River Heights is a small, established pocket of homes on the south side of Cochrane, within the larger Riversong area. Built between about 2008 and 2016, it offers quiet, tight knit streets, developed yards, and easy access to Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre, Bow Valley High School, and the south Cochrane pathway system.
Too often I see buyers focus on the communities with the most advertising or the flashiest new builds. If you want established streets, walking trails, and a front porch kind of neighbourhood, River Heights deserves a closer look.
Where Is River Heights?
River Heights sits in south Cochrane, tucked in off River Heights Drive. It's one of those areas you can drive right past without realizing what's there. The entrance doesn't look like much, but once you explore, you find a quiet pocket of homes that feels like its own little hidden gem.
That location puts you in the middle of everything south Cochrane offers:
Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre: about a 10 to 15 minute walk, or under 5 minutes by car
Bow Valley High School: close enough for older kids to walk
Pathways: a stone's throw from the Riversong pathway system, which connects toward Ridge View and Riviera
What It's Like to Live in River Heights
River Heights isn't a pass through community. The only people driving its streets are the people who live there, which keeps it quiet and gives it real charm. It feels a bit like one big cul de sac, where neighbours know each other and you can sit on the front porch in the evening.
Because most homes were built from 2008 on, the yards and trees have had time to grow in, something you won't get in a brand new community.
Amenities Near River Heights
There aren't shops at the entrance to River Heights. It's a residential pocket, so you'll drive out for groceries or a Tim Hortons run. You're still close to everything on River Heights Drive, and more commercial space is planned nearby in Southbow Landing and Greystone. If you want shops right in your community, Fireside, Sunset Ridge, or Heartland might suit you better.
River Heights Home Types and Prices
There are four styles of homes in River Heights. Prices change with the market, so reach out and I'll send you what's selling now.
Townhomes (no condo fee): one small pocket, rarely for sale.
Duplexes: single or double attached garages.
Single family laned homes: the most variety, with some big pie lots and triple garages.
Detached with a double front garage: only a handful in the community.
Townhomes
There's one street with freehold townhomes, so they don't come up often. If a no condo fee townhome is what you're after, there are other areas of Cochrane I can point you to as well.
Duplexes
River Heights has some great duplexes with single or double attached garages. Price depends on size, whether the basement is developed, and what the home backs onto. Some back onto the new road the Town of Cochrane is building behind River Heights Drive to ease traffic in this part of town, and some back toward the future Southbow Landing. If you want something spacious with a developed yard at a great value, these are worth a look.
Single Family Laned Homes
This is where River Heights really shines. Laned homes here vary a lot in size, finish, and lot. At the lower end, think a smaller home with an unfinished basement and maybe no garage yet. At the upper end, a fully finished, well kept home on a big pie lot with a triple or oversized detached garage. If you love a back alley and a cute front porch, you'll find it here.
Detached Homes With a Front Garage
There aren't many, but River Heights does have some detached homes with double attached front garages. Price depends on size, basement development, and condition.
The Honest Cons of River Heights
No neighbourhood is perfect for everyone. Here's when River Heights might not be your best fit:
You want brand new. Homes here were built from about 2008 to 2016, so you'll see more maintenance than in a new build. The trade off is a finished yard and mature trees.
You want to walk downtown. River Heights is central to south Cochrane, but Greystone or one of the established downtown areas would put you closer to the shops on First Street.
You want big mountain views. Some homes have peekaboo views of the mountains and the hill coming into town, but not the panoramic views you'll find in other parts of Cochrane, like Ridge View.
Is River Heights Right for You?
If you're looking for strong value, a home with some character, and a real sense of community on a quiet street, River Heights is a great option. It works especially well for families with teens at Bow Valley High, active families who'd use Spray Lake Sawmills every week, and buyers who want an established home at a great value.
Let's Find Your Spot in Cochrane
If River Heights sounds like it could be a fit, I'd love to pull up the homes for sale in your price range and talk through the full picture of moving to Cochrane. If you're thinking about moving to Cochrane, start with my free Moving to Cochrane Guide. When you're ready to look at homes, fill out my client questionnaire or book a call with me.
Related guides: Riviera Cochrane, Southbow Landing Cochrane, Greystone Cochrane, Best Neighbourhoods in Cochrane
Market figures are shared for general information only. They are not an appraisal or valuation of any specific property. Prices, schools, and community plans change, so please confirm current details before making decisions. Lauren Crouse, REAL Broker.
