Foothills County, AB Real Estate Statistics
| Average Price | $2M |
|---|---|
| Lowest Price | $285K |
| Highest Price | $11.5M |
| Total Listings | 161 |
| Avg. Days On Market | 135 |
| Avg. Price/SQFT | $898 |
Property Types (active listings)
See the Newest Foothills County, Alberta Acreages 1+ Acre
- All Listings
- $200,000 - $300,000
- $400,000 - $500,000
- $500,000 - $600,000
- $600,000 - $700,000
- $700,000 - $800,000
- $800,000 - $900,000
- $900,000 - $1,000,000
- Over $1,000,000
Find Your Dream Acreage in Foothills County, Alberta
Popular communities: Okotoks, High River, Diamond Valley, Priddis, Millarville, and De WInton
Foothills County extends southwest of Calgary and has long been one of the most sought-after areas for acreage living in Alberta. The county's defining feature is its landscape; rolling hills, treed properties, and mountain views that create a setting unlike the flatter prairie regions east and north of Calgary. If scenery matters to you, Foothills delivers in ways that few other counties can match.
The county includes several well-established communities, each with its own character and local services. Okotoks has grown significantly over the years and offers modern amenities, strong schools, and a thriving local economy. High River maintains its historic downtown and ranching heritage while providing essential services. Black Diamond, Turner Valley, and other smaller communities offer tight-knit atmospheres with access to the outdoors and proximity to Calgary.
Foothills County has a population of around 25,000 people spread across a large area, creating a balance between having neighbors and maintaining privacy. The county has invested in infrastructure, recreation, and services over the years, making it one of the better-supported rural areas in the province. If you're looking for acreage living without sacrificing access to amenities, Foothills is a strong contender.
Why Choose Foothills County for Your Acreage?
The landscape is the primary draw. Foothills County offers terrain that varies from gentle rolling hills to steeper slopes, with treed properties, open pasture, and views of the Rocky Mountains creating a setting that feels worlds away from typical suburban developments. If you value natural beauty and want property that offers more than just flat land, Foothills delivers.
Proximity to Calgary matters. Most properties in Foothills County are within a 30-60 minute drive to the city, making commutes manageable for people who work in Calgary but want to live in a more rural setting. Highway 2 provides direct access to southern Calgary, and traffic is generally reasonable compared to routes from other directions.
The communities within Foothills County are well-developed. Okotoks, High River, and other towns offer schools, healthcare, shopping, and recreational facilities that reduce the need to drive into Calgary for everyday services. These towns have their own identities and economies, so you're not just living in a bedroom community that exists solely to support Calgary commuters.
Property values in Foothills County have remained relatively stable over the years. While prices are higher than in counties further from Calgary, they're still lower than living within the city, and property taxes are more reasonable. If you're looking for a place to settle long-term rather than flip for quick profit, Foothills offers stability and quality of life.
The climate in Foothills County benefits from Chinook winds that moderate winter temperatures and melt snow quickly. The area receives good rainfall compared to regions further east, which supports pastures, gardens, and tree growth. Summers are warm without being oppressive, and the overall climate makes year-round outdoor activities practical.
Popular Communities in Foothills County
Foothills County includes several towns and hamlets, each offering different advantages depending on what you're looking for.
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Okotoks is the largest community in Foothills County and has seen significant growth over the past two decades. The town offers modern amenities including shopping centers, restaurants, recreation facilities, and strong schools. Properties near Okotoks are in high demand and tend to be priced at the upper end of the county range. The commute to Calgary is short, making Okotoks practical for people who work in the city.
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High River sits south of Okotoks and maintains a historic downtown with local shops, restaurants, and community events. The town has a strong ranching heritage and appeals to people who want a more traditional small-town atmosphere. Properties near High River offer good value compared to Okotoks, and the town provides solid services including schools and healthcare.
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Diamond Valley is located in the western part of the county near the foothills. This community appeal to people who want mountain access, treed properties, and a more rugged lifestyle. The towns are smaller, and services are more limited than Okotoks or High River, but the setting and proximity to Kananaskis Country make them attractive for outdoor recreation.
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Longview is a small hamlet west of High River known for its ranching culture and the Longview Steakhouse, a local landmark. The area offers larger properties with mountain views and appeals to buyers looking for more space and privacy. The commute to Calgary is longer from Longview, but the tradeoff is more scenic land at lower prices.
