Living in North Calgary: 8 Reasons North Calgary is a Great Place to Live

Calgary is well-known as one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada. With its rugged natural beauty, booming economy, and high quality of life, it's easy to see why so many people are interested in Calgary real estate. While nearly every part of the city has seen population increases, the best neighbourhoods in North Calgary are among the fastest-growing.

While quieter than the City Centre with its Beltline nightlife options, North Calgary balances residential tranquillity and big-city vibrancy. Just a quick commute from downtown and Calgary International Airport, North Calgary is a beautiful area filled with parks, charming shops, and tree-lined streets. Home to the famous Nose Hill Park, North Calgary is an ideal region for outdoor enthusiasts and city dwellers alike. Keep reading to learn about the top reasons to love living in North Calgary.

Reasons to Love Living in North Calgary

• Proximity to Nature: Nose Hill Park, one of the largest urban parks in Canada, offers abundant trails and wildlife.
• Scenic Views: Panoramic views of the Calgary skyline, Rocky Mountains, and rolling prairies.
• Outdoor Activities: Access to hiking, biking, and the Bow River Pathway system.
• Shopping Convenience: Country Hills Village and Town Centre offer diverse shopping and dining options.
• Excellent Transportation: Well-connected public transportation, including bus routes and easy access to downtown.
• Employment Opportunities: Close to major employers like Calgary International Airport and WestJet headquarters.
• Community Amenities: Facilities like the Calgary Winter Club and Vivo for Healthier Generations serve the community.
• Access to Education: K–12 schools are convenient and abundant, and the University of Calgary and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology are nearby.

The North Calgary Lifestyle

The North Calgary region begins in the Thorncliffe neighbourhood, which rests between Calgary International Airport and Nose Hill Park. The region extends north from Thorncliffe in a funnel shape and includes the Beddington Heights neighbourhood, Coventry Hills, Evanston, and much more. Nose Hill Park, the second-largest urban park in Canada, has an abundance of wildlife and hiking trails and is one of the area's most distinguished landmarks.

Because of its location, North Calgary residents have some of the city's best vistas, with the Calgary skyline to the south, views of the Canadian Rockies to the west, and panoramic views of the rolling hills and prairies. While each North Calgary neighbourhood has its own unique vibe, residents typically share a more laidback lifestyle than those who work and live in the City Centre, striking a balance between work and play.

Employers Near North Calgary

Job prospects are among the most significant factors in determining where to live. The economy in North Calgary is growing as fast as the region itself, and residents look forward to the projected continuation of job growth. Over 140 major companies have headquarters in Calgary, and the city has the highest concentration of head offices in Canada. Many of these companies are part of the oil and gas industry, with 53 energy companies headquartered in Calgary.

North Calgary residents enjoy relatively easy commutes to most of the major employers in Calgary, and one of the largest industries in the north region is aviation. Calgary International Airport rests on the border of North and Northeast Calgary, employing more than 300 full-time workers. The airport offers many opportunities for aviation careers, including pilot roles, customer service, air traffic control, security, flight attendant, ground crew, and more. In addition to the airport, WestJet—one of Canada's largest airlines—is headquartered in North Calgary, with additional hubs in Toronto and Vancouver.

Other companies with headquarters just a short commute for North Calgary residents include:

• Suncor
• Aecon
• Big Rock Brewery
• EnerFlex Limited
• Gibson Energy
• PCL Constructors Inc
• Bennett Jones LLP

North Calgary Amenities

The ease of access to outdoor recreation and the healthy lifestyle it enables are among the many benefits of living in North Calgary. Like many parts of the city, North Calgary has a direct line to the Bow River Pathway System, which encompasses some of Calgary's best walking and jogging trails. Residents and visitors also have access to some of the city's best recreational amenities, including the Calgary Winter Club, a facility with indoor tennis, curling, and skating.

Along with the Calgary Winter Club, North Calgary is home to Vivo for Healthier Generations, a multi-purpose sporting complex near Country Hills Village. In addition to its athletic facilities and trails, North Calgary residents have access to goods and services comparable to those in Downtown Calgary.

Neighbourhood Services

A neighbourhood's services are among the many considerations before someone relocates to a different city or area. Like many parts of the city, North Calgary is highly convenient with its ease of access to Calgary's public transportation. The LTR Station has many bus lines that run through North Calgary neighbourhoods, allowing commuters who work in Downtown Calgary to easily commute throughout the northern region. They also service many regional lines, with stops at medical facilities, grocery stores, and more.

For medical needs, Thorncliffe Medical Centre is a trusted provider of emergency, non-emergency, and preventative healthcare.

