Short answer: Chestermere is a lake city just east of Calgary, built around Chestermere Lake, with fast access to east Calgary and Stoney Trail. It offers lake-area homes, newer family communities and new construction, and is a popular choice for buyers who want more space close to NE and SE Calgary.
By Taran Bains, REALTOR® with Real Broker · Updated October 22, 2026
Chestermere is a lakeside city on the east edge of Calgary. It shares a boundary with Calgary, so many residents work in the city and come home to a quieter, smaller-city lifestyle. If you are comparing new homes in NE or SE Calgary (like Cornerstone or Seton) with homes in Chestermere, this guide covers what you should know before you buy.
Why people move to Chestermere
The lake. The city is built around Chestermere Lake, which gives the city its name. The lake started as a natural wetland and was turned into a lake by a dam and canal system by 1907, when it was used for farm irrigation. Today it is the centre of summer life: paddling, boating, fishing and lakeside parks. If you would rather have lake life inside Calgary, compare it with Mahogany.
A real city, close to Calgary. Chestermere became a city on January 1, 2015. You get your own city services and a smaller-community feel, with Calgary right next door.
Easy commuting. The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) and Chestermere Boulevard (17 Avenue SE) connect Chestermere to Calgary, so getting to east Calgary, the airport area and Stoney Trail is straightforward.
Schools in Chestermere
Chestermere has both public and Catholic schools:
- Public (Rocky View Schools): Chestermere High School, Chestermere Lake Middle School, Prairie Waters Elementary, East Lake School and Rainbow Creek Elementary.
- Catholic (Calgary Catholic School District): St. Gabriel the Archangel and Our Lady of Wisdom.
School boundaries and programs change, so always confirm the designated school for a specific address with the school board before you buy.
What kinds of homes can you buy?
Chestermere has a mix of established lake-area homes and brand-new communities. Newer areas such as Bridgeport, Dawson’s Landing and Chelsea offer new detached homes, often with larger floor plans, main-floor bedrooms, side entrances and 3-car garages. You will also find duplexes and townhomes that work well for first-time buyers.
Buying new construction? Ask about the builder’s possession date, what is included in the price, and whether you qualify for the first-time home buyer GST rebate. I can walk you through all of it and compare options from different builders side by side.
Tips before you buy in Chestermere
- Check the commute at rush hour. Drive your route on a weekday morning before you decide.
- Compare property taxes and utility costs with similar homes in Calgary. They can differ. Also looking north of the city? See my Airdrie guide.
- Look at future development. Many Chestermere communities are still growing, so ask what is planned near the home.
- Get pre-approved first. With new homes, deposits are often due in stages, so plan your cash flow early.
Thinking about Chestermere? Let’s talk.
I help buyers and sellers across Calgary, Chestermere, Airdrie, Cochrane and Okotoks, plus smaller nearby communities like Langdon, in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. Tell me what you are looking for, and I will send you homes that match, including new builds and quick possessions.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chestermere part of Calgary?
No. Chestermere is its own city just east of Calgary, with its own property taxes and services.
Are new homes being built in Chestermere?
Yes, in several communities. In February 2026 Mattamy Homes and Truman also announced a new 253-acre community of about 1,900 homes on the south side of the lake, with first residents expected in 2029.
How far is Chestermere from NE Calgary?
Chestermere borders east Calgary, so NE communities like Saddle Ridge and Cornerstone are a short drive via Stoney Trail.
Should I buy in Chestermere or NE Calgary?
Compare property taxes, commute, schools and lot sizes. Chestermere offers the lake and more space; NE Calgary offers CTrain access in Saddle Ridge and city services. Taran can compare both.
Is there a Punjabi-speaking realtor in Chestermere?
Yes. Call or text Taran Bains, REALTOR® (Real Broker), at 587-839-8030. He works in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu.
Taran Bains, REALTOR® | Real Broker. Information is believed accurate as of October 2026 but should be independently verified.