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Priddis and Millarville are located in the northern part of Foothills County, closer to Calgary. These areas offer upscale acreages with rolling terrain, treed lots, and proximity to both Calgary and the mountains. Properties here tend to be at the premium end of the market, attracting buyers looking for quality builds and natural settings.
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De Winton sits along the eastern edge of Foothills County, bordering Rocky View County. The area offers acreages with easy access to Calgary and tends to be flatter with larger open parcels. Properties here are more affordable than western areas of the county while still providing reasonable commute times.
What Acreage Living in Foothills County Actually Looks Like
Living on an acreage in Foothills County requires taking on responsibilities that come with rural property ownership. Most acreages outside town boundaries operate on well water and septic systems, both of which need regular maintenance, testing, and occasional repairs. Budgeting for these systems is important, as replacements or major repairs can cost thousands of dollars.
Snow removal is your responsibility. The county maintains main roads, but your driveway and property access are on you. Depending on driveway length and property size, you may need a plow, tractor, or hired help to clear snow after storms. Foothills County receives moderate snowfall, though Chinook winds often melt the accumulation quickly.
Property maintenance takes time. Lawn care, fence repairs, tree management, and general upkeep require ongoing attention. If you have animals, there's daily feeding, water management, shelter maintenance, and veterinary care to consider. The rolling terrain in parts of Foothills County can make maintenance more challenging than flat properties, particularly for mowing and fencing.
That said, the lifestyle appeals to people for clear reasons. You have space and privacy without neighbors looking into your windows or complaining about noise. Kids can explore outdoors safely, dogs can run freely, and hobbies that require room, like woodworking, mechanics, or large gardens, become practical.
If you work from home, Foothills County offers a quality of life that's hard to beat. You're surrounded by natural beauty, have space for a proper home office, and Calgary remains accessible when you need it for meetings or services. The slower pace and lower stress levels are tangible benefits that many remote workers value.
The community aspect in Foothills County is genuine. Despite being close to Calgary, the area maintains a rural culture where people help each other out. Whether it's lending equipment, sharing knowledge about livestock, or checking in during emergencies, the connections here feel real and meaningful.
Foothills County Real Estate Market Overview
The acreage market in Foothills County reflects the desirability of the area. Smaller residential acreages (2-5 acres) near Okotoks or in premium areas like Priddis typically start around $800,000 and can exceed $1.5 million for newer builds with quality finishes and mountain views. Larger properties (10-40 acres) with older homes or buildings that need work can be found in the $700,000-$900,000 range, depending on location and condition.
Western areas of the county near Black Diamond, Turner Valley, and Longview generally offer larger properties at lower prices compared to areas closer to Calgary. If your priority is land and mountain access over short commute times, the western part of Foothills provides better value per acre.
Premium estates with extensive land, custom homes, and full equestrian facilities often exceed $2 million, particularly in areas like Priddis, Millarville, and along the Highwood River. These properties attract buyers looking for luxury acreages with natural settings and all the amenities.
Zoning in Foothills County typically allows for residential use with agricultural activity. That means you can keep horses, cattle, chickens, and other livestock without special permits in most cases. Larger commercial operations or additional dwellings may require rezoning or development permits, so verifying what's allowed on specific properties is important before purchasing.
The market in Foothills County is competitive, particularly for well-priced properties in desirable locations. Multiple offers are common for acreages near Okotoks or with exceptional views and features. Working with someone who knows the local market and can move quickly is important in Foothills County's environment.
Things to Do in Foothills County
Foothills County offers year-round outdoor recreation with easy access to some of Alberta's best natural settings. Kananaskis Country is less than an hour from most parts of the county, providing hiking, mountain biking, camping, and backcountry exploration. In winter, world-class skiing at resorts like Nakiska is nearby, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails are abundant.
The Highwood River runs through the county and offers fishing, rafting, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Local trails, provincial parks, and Crown land provide endless options for people who enjoy spending time outdoors without needing to drive hours from home.
For families, Okotoks has parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, arenas, and recreational facilities. The town hosts seasonal events, farmers' markets, and community activities throughout the year. High River and other communities have their own events, rodeos, and local traditions that bring people together.
Equestrian activities are popular throughout Foothills County, with numerous riding clubs, competitions, and facilities supporting horse owners. Many properties include riding arenas, and the terrain is well-suited to trail riding and other equestrian pursuits.
