Living in West Calgary: Reasons to Love Living on Calgary's West Side

Once a western town, Calgary is now Alberta's largest metro area and one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada. While nearly every area of the city has seen a population boom, West Calgary is one of the city's fastest-growing districts.

Founded in 1957, West Calgary is one of two surviving ridings from the Redistribution of Calgary in 1959. Today, West Calgary is a dynamic residential district encompassing many neighbourhoods. Located north of the Glenmore Reservoir and south of the Trans Canada Highway, West Calgary is easily accessible to the City Centre, thanks to Calgary's public transportation options and highway infrastructure. With its highly desirable neighbourhoods and abundance of economic opportunities, West Calgary is a vibrant area that's rapidly growing. Here are some of the reasons why West Calgary is a great place to live.

West Calgary at a Glance

• Stunning Natural Views: West Calgary offers scenic mountain and valley views, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Outdoor Recreation: Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and skiing, with the Rocky Mountains just a short drive away.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The area boasts numerous parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities, creating a welcoming environment for families.
• Diverse Housing Options: The community offers a wide range of housing options, from luxurious estates to affordable homes, catering to various preferences and budgets.
• Access to Downtown: West Calgary's convenient access to downtown via Bow Trail and public transit makes commuting easy for professionals.
• Golf Courses: Golf enthusiasts can enjoy nearby courses like the Glencoe Golf & Country Club, enhancing the outdoor lifestyle appeal.
• Strong Sense of Community: With various community associations, clubs, and events, West Calgary fosters a tight-knit, welcoming community atmosphere.

West Calgary Lifestyle

West Calgary, commonly known as the Westhills, is nestled between Downtown Calgary and the Rocky Mountains. Because of its spectacular location, the area is home to some of the Calgary neighbourhoods with the best Rocky Mountain views, not to mention its views of the downtown skyline. It also has some of the best employment opportunities, with many corporations headquartered in the area. This district is home to over 17 distinct neighbourhoods. Some of the area's most prominent communities include the Coach Hill neighbourhood, Cougar Ridge, Strathcona Park, Signal Hill, and Aspen Woods.

A mix of residential and commercial, West Calgary is home to some of the city's most stunningly beautiful green spaces, including some of Calgary's best hiking trails and parks along the Bow River. In addition to its natural beauty, West Calgary also has one of the highest concentrations of corporations within its boundaries, only trailing behind Downtown Calgary. At only 10 kilometres from downtown, West Calgary is ideal for commuters who love the tranquillity of mountain living with the convenience of big-city amenities.

Real Estate in West Calgary

West Calgary is home to some of the city's most sought-after real estate. Many of Calgary's new construction homes can be found here, and neighbourhoods like Aspen Woods offer stunning luxury real estate. Most homes in West Calgary are priced from $300,000 to $1.5 million, but studio condos list from $200,000, and luxurious estates can top $7.5 million.

Employers Near West Calgary

While there are many reasons prospective residents choose to live in the different districts of Calgary, the biggest deciding factors are Calgary's job market and major industries. Calgary has one of the healthiest employment rates in the country, with over 143 major companies based in the city. In fact, many of these companies are based in West Calgary, trailing behind Downtown Calgary with the largest concentration of major corporate offices. Calgary is well-known for its diverse range of industries, but the four most prominent industries in West Calgary are energy, construction, finance, and machinery.

With over 4,500 employees worldwide, WestJet is one of West Calgary's largest employers and one of the most prominent airlines in North America. WestJet offers numerous employment opportunities within its corporate headquarters and at the airport in Northeast Calgary. For those in the energy industry, Suncor and Gibson Energy Inc. are two of the area's largest employers. They also hold corporate offices in West Calgary and offer plenty of upward mobility within their companies.

In addition to these prominent companies, West Calgary is just a 10 to 15-minute drive to Downtown Calgary, giving residents ample employment opportunities.

West Calgary Amenities

In addition to job prospects, another important factor prospective residents should consider before choosing one of Calgary's districts is each area's different amenities. West Calgary has many desirable amenities and attractions within its community, from stunning green spaces and abundant nature paths to its outstanding shopping centres and shops, and there is something for nearly everyone in this dynamic district. Learn more about some of West Calgary's best amenities.

West Calgary Services

The services and amenities offered in a particular city area are often key factors for homebuyers, and West Calgary has a well-established organization that provides those services to new homeowners. In West Calgary, the SCA Association serves Strathcona Park, Christie Park, and the Aspen Woods neighbourhood. Its mission is to enhance neighbourhood life by creating and facilitating programs, services, and resources for its residents, visitors, and volunteers. West Calgary also sports the Westside Recreation Centre, which hosts many events and programs, including youth athletics, aquatics, and athletic training programs.

