The best neighborhoods in Calgary are generally agreed to be Altadore, Inglewood, Sunnyside, Bridgeland, Beltline, Mahogany, Edgemont, Mission, and Downtown.
This is due to the amenities in these places, their attractive geographical placement, and the largely reasonable (most are within the city average) cost of living for each one.
Let’s get to know each neighborhood better to see exactly why they’re regarded so highly.
Table of Contents
Altadore
Altadore, located in southwest Calgary, has a little bit of everything. It’s a mix of urban and rural living, very family-oriented, and is located in Calgary’s coveted Marda Loop area – one of the city’s busiest outdoor shopping and dining districts.
The eclectic nature of the neighborhood is reflected in the streets, but it’s not just about it.
Because the neighborhood borders the Elbow River and has beautiful parks, it could easily be a great spot for dog walking, picnic lunches, and a leisurely weekend nap.
Cost of Living in Altadore
The following is the cost of living sourced by Areavibes.com derived from the Canada Statistics in 2020, to better understand the overall expenses of living in Altadore.
According to Areavibes: The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
This means the cost of living in Altadore is 7% higher than the Calgary average, which is around $4,575 monthly for a family of four and $1,881 for one person. And the cost of living in Altadore is 7% higher than the national average.
Altadore has the same average cost as the city for goods and services, groceries, health care, transportation, and utilities, except for housing. Housing in Altadore is 46% higher than Calgary’s average.
Things to Do in Altadore
As mentioned, Altadore has a little bit of everything, and because it is located in Calgary’s Marda Loop, there are plenty of things to do for everyone.
Local amenities for families include the South Calgary Outdoor Pool, skating rinks, the Giuffre Family Library, and the Military Museums.
This walkable neighborhood is also home to Cookie Occasion’s Mud Pie Mint cookies and the Marda Gras Street Festival, which draws over 35,000 visitors each August for exciting live music, dancing, shopping, food, and kid’s activities.
There are also numerous shopping opportunities. From denim and dresses to accessories and shoes, luxury linens, or even a place to get your cheese fix.
Main Upsides of Living in Altadore
Many often look to Altadore as a community of choice for themselves and their families for all of the following reasons:
- It’s just a short drive away from downtown and the Beltline.
- There’s a rich mix of parks, green spaces, recreation facilities, and the unique shopping district of Marda Loop.
- The area is adjacent to Elbow River parks and pathways, making it ideal for a quick run.
- The vibrant cultural and social scene is enough to pull both young and young at heart.
- There’s a diverse real estate portfolio including new townhomes for those looking to establish new homes.
Inglewood
Inglewood has established itself as one of the best places to live, having been named Canada’s Best Neighborhood in 2014 and consistently topping the list of Calgary’s Coolest and Most Livable Neighborhoods.
Inglewood, a bustling and enjoyable neighborhood, is ideal for those who enjoy an active and well-rounded lifestyle.
The area has plenty of outdoor green space, which encourages residents to walk, bike, or run around. That’s why Inglewood can also be an ideal home for young families seeking a small-town feel in a big city.
Cost of Living in Inglewood
The cost of living in Inglewood is the same as Calgary on average and is 7% lower than the national average. Other expenses, including goods and services, food items and groceries, health care, housing, transportation, and utilities, are the same as the city’s median
Inglewood is a reasonably priced neighborhood that, when compared to other inner-city neighborhoods, is about average because the variety of retail options ensures that there is something for everyone.
Things to Do in Inglewood
If you enjoy nature walks, this is the place for you. There’s the Inglewood Wildlands Park, a 36-hectare wildlife reserve with two kilometers of trails that opens daily from dawn to dusk.
Pearce Estate Park is located just north of Inglewood Wildlands Park and features 15 hectares of pathways, outdoor grilling pits, and the Bow Habitat Station if you want to learn.
Local shops are the lifeblood of Inglewood. For an ultimate shopping galore, start strolling on one end, pick the north or south side of the street to walk down, and work your way back on the other side of the street.
Main Upsides of Living in Inglewood
The following are some of the benefits of living in the neighborhood:
- You are never far from where you need to be with immediate access to bus routes all along 9th Avenue, quick access to river pathways extending into downtown, and convenient access to some of Calgary’s major roadways.
