Calgary South: 9 Things to Love About Living in South Calgary

Located just 5.5 kilometres from Downtown Calgary, the South Calgary community is a residential area offering its residents many amenities. With easy access to Crowchild Trail SW, South Calgary is also an ideal neighbourhood for those commuting to the downtown area. Just a few of the reasons to love living in South Calgary include job opportunities, a mix of hiking and biking trails, and numerous shops and restaurants.

South Calgary Lifestyle

South Calgary is a vibrant, dynamic area with much to offer its residents, including several recreational facilities and parks. There are plenty of opportunities to stay active and engaged, from outdoor pools and sports centres to beautiful city parks. South Calgary also has employment opportunities in many fields, adding to the residents' high quality of life. Plus, South Calgary residents have easy access to some of the city's best amenities, including everything in City Centre Calgary.

Employers Near South Calgary

For many, the strong local economy is one of the most attractive aspects of moving to Calgary. The city has a healthy employment rate and more than 140 major company headquarters, some of which are in South Calgary.

Just a 10-minute drive from Downtown Calgary, South Calgary is an easy commute for many Calgary residents. And for those who don't wish to work in Downtown Calgary, there are many employment opportunities within Marda Loop's dynamic business park.

Some of the largest industries in South Calgary are education, science and technology, and home inspection services. Mount Royal University is one of the area's largest employers, with over 1,600 employees, from professors and faculty members to other staff. Another prominent employer in the neighbourhood is Alberta Precision Laboratories, with more than 5,200 workers. Popular positions include health care, administrative and support staff, and medical/scientific personnel.

South Calgary Amenities

An area's amenities can be a big factor when determining where to move to. South Calgary offers many big-city amenities and attractions while being in a smaller, more tight-knit community than some of the surrounding areas. From locally-owned shops and restaurants to recreational facilities, South Calgary has many desirable amenities for residents and visitors to utilize.

South Calgary Services

One crucial aspect of neighbourhood enjoyment is community engagement. In South Calgary, the tight-knit community hosts local events and promotes civic engagement.

Residents in South Calgary also benefit from numerous local services like The Mardaloop Registry, where residents can take road tests and renew their vehicle registration. For public transportation, residents have access to Calgary Transit, which offers over 150 routes throughout the city. The Canine Companionship Clinic keeps residents' pets in top health, while the Giuffre Family Library provides free educational resources to people of all ages.

South Calgary Shopping

One of the best parts of living in South Calgary is its abundant local shopping options. Residents have nearly every type of shop and specialty store at their fingertips, thanks to a major business park and numerous local boutiques. Marda Loop Business Park has over 150 trendy shops, boutiques, and restaurants for area shoppers to explore, from national retailers to specialty stores. Along with the Marda Loop Business Park, there are numerous shops at Avenue Thirty Four, a unique blend of shops inside historic Calgary homes.

South Calgary Property Owners Association

The organization responsible for creating and maintaining many of these amenities is the Marda Loop Communities Association, a group of neighbourhood volunteers and staff members. In addition to organizing events, they act as a conduit to City Hall, giving residents a strong and coherent voice. The association works to keep the neighbourhood vibrant, evolving, and engaged. Those who wish to be part of the community are encouraged to become part of the association.

Things To Do in South Calgary

With easy access to Downtown Calgary, South Calgary residents will always find something to do, even a short distance away. That said, residents don't have to travel far to find something to keep them entertained. From local events to parks and recreational facilities, South Calgary offers many amenities its residents can take advantage of.

Outdoor Activities

Nestled in the prairie lands, Calgary is one of Western Canada's most beautiful cities. This is especially true in South Calgary, where there are numerous parks and hiking trails. One of the area's most popular city parks is South Calgary Park, which has many recreational amenities, including soccer fields, baseball diamonds, picnic areas, and more. Another popular park is River Park, located near Sandy Beach. It is also one of the area's most popular dog parks, with a large off-leash area for dogs to roam freely.

Restaurants, Breweries, & Bars

In recent years, Calgary has developed quite a reputation as a Canadian foodie destination. This acclaim is spilling over into Downtown Calgary's surrounding districts, including South Calgary. Most known for its local farm-to-table dining, South Calgary serves a multitude of culinary offerings and cuisines. Some of the most popular restaurants are Thai, Canadian casual, Vietnamese, and more. South Calgary is also home to the Marda Loop Brewing Company, a popular microbrewery that offers locally crafted beer.

Nearby Attractions

Located just over five kilometres from Downtown Calgary, South Calgary residents are a short drive away from some of the city's best attractions, including phenomenal city parks. One of the area's best city parks is Prince's Island Park, a beautiful park with pristine gardens, stunning fountains, and gorgeous green spaces. In addition to the downtown area's lush city parks, Downtown Calgary has numerous amenities and entertainment spaces, including world-class museums, jaw-dropping skyscrapers, chic shops, and spectacular stadiums. Many visitors go down Stephen Avenue Walk, one of Canada's most colourful, vibrant streets.

Schools

Educational opportunities are among the most important factors when relocating to a new community. Students residing in South Calgary are part of the Calgary Board of Education, which services all of Calgary and the surrounding areas. South Calgary is part of Area V, which has one of the largest student populations in the Calgary Metropolitan Area. Area V's borders are Glenmore Trail SW and 50 Avenue SE to the north and the city limits to the west, south, and east.

While there are many schools within Area V, the closest schools to South Calgary are Altadore School, Central Memorial High School, Mount Royal School, Richmond School, and Western Canada School. Of these five schools, two are primary, and three are secondary. The area's most prominent secondary schools are Central Memorial High School, Mount Royal School, and Western Canada High School. Meanwhile, Third Academy is one of the area's most prominent private schools, catering to primary and secondary educational needs.

In addition to primary and secondary schools, South Calgary is just a short distance from several post-secondary schools. One of the area's most well-known universities is Mount Royal University.

Life in South Calgary

From its lush green spaces to its convenient access to big-city amenities, South Calgary has many attractions that have residents excited to move to the area. In addition, South Calgary also provides its residents with a healthy economy. But before moving, prospective residents should explore the area and get to know the neighbourhoods. For those who want to enjoy all Calgary has to offer, South Calgary is an ideal place to call home.