Calgary neighbourhoods | Which one is right for you?

One way to navigate the city and understand its different areas is by understanding the concept of the Calgary quadrants.

The first quadrant is Northwest Calgary. This quadrant includes neighbourhoods such as Kensington, Hillhurst, and Mount Pleasant. These areas are known for their historic homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the Bow River and downtown. Kensington is a charming and trendy neighbourhood known for its unique shops, restaurants, and cafes, while Hillhurst and Mount Pleasant offer a mix of older homes and newer infills.

The second quadrant is Southwest Calgary. This quadrant includes neighbourhoods such as Mount Royal, Altadore, and Killarney. These areas are known for their large homes, quiet streets, and proximity to Mount Royal University and the Glenmore Reservoir. Mount Royal is a well-established and affluent neighbourhood, while Altadore and Killarney offer a mix of older homes and newer infills.

The third quadrant is Southeast Calgary. This quadrant includes neighbourhoods such as Lake Bonavista, McKenzie Towne, and Auburn Bay. These areas are known for their new developments, proximity to the South Health Campus, and recreational opportunities such as the nearby Glenmore Reservoir and Fish Creek Park. Lake Bonavista is a well-established neighbourhood with a lake and a golf course, McKenzie Towne offers a mix of older homes and newer infills, while Auburn Bay is a newer neighbourhood known for its lake-side living.

The fourth quadrant is Northeast Calgary. This quadrant includes neighbourhoods such as Temple, Rundle, and Pineridge. These areas are known for their affordability and proximity to the airport and the University of Calgary. Temple and Rundle offer a mix of older homes and newer infills, while Pineridge is a well-established and diverse neighbourhood.

Let’s take a look at some of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary.

The Beltline is a densely populated neighbourhood located in the heart of the city. It is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to choose from. The area is also home to several parks, including Central Memorial Park and the popular 17th Ave Retail and Entertainment District, which offers a variety of shopping and dining options.

One of the biggest advantages of living in the Beltline is its central location. With easy access to downtown, public transportation, and major highways, it is a great choice for those who work or study in the city center. Additionally, the neighbourhood is home to many young professionals, making it a great place to meet new people and socialize. The Beltline is also home to the 4 Street Southwest Bus Rapid Transit corridor, which is a dedicated bus lane that makes transportation more efficient, providing a fast and reliable service from the Beltline to downtown and back.

Despite the cacophony of traffic, and the absence of green space along the Beltline, housing prices can be quite hefty. There is good news, though – there are various projects underway that will provide a range of affordable housing!

Inglewood is an older neighbourhood located in the city’s northeast. It is known for its quaint, small-town feel, with many old brick buildings, unique shops and restaurants, and plenty of green space. The area also has a fantastic network of bike paths and walking trails that run along the nearby river.

The Inglewood neighbourhood is perfect for those who are looking for a quiet, peaceful community. It has a low crime rate and many local amenities, such as schools and recreational facilities. Additionally, the area is close to downtown, making it easy to commute or take advantage of all that the city has to offer.

Although Inglewood is an in-demand area, the cost of residing there can be substantial. Housing is scarce and pricey, while many tenants inhabit the neighbourhood, resulting in potential disturbances from noise or changes to your neighbours on a regular basis.

Mount Royal is a well-established neighbourhood located to the southwest of downtown. It is known for its large homes and quiet streets, as well as its proximity to Mount Royal University. The area is home to many families and professionals, making it a great place to raise children or settle down.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Mount Royal is its sense of community. The neighbourhood is home to many community organizations, including the Mount Royal Community Association, which organizes events and activities for residents of all ages. Additionally, the area is known for its good schools, including Mount Royal School and John G. Diefenbaker High School, which are highly rated by parents.

Despite its beauty, Mount Royal can be a pricey area to live in – many homes come with large yards that require heavy maintenance. On top of this, the terrain is notoriously hilly and may prove difficult for those who have difficulties navigating uneven ground.

Bridgeland is an up-and-coming neighbourhood located just east of downtown. It is known for its trendy shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as its proximity to the Calgary Zoo and Telus Spark science centre. The area is also home to several parks, including Bridgeland Park and Rotary Park, which are perfect for picnicking or playing sports.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Bridgeland is its vibrant culture and atmosphere. The neighbourhood is home to many festivals and events, making it a great place to experience different cultures and meet new people. Additionally, the area is known for its good schools, including Bridgeland School and James Fowler High School, which are highly rated by parents.

