Nolan Hill Calgary Neighbourhood Guide & FAQs: Homes, Commutes & Lifestyle

Northwest Calgary’s Nolan Hill community offers modern living with British Isles-inspired architecture, but like any neighbourhood, it has tradeoffs you should be aware of.

Nolan Hill is a master-planned community that opened in the 2010s. It features over 500 acres of green space, rolling hills, and distinctive castle-ruin entrance features. The community sits just off major highways, making it popular with commuters who want newer homes outside the city centre.

Here's what makes this neighbourhood worth considering: Newer construction means fewer repair headaches, excellent highway access enables easy commutes to downtown Calgary, and the planned community design includes plenty of parks and pathways. 

But you'll also have to deal with annual HOA fees, limited walkability, and that "new community" feel some buyers love while others prefer more established areas. Let’s explore Nolan Hill to help you determine if it’s the right NW neighbourhood for you!

Nolan Hill Quick Facts

• Location: Northwest Calgary, Ward 2, Symons Valley area
• Recent Home Prices: Townhomes $450K–$550K, Houses $600K–$900K+ 
• Commute: 25 minutes to downtown, direct highway access
• Development: Established 2010s, most homes built late 2000s–2010s
• Annual Fees: $105 for single-family homes, $78.75 for townhomes (HOA required)
• Housing Types: Single-family homes, townhomes, some apartments
• Green Space: 500+ acres of parks, pathways, ravines, and natural areas

What Makes Nolan Hill Different from Other Calgary Communities?

The Celtic Design That Actually Adds Value

Nolan Hill stands out among the top Northwest Calgary neighbourhoods because of its British Isles architectural theme. 

The community features Tudor, French Country, and Colonial home styles. The entrance features distinctive castle-ruin elements that give the neighbourhood its unique character.

This isn't just decoration—the consistent architectural standards help maintain property values. All homes must follow specific design guidelines registered on property titles. Stone details and deep, rich colours create the old-world charm that sets Nolan Hill apart from typical suburban developments.

500 Acres of Green Space Built Into the Plan

Unlike many Calgary neighbourhoods where parks got squeezed in later, Nolan Hill was designed around its natural features. The community preserves rolling hills, picturesque ravines, and natural wet ponds.

The green space includes miles of walking and cycling paths that connect throughout the community. Multiple playgrounds and parks are spread around the neighbourhood. Plus, you're close to Nose Hill Park, one of Calgary's best parks, which offers hiking trails and off-leash areas.

Nolan Hill Real Estate Market: What Homes Actually Cost

Current Market Snapshot

In 2024, 85 Nolan Hill homes sold for an average price of $749,540. Properties typically spent 30 days on the market before selling. Additionally, 55 townhouses sold for an average price of $494,360.

Price Ranges by Property Type

• Townhomes: Most range from $450,000 to $550,000, which is in line with typical prices for townhomes in NW Calgary. These offer 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and attached garages. Square footage typically runs 1,200–1,600 sq ft.
• Single-Family Homes: Generally priced $600,000 to $900,000+. Home sizes range from 1,800 to 2,800+ square feet. The highest-selling home in 2024 went for $1,650,000.
• Lot Sizes and Features: Most single-family homes sit on lots ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 square feet. Many properties back onto green space or pathways.

How Prices Compare to Similar Communities

Nolan Hill pricing is between affordable options like Sage Hill and pricier northwest areas like Varsity Estates. 

The neighbourhood is a top option for new-construction homes in NW Calgary. The new homes and Nolan Hill’s community amenities justify the slightly higher prices than in some neighbouring areas.

Daily Life in Nolan Hill: Commuting and Getting Around

Highway Access and Commute Times

Nolan Hill offers excellent connectivity to Calgary's highway system. The community connects to Stoney Trail, Shaganappi Trail, and Sarcee Trail. This makes getting around the city relatively quick compared to many northwest communities.

Downtown Calgary is 25 minutes away during regular traffic, but rush hours can extend the drive to 45 minutes. Calgary International Airport takes roughly 15–25 minutes to reach. These commute times make Nolan Hill attractive for people working across different parts of the city.

Public Transit Reality

Currently, public transit options are limited. You'll likely need a vehicle for daily activities and commuting. The community's location prioritizes highway access over transit connectivity.

However, Calgary Transit has long-term plans for bus rapid transit in the Symons Valley area. This will be a game-changer for Nolan Hill residents, and the improved commuting options are likely to increase home values long-term, enhancing the neighbourhood’s investment potential.

Nolan Hill Shopping and Daily Services

What's Within Walking Distance

Sage Hill Crossing is close to Nolan Hill and includes major retailers like Walmart Supercentre, Loblaws City Market, and McDonald's. This shopping centre handles most daily needs, such as groceries, a pharmacy, and basic services.

Five-Minute Drive Options

Directly south in the Sherwood neighbourhood, Beacon Hill Shopping Centre provides access to Costco, Home Depot, Canadian Tire, Winners, and other major retailers. This larger shopping hub covers home improvement, bulk shopping, and specialty retail needs.

Services You'll Drive Further For

Specialty shopping, entertainment venues, and many professional services require trips to other parts of Calgary. Top Calgary shopping malls like CrossIron Mills (15–25 minutes) and Crowfoot Crossing (10–15 minutes) in Arbour Lake are within reach.

The tradeoff for newer community living is less immediate access to urban amenities.

Nolan Hill Schools and Education Options

Public School Options

For Calgary Board of Education schools, Kenneth D. Taylor School in nearby Evanston serves the area and offers kindergarten through Grade 9 programming. Middle schoolers are likely to attend Tom Baines School in Edgemont, while high schoolers typically attend North Trails High School in nearby Coventry Hills.