West Calgary Shopping

Along with its natural beauty and varied employment opportunities, one of the many perks of living in West Calgary is that it offers some of the best shopping in Calgary. Starting with grocery shopping, Sunterra Market is an upscale supermarket and one of the most popular stores in West Calgary, catering to all dietary needs. Moving beyond the kitchen, West Calgary is home to two major shopping centres: West Market Square and Aspen Landing Shopping. West Market Square, a European-style community plaza, is home to various restaurants, shops, and services. Aspen Landing is a bustling shopping centre with some of the nation's biggest retailers, as well as specialty stores and restaurants.

West Calgary Property Owners Association

With its numerous amenities and local events, West Calgary residents often enjoy an elevated quality of life compared to many other communities. The area's property owners' associations are among the many driving forces behind these thriving communities. For those who live in Coach Hill, many community members belong to the Coach Hill Patterson Heights Community Association. Run by a Board of Directors, the CHPH Community Association works diligently to serve the Coach Hill and Patterson Heights communities.

In the Cougar Ridge neighbourhood, the community association is the Cougar Ridge Residents Association (CRRA), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving its community. In the Signal Hill neighbourhood, the Signal Hill Community Association dedicates itself to providing a safe, livable and caring community.

Things To Do in West Calgary

For West Calgary residents, something is always going on in their community. From recreational facilities to stunning parks and nature trails, there is no shortage of things to do to keep residents entertained and engaged. This area is also home to some of the area's best bowling alleys and movie theatres, among other activities.

Outdoor Activities

Nestled between the prairies and the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is considered one of Western Canada's most beautiful cities. And with the abundance of Calgary's great parks and nature trails, Calgary residents have plenty of outdoor opportunities. This is especially true in West Calgary, which features some of the area's most stunning mountain views and nature parks. One of the area's most popular parks is Edworthy Park, a scenic nature park nestled along the banks of the Bow River. This park has picnic areas, hiking trails, and a designated off-leash area for dogs.

For those who prefer golf, the area is home to some of the best golf courses in Calgary. From Shaganappi Point Golf Course to Pinebrook Golf & Country Club, Elbow Springs Golf Club, and Valley Ridge Golf Club, there's a course for every golfer.

Restaurants, Breweries, & Bars

As the dining culture has increased in recent years, Calgary has upped the ante and risen through the ranks as one of Canada's top foodie destinations, competing with Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. Combining its Western roots with its variety of other restaurants, Calgary's food scene is an infusion of flavours unique to the area.

In West Calgary's West Springs neighbourhood, be sure to check out Mercato West, a beloved Italian restaurant. Popular spots for breakfast include The Bro'Kin Yolk in Signal Hill and Brekkie in West Springs. West Calgary has abundant culinary possibilities, and residents never have to travel far for an excellent meal.

Nearby Attractions

Among its many other attractions, West Calgary has a variety of fitness options to keep residents happy and healthy. While the area's many nature trails are one of the most popular ways of staying fit, there are many athletic facilities that are just as effective. WinSport, Canada's Olympic Park, offers activities such as skating, biking, personal training, and more, all located immediately north of the Cougar Ridge neighbourhood.

West Calgary is also home to the Calgary Climbing Centre, one of the area's leading indoor rock climbing facilities. For those who prefer the great outdoors, Prince's Island Park is just a short distance away and is regarded as one of the best parks in Calgary.

Schools Near West Calgary

When relocating to a new community, one of the most important factors to consider is educational opportunities, and the schools in Calgary provide varied opportunities for students of all sorts. West Calgary students are part of the Calgary Board of Education, which services all of Calgary and the surrounding areas. Homes in West Calgary are served by Area VII schools and have one of the largest student populations in the Calgary Metropolitan Area. Area VII has over 17 communities, featuring many public and private schools. For primary school, West Calgary students have the option of attending the following schools:

• Olympic Heights School
• West Springs
• Battalion Park
• Glenbrook
• Glendale

West Calgary students generally attend Ernest Manning High School in the Springbank Hill neighbourhood for secondary school. The city also has three private schools, R. C. Conklin School, St. Gregory, and Calgary Christian Academy. Parents can choose from many preschools, which set the foundation for their children's academic careers.

In addition to primary and secondary schools, West Calgary is just a short distance from many colleges and universities. One of the district's best-known universities is Ambrose University, an accredited university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs.

Living in West Calgary

From its city parks to its outstanding athletic centres, West Calgary has many attractions and amenities for its residents. Before moving to Calgary, be sure to consider your personal preferences and needs. West Calgary can be a great choice for those looking for the perfect blend of downtown convenience, natural beauty, and proximity to the Rockies. West Calgary is an area that elevates the city's status as one of the best places to live in Canada.