Thinking about relocating and moving to Cochrane Alberta? This page will help you learn more about Cochrane and Cochrane’s neighborhood communities.  

View of Cochrane from Glen Eagles golf course

About Cochrane

The town of Cochrane, Ab is located 20 minutes west of Calgary and 50 minutes east of Banff along the intersection of highways 1a and 22. With a population of over 34,000, Cochrane offers small town life with access to all the amenities and a short drive to Calgary or the Rocky Mountains.

Cochrane was named after Senator Matthew Henry Cochrane, the man who established the Cochrane Ranche in 1881. The Canadian Pacific Railway granted the town site in 1885 and named it in honour of Senator Cochrane, but few people made Cochrane their home despite the surrounding ranching population. Until recently, Cochrane remained small and it was incorporated as a town with just 800 residents in 1971.

Today, Cochrane is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada. Cochrane grew 24.5% from 2016 to 2021 and will continue to grow quickly as people realize the great lifestyle that Cochrane offers. While Cochrane is growing quickly, it is still noted for its western heritage, popular historic downtown, as well as its small-town hospitality.

Businesses

Cochrane’s historic downtown offers a mix of traditional small town stores including a western clothing store, gift shops, a saloon, and the famous McKay’s ice cream. But Cochrane is also a modern town that has supermarkets and large big box stores including Walmart, Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Marks, Winners, Pet Smart, and others. Cochrane also has natural resource industries and a growing technology and knowledge industry sector that includes firms like Garmin, 4iiii Innovation, Hunter Technologies, McThings, and others.

Events

Cochrane boasts a full schedule of events throughout the year. Popular events include Cochrane Footstock, Canada Day, the Cochrane and District Rodeo, Cochrane Outhouse Races, Heritage Days, and the Cochrane Christmas Light Up.  

Schools

Cochrane Ranche School

Cochrane offers a wide variety of school choices including elementary, middle schools, two high schools, a French immersion school and a French school. Cochrane and area belongs to the Rocky View School Division for public school and is part of the Calgary Catholic School Division. Cochrane also has a home schooling association.  

Find out more about Cochrane in the New Residents Guide provided by the Town of Cochrane.  

Cochrane Communities

Cochrane has a many great residential communities to live in. Each has their own unique character. For more information on any of these Cochrane neighborhoods please contact me and I’d be happy to provide you with a community profile.

Sunset Ridge pond

Cochrane Neighborhoods

I’m the local real estate expert in Cochrane. I’d be happy to help you with more information and resources to help you purchase a home and relocate to Cochrane.

Cochrane Neighborhoods – pathway along the Bow river at Riverview

For more information on moving to Cochrane Alberta please fill out the contact information below. 

Also –

Find information on Cochrane real estate prices or browse Cochrane real estate listings

Sources:

Town of Cochrane

Statistics Canada – Fastest growing communities