Is Saddle Ridge Calgary a Good Neighbourhood to Live In?

If you’re thinking about moving to Saddle Ridge, you're not alone! This Northeast Calgary community has become one of the most popular spots for bigger households and newcomers to the city. With its wetland ponds, relatively affordable homes, and excellent transit access, there's a lot to love about Saddle Ridge.

Whether it’s the right fit depends on your lifestyle and priorities. Here's everything you need to know about this vibrant Calgary neighbourhood.

Quick Facts About Saddle Ridge Calgary

Here are some quick highlights to keep in mind:

• Average home price: Mid-$500s
• Population: Around 24,400 residents
• Transit: Saddletowne CTrain station (Blue Line)
• Commute to downtown: 35–40 minutes by CTrain

8 Reasons Saddle Ridge Is a Good Place to Live

1. Amazing Transit Access

The Saddletowne CTrain station puts you 35–40 minutes from downtown Calgary. That's shorter than many people's drive to work! Plus, the Blue Line runs frequently throughout the day.

2. Beautiful Wetland Ponds

The neighbourhood's wetland ponds are surrounded by walking paths. Perfect for evening strolls, jogging, or just enjoying nature without leaving the city.

3. Shopping Right at Your Door

Saddletowne Circle has everything you need daily—grocery stores, banks, restaurants, and services. No need to drive across the city for basics.

4. New Construction Options

Many homes in Saddle Ridge are newly built or under construction. That means modern layouts, energy efficiency, and fewer maintenance headaches.

5. Affordable Housing

Homes here still cost less than many Calgary neighbourhoods, making it a top choice for people from all walks of life.

6. Convenient Schools Nearby

Kids can walk to school or take a short bus ride. Plus, with the community continuing to grow, schools are expanding their programs.

7. Easy Airport Access

Living this close to Calgary International Airport makes travel convenient. But don't worry—the planes aren't too loud in most parts of the neighbourhood.

8. Room to Grow

Saddle Ridge is still developing. That means property values have good potential, and you'll see new amenities added regularly.

Where Is Saddle Ridge?

Saddle Ridge is located at the northeastern edge of the city, and it is bounded to the north by Airport Trail NE, to the east by Stoney Trail NE (Highway 201), to the south by 80 Avenue NE and to the west by Métis Trail.

Think of it as more or less Calgary's northeast corner. You're close to the airport, but far enough away that you still feel like you're in a neighbourhood, not an industrial area.

Major roads nearby include:

• Stoney Trail (great for getting around the city)
• Métis Trail
• Airport Trail
• McKnight Boulevard

How Much Do Homes Cost in Saddle Ridge?

Homes for sale in Saddle Ridge are a mix of property types, but are primarily detached homes. Here's what you can expect to pay:

Detached Homes: $600,000+. Most single-family homes fall in this range. Newer builds cost more, but you get modern features and warranties.

Townhouses: $400,000–$550,000. Great as a starter option or if you want less maintenance. Many have garages and small yards.

Condos: Median price of about $300,000. Many are brand new with low condo fees.

Rental Options: $1,500–$2,200/month. Lots of rental options available, from basement suites to full houses.

The market has been growing steadily. In February 2025, the average home price increased by 5.1% year-over-year to $612,838, while the median price rose by 3.1% to $565,000.

Schools Near Saddle Ridge

Elementary Schools

• Saddle Ridge Elementary - K–4, right in the neighbourhood
• Hugh A. Bennett School - K–4, serves the area
• Light of Christ School - K–9, Catholic option

Middle/Junior High

• Peter Lougheed School - Grades 5–9

High Schools

• Nelson Mandela High School - Near Saddletowne Circle
• Lester B. Pearson High School - Short bus ride away

These Calgary schools are modern and growing. Most recently opened to serve all the new households moving to the area.

Amenities Near Saddle Ridge

Shops & Restaurants

Saddletowne Circle is your one-stop shopping and services hub:

• FreshCo - Main grocery store
• Shoppers Drug Mart - Pharmacy and essentials
• Multiple bank branches
• Two pizza shops, multiple Indian restaurants, and fast food
• Medical and dental services

The local fire station and police station are here, too.

