High River Community Reviews & Ratings

High River is located approximately 68 km south of Calgary at the junction of Highways 2 and 23, in the heart of the Foothills region. The town is named after the Highwood River, which flows through the community.

According to the 2021 Census, High River has a population of 14,324 residents. The town has a land area of 22.19 km² and a population density of 645 people per square kilometre. The town was incorporated as a village in 1901 and as a town in 1906.

The average home price in High River typically ranges from $400,000 to $550,000, making it more affordable than Calgary and many other Calgary-area communities. Prices vary by property type, age, size, and location within town.

High River is served by the Foothills School Division and Calgary Catholic School District. Schools include École Joe Clark School (French immersion), High River Elementary, Spitzee Elementary, École Senator Riley Middle School, Highwood High School (9-12), St. Francis of Assisi Academy (K-9), and Notre Dame Collegiate (Catholic high school).

High River is located directly on Highway 2, approximately 40-50 minutes south of Calgary. On-It Regional Transit provides commuter bus service between High River and Calgary, with stops at the Somerset-Bridlewood LRT station for connections to the rest of the city.

Top attractions include the Museum of the Highwood (housed in the historic 1912 CPR station), Sheppard Park (a 13-acre historical park with pioneer buildings), Sunshine Lake (1.5 km paved pathway), the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex (pool, arenas, curling), and over 28 km of walking trails throughout town.

Yes, High River has the High River General Hospital and Cancer Centre, offering 24/7 emergency care, inpatient services, and a cancer centre. For specialized advanced care, residents travel to the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, approximately 40-50 minutes north.

The Highwood River has experienced significant flood events historically, most notably in 2013 when thousands were evacuated. The Government of Alberta has undertaken major flood mitigation work since then, including berms, dikes, and upstream storage. Prospective buyers should verify property-specific flood status with their real estate agent.

According to RCMP data, High River's overall Crime Severity Index decreased in recent years, though property crime categories saw increases. Traffic safety is the top resident concern. Most residents report being satisfied with their interactions with local RCMP and Peace Officers.

High River was originally inhabited by the Blackfoot First Nation, who called the site Ispitzee. After Treaty 7 was signed in 1877, settlers arrived. The town developed around "The Crossing" on the Highwood River, completed by the Calgary and Edmonton Railway in 1892. One of Canada's first air force stations was established east of town in 1921.

Yes, High River is known as a "People-First" community with excellent schools, over 28 km of walking trails, the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex (pool, arenas, curling), splash parks, sports fields, and a vibrant downtown with shops, restaurants, and live music venues. It offers a safe, small-town lifestyle within commuting distance of Calgary.

The Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex and Cargill Field House features a 25-metre swimming pool, two ice arenas, four curling sheets, a two-lane walking track, and a multi-purpose playing surface for soccer, lacrosse, basketball, volleyball, and badminton. It is the town's premier recreational facility.