7 Best Neighbourhoods Near University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is one of the most well-known universities in Canada. Its picturesque campus is located in Northwest Calgary, between 24 Avenue and 32 Avenue, and the nearby communities are known as some of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary. Living near the university provides convenient amenities and short commutes throughout the city. Whether you're looking for an investment property or a primary residence, the neighbourhoods near the University of Calgary are likely to have exactly what you need.

Varsity

Located just a three-minute drive from the University of Calgary, Varsity is one of Northwest Calgary's most desirable neighbourhoods. It offers convenient access to shops, parks, and Calgary schools. Also known as Varsity Village, the neighbourhood was established shortly after the University of Calgary was founded and has been a major staple of the area for over 50 years. Most of the Varsity homes for sale were built in the 1960s and 1970s, though contemporary houses are also present. Shoppers have many options, from malls to boutiques, including the CF Market Mall, thrift stores, electronics stores, and other specialty retailers.

Among some of the area's best amenities is Varsity's abundant green spaces. One of the community's biggest draws is the Silver Springs Golf & Country Club. With parts of the course stretching into neighbouring Silver Springs, this premier golf club is over 300 acres and is one of the city's most celebrated golf courses. Varsity Ravine Park features playgrounds, an off-leash dog park, and scenic walking trails.

Parkdale

Located in what's often considered one of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary, Parkdale homes for sale offer something for everyone. Parkdale was established in 1910 and has a blend of condos, historic homes, and contemporary builds within a short drive of the University of Calgary. While many of the communities in Northwest Calgary were built following the founding of the University of Calgary, Parkdale is one of the few neighbourhoods that pre-dates the university by decades.

One of the most significant aspects of living in Parkdale is its excellent location and abundance of green spaces. It is nestled between 16th Ave NW to the north and the Bow River to the south. Because of its proximity to the Bow River, Parkdale has plenty of green spaces and nature trails set along the river, making it ideal for anyone who wishes to stay active and healthy in the great outdoors. Other amenities include restaurants, shops, and Foothills Medical Centre.

Edgemont

Set along beautiful Nose Hill Park, Edgemont real estate is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those who appreciate Calgary's stunning natural beauty. Edgemont is one of Northwest Calgary's most prominent neighbourhoods, with bike paths and stunning views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains to the west. Because Edgemont is such a large neighbourhood, it's divided into subareas: Edgemont Estates, Edgedale, Edenwold, Edgepark, Edgevalley, Edgebrook, and Edgeridge.

In addition to its proximity to the University of Calgary, one of the biggest draws to living in Edgemont is its proximity to Nose Hill Park. Edgemont residents have easy access to some of the best trails in Calgary, perfect for cycling, jogging, and walking. Edgemont also has many other recreational amenities within the neighbourhood, including Edgemont Community Centre, Edgemont Community Outdoor Rink, an off-leash dog park near Nose Hill Park, and Edgemont Disc Golf Course. And with easy access to Trans Canada Highway 1, Edgemont also has an easy commute to Downtown Calgary.

Silver Springs

Bound by the Bow River and nature trails, Silver Springs is an outdoor lover's paradise. Located along the north bank of the Bow River, Silver Springs is known for its abundance of parks and green spaces. Bowmont Park, one of the largest parks in Northwest Calgary, is located in Silver Springs and is one of the most popular recreational areas for residents, with kilometres of biking trails connecting residents to the area's many parks.

Many of the most desirable homes for sale in Silver Springs are adjacent to the famous Silver Springs Golf & Country Club. Golfers have spectacular views of mountains and rolling hills while playing. Silver Springs is just an eight-minute drive from the University of Calgary, making it ideal for anyone who wants to live close to the university or Downtown Calgary. Along with its abundance of parks and nature trails, some of the area's best sites include the Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs, Silver Springs Boardwalk, and the neighbourhood's three off-leash Calgary dog parks.

St. Andrews Heights

St. Andrews Heights is one of the most conveniently located communities in Northwest Calgary, offering easy access to Trans Canada Highway 1 and the Bow River. Many of the homes in St. Andrews Heights are located on Toronto Crescent, one of Calgary's most well-known streets. Located just four minutes north of the University of Calgary, St. Andrews Heights is a small, tight-knit community with some of the best amenities in Northwest Calgary. St. Andrews Heights is the home of Foothills Medical Centre, one of the area's most prominent hospitals, and its surrounding clinics.

St. Andrews Heights also has many schools, churches, and parks. St Andrews Park, one of the community's most popular recreational areas, has soccer, baseball, and other sports fields, along with beautiful nature trails. In addition to its proximity to the University of Calgary, St. Andrews Heights is just a 10-minute drive to Downtown Calgary, making it a fantastic option for those working downtown.

Charleswood

For those looking for a neighbourhood close to the University of Calgary and some of Calgary's best parks, Charleswood is ideal. Charleswood homes are set on beautiful, tree-lined streets and come in various architectural styles. Located along the southern border of Nose Hill Park and the western edge of Crowchild Trail, residents enjoy living close to several peaceful walking trails. Charleswood is centrally located with easy access to Downtown Calgary, SAIT Polytechnic and Market Mall, and the University of Calgary.

Not only is Charleswood close to Nose Hill Park and the downtown area, but this neighbourhood also has off-leash dog parks and playgrounds, adding more green spaces to an already beautiful neighbourhood. This area has also undergone significant restoration efforts in recent years, making it a wonderful community to be a part of.

University Heights

As its name would suggest, University Heights is a tight-knit community close to the University of Calgary. Established in the 1960s, many homes in University Heights were developed around the time of the university's founding. This idyllic neighbourhood has many beautiful, tree-lined streets with gorgeous houses on large lots. Along with the university, this well-established community is close to some essential amenities in Northwest Calgary, including the Foothills Hospital, the Children's Hospital, McMahon Stadium, and the Foothills Athletic Park.

University Heights is a relatively small neighbourhood, with its borders ranging from 24 Avenue NW to the north, University Drive NW to the east, 16 Avenue NW to the south, and Shaganappi Trail NW to the west. And while it is centrally located, it is one of the smallest neighbourhoods in Northwest Calgary, both in area and population.

Find Your Dream Home Near the University of Calgary

You don't need to be a student or professor to enjoy living near the main campus of the University of Calgary. These neighbourhoods near campus offer residents an excellent quality of life, shorter-than-average downtown commutes, and enviable access to some of the best parks in Calgary. Before choosing a community to call home, it's best to explore each neighbourhood, taking in everything this university community offers. With so many amenities centred around an esteemed university, Northwestern Calgary is an ideal place for anyone moving to Calgary.