Bridgeland’s housing prices can be quite expensive, especially for newer homes and condos. Additionally, during rush hour traffic and parking becomes a problem as the area is heavily congested.

Brentwood is a vibrant neighbourhood located to the north of downtown. It is known for its popular restaurants and cafes, as well as its proximity to the University of Calgary. The area is also home to several parks, including Confederation Park and Brentwood Park, which offer great opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Brentwood is its convenience. The neighbourhood has ample public transportation options, making it easy to get around the city. Additionally, the area is known for its great schools, including Brentwood School and Robert Thirsk High School, which are highly rated by parents.

Despite its popularity, Brentwood’s housing prices are extremely high – and that is not the only downside. It can be quite noisy and congested due to excessive traffic, as well as limited green spaces. Fortunately, there is some good news! Multiple new developments are underway in the area which will hopefully provide more cost-effective residence options for locals.

Chinatown is a bustling neighbourhood located just north of downtown. It is known for its vibrant shops, markets and restaurants, as well as its proximity to the Chinese Cultural Centre and McLaren Park. The area is also home to several parks, including Chinatown Park and Memorial Park, which are perfect for picnicking or playing sports.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Chinatown is its excellent schools, including Queen Elizabeth Elementary School and James Fowler High School, which are highly rated by parents. Additionally, the neighbourhood is home to many festivals and events, making it a great place to experience different cultures and meet new people.

While living in Chinatown may be quite alluring, its property costs are often excessively pricier than in surrounding areas. On top of that, one can expect a hectic rush hour experience with constant traffic and parking difficulties due to the already dense neighbourhood.

Altadore is a modern neighbourhood located to the southwest of downtown. It is known for its trendy shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as its proximity to the Glenmore Reservoir. The area is also home to several parks, including River Park and Altadore Park, which are perfect for picnicking or taking a leisurely stroll.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Altadore is its modern amenities and conveniences. The area is home to many new developments, including condos, townhomes and single-family homes, providing a variety of housing options for all income levels. Additionally, the neighbourhood is known for its great schools, including Altadore School and Joane Cardinal-Schubert High School, which are highly rated by parents.

Unfortunately, the prices of housing in Edgemont can be quite expensive due to many older homes and condos that may need extensive renovations. Additionally, there are significant traffic concerns as well as limited parking options since the area is incredibly busy and some streets are small.

Kensington is a charming neighbourhood located just northwest of downtown. It is known for its unique shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as its proximity to the Bow River and the iconic Peace Bridge. The area is also home to several parks and green spaces, including Riley Park and Kensington Riverside Park.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Kensington is its community feel. The neighbourhood is home to many families, making it a great place to raise children. Additionally, the area is known for its great schools, including Kensington School and Hillhurst School, which are highly rated by parents. Kensington is also home to many community events, such as the Kensington Sun & Salsa Festival and the Kensington BRZ Christmas Market, which are great opportunities to meet your neighbours and enjoy the community spirit.

Unfortunately, housing prices in Kensington can be quite exorbitant and many of the older homes may require extensive renovation. Additionally, due to its compact streets with limited parking availability, traffic congestion is common in the area.

Mount Pleasant is a family-friendly neighbourhood located just north of downtown. It is known for its quaint shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as its proximity to Confederation Park and Shouldice Athletic Park. The area is also home to several parks, including Mount Pleasant Park and Bowmont Park, which are great for outdoor activities.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Mount Pleasant is its peaceful atmosphere. The neighbourhood is home to a diverse population, making it a great place for families with children of all ages. Additionally, the area is known for its excellent schools, including Mount Pleasant School and Sir Winston Churchill High School, which are highly rated by parents.

Nevertheless, living in Mount Pleasant comes with a hefty price tag as many of the older homes and condos need considerable renovations. Moreover, traffic is usually heavy during rush hour due to its high level of activity and crowding.

