Rivercrest and Southbow Landing are two of the best places to buy a new build in south Cochrane, and they couldn't be more different. Rivercrest is a small, boutique community that's nearly finished, with wider lots and a settled feel. Southbow Landing is Cochrane's largest community to date, in its early phases, with schools, shops, and pathways planned. Which one fits depends on whether you want finished and quiet or new with room to grow.
If you've been shopping new builds, you probably feel like you have 14 tabs open. At one point there were over 150 new homes for sale in Cochrane, and the quartz counters, big islands, and open layouts start to blur together. To help, I toured two homes by the same builder, Trico Homes, one in each community. Here's what I learned and what to look for.
Rivercrest at a Glance
Rivercrest is what I call the sunny side of Cochrane. It's tucked close to the Bow River, with the rolling foothills and the Rockies out your window.
Size: small and mostly single family homes, with a boutique feel
Stage: almost done construction, so trees are in and people are settled
Lots: wider than many new communities, which you can really see from the backyard
Getting around: just off River Heights Drive, with quick access to Highway 1A and Highway 22
Nearby: about a kilometre of pathway in the community, parks close by, and minutes to downtown and Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre
Schools: a new Kindergarten to Grade 8 school is being built right in Rivercrest
Southbow Landing at a Glance
Southbow Landing is the opposite: a big master planned community just getting started.
Size: Cochrane's largest project to date
Stage: early phases, so expect construction for years
Amenities: a commercial area already under construction, a planned dog park, multiple school sites, parks, and pathways that will eventually connect to the Bow River
Walkability: once built out, you'll be able to walk to shops on the south side of town
Investment angle: lot prices tend to rise as phases progress, so early buyers often get the best pricing
Two Homes, Two Communities
These two quick possession homes were for sale when I filmed. They've likely sold since, but they show the differences well. Reach out and I'll send you what's available now.
The Oxford in Rivercrest: Just over 2,000 sq ft, two storey, 3 bedrooms plus a main floor office, south backing with a sunny backyard, standard basement.
The Monroe in Southbow Landing: Four level split, 3 bedrooms plus two bonus spaces, north backing with lots of windows, walkout basement with a rear covered porch.
The Oxford: A Classic Layout With a Sunny Yard
The Oxford is a popular plan for good reason. Highlights:
A home office near the front entry, set away from the main living space, so you get real separation if you work from home
South backing, with sunlight pouring into the main floor and the primary bedroom
A white kitchen with cabinets to the ceiling, a gas range, lots of drawers, and a true U shaped walk in pantry
A living room that fits a sectional, which isn't a given at this size
A central bonus room that separates the primary suite from the other bedrooms, plus upstairs laundry
A spacious ensuite with a long vanity, deep soaker tub, and tile shower
Because Rivercrest is almost complete, the light you see in this home is the light you'll actually live with. No future homes will block it.
The Monroe: A Split Level That Isn't Cookie Cutter
The Monroe is for anyone tired of the standard two storey new build. It's a four level split, which gives each part of the house its own floor:
A main level just for the kitchen, living, and dining room, with a huge island, a wide tiled fireplace, and walls of windows
A second level with two bedrooms, the main bath, and laundry
A third level bonus room, perfect for movie nights
A top floor primary suite with foothill views, an extra long vanity, and one of the biggest walk in closets I've seen
A walkout basement that feels like an extension of the main floor, with great storage under the garage
It's a great setup for families with older kids, or anyone who wants real separation between bedrooms.
How to Compare New Builds in Cochrane
Whether you're looking at these two communities or others, here's what I walk my clients through:
Community stage. Do you want a finished neighbourhood now, or are you comfortable living with construction in exchange for future amenities?
Which way the yard faces. South backing yards get the most sun. North backing homes can still be bright with the right windows.
Where the office sits. A main floor office by the entry works very differently from a flex space off the kitchen.
Walkout or not. Walkouts are few and far between in Cochrane, and they change how you use the basement.
Lot width. It's hard to see on a map, but it makes a big difference in your yard.
Quick possession vs building. Quick possession homes let you move in sooner, often with finishes already chosen. Building gives you choice but takes longer.
If you're a first time buyer, the federal First Time Home Buyers' GST Rebate removes the full GST on a new home priced up to $1 million (with a partial rebate up to $1.5 million), which can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
Rivercrest or Southbow Landing?
Choose Rivercrest if you want a quiet, nearly finished community with wider lots and an established feel. Choose Southbow Landing if you want a community you can grow with, future walkability to shops and schools, and early phase pricing.
Let's Find Your New Build
Before I became a realtor, I worked in new home sales for years, so I know how builders price, what's negotiable, and what to watch for in a new home contract. If you're comparing new builds in Cochrane, I'd love to help you narrow it down and book tours. 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: Rivercrest Cochrane new homes, Southbow Landing Cochrane, New Build Communities in Cochrane, West Hawk Cochrane
Prices are shared for general information only and reflect the time of filming. 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.
