Living in North Calgary: 10 Reasons to Love North Calgary

Calgary is well-known as one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada. With its rugged, natural beauty, booming local economy, and high quality of living, it's easy to see why so many people are interested in Calgary real estate. And while nearly every area of Calgary is growing, one of the fastest-growing areas is the North Calgary community, which borders the City Centre, the Northeast Calgary, and the Northwest Calgary.

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 Calgary and the Calgary Airport, North Calgary is a beautiful area filled with parks, charming shops, and tree-lined streets. Home to famous Nose Hill Park, North Calgary is an ideal neighbourhood for outdoor enthusiasts and city-dwellers alike. Keep reading to learn about the top ten reasons to love living in North Calgary.

The North Calgary Lifestyle

Starting at the Thorncliffe neighbourhood, North Calgary lies to the west of Deerfoot Trail and surrounds the historic Nose Hill Park. Nose Hill Park, the second-largest urban park in Canada, has an abundance of wildlife and hiking trails and is one of the neighbourhood'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. North Calgary residents have incorporated many aspects of their lifestyle into the great outdoors, caring for their green spaces, installing a large number of hiking and biking trails throughout the area, and taking great pride in maintaining their neighbourhoods. While each North Calgary neighbourhood has its own identity, all residents typically enjoy 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

One of the most significant factors for determining where someone will live is employment prospects for many people. The local economy is growing as fast as the neighbourhood itself, and North Calgary residents can expect to feel the perks of the projected 6% increase in jobs to come. Over 143 major companies have headquarters based in Calgary. Calgary has the highest concentration of head offices located in Canada. Overwhelmingly, most of these companies are part of the Oil & Gas Industry, with 53 energy companies headquartered in Calgary. Living in North Calgary makes it easy to commute to offices in Downtown Calgary and Calgary employers in the Machester Industrial area.

For North Calgary residents, one of the largest industries is aviation. Established in 1992, the Calgary International Airport borders North Calgary and Northwest Calgary and employs over 300 full-time workers. This 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 itself, North Calgary is where WestJet, one of Canada's largest airlines, is headquartered, 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

Among the many benefits of living in North Calgary, the ease of healthy living ranks highly for North Calgary residents. Like many city areas, North Calgary has a direct line to the Bow River Pathway System, giving joggers, walkers, and cyclists easy access to the area's well-maintained trails. Residents and visitors also have access to some of the city's best recreational amenities, including the Calgary Winter Club, a recreational 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. Along with its athletic facilities and trails, North Calgary residents have access to many goods and services comparable to living in Downtown Calgary.

Neighbourhood Services

Each neighbourhood's services are among the many considerations before someone relocates to a different city or even location within the same city. Like many areas of Calgary, North Calgary is highly progressive with its ease of public transportation. Many individuals who rely on buses and other forms of public transport can very efficiently utilize all North Calgary has to offer. The LTR Station has many bus lines that run through North Calgary neighbourhoods, allowing commuters who work in Downtown Calgary to live farther north. They also service many lines within the neighbourhood, with stops at medical facilities, grocery stores, and more.

For those with medical needs, Thorncliffe Medical Centre offers high levels of healthcare in emergency, non-emergency, and preventative healthcare.

Neighbourhood Shopping

Among North Calgary's many positive traits, perhaps one of its best is its ease of shopping. This area is home to Country Hills Village, a shopping center with many shops and services catering to residents' needs. Nearby, residents will also find Country Hills Town Centre, an established retail center with over 50+ unique shops, boutiques, and services. 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. Shoppers will also find plenty of restaurants and specialty shops.

Things To Do In North Calgary

While North Calgary is one of the more tranquil communities in 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 nearly everyone in North Calgary. The Huntington Hills Community Association, based in North Calgary, offers many programs for its residents, encouraging them to actively participate in the community while having fun. Whether through sports, community outreach, or shopping locally, this association plays a significant role in increasing residents' quality of life in North Calgary.

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 most iconic urban parks, is a popular area for North Calgary residents to hike, birdwatch, 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, including Country Hills Golf Course.

Restaurants, Breweries, and Bars

In recent years, Calgary has become one of the rising stars in the culinary world. It is a top contender for 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. North Calgary residents can find restaurants in various cuisines, including upscale dining, casual Canadian dining, Japanese, Mediterranian, Italian, and more. 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. In addition, North Calgary is 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 part of the Calgary Board of Education, which services all of Calgary and the surrounding areas. Students, particularly in primary school, will likely choose where they go to school based on which neighbourhood they live in. For parents and guardians trying to find a school in Calgary their students will attend, the Calgary Board of Education has a comprehensive map showing which schools are in their 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 Coventry Hills, 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 universities. Just a short drive away from North Calgary, the University of Calgary is located northeast of Downtown Calgary. The University of Calgary offers many different 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, there are so many wonderful aspects of life in North Calgary. Recently, this suburban area of Calgary has provided its residents with unparalleled employment opportunities and an outstanding work-life balance many strive for. Yet, when moving to North Calgary, it's crucial to explore the different neighbourhoods within this community to find the right fit. North Calgary is ideal for Canadian residents who enjoy all that Calgary offers while enjoying a more laid-back lifestyle.