Living in Olds, Alberta: Community Guide for Home Buyers

Quick answer: Olds is a central Alberta town about 90 km north of Calgary, just off the QEII Highway. It's home to Olds College, with more than 20 km of trails, lots of parks and solid rec facilities.

I'm George Brown, a Calgary REALTOR® with LPT Realty. Here's what buyers should know about Olds.

What it's like to live in Olds

Olds sits about halfway between Calgary and Red Deer, about 5 km west of the QEII Highway. Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is in town and shapes a lot of local life, from sports to the college botanic gardens that open to the public in summer.

The town has 15 parks, 16 playgrounds and more than 20 km of trails. Centennial Park is the hub, with a splash park, skatepark and paved paths. The Olds Aquatic Centre and the Olds Sportsplex, with two ice surfaces and a curling rink, keep people busy in winter. Uptowne Olds is home to the Mayfair Cinema, which has run since 1925.

Types of homes

Most homes are detached houses, according to the Town's community overview. You'll also find duplexes, townhomes and apartment-style condos.

Getting around

Highway 27 and Highway 2A cross in Olds, and the QEII Highway is a few minutes east. Most people drive. The Town describes Olds as about an hour north of downtown Calgary, and Calgary International Airport is about 90 km away.

Who Olds suits

Olds suits buyers who want a complete small town with schools, a college and good rec facilities. It's a good fit for families, college students and staff, and people who work from home or in central Alberta.

Buying tips for Olds

• Plan the commute. Calgary is about an hour away. If you'll drive in often, test the trip at rush hour first.
• Think about the college. Homes near the campus may see more students and rentals. Visit the street at different times of day.
• Check the title. Have your agent review the land title and any registered documents before you firm up an offer.

See homes for sale in Olds

My Olds homes for sale page shows every current listing, updated daily from the MLS®, plus live numbers on how many homes are for sale and the median asking price.

Browse current Olds listings →

Thinking about buying or selling in Olds?

I'm happy to walk you through the area, compare a few homes side by side, or tell you what your place could sell for. Call or text me at (403) 616-6309, or get a free home evaluation.

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