Neighbourhood Shopping

Among North Calgary's many positive traits, one of its best is its ease of shopping. This area is home to Country Hills Village, a shopping centre with many shops and services catering to residents' needs. The Country Hills Towne Centre, an established retail center with over 50+ unique shops, boutiques, and services, is also in the Country Hills Village neighbourhood. Country Hills Town Centre is incredibly varied, with well-established chains and boutique retail stores found exclusively in North Calgary. Country Hills Town Centre is primarily known for its healthy living shops, including Freshii and grocery shopping at M&M Food Market.

Other standout shopping centres in North Calgary include Sage Hill Quarter, Evanston Towne Centre, and The District at North Deerfoot. Plus, some of the best shopping malls in Calgary, including CF Market Mall and CrossIron Mills, are an easy drive from most neighbourhoods. Shoppers will also find plenty of restaurants and specialty shops throughout North Calgary.

Things To Do In North Calgary

While North Calgary is one of the more tranquil areas of the city, residents can always find fun, exciting activities throughout the community. Whether through the growing art scene, budding culinary scene, or the abundance of nature-based activities, there is something for everyone in North Calgary. Plus, communities like Evanston and Livingston are among the best master-planned communities in Calgary, providing even more recreational amenities.

Different community associations and recreation facilities within individual neighbourhoods provide programming and spaces for many different interests and pursuits. The Huntington Hills Community Association offers many programs for its residents, encouraging them to participate in the community while having fun. Whether through sports, community outreach, or shopping locally, this association significantly increases the quality of life for those living in the Huntington Hills neighbourhood.

Outdoor Activities

Of the many reasons Calgary residents choose to reside in North Calgary, one of the biggest draws is its abundance of outdoor activities. Nose Hill Park, one of Calgary's best parks, is a popular area for North Calgary residents to hike, bird watch, and observe nature. The trails of Nose Hill Park also connect to the Bow River Pathway System, which is famous for walking and cycling. Despite its proximity to an urban area, Nose Hill Park is teeming with wildlife, including deer, lynx, coyotes, and birds of prey. In addition to the city's many green spaces, residents of North Calgary have access to many golf courses. One example is the Country Hills Golf Club, which is split between Country Hills and the Panorama Hills neighbourhood.

Restaurants, Breweries, and Bars

In recent years, Calgary has become one of the rising stars in the culinary world. It is a top contender that's regularly ranked as one of the best foodie cities in Canada, competing with the likes of Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto. And North Calgary is no exception to this rule. While Calgary is traditionally considered a meat-centric city due to its roots in cattle ranching, Calgary's gastronomical profile is diversifying daily, with these influences reaching the surrounding communities. From Calgary's best breweries to fine dining and casual eats, North Calgary residents have access to the best Cowtown has to offer. Some of the most popular restaurants in North Calgary include Kinjo Sushi and Grille District, Railyard Brewing, Seniore's Pizza, and more.

Nearby Attractions

In addition to its abundance of green spaces, shops, and restaurants, North Calgary residents are just a short distance away from some of Calgary's best attractions. And while many of them are located in the City Centre, there are a variety of attractions just steps away from the northern neighbourhoods. For fans of the arts, North Calgary is home to the Jubilee Auditorium, a premier venue that hosts live shows, concerts, and theatre productions. It's also home to the Gallery House Concerts Society, an eclectic live performance venue for local musicians, and the Hangar Flight Museum, home to one of Canada's most comprehensive aviation museums.

North Calgary Schools

Students residing in North Calgary are served by the Calgary Board of Education, which covers all of Calgary and some surrounding areas. Students, particularly in primary school, will likely attend schools based on which neighbourhood they live in. For parents and guardians trying to find a school in Calgary, the Calgary Board of Education has a comprehensive map showing which schools are in a given neighbourhood. However, once students attend secondary school, most students living in North Calgary will attend North Calgary High School for grades 10–12. North Calgary High School, located in the Coventry Hills neighbourhood, has a total enrollment of 1,800 students.

Going beyond secondary schools, students who live in North Calgary have easy access to some of Alberta's finest post-secondary institutions. Just a short drive away in Northwest Calgary, the University of Calgary is located just outside of Calgary's City Centre. The University of Calgary offers many programs for prospective students, from undergraduate to graduate. Students of North Calgary are also just a short distance from Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), which is well-known for its business and technology programs.

Are You Ready to Enjoy Life in North Calgary?

From its abundance of green spaces to its easy access to big-city amenities—not to mention several of the most affordable neighbourhoods in Calgary—there are so many wonderful aspects to life in North Calgary. This suburban area has come to be known for providing its residents with unparalleled employment opportunities and an outstanding work-life balance. Still, before moving to North Calgary, it's crucial to explore the different neighbourhoods to find the right fit. North Calgary is ideal for Canadian residents who enjoy all that living in Calgary offers while enjoying a more laid-back lifestyle.