- Many start-ups, design companies, and small businesses are located in Inglewood making it a great venue for job opportunities.
- Inglewood is flush with amenities and necessities from large parks and cyclist/pedestrian pathways to close access to downtown Calgary.
- The Colonel Walker Community School is centrally located in Inglewood just off of 9th Avenue where children K-6 can attend public school.
Bridgeland
If you’re drawn to an eclectic vibe, you’ll find it in Bridgeland. Often referred to as “Little Italy” for its Italian restaurants, the area is also teeming with local spots, offering a variety of cuisines and flavors.
Aside from that, along the main street of the neighborhood, you’ll find outdoor attractions for the whole family and local shops with items you won’t find anywhere else.
This neighborhood is another option for those looking for a small-town feel in the big city. It is a walkable community located just northeast of downtown Calgary.
Cost of Living in Bridgeland
According to the table, the cost of living in Bridgeland is 1% higher than the average in Calgary and is 6% lower than the national average.
Bridgeland has the same average cost as the city for goods and services, groceries, health care, transportation, and utilities, except for housing. Housing in Bridgeland is 2% higher than Calgary’s average.
Things to Do in Bridgeland
Bridgeland is known as Little Italy, but it has also earned a reputation as Calgary’s breakfast capital, with several hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
Head to 1st Avenue NE for the best breakfast in the area, including the organic, homegrown eggs served at OEB Breakfast Co. and the Bridgeland Breakfast Sammy at Blue Star Diner.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, Canada’s second-largest zoo, is located in Bridgeland. It is the place to go if you want to see some of Alberta’s native animals up close and personal.
Main Upsides of Living in Bridgeland
The following are some of the benefits of living in Bridgeland:
- The best upside of living in Bridgeland is that it is a walkable community. Actually, it is more than walkable–it’s where you actually want to go for a walk.
- There are plenty of trails that take you through the city streets and down along the Bow River.
Sunnyside
If you want to see the best of what Calgary has to offer, Sunnyside is the neighborhood to live in or visit. This is also without a doubt another one of the best neighborhoods in Calgary for families due to its close-to-everything location.
Another reason Sunnyside remains a popular community is that it is home to the popular shopping district known as Kensington Village, which is shared with the community of Hillhurst.
This village is so well-known throughout the city that Calgary residents frequently mistake it for their own neighborhood.
Cost of Living in Sunnyside
According to the table, the cost of living in Bridgeland is 3% higher than the average in Calgary and is 4% lower than the national average.
Bridgeland has the same average cost as the city for goods and services, groceries, health care, transportation, and utilities, except for housing. Housing in Sunnyside is 12% higher than Calgary’s average.
Things to Do in Sunnyside
As mentioned, Sunnyside is popular for Kensington Village, so the first best thing to do in the neighborhood is to go there and enjoy the dining and entertainment options. You can shop at local clothing retailers for items that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Sunnyside is also a prime location for those who love to get out and stretch their legs while surrounded by natural beauty.
The first place you should check out is McHugh Bluff Park, which borders Sunnyside to the north and runs along Crescent Road NW, as well as the Bow River pathway, which is a popular tourist attraction.
For a time to get together with friends and family, book some ice time, and play one of the most popular sports in Canada, the Calgary Curling Club is the place to go.
Main Upsides of Living in Sunnyside
The following are some of the benefits of living in Sunnyside:
- The place itself provides quick and easy access to the downtown core for urban professionals.
- Adjacent to Kensington, it’s home to more than 100 different businesses so the commercial and urban culture is truly thriving.
- Bow River pathways provide excellent outdoor leisure and recreational opportunities – perfect for endless fun-seekers.
Mahogany
Mahogany offers everything you could want in a new community, from an incredible selection of home styles to parks, pathways, wetlands, beaches, and, of course, the lake.
You can enjoy a serene, lazy lake lifestyle with unmatched community amenities in Mahogany, giving you a ‘vacation’ lifestyle all within Calgary.
There’s a place for everyone in Mahogany, whether it’s a lifestyle, home style, or price-point, they truly do have it all. This community has a great mix of brand-new condos, high-end senior living communities, and luxurious estate homes.
