130th. See this link to the next phase of it.

http://www.setonurbandistrict.com/as...nfinalrev2.pdf

It will also have the main street and walkable area to it as well.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by psicodude

Compared to Chinook, it's a dream. Just so much more laid-back. Yeah, it's missing a few stores and the theatre, but I don't care. Every time I go to Chinook, I feel that it takes 6 months off my life.

My wife knows that the only way I venture into Chinook Centre is at gunpoint. And even then I resist!

130th is a shopping tragedy. Pretty much every parking lot is a disaster and the Canadian Tire has a sign saying 'Now Open' that has been up for what, like 6 years?

[puffnstuff]

The three or four days when that 4 way stop was taken out, most people were still treating it like one. Then someone would come along that was actually following the new way, that was when chaos would ensue.
Before they re-did the 130 bridge over deerfoot there was a west side entrance, between the Tims and the BPs, I miss having that.
If I go in there to HD or PHL, I take the back way behind CT and get out by the Keg. Saves me from the insane right hand lane congestion westbound.

[rohara66]

Originally Posted by Locke

My wife knows that the only way I venture into Chinook Centre is at gunpoint. And even then I resist!

130th is a shopping tragedy. Pretty much every parking lot is a disaster and the Canadian Tire has a sign saying 'Now Open' that has been up for what, like 6 years?

I think they put that sign up after they reopened after the fire they had.... so it's only been up for 2-3ish years haha.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by rohara66

I think they put that sign up after they reopened after the fire they had.... so it's only been up for 2-3ish years haha.

Thats still a very, very long time for 'Now Open.' But I loathe Canadian Tire so they can burn in hell for all I care.

[Vox]

Originally Posted by psicodude

Yeah, I agree. If they would just build a (can't believe I am saying this) Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, and some fast food places in Seton, traffic on 130th would be way better. Do I recall correctly that Seton was going to avoid a lot of the big box retailers and try to go for a small town shopping experience?

As Maccalus pointed out, they do have some large anchor tenants. Superstore, London Drugs, and a hotel going in as well. But they are trying to attract "mom-and-pop" stores, and are planning a "live-work" area where artists, small business, etc can have a store front attached to their homes. Kind of "King of Kensington" style. Very cool. Some areas will have more walking access than roads. There is also a seniors residence and planned 24 hour day care for the hospital staff and other round the clock working folk. Some very interesting concepts in Seton.

[Calgary14]

Are they still planning on building a Cineplex in Seton?

[fundmark19]

Originally Posted by Calgary14

Are they still planning on building a Cineplex in Seton?

Adult only I believe

[Rhettzky]

Originally Posted by Calgary14

Are they still planning on building a Cineplex in Seton?

Yup. Should be starting work soon. It's two thirds regular theatre and one third VIP theatre. Plans looked like 5 or 6 VIP theatres that each sat around 70 people in what looked to be leather easy boy recliners and side tables. Private washrooms and licensed. Just wonder how much it will cost to see a flick there.

[2ArmBands]

Mckenzie Lake here. Have been living here for 2 years now, was in a very similar situation as the OP. We looked at many communities in the area including Mckenze Towne, New Brighton, Auburn Bay, Mahogany, Sundance etc..

I've been really happy with Mckenzie Lake. We were looking for a more mature neighborhood vs the new builds. Bought a house a bit north of your price point but not by a lot. There is likely a lot of houses within your price point. My house was built in 89 just for reference.

I find the quick access to both Deerfoot and Stoney to be really convenient. It's nice to be able to have all of 130th, Mckenzie Towne, and Shawnessy all at your disposal. The lake is awesome (especially if you have kids) good path system, river is close, plenty of schools etc....

The only main downfall for me is the lack of grocery stores/restaurants directly within Mckenzie Lake... But again there is so much nearby that it's hard to really complain.

Having the Mckenzie Meadows golf course has also been a really pleasant perk for me personally! Not a big fan of the course itself but the practice facility is great! Something to consider if you happen to be a golfer

As most of my work is in the SE and the wife working in Ogden it has been a really pleasant place to live. I always lived in the north growing up so I dreaded the thought of moving to the Deep South. I'm still suprised I enjoy it as much as I do.

When I was house hunting there never seemed to be a lot of listings for Mckenzie lake not sure if it's just a smaller community or just typically had low inventory? Just a heads up

Hope it helps and good luck in your search

[Calgary14]

Originally Posted by Rhettzky

Yup. Should be starting work soon. It's two thirds regular theatre and one third VIP theatre. Plans looked like 5 or 6 VIP theatres that each sat around 70 people in what looked to be leather easy boy recliners and side tables. Private washrooms and licensed. Just wonder how much it will cost to see a flick there.

Sounds pricey but if it means avoiding Chinook then I'm all for it

[hockey.modern]

Mahogany is starting develop nicely. Quick access to Stoney Trail as it is just off the entrance to the community from 52nd street. Less than 5 minutes away from the South Health Campus, and with many plazas (Seton, Auburn Bay, Mahogany Village Market) being built on main street of 52nd; travelling to 130th doesn't become much of an issue. Though if that's the case, it's only going to be less than 10 minutes to get there.

Summer time would be great for the families with the emergence of the beaches and club house, and you wouldn't have to worry about other people coming in from the outside as it's only exclusive to people living in the community with the free pass given.

It takes time to get used to the road formation with it's many traffic circles but overall, a nice community that accommodates nearby needs as well. Like you said though, it may be hard to get a home here with a 450K range. Good luck!

Edit: Also, with the green line, SE Calgary should get much better public transport if you are looking at the long-term project of the entire area.

[Ahuch]

130th can be a total PITA, but on the flip side it's nice to have everything close.

[SeeGeeWhy]

I mostly grew up in Queensland, it was a #### hole and probably has gotten worse since we left in '99. We moved to chaparral after that, finished high school (beaverbrook), then spent my university years living at my parents place. Commuting to the university was really bad at the time but my parents have stayed ever since and it's been a good place to host family events and they like it. It's a bit tough to visit them often becuase it's basically okotoks. Not awesome nightlife/entertainment options but you are close to some great golfing, camping and river swimming not far outside of the city. Transportation will be an issue until green line is done, new hospital is great, sikome/fish Creek used to be amazing until Douglasdale et al ate it all up but it's still pretty great around parkland.

[blueski]

Quarry park reporting in. I've been sleeping in my van here in random locations the last few months. Not impressed. It should get better when the new YMCA opens. It's too close to the dump, it is hard to get across the river. I am already tired of all the restaurants. Eating out for standard stuff seems more higher priced than the rest of the city. The cell service is terrible. Also, I can't find propane any where close by. People from most other parts hate the commute to here. There's not much of a view and the place just seems dead, not much life at all.

[Northendzone]

Originally Posted by Locke

130th is a shopping tragedy. Pretty much every parking lot is a disaster and the Canadian Tire has a sign saying 'Now Open' that has been up for what, like 6 years?

sign is now down - or at least I did not notice it last night

[lazypucker]

Talking about SE, no one has mentioned the wonderful neighborhoods such as Forest Lawn and Dover?

Also what about other communities such as Airdrie, Okotoks, and Chestermere, which are all just 10 minutes from downtown Calgary?

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

sign is now down - or at least I did not notice it last night

It just seems so sad and desperate.

"We're open now...we promise...please come in...its so lonely...."

[Nyah]

Originally Posted by lazypucker

Talking about SE, no one has mentioned the wonderful neighborhoods such as Forest Lawn and Dover?

Also what about other communities such as Airdrie, Okotoks, and Chestermere, which are all just 10 minutes from downtown Calgary?

How original.