Seeking the right family-friendly neighbourhood with a safe and nurturing environment can be demanding. Calgary embraces a high quality of life, and many neighbourhoods are tailored to meet the needs of families. Whether you're a young family, an active one, or just looking for specific amenities, this guide will help you explore several neighbourhoods in Calgary that are ideal for raising children and enjoying a balanced family lifestyle.
Here are 15 best Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Calgary
Calgary is home to many family-friendly suburbs and residential communities. Below is a list of 15 neighbourhoods perfect for families seeking safe, quiet, and kid-friendly environments.
Altadore
Altadore is a well-established and charming community that fosters a strong sense of belonging. Families moving here will quickly feel at home. With tree-lined streets providing serene surroundings, Altadore offers a close-knit atmosphere perfect for raising children.
The neighbourhood is known for its excellent schools, which provide quality education. Parents enjoy walkable access to modern amenities in the nearby Marda Loop area, which is filled with dining and shopping options. Safety is a top priority in this low-crime neighbourhood. According to the Calgary Police Community Crime Statistics, Altadore maintains low crime rates, making it an ideal area for families seeking peace of mind(Open Calgary). It’s perfect for an active family lifestyle, with numerous parks and playgrounds.
Arbour Lake
Arbour Lake is a family-oriented community centred around its namesake lake. The lake offers plenty of family recreation options, such as swimming, boating, and beach activities, making it a unique choice for families looking for a nature-centric lifestyle.
This suburb strongly emphasizes safety and community spirit; its schools are highly rated. According to the Calgary Board of Education, Arbour Lake’s schools are among the top-ranked in the city, ensuring top-tier education for children. The affordability, natural beauty, and family-oriented amenities make Arbour Lake a vibrant place to raise kids.
Aspen
Aspen offers a luxurious yet family-friendly environment with beautiful parks, spacious homes, and excellent schools. With a range of convenient shopping centers and amenities, it’s a perfect place for families who value safety and modern conveniences.
Aspen’s well-planned layout ensures parents enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle, while green spaces and recreational areas offer kids ample room to play. Its walkability and high-end living mix create a safe, welcoming environment for families.
Brentwood
Brentwood is an intellectually stimulating neighbourhood with proximity to the University of Calgary. It’s a great spot for families who prioritize education, with top-ranked schools and easy access to cultural activities.
The neighbourhood is safe and quiet, with plenty of green spaces and family recreation areas. The C-Train stops nearby, providing quick access to downtown Calgary, adding convenience for commuting parents while allowing children to grow up in a secure, nurturing environment.
Cougar Ridge
Cougar Ridge, nestled along the western edge of Calgary, is a suburban retreat that balances outdoor living with family-friendly amenities. Families can enjoy the well-planned layout, including playgrounds, green spaces, and walking trails.
The Calgary Community Crime Statistics notes that the neighbourhood boasts low crime rates and its proximity to West Springs Plaza provides convenient access to shopping and dining. With highly rated schools nearby and a strong focus on safety, Cougar Ridge is ideal for families who value both nature and security.
Discovery Ridge
Discovery Ridge is a quiet, attractive neighbourhood adjacent to Griffith Woods Park. Families here enjoy the natural beauty of the park, which is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching, making it a dream for those seeking a family lifestyle balance.
Its location ensures families are close to downtown Calgary for work while still providing safety and tranquillity for raising kids. Proximity to schools and recreational spaces ensures a perfect balance between urban living and access to nature.
Edgemont
Edgemont is a family-friendly community with a strong sense of togetherness. This neighbourhood offers a perfect mix of excellent schools, safety, and outdoor living.
With numerous parks, well-kept pathways, and low-crime residential streets, children can grow up in a secure and supportive environment. Families enjoy access to nearby community events, green spaces, and high-quality education, making Edgemont a highly desirable area to live.
Evanston
Evanston is an up-and-coming community known for its affordable housing and family-oriented amenities. Families relocating to this area will find plenty of parks, schools, and recreational spaces.
Evanston offers a blend of family lifestyle balance with kid-friendly activities and a close-knit atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for families looking to settle in a vibrant and growing community.
Garrison Green
Garrison Green represents a quiet, residential spot that completes downtown Calgary. Families enjoy the serenity and quietness of this street with its beautiful parks and green spaces, which are safe and decorative places to raise and grow children.
With quality schools and education centers nearby, Garrison Green offers a good grounding in which the child can begin academic pursuits. Charming neighbourhoods and easy access to the heart of town let working parents balance life while raising a family in considerate and peaceful surroundings.
Mahogany
In addition to lake access and the beach area, Mahogany is unique as it caters to families who enjoy water activities and the outdoors. The water recreation features provide entertainment for children, and the community feel created by neighbours gathering by the water is exceptional.