Cost of Living in Mahogany
According to the table, the cost of living in Mahogany is 1% higher than the average in Calgary and is 6% lower than the national average.
Mahogany has the same average cost as the city for goods and services, groceries, health care, transportation, and utilities, except for housing. Housing in Mahogany is 5% higher than Calgary’s average.
Things to Do in Mahogany
It’s not every day a Calgarian can enjoy the beach unless you live in Mahogany. It has the largest freshwater lake, over 265 acres of green space, and beautiful streets, along with many open public spaces and playgrounds.
If you’re new to the area, the first thing you should do is enjoy the benefits of lakeside living and outdoor recreation.
Even if it isn’t summer, people can delight themselves on a paddleboard, paddleboat, or canoe for a few hours in the sun with their children or a small group of their friends.
Living in Mahogany allows families to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. The Mahogany Beach Club and Copperfield-Mahogany Community Association provide a plethora of activities and events for both children and parents to enjoy.
Main Upsides of Living in Mahogany
The following are some of the benefits of living in Mahogany:
- The neighborhood’s real estate portfolio ranges from starter homes to lakeside estates. There’s always one for everyone.
- Residents and visitors have exclusive access to the central lake.
- There are year-round activities and events held by their active community association. Mahogany doesn’t run out of recreational activities.
- Associations support a close-knit, family-oriented community. This makes this ideal for families looking for steady support within the neighborhood.
Beltline
Living in Calgary’s Beltline neighborhood can provide you with a wealth of amenities, entertainment, and culture.
It’s a place where people can often live, work, and play all within a short distance of their front door. It’s also an ideal location for urbanites who want to fully experience the inner city/downtown lifestyle.
Cost of Living in Beltline
The cost of living along the Beltline is 5% lower than the average in Calgary and is 12% lower than the national average.
The Beltline has the same average cost as the city for goods and services, groceries, health care, transportation, and utilities, except for housing. Housing in the Beltline is 16% lower than Calgary’s average.
Things to Do in Beltline
One of the most memorable parts of the Beltline is its public art and parks. From incredible plants and flowers, water features, murals, and statues, beauty is around every corner of the Beltline.
Discover a stretch of art galleries and contemporary furniture showrooms along 10th, 11th, and 12th Avenues SW that make up The Beltline community known as the design district.
For outdoor adventurers, the Beltline provides all the ways to get out and enjoy the Rocky Mountains. There you can enjoy hiking, running, climbing, and camping.
Main Upsides of Living in Beltline
The following are some of the benefits of living in Beltline:
- Living in Beltline comes with many different real estate ownership opportunities.
- The place is packed with hundreds of eclectic businesses that make it one of the most popular neighborhoods in Calgary.
Beltline is one of Calgary’s most walkable communities, boasting a Walk Score of 91.
Edgemont
If you need a lot of green space, consider this unique hilltop neighborhood in northwest Calgary. Edgemont is surrounded by Edgemont Ravine, a network of ravines in the area that provide running and cycling paths.
Edgemont has a lot to offer families, including several ridgeside properties with panoramic views of the city
Cost of Living in Edgemont
The cost of living in Edgemont is 3% higher than the average in Calgary and is 4% lower than the national average.
Edgemont has the same average cost as the city for goods and services, groceries, health care, transportation, and utilities, except for housing. Housing in Edgemont is 11% higher than Calgary’s average.
Things to Do in Edgemont
Because Edgemont has so many green spaces, sightseeing is the best thing to do there. Edgemont Hill provides an unrivaled vantage point from which to see for miles in both the south and west directions.
This type of area is ideal for a fun, yet challenging, jog or bicycle ride for some healthy outdoor leisure and recreation.
Main Upsides of Living in Edgemont
The following are some of the benefits of living in Edgemont:
- Located there is Country Hills Village which is a major amenity resource for Edgemont families. It is complete with a Superstore and several other restaurants, shops, and services.
- Offers easy access to Nose Hill Park — one of the largest urban parks in Canada, with sweeping views of the city.
- It’s very family-oriented and has an elementary and junior high school in the area.
Mission
The Mission district is a Calgary inner-city neighborhood that began as Notre Dame de la Paix, a Catholic mission, and was previously the incorporated Village of Rouleauville.
