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Best Neighbourhoods in Calgary: 6 Best Areas to Live in Calgary

Posted by Justin Havre on Wednesday, March 29th, 2023 at 7:46am.

Calgary Best Neighbourhoods

Are you moving to Calgary and wondering where to find the best neighbourhoods? Look no further! The best neighborhoods in Calgary each have unique character and charm. From trendy and bustling to quiet and suburban, Calgary's neighbourhoods offer something for everyone. Are you ready to find your dream home? Here's everything you need to know about the best neighbourhoods in Calgary. 

Brentwood

Brentwood Amenities

  • Walkable to grocery stores and restaurants/cafés
  • Nearby parks
  • Easy access to retail shops

Established in 1960, the Brentwood neighbourhood can be found in the Northwest Calgary area. This quiet community has an excellent liveability rating and a relatively low cost of living. Homebuyers can choose from variety of homes, condominiums, and townhomes. Prices range from the low $200,000s to the high $800,000s, although some homes for sale in Brentwood easily exceed $1 million asking prices. 

The Brentwood neighbourhood is also home to many schools for students of all ages. Whether working locally or commuting to surrounding areas, transportation options are excellent. Commuters can access John Laurie Boulevard to the north as well as the CTrain Park and Ride at Brentwood Station. 

Homeowners in the Brentwood neighbourhood benefit from having Nose Hill Park nearby. It provides them with access to miles of walking and hiking trails, beautiful panoramic views of the city, and a natural escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The park also provides residents with recreational opportunities such as picnicking, bird watching, and cross-country skiing during the winter months. 

Varsity

Varsity Amenities

  • Silver Springs Golf & Country Club
  • Bowmont Natural Park
  • Varsity Estates Park
  • McMahon Stadium

The Varsity neighbourhood was established in the 1960s and 70s and comprises three distinct developed areas: Varsity Estates, Varsity Village, and Varsity Acres. With Crowchild Trail NW bordering the neighbourhood to the east and the Bow River to the west, along with Shaganappi Trail and two C-Train stations, residents have quick access to many of the area's local dining, shopping, and entertainment venues.

Varsity homes for sale range from single- to multi-family residences with single-level and split-level floor plans to luxury condominiums. Prices average from $176,000 to $1,500,000, with an average price of $508,000.

The University of Calgary and the University of Calgary Research Park are just a short drive away from Varsity. For younger students, several elementary schools and one junior high school serve the community. Golfers living in the neighbourhood love being able to play a round at the Silver Springs Golf & Country Club, whereas dog owners appreciate the neighbourhood's off-leash area. With access to so many beautiful parks and the beloved CF Market Mall, it's no surprise that Varsity is widely regarded as one of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary. 

Crescent Heights

Crescent Heights Amenities

  • Rotary Park
  • Centre Street Bridge
  • Pulse Dance Studio
  • Calgary Cycle

Crescent Heights was originally founded in 1895. It became a village in 1908, and in 1911, it was annexed to Calgary. In 1914, Crescent Heights was established as a community in the inner-city area just north of downtown. Edmonton Trail, the Trans-Canada Highway, Memorial Drive, and the Bow River comprise its boundaries.

Crescent Heights offers its residents plenty of scenic outdoor adventures and magnificent views of the Bow River. Potential residents can choose from various properties ranging in size, such as a one-bedroom, one-bath residence or split-level homes with four bedrooms and two baths.

Real estate in Crescent Heights includes detached or attached dwellings, luxury residences, lakefront homes, condominiums, and townhomes. As one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in Calgary, it's easy to find home prices that exceed $2 million. That said, there are also many smaller properties that cost between $400,000 and $600,000/

The neighbourhood boasts a desirable position, just across the Bow River from Downtown Calgary. As such, residents enjoy access to many outdoor spaces like Sunnyside Bank Park, Rotary Park, and Prince's Island Park. Centre Street North runs through the heart of the neighbourhood, providing countless options for dining and shopping. 

Hillhurst

Hillhurst Amenities

  • Close to downtown
  • Recreation facilities
  • Dining and nightlife

Hillhurst is one of the oldest and most walkable communities in Calgary. This vibrant community offers residents plenty to do year-round and features historical buildings from the 1900s. Situated near downtown, there are plenty of shopping opportunities at over 100 retail venues, scheduled events, festivals, a farmers market and flea market, and nearby Prince's Island Park.

Hillhurst has a central location near the Bow River and Kensington Road. With its short distance to downtown and area transit, residents can walk or ride to area businesses and attractions. This quaint neighbourhood provides residents with many property choices, from historic and classic to modern single-family homes. Homes for sale in Hillhurst start at about $300,000 for condos and townhouses. Single-family homes will often cost between $1 and $2 million. 

Bowness

Bowness Amenities

  • Pathways for pedestrians and cyclists
  • Bowness Park
  • Near Foothills Hospital
  • Educational facilities from K-9 to high school

Bowness made its debut in 1963 when it became part of Calgary. Prior to that, Bowness had been a small town of its own. The community still exudes a small-town vibe and friendly atmosphere while it experiences continued growth with new residents and businesses. Its convenient location along Highway 1 provides quick access for commuters to travel to neighbouring locales, such as Canmore and Banff, both a 40-minute drive from the community.

Day or night, residents aren't limited when it comes to things to do and places to go in Bowness. No matter the time of year, something of interest is always available for everyone. During the winter, WinSport is everyone's go-to spot for snow-day fun. This former Olympic park boasts ski hills, ice ranks, and more. Over in Bowness Park, the famous skating trail provides several kilometres of ice skating. Warmer weather sets the scene for boating, picnics, and fun afternoons at the playground. 

Acadia

Acadia Amenities

  • Bow River
  • Acadia Tennis Centre
  • Nine schools
  • Grocery and drug stores

Acadia had its beginnings in 1960 and continues to offer its residents a quiet, well-maintained, and pet-friendly community. Its boundaries include Macleod Trail, a multi-lane expressway, the scenic Bow River, Heritage Drive, and Southland Drive. Residents also have the convenience of the Heritage C-Train Station for transit.

The neighbourhood ranks as one of Calgary's best neighbourhoods featuring well-maintained homes on large tree-lined lots. Even amid rising real estate prices, Acadia is one of the most affordable neighbourhoods in Calgary. Located south of downtown, Acadia homes start at prices around $650,000 and span upwards of $1 million—significantly cheaper than most other communities around town. 

What's Your Favourite Neighbourhood in Calgary?

Whether you're looking for a new construction home or a high-rise condo, these best-of-the-best neighbourhoods will surely deliver. Highlights include plenty of nearby schools, easy access to shops, and tons of fun things to do. When you move to town, you won't want to waste any time finding your dream house. By sticking to this list of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary, you'll be settled in at home in no time. 

If you're looking for the perfect Calgary home, contact Justin Havre with eXp Realty and Calgary Homes at (403) 217-0003 to get in touch with a local Calgary real estate agent and discover your new dream home today.

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