Top Neighborhoods in Calgary: Your 2024 Guide to Calgary’s Best Communities
The city provides a highly diversified portfolio of neighbourhoods to choose from as one searches for the ideal place to call home in Calgary. Everything from hip, urban districts to quieter, more family-friendly neighbourhoods, Canada truly has something to offer for every lifestyle. Whether you are looking for proximity to the downtown core, highly-ranked schools, or access to parks and recreation, this guide will walk you through the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for 2024.
We will review the best communities in Calgary, giving an in-depth review of the amenities, safety, and housing in each area and the vibe each community has. If you ask, "What are the best neighbourhoods in Calgary?" you are in the right place.
What Makes a Neighborhood One of the Best in Calgary?
Calgary is known for its numerous distinct neighbourhoods, each with a unique flavour. Although it is difficult to call any of them "the best," there are multiple characteristics that make a community highly desirable: affordability, ease of access, amenities, ease of transportation, and community involvement.
Let's look at 14 of the best Calgary neighbourhoods that still rank high in many of the abovementioned qualities.
Beltline
The Beltline is arguably Calgary's best-known urban neighbourhood. Sitting just south of Downtown, this neighbourhood boasts an exciting mixed bag of trendy condos, upscale restaurants, and green spaces like Central Memorial Park. The Beltline is an excellent base for professionals who want easy access to Calgary's public transit system and a hip, walkable community near the action.
Inglewood
As Calgary's oldest neighbourhood, Inglewood blends historic architecture with a lively arts and entertainment scene. This east-side community is filled with boutiques, art galleries, local breweries and restaurants that attract residents and non-residents. Inglewood is equally beautiful for outdoorsy types, as the nearby Bow River and Pearce Estate Park offer stunning views and trails.
Mount Royal
Mount Royal is an upscale neighbourhood featuring luxury estates and tree-lined streets. Only a stone's throw away from the vibrant shopping and entertainment area surrounding 17th Avenue, Mount Royal offers up a perfect blend of tranquillity and proximity to amenities. It is ideal for those with high expectations of exclusivity and tranquillity combined with an air of high class.
Brentwood
Tucked away in northwest Calgary lies the mature neighbourhood of Brentwood. Residents value this community for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools nearby, and natural parks. Students and professionals who like Brentwood due to its proximity to the University of Calgary round out the demographic makeup. The amenity-rich neighbourhood of Brentwood is also located near the Brentwood Village Shopping Centre and public transportation.
Varsity
Varsity is one of Calgary's most popular communities, with a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Located near the University of Calgary, residents enjoy all university amenities, including the Olympic Oval and green parks. A family and academic-oriented community, Varsity boasts easy access to highly-rated schools and plenty of shopping facilities.
Crescent Heights
Just north of Downtown, Crescent Heights offers spectacular views of the city skyline and the Bow River. Historic homes, modern condos-this neighborhood combines old and new with easy downtown access via Centre Street. Rotary Park and walking trails create an oasis within the city limits.
Hillhurst
One of Calgary's most walkable neighbourhoods, Hillhurst stares Downtown across the Bow River. Tree-lined streets and proximity to Kensington Village, lots of activity for cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, make it a favourite for professionals and families alike. Prince's Island Park is just a short walk away but merely round the corner from all the urban excitement yet nestled near Hillhurst's serene green spaces.
Acadia
Located in southeast Calgary, Acadia is a suburban gem known for its affordability and strong community vibe. The Acadia Recreation Complex is a hub for sports and community events, and the neighbourhood offers a mix of housing options. Acadia is conveniently located near major roads and shopping centers, making it perfect for families seeking suburban living without sacrificing convenience.
Altadore
Altadore is a chic, South West Calgary community with a decidedly neighbourhood focus. The vibrant Marda Loop is nearby, featuring a wide range of shops and cafes and services. With Sandy Beach Park and the Elbow River just a short walk away, Altadore homes present a rare blend of luxury property and outdoor playgrounds.
Edgemont
Located in northwest Calgary, Edgemont offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and proximity to Nose Hill Park - rated as one of the largest urban parks in North America. Families love Edgemont for its excellent schools. Comprised of a mix of different homes, with opportunities for shopping and transport nearby, Edgemont is a tranquil retreat amidst nature.
