Nestled in High River within swinging distance of the links at the Highwood Golf and Country Club, Prairie Sound Townhomes have seen a flock of home-buying interest by purchasers looking to dig in small-town roots.

“It used to be older people retiring to the area, but there has definitely been a change in the past year – now it’s more young people, couples and singles, as well as retirees and families,” says Paula Jordan, sales associate for Prairie Sound Townhomes.

That’s because, says, Jordan, these chic addresses not only offer more bang for their buck than Calgary counterparts, they also come chalk full of the creature comforts of home —including attached garages and charming front verandahs.

“Our standard package is above what many builders offer,” says Jordan, adding two bathrooms plus a powder room, walk-in closets in master bedrooms, National Home Warranties, plus porches – some wraparound – ensure the townhomes in the golf community are a sound purchase.

With seven floor plans to choose from — all named for birds — layouts for the two-storey digs offer homes to suit a gaggle of tastes and lifestyles, from Goldfinch to Waxwing. “There are probably about four which are more popular but there is quite a range of two- and three-bedroom plans, just like there is a range in who’s buying,” says Jordan.

Families seem to be drawn to the larger, three-bedroom addresses, while singles, “newly-singled” and couples or those looking to gain some home equity as roommates can appreciate having dual sleeping quarters plus two-and-a-half bathrooms, as seen in the Oriole show suite.

Walking into the Oriole, would-be residents often comment on the plan’s air of “calmness”— punctuated by its wide-open main floor with generous servings of kitchen, flex space and living room, and two bedrooms, laundry and an open-concept den upstairs. An oversized garage with attached storage space at the lower level reinforces the address isn’t your average little house on the prairie.

“Some people finish it out for a den or workout area, but it’s great for storage on the same level as the garage,” says Jordan.

Dolled up on the exterior in hues reminiscent of an East Coast waterfront town, it’s easy to forget the condo community is located in High River.

Meanwhile, wraparound verandahs reinforce the small-town flavour while front lawns offer new homebuyers a little slice of professionally-landscaped outdoor living space.

With now about 75 per cent of buyers flocking to Prairie Sound from Calgary, and the remaining quarter a blend of residents relocating from the area or out-of-province, remaining townhomes are selling fast. While pricing for the next of the last 50 units is being finalized, the 1,160- to 1,346-square-foot abodes will fall somewhere in the $200,000s – still affordable by today’s standards, notes Jordan.

But price is not the only force fuelling sales, says Jordan, who says people of all ages are lured to the quality of life that comes with leaving the big city behind at day’s end.

“It’s still mellow out here. For people who want a quieter lifestyle, even younger people starting out, it does offer that. Plus, you are only 25 minutes from Shawnessy so you’re still close to Calgary,” says Jordan.

Prairie Sound Townhomes’ show suite is open Monday to Thursday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For directions or for more information, go online to http://www.prairiesound.ca   CL