Marda Loop is an eclectic neighbourhood located just south of downtown. It is known for its unique shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as its proximity to River Park and Sandy Beach Park. The area is also home to several parks, including Marda Loop Park and Richard Pettigrew Park, which are perfect for picnicking or playing sports.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Marda Loop is its vibrant nightlife and atmosphere. The neighbourhood is home to many festivals and events, making it a great place to experience different cultures and meet new people. Additionally, the area is known for its good schools, including Mount Royal Elementary School and Henry Wise Wood High School, which are highly rated by parents.

Although Marda Loop is a desirable place to live, the premium price tag attached to many of its newer homes or condos can be quite costly. It also tends to become increasingly congested at rush hour due to an influx in traffic and parking issues.

The Downtown West End is the heart of Calgary, home to many popular attractions, shopping and dining. It is known for its thriving nightlife and atmosphere, as well as its proximity to the Calgary Tower and Peace Bridge. The area is also home to several parks, including Central Memorial Park and Tomkins Park, which are great for outdoor activities.

One of the biggest advantages of living in the Downtown West End is its vibrant culture and atmosphere. The popular neighbourhood is home to many festivals and events, making it a great place to experience different cultures and meet new people. Additionally, the area is known for its excellent schools, including Central Memorial High School and King Edward Elementary School, which are highly rated by parents.

The property market in the heart of the city can be costly, with many new condominiums and flats having a premium price. Moreover, during peak hours parking could become complex due to this particular area’s vibrancy and congestion.

Mission is an up-and-coming neighbourhood located just southwest of downtown Calgary. It is known for its trendy restaurants, boutique shops and art galleries, as well as its proximity to the Elbow River. The area is also home to several parks, including Mission Park and St. Mary’s Park, which are perfect for picnicking or playing sports.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Mission is its excellent schools, including Father David Bauer Elementary School and Bishop Grandin High School, which are highly rated by parents. Additionally, the area is known for its vibrant culture and atmosphere, making it a great place to experience different cultures and meet new people.

However, housing prices in Mission can be quite steep, with many older townhomes and condos that require significant renovations. Additionally, traffic and parking can be an issue during rush hour, as the neighbourhood is quite busy and congested.

The Downtown East Village is a vibrant neighbourhood located just east of downtown. It is known for its eclectic shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as its proximity to the Calgary Zoo and Prince’s Island Park. The area is also home to several parks, including St. Patrick’s Island Park and Kinsmen Park, which are perfect for picnicking or playing sports.

One of the biggest advantages of living in the Downtown East Village is its diverse population, making it a great place for families with children of all ages. Additionally, the area is known for its good schools, including Victoria School and St. Mary’s High School, which are highly rated by parents.

Despite the vibrant appeal of Downtown East Village, housing prices can be very expensive and many older homes require costly renovations. Additionally, traffic and parking become quite a hassle during peak times as it is constantly busy with vehicles.

Edgemont is a vibrant neighbourhood located just north of downtown. It is known for its unique shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as its proximity to the Bow River and Edworthy Park. The area is also home to several parks, including Nose Hill Park and Bowness Park, which are great for outdoor activities.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Edgemont is its sense of community. The neighbourhood is home to a diverse population, making it a great place to meet new people and learn about different cultures. Additionally, the area is known for its great schools, including Edgemont School and William Aberhart High School, which are highly rated by parents.

Unfortunately, real estate in Altadore can be pricey. With many newly constructed homes and condos coming with a hefty price tag, it’s no wonder that this neighbourhood is highly sought after. Additionally, traveling around the area during rush hour may prove to be difficult due to its vast population density; traffic tends to become quite congested at peak times of the day.

The table below provides important details for each of the Calgary neighbourhoods.

In conclusion, Calgary is a large and diverse city with many different neighbourhoods to choose from. Each area has its own unique character and amenities, making it important to consider what you are looking for in any of the Calgary communities before making a decision on where to live. Whether you are looking for vibrant nightlife, a sense of community, or a quiet place to raise a family, there is a neighbourhood in Calgary that is perfect for you.

We’ve highlighted some of the best Calgary neighbourhoods in the city, including their pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision. It’s always a good idea to visit the neighbourhood a few times, talk to the residents, drive around and get a feel for the area before making a final decision.

Remember that whether you are just moving to Calgary or finding a new neighbourhood, the best option will depend on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. We hope that this blog post has provided you with the information you need to find your perfect neighbourhood in Calgary.