University District Calgary Neighbourhood Guide: Living in University District

Calgary’s University District is a neighbourhood that embraces education, arts, and culture. The blend of modern design and commitment to green living creates an environment where residents can explore new opportunities for growth and connection. Let’s explore the ins and outs of University District and discover what the neighbourhood adds to the experience of living in Calgary.

Highlights of Living in Calgary’s University District

• Community and Lifestyle: This community combines modern design with sustainability, offering 12 kilometres of trails, a retail hub, and proximity to the University of Calgary.
• Real Estate Options: Housing choices include condos, townhomes, rentals, and senior living residences.
• Amenities and Services: With over 50 shops, restaurants, and services, including Save-On-Foods, Market Wines, and Cineplex VIP Cinemas, University District ensures convenient access to daily necessities and entertainment.
• Outdoor Activities: The area boasts running and cycling paths, dog-friendly parks, and connections to the Bow River pathway, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
• Dining and Nightlife: The district offers diverse dining options like OEB Breakfast Co. and Village Ice Cream, alongside a growing nightlife scene.
• Arts and Culture: Residents enjoy cultural events, local art galleries, and access to Calgary's attractions like the Glenbow Museum and Nickle Galleries.
• Employment Opportunities: Proximity to the University of Calgary provides access to jobs in academia, research, healthcare, retail, and technology.

The University District Lifestyle

In the heart of Northwest Calgary, University District offers a vibrant community with over 10 kilometres of running paths, beautiful homes and green spaces, and tremendous access to the rest of the city. Residents can also take advantage of the impressive retail hub on University Avenue, featuring a variety of established businesses.

As one of the best neighbourhoods near the University of Calgary, residents enjoy proximity to the school’s abundant facilities and public transit options. Whether enjoying the outdoors, shopping, or accessing convenient transportation options, University District offers a well-rounded living experience for its residents.

Real Estate in University District

From the condos in University District to the nearby homes in University Heights, there’s a broad spectrum in the area; condos list from the $300s and single-family homes average around $1 million. Reputable builders contribute to the community's real estate landscape, ensuring quality and innovation.

The community’s share of the townhomes in Northwest Calgary is highly sought-after. Some homes offer views of the University of Calgary campus and the Downtown Calgary skyline, and some even have views of the Rocky Mountains. 

University District Amenities

University District in Calgary offers a range of convenient neighbourhood services and amenities right at residents' fingertips. With a growing retail hub on University Avenue, individuals can enjoy shopping at various businesses and future additions to the community.

Neighbourhood Services

The retail hub on University Avenue features grocery options such as Save-On-Foods and Market Wines. The Kensington Business Improvement Area (BIA), one of Calgary’s best BIAs, is just over five kilometres away. Additionally, fitness locations include YYC Cycle and Orangetheory Fitness. For moviegoers, Cineplex VIP Cinemas are available nearby. The area is also home to well-maintained green areas, including the dog-friendly North Pond Park.

Transportation

The University District neighbourhood offers well-maintained public transportation and convenient highway options for easy driving in Calgary. Below are some popular transportation options around the district:

• Established bus routes
• BRT stations
• LRT stations
• TransCanada Highway

Shopping

With over 50 shops, restaurants, and services on its retail main street, University District provides a convenient shopping experience. Plus, the neighbourhood is just two kilometres southeast of the CF Market Mall, one of the best shopping malls in Calgary. By offering a wide range of options for shopping and dining, the retail main street ensures that residents have access to various amenities within the community.

Things to Do in University District

Calgary’s University District is full of activities and amenities to keep residents busy. With over 10 kilometres of running paths and nearby spaces like Bowness Park, there is no shortage of local activities nearby.

Outdoor Activities

University District offers about 12 kilometres of trails throughout the neighbourhood. Residents can also take advantage of the Bow River Pathway, one of the best places to ride bikes in Calgary. 

Next door to University District, the Montgomery neighbourhood is home to Shouldice Park, offering Bow River frontage and wide-ranging sports facilities. Edworthy Park is just across the Bow River, and Confederation Park is less than two kilometres east of University District. The community is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle, encouraging residents to engage in outdoor activities.

Restaurants, Bars & Nightlife

The University District’s lively retail main street gives residents plenty of dining options to explore, like The Canadian Brewhouse, OEB Breakfast Co., Village Ice Cream, and Fuwa Fuwa. The neighbourhood is also home to Monogram Coffee, one of the best coffee shops in Calgary.

The burgeoning nightlife scene offers a variety of entertainment options to cater to different preferences. Whether it’s a cozy dinner spot or a lively bar, University District's food scene is set to impress.

Arts & Culture

University District offers a plethora of artistic experiences. Nearby in the Hillhurst neighbourhood, Alberta University of the Arts has regular exhibitions and events, while the University of Calgary’s Nickle Galleries are within walking distance. Residents have access to numerous art galleries, theatres, and cultural events.

Due to the community's convenient location, residents can explore renowned cultural landmarks in Calgary, such as the Glenbow Museum and the Calgary Zoo. With its proximity to Downtown Calgary, opportunities abound to attend concerts, theatres, and art shows, allowing residents to indulge in the city's vibrant arts and culture scene.

Employers Near University District

In University District, residents can find employment in all of Calgary’s top industries, including retail, healthcare, education, and technology. Moreover, the community's proximity to the University of Calgary opens up opportunities for academic and research positions. The university's extensive facilities and programs allow residents to explore employment avenues in teaching, administration, and support roles.

It’s common for neighbourhood residents to commute to Calgary’s City Centre neighbourhoods, as they’re home to the largest concentration of employers in the city.

Schools Near University District

Near esteemed educational institutions like the University of Calgary, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, and Alberta University of the Arts, University District offers unparalleled access to higher education. 

One of the most notable primary education institutions nearby is the Banff Trail School, an early French immersion school in the neighbouring Banff Trail community. In the Bowness neighbourhood, Bowness High School offers a comprehensive education that prepares students for future endeavours.

Ready to Make the University District Your New Home?

Living in the University District, Calgary, offers a vibrant community filled with amenities, entertainment options, and a focus on sustainability. With a range of housing options, residents can enjoy a balanced and enriching lifestyle. Whether you want to live near a university or in the heart of a commercial area, University District provides a unique and desirable living experience in Calgary.