Calgary is within reasonable driving distance for professional sports, concerts, museums, shopping, and dining. Most residents find they don't need to go into the city as often as they expected, but having access when you want it is convenient.
Ready to Find Your Foothills County Acreage?
We work with buyers throughout Foothills County and understand the differences between communities, terrain types, and what to look for when evaluating acreage properties. Whether you're moving from Calgary, relocating from another province, or upsizing from a smaller property, we'll help you find the right fit.
Our team knows the local market, can connect you with lenders and inspectors who specialize in rural properties, and will walk you through every step of the process. We're not here to push you into something that doesn't make sense. We're here to help you make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Foothills County Acreages
How much does an acreage cost in Foothills County?
Acreages in Foothills County typically range from $700,000 to over $2 million depending on location, size, and features. Smaller properties (2-5 acres) near Okotoks start around $800,000, while larger acreages in western areas like Longview or Black Diamond can be found in the $700,000-$900,000 range. Premium estates with mountain views, custom homes, and extensive amenities often exceed $2 million, particularly in areas like Priddis and Millarville.
How far is Foothills County from Calgary?
Foothills County begins approximately 20 kilometers south of Calgary, with commute times ranging from 30-60 minutes depending on property location and where you work in the city. Properties near Okotoks offer the shortest commutes (30-40 minutes), while acreages in western areas like Black Diamond or Longview add 15-30 minutes. Highway 2 provides direct access to southern Calgary with minimal traffic congestion.
Is Foothills County more expensive than other counties near Calgary?
Foothills County is generally more expensive than Wheatland, Kneehill, or Mountain View counties due to its scenic terrain, proximity to Calgary, and desirable communities. Property prices are comparable to Rocky View County in many areas, though premium locations in Foothills with mountain views can exceed Rocky View prices. The tradeoff for higher costs is access to rolling hills, natural beauty, and well-developed local communities.
What utilities are available on acreages in Foothills County?
Most acreages in Foothills County operate on well water and septic systems rather than municipal services. Electricity is standard across all properties, and high-speed internet availability has improved significantly in recent years, though some remote areas may still rely on satellite or fixed wireless service. Natural gas availability varies by location, with some properties connected to lines and others using propane for heating.
Can you have horses on an acreage in Foothills County?
Yes, horses are permitted on most acreages in Foothills County. Many properties are specifically designed for equestrian use with barns, riding arenas, and fenced pastures. The county's zoning regulations typically allow horses and other livestock on residential agricultural land, and the terrain is well-suited to trail riding and other equestrian activities. Foothills County has a strong equestrian community with clubs and events throughout the year.
Can you have chickens in Foothills County?
Yes, chickens and other poultry are generally allowed on acreages in Foothills County. The county has bylaws regarding setback requirements from property lines and neighbor considerations, but most acreage owners can keep chickens without issue. Always verify specific regulations for your property, especially if you're within or near town boundaries where different rules may apply.
What is Okotoks known for?
Okotoks is known as the largest community in Foothills County and one of the fastest-growing towns in Alberta. The town offers a strong local economy, excellent schools, modern recreational facilities, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Okotoks is also known for the Okotoks Erratic, one of the world's largest glacial erratics, and for maintaining small-town charm despite significant growth. The town's proximity to Calgary makes it popular with commuters seeking acreage living.
What is the commute like from High River to Calgary?
The commute from High River to Calgary typically takes 45-60 minutes via Highway 2, depending on where you work in the city and traffic conditions. The drive is straightforward, though rush hour traffic can add time to the commute. Many people who work in Calgary choose to live in High River for the lower cost of living, larger properties, and small-town atmosphere while accepting the longer drive.
Are property taxes high in Foothills County?
Property taxes in Foothills County are moderate compared to other counties near Calgary. Rates are generally lower than Rocky View County but higher than more remote counties like Wheatland or Kneehill. The county provides strong services, including road maintenance, fire protection, emergency response, and recreational facilities. Actual tax amounts depend on property value and size, so factoring this into your budget when considering a purchase is important.
What are the pros and cons of living in Foothills County?
Pros include scenic rolling terrain with mountain views, proximity to Calgary for work and amenities, well-developed communities like Okotoks and High River with strong schools and services, access to outdoor recreation and Kananaskis Country, Chinook winds moderating winter weather, and a genuine rural community feel. Cons include higher property prices than counties further from Calgary, competitive real estate market with multiple offers common, increased property maintenance due to terrain and trees, and longer commutes from western areas of the county.
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