Mahogany offers a variety of educational opportunities and amenities that contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable life for families. The inclusion of recreational water activities and family-oriented resources makes it a neighbourhood that supports an active lifestyle for those looking for a vibrant and dynamic living experience.
Sunnyside
Sunnyside is one of the historic, hip neighbourhoods that is popular and has a strong feeling of community. It is one of the fantastic places to keep a family. Its heritage and character bring a unique ambiance, complemented with modern conveniences.
This neighbourhood boasts one of the best accesses to outdoor activities, from kayaking and biking in and around the Bow River and several parks to picnics and hiking. With its proximity to downtown Calgary for work and cultural pursuits, families can enjoy the outdoors and spend time together. Sunnyside offers a compelling blend of historic charm and modern convenience with its unique and family-friendly setting.
Tuscany
Tuscany is a community surrounded by attractive mountain views and ample green spaces. Two major advantages of living here for families are the beautiful surroundings and the family-friendly community. Top-ranked schools mean kids get quality education, while sports fields and community events keep families active.
In Tuscany, man, woman, and child find a warm and welcoming ambiance; this is indeed one of the best neighbourhoods to bring up your family and have lifetime memories in serenity yet attached with vibrancy.
Bowness
Bowness has gained a reputation as one of Calgary's most culturally rich yet affordable communities with its mix of history, diversity, and amenity base. The families who value a warm and diverse community appreciate Bowness as a place to live. Outdoor fun is endless in nearby Bowness Park, from picnicking in the summer to paddle boating, with skating in the winter.
Bowness also has several schools and educational facilities to suit the academic needs of the families. This community is exceptional for any family to live in, with an amenity, culture, and recreation combined, as evidenced in Bowness by the vibrant Business District, which offers easy shopping and dining.
Vista Heights
Vista Heights is one of Calgary’s most affordable and quiet neighbourhoods, perfect for families seeking a tranquil and spacious place to call home. Families here enjoy proximity to parks like Nose Creek, which offers green spaces and walking paths.
The neighbourhood is also close to key amenities and schools, providing a balanced environment for children to grow up safely. Affordable housing, safety, and a strong sense of community make Vista Heights a popular choice for families.
Riverbend
Riverbend is a very quiet, family-oriented community with lots of parks and schools; thus, it is highly suitable for families. Its quiet nature and well-maintained green areas are a perfect venue for children to grow up and play.
Its proximity to the Bow River offers multiple opportunities for outdoor activities, such as walks and cycling. While residents enjoy the quiet residential streets, the immediate neighbourhoods have been integrated into the rest of Calgary, making it easy for parents to quickly get anywhere in the city.
Factors to Consider for Family-Friendly Neighborhoods
When choosing a community to live in for your family, there are several factors to consider when deciding where to live.
- Safety and Crime Rates: Calgary is known for its relatively low-crime neighbourhoods, but it's essential to evaluate the safety of each neighbourhood. The Calgary Police Service offers detailed crime statistics that help identify the safest areas for families.
- Quality of Schools: Access to high-quality schools is crucial. Many of Calgary’s family-friendly neighbourhoods offer top-tier school district quality, as verified by the Calgary Board of Education (CBE), which provides rankings and performance data for local schools. List of schools in Calgary
- Proximity to Parks and Recreational Areas: It is important to have access to green spaces and family recreation areas. Neighbourhood walkability and proximity to playgrounds contribute to a well-rounded family lifestyle. List of Calgary Parks
- Healthcare Facilities: Proximity to hospitals and healthcare centers ensures families can access medical services when needed. The Alberta Health Services website can help you locate nearby facilities.
Looking for a family-friendly neighbourhood? I can help!
Choosing the right neighbourhood for your family in Calgary is an exciting journey. You can find the perfect community that meets your family's needs by considering safety, education, parks, healthcare, and amenities.
Explore the family-friendly neighbourhoods mentioned in this guide and embark on a new chapter of your family's life in Calgary, confident in your decision to provide a nurturing and vibrant environment for your loved ones.
Working with a knowledgeable Calgary realtor like Farrah Khoja, who understands the local market and can guide you through the home-buying process, is highly beneficial to ensure a smooth and seamless transition to your new family-friendly neighbourhood. A professional realtor can provide valuable insights, assist in finding available properties, and negotiate on your behalf.
Make the most of Calgary's vibrant community spirit, excellent schools, and abundant recreational opportunities by partnering with a reputable realtor. Take the next step in finding your ideal family home and create lasting memories in one of Calgary's neighbourhoods for families!
*This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. No professional relationship is formed. Consult a qualified professional before acting on any information.