Private schools can be found throughout other areas of Northwest Calgary.

Catholic School Options

St. Josephine Bakhita School in Evanston provides Catholic education for elementary grades. Our Lady of Grace School and Blessed Marie-Rose School serve the broader area.

The Calgary Catholic School District plans to build a new K–9 school directly in Nolan Hill, though the opening date has yet to be determined.

French Immersion and Other Programs

French immersion and specialty programs are available through schools in neighbouring communities. Parents should research specific program availability and transportation requirements.

The Hidden Costs in Nolan Hill You Need to Know

Mandatory HOA Fees

Every property owner in Nolan Hill pays annual Residents Association fees, which are standard in Calgary’s master-planned neighbourhoods. 

Single-family homes pay $105 annually (including GST), while multi-family properties pay $78.75.

These fees are mandatory and registered on your property title. The Residents Association uses this money for:

• Maintenance of entrance features and community signage
• Landscaping in common areas and green spaces
• Flower planters and shrub bed maintenance
• Enforcement of architectural guidelines

What Happens If You Don't Pay

The association charges 18% annual interest on unpaid fees (9% applied twice yearly). Outstanding fees plus interest get added to your property title. When you sell, you must pay all arrears before closing.

Property Taxes and Other Costs

Property taxes vary based on your home's assessed value. Newer homes often have higher assessments, which means higher annual tax bills compared to older communities.

Utility costs for newer homes can be lower due to better insulation and efficient systems. However, larger lot sizes may increase water and waste costs.

Amenities and Recreation in Nolan Hill

Community Recreation Options

The Nolan Hill Community Association organizes events and activities throughout the year. This includes seasonal celebrations, fitness programs, and social gatherings.

Nearby Recreation Facilities

While they require a bit of a drive, two of the city’s biggest recreation centres are located about 20 minutes away for Nolan Hill residents. 

The Westside Recreation Centre, located in West Calgary’s Signal Hill neighbourhood, may seem like an unlikely destination. However, this massive centre offers swimming, skating, and various sports programs. It's a 20-minute drive from Nolan Hill.

Village Square Leisure Centre is located in Pineridge in Northeast Calgary. The 20-minute drive is well worth it to reach the sprawling facility, which includes an indoor waterpark. 

Golf and Outdoor Activities

Several golf courses serve the Northwest Calgary area. The community's pathway system connects to broader Calgary pathway networks for cycling and walking.

Nolan Hill Healthcare and Services

Medical Facilities

Foothills Medical Centre and Alberta Children's Hospital are located south of the community in St. Andrews Heights. These major healthcare facilities provide comprehensive medical services, including emergency care and specialized treatments.

Various medical and dental clinics operate in nearby shopping centres and communities.

Professional Services

Banking, legal, and other professional services are available in the surrounding commercial areas. The nearby shopping centres house several service providers for daily needs.

Pros and Cons of Nolan Hill: The Complete Picture

Clear Advantages

• Modern infrastructure: A newer community means updated utilities, roads, and services. You're less likely to deal with aging infrastructure problems that affect older neighbourhoods.
• Highway access: Excellent connectivity to Stoney Trail and other major routes makes commuting efficient. You can reach most parts of Calgary relatively quickly.
• Planned community design: The master-planned approach means green space, pathways, and amenities were built into the original design rather than added later.
• Home condition: Most homes are less than 15 years old, which typically means fewer maintenance issues and more efficient systems.

Important Considerations

• Limited walkability: You'll need a vehicle for most daily activities. The community prioritizes suburban living over the walkable urbanism found in City Centre Calgary.
• Annual fees: The mandatory HOA fees add to your housing costs. While the amount isn't huge, it's an ongoing expense to budget for.
• Developing area: Some services and amenities are still developing. The community continues growing, which means ongoing construction and change.
• Distance to urban amenities: Entertainment, cultural venues, and specialty services often require drives to other parts of Calgary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nolan Hill

How long does it really take to get downtown?

During regular traffic, expect to reach downtown Calgary in 25–30 minutes. Rush hour can add 10–15 minutes to your commute. The highway access helps, but you're still covering a significant distance.

How does Nolan Hill compare to Evanston?

Evanston is just south of Nolan Hill and is a larger, more established community. Homes in both areas are priced similarly, but Evanston has more schools and mature landscaping, while Nolan Hill offers newer homes and stronger architectural consistency.

How does Nolan Hill compare to Glacier Ridge?

Glacier Ridge is a brand-new community northwest of Nolan Hill. Homes in Glacier Ridge are often priced slightly higher due to modern layouts and finishes. Nolan Hill is more established with existing amenities nearby, while Glacier Ridge is still building out services and facilities.

How does Nolan Hill compare to Sage Hill?

Sage Hill is the neighbouring community to the east. Both are newer developments with similar home styles and pricing. Nolan Hill has slightly more green space, while Sage Hill has some different shopping options. The communities share many amenities and services.

Are the architectural guidelines restrictive?

The guidelines maintain the community's appearance but do limit some exterior changes. Major renovations, additions, or exterior colour changes need approval. This helps maintain property values but reduces individual flexibility.

Next Steps for Potential Nolan Hill Buyers

If you’re ready to explore Nolan Hill further, start by driving through the community to see the different areas and home styles. Then, check current listings to see what's available in your price range.

Consider attending community events to get a better feel for the area's lifestyle.

The Nolan Hill community offers modern suburban living with good highway access and plenty of green space. Whether it's right for you depends on your priorities, budget, and lifestyle preferences. Before making this important decision, take time to visit, explore, and honestly assess how the community fits your needs.