Calgary Lake Community Comparison
Mahogany and Sundance bookend SE Calgary's lake-community history - Sundance opened in 1981 as one of the city's earliest lake additions, and Mahogany opened in 2008 as the largest. Buyers comparing these two are usually weighing established roots, mature trees and lower prices against the biggest lake in the city, the newest construction and a luxury-leaning amenity package.
Last Updated: May 2, 2026
Mahogany has Calgary's largest residential lake at 63 acres, with two beach clubs, a wetland system and constantly active programming. Sundance Lake is 33 acres - about half the size - with a clubhouse, beach and the kind of residents-only programming that has run for 40+ years now. Both are real lakes; Mahogany's is the largest, Sundance's is the most established.
Mahogany is 2008 onward and still building - newer two-storeys, modern walk-outs, plus Westman Village condos. Sundance is 1981 to early 1990s - classic 1980s and early 90s two-storeys and walk-out bungalows on larger original lots. Sundance buyers inherit mature trees and larger lots; Mahogany buyers get newer builds with modern energy specs.
Mahogany detached typically runs $700K-$2M+. Sundance detached runs $650K-$1.1M. The Sundance market is a notably easier entry into south-Calgary lake life - equivalent square footage saves $150K-$400K. Mahogany's lakefront mansions are in their own pricing tier ($1.5M-$3M+).
Mahogany families use Mahogany School (CBE K-6) and Centennial High School (CBE). Sundance families have a deep K-12 path: Sundance School (CBE K-6), Sundance Place (CBE), and Centennial High School (CBE). Both feed Centennial High at the top end. Sundance Place adds middle-grade continuity that newer communities like Mahogany are still building out.
Mahogany has Westman Village, Mahogany Village Market and luxury-leaning programming. Sundance leans on Shawnessy Centre, Avenida and Macleod Trail retail - quieter, more established. Mahogany is the master-planned community on the rise; Sundance is the established community settled into itself.
Sundance has the meaningfully easier downtown commute - Anderson Road and Macleod Trail get you to downtown in 22-28 minutes peak. Mahogany via Stoney/Deerfoot is 28-32 minutes peak. Anderson LRT is also closer for transit-oriented Sundance buyers.
Mahogany is 5-8 minutes to South Health Campus. Sundance is 12-15 minutes. For families with regular medical visits, Mahogany's hospital proximity is a real factor.
Sundance has Fish Creek Park's southern boundary for trail and natural-park access - the largest urban park in Calgary at the back gate. Mahogany has its own 74-acre wetland and pathway network plus the lake. Different green-space personalities; Sundance feels older and more wooded, Mahogany feels newly designed.
Mahogany fits buyers wanting the biggest lake, newer construction, luxury options and Westman-Village-style community living. Sundance fits buyers wanting an established lake address, larger original lots, Fish Creek out the back, and a much friendlier price point - especially buyers willing to take on an older home or do some renovation work.
Mahogany = biggest lake, newer build, higher price, hospital-adjacent. Sundance = established lake, older homes, much friendlier price, Fish Creek beside it. Both deliver real lake-community living - pick on vintage and price-band.
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