Sunnyside
Sunnyside is a stunning inner-city community along the Bow River. You'll find historic homes alongside brand-new ones, all within walking distance to Downtown via the Peace Bridge. Sunnyside is ideal for anyone who loves their urban amenities and a laid-back atmosphere, from its dynamic arts community with numerous local markets to easy access to Prince's Island Park.
Discovery Ridge
Discovery Ridge is a southwest Calgary community that combines luxury with Griffith Woods Park and the Elbow River. This is a very hip community for those who like going on nature walks and bike rides and engaging in outdoor activities but, at the same time, would not want to be away from all the facilities and amenities that come with modern living. Discovery Ridge also features prestige homes and provides convenient access to the city's major roadways.
Mahogany
Mahogany is a master-planned community in southeast Calgary featuring a lake and beach club. Resort-style living with plenty of greenery, parks, and family-oriented facilities. The Mahogany Beach Club offers swimming, boating, and skating throughout the year and is ideal for a family-oriented lifestyle with plenty of the outdoors.
Bridgeland
Up-and-coming Bridgeland is located just northeast of Downtown. Historic charm in the area meets modern development, community parks, and a lively dining scene. It's also home to St. Patrick's Island, a riverside escape popular with residents and visitors. Bridgeland is the perfect community for young professionals, retirees, and families who love its walkability factor and community spirit.
What is the Best Area of Calgary to Live In?
The best area to live in Calgary depends mainly on an individual's lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Those who want a vibrant urban setting should look no further than the Beltline and Kensington first because of their walkable environment, fantastic nightlife, and closeness to downtown for professionals and young adults.
Mahogany and Brentwood represent perfection for families because of their great schools, parks, and fabulous community atmosphere. Mahogany's lakeside living has a particular pulling power for those families seeking an outdoor-type lifestyle that still can boast of ultra-modern facilities and amenity provisions.
Search no further than Mount Royal and Aspen Woods to find a compromise between luxury and tranquillity. This area boasts upscale homes with a short commute to nature preserves or haute couture shopping districts. This neighbourhood in Calgary is ideal for those seeking an exclusive and quiet residential quarter.
Ultimately, the best Calgary neighbourhood is decided by closeness to work, schools, preferences in lifestyle, and housing affordability. Calgary has varied neighbourhoods to fit any need, be it urban excitement or comfort in the suburbs.
What are the Safest Neighborhoods in Calgary?
To a majority of homebuyers, safety is considered the most attractive attribute. Calgary has its fair share of relatively crime-free communities and is involved in neighbourhood relationships. Of those neighbourhoods, one of the safest areas of residence is consistent in the southwest part of Calgary: Signal Hill. This area is family-friendly, accessible to many amenities, and has a low crime rate.
Tuscany is a suburban community in the northwest and is another safe neighbourhood that appeals to families and retirees alike. Parks, schools, and recreational areas add to the quality of life, not to mention the tightly-knit atmosphere in the community.
Edgemont, also located in Northwest Calgary, has quiet streets near Nose Hill Park. This established neighbourhood tempts families with its safety, excellent schools, and natural surroundings.
If you are looking for inner-city safety, Altadore and Bridgeland are great places to look. Both have experienced revitalization, improved amenities, and community-driven safety programs that have improved life in the areas.
If you are worried about safety, these Calgary neighbourhoods offer a safe and comfortable atmosphere perfect for families, professionals, and retirees.
Find Your Perfect Neighborhood in Calgary
Choosing the best neighbourhood in Calgary depends on your lifestyle and needs. Whether you prioritize walkability, access to Calgary’s top schools, proximity to public transportation, or the tranquillity of suburban life, there’s a Calgary community for you.
Are you ready to find your dream home in one of Calgary’s best neighbourhoods? Contact Farrah Khoja today for expert guidance through Calgary’s real estate market!
Reference: Avenue Calgary - best neighbourhoods
*This blog post provides information only and is not legal or financial advice. It does not substitute professional counsel. No professional relationship is formed. Consult a qualified professional before making any decisions based on this information. Farrah Khoja assumes no liability for actions taken based on this blog post.