Just south of the Circle, you’ll also find the Genesis Centre community hub. It hosts Saddletowne Library, a skate park, a YMCA, and more.

Local Parks

More than a dozen neighbourhood playgrounds are scattered throughout Saddle Ridge. No matter where you are, you’ll likely be within walking distance of at least one.

A few highlights include:

• Butterfly Playground on 87 Avenue NE - adds a touch of whimsy with the shape of its paved areas
• Saddlebrook Playground on Saddlebrook Drive NE - located on a paved trail around a pond area
• Saddlebrook Park on Saddlebrook Drive NE - also has a half-basketball court
• Savannah Park NE playground - also has outdoor gym equipment

Saddlecreek Ponds

The neighbourhood's wetland areas aren't just pretty—they're functional too. These ponds help manage stormwater while creating natural habitats.

Walking paths wind around the water. Perfect for:

• Morning jogs
• Evening walks
• Dog walking
• Birdwatching

Kids love watching ducks and other wildlife. It's like having a nature preserve in your backyard.

Community Events & Fitness Classes

The Saddle Ridge Community Association organizes:

• Youth sports leagues
• Community barbecues
• Seasonal festivals
• Fitness classes at the community centre

With so many growing households, there's always something happening.

Commute Times to Downtown Calgary

Driving Commute Times

• Rush hour: 45–60 minutes to downtown
• Off-peak: 25–35 minutes
• Weekend: 20–30 minutes

Calgary traffic can be heavy during peak times, especially on Stoney Trail and Deerfoot Trail.

Public Transit Commute Times

This is one place where Saddle Ridge shines:

• CTrain to downtown: CTrain to downtown takes about 45–50 minutes end-to-end, depending on your destination. It’s a smooth ride with no transfers needed and has a park-and-ride lot.
• Frequency: Trains run every 5 to 10 minutes during rush hour, so you won’t be waiting long.
• Cost: It’s $3.80 for a 90-minute ticket, which lets you ride buses and the CTrain within that time window.

The Blue Line is pretty reliable and runs well into the evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many People Live in Saddle Ridge, Calgary?

In the City of Calgary's 2021 municipal census, Saddle Ridge had a population of 24,365 living in 6,005 dwellings. With a land area of 5.5 km2 (2.1 sq mi), it had a population density of 4,430/km2 (11,470/sq mi) in 2021.

In general, that makes it big enough to have amenities, but small enough to feel close-knit.

How Much Is the Saddle Ridge Community Association Fee & Who Has to Pay It?

Community association membership in Saddle Ridge is voluntary for most detached homeowners and typically costs around $50–$100 per year.

If you're buying a condo, expect monthly condo fees based on square footage, often between $0.38 to $0.46 per square foot. For a 1,000 sq ft unit, that’s roughly $380 to $460 per month. These monthly condo fees typically cover building maintenance, snow removal, insurance, and often include utilities like water and heat, but they are separate from any community association membership.

Before buying, take a close look at the fee breakdown. Condo fees and community association dues are separate—the first covers upkeep of your specific building, while the latter supports neighbourhood events and facilities.

What Is the Saddle Ridge Postal Code?

The main postal code for Saddle Ridge is T3J.

Some newer developments might have slightly different codes, but T3J covers most of the neighbourhood.

Is Saddle Ridge the Right Calgary Neighbourhood for You?

Saddle Ridge works best for:

• Growing households and first-time buyers looking for affordable options
• Transit users who don't want to drive downtown
• People who enjoy community events
• Anyone wanting newer homes without downtown prices

It might not be perfect if you:

• Need to drive to work daily (traffic can be rough)
• Want an established neighbourhood with mature trees
• Prefer quieter areas (it's busy and growing fast)
• Don't like being near the airport

If you’re ready to see what Saddle Ridge has to offer, the best way to know if it's right for you is to spend a day in the neighbourhood. Grab lunch at Saddletowne Circle, walk around the ponds, and check out the CTrain timing during your usual commute hours.