The Mission neighborhood is bounded by 4th Street SW, which is lined with restaurants and shops, and it hosts the Lilac Festival in June.
Cost of Living in Mission
The cost of living in Mission is 1% lower than the average in Calgary and is 4% lower than the national average.
Mission has the same average cost as the city for goods and services, groceries, health care, transportation, and utilities, except for housing. Housing in Mission is 3% lower than Calgary’s average.
Things to Do in Mission
Mission has great access to the river, so you’ll be expecting to do some fun river activities like fishing, boating, kayaking, and the like.
There are also many parks where the whole family can enjoy a picnic. Traveling north on the pathways, you’ll come across the Talisman Center, one of Calgary’s best recreational facilities. All of the parks and facilities in the area are within walking distance of one another.
Main Upsides of Living in Mission
The following are some of the benefits of living in Mission:
- There are a number of new quality condominium developments that have recently been completed, are under construction, or are in the registration phase.
- As mentioned, getting to the Elbow River pathways from anywhere in Mission takes anywhere from a few seconds to about five minutes. It also takes the same amount of time to get to 4th Street SW BRZ, which is lined with restaurants, shops, and services.
Downtown
Downtown is the party epicenter, both literally and metaphorically. The neighborhood is a hotspot, with the best nightlife, trendy dining, and hip shopping centers.
At the same time, Downtown is home to Canada’s second-largest corporate headquarters. As a result, it is an excellent location for locating a job in the business sector as well as a home close to work.
Cost of Living in Downtown
The cost of living in Downtown is 2% higher than the average in Calgary and is 5% lower than the national average.
Downtown has the same average cost as the city for goods and services, groceries, health care, transportation, and utilities, except for housing. Housing Downtown is 7% higher than Calgary’s average.
Things to Do in Downtown
Downtown is a great place to experience the Calgary Stampede each July, with the majority of the Stampede Parade route winding through city streets to kick off The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
It also houses some of the city’s most compelling visual arts galleries.
One of the best things to do in the area is to go to Contemporary Calgary, which is located in the former Centennial Planetarium and features a rotating collection of international art exhibitions and installations.
Main Upsides of Living in Downtown
The following are some of the benefits of living in Downtown:
- Being close to the heart of Calgary allows residents to walk to over 1,000 retail stores and 4,000 businesses. This means that everything you need and want is close by, saving you time and money on transportation.
- Downtown and inner-city Calgary have a plethora of fantastic entertainment centers that can broaden your diverse and multicultural mindset.
Brentwood
Brentwood has a reputation for being a welcoming community. There are excellent public transportation options, making it simple to get around the city.
This excellent public transportation is also a big plus for families who want to stay in the area for a long time, as well as the post-secondary institutions that make life easier for young teens and adults.
Also, there’s far too much enjoyment to be had. From the many recreational activities available in the community to the Brentwood Sportsplex, you and your loved ones will never be bored.
Cost of Living in Brentwood
The cost of living in Brentwood is 2% higher than the average in Calgary and is 5% lower than the national average.
Brentwood has the same average cost as the city for goods and services, groceries, health care, transportation, and utilities, except for housing. Housing in Brentwood is 2% lower than Calgary’s average.
Things to do in Brentwood
Inside Brentwood you’ll find lots of green spaces and children’s parks, great for those who enjoy outdoor leisure with the family dog by their side.
But if you love spending time in a museum, Brentwood has it.
Glenbow Museum, one of Western Canada’s largest museums, is located in the neighborhood. It has over 93,000 square feet of exhibition space in over 20 galleries, showcasing a selection of the Glenbow over a million object collections.
Main Upsides of Living in Brentwood
- With several great schools to choose from, it’s ideal for families looking for a well-established and peaceful neighborhood, as well.
- The neighborhood has excellent public transportation options, ideal for average commuters.
- The community is also just a few minutes from downtown and is located on the east side of Crowchild Trail, providing smooth access to the city center and mountains to the west.
The Best Neighborhood to Live in Calgary: The Bottom Line
Calgary City, in Alberta, Canada, has about 197 neighborhoods, as of 2016. And we are confident that whatever you believe is best for your needs, there is always a place for you to live in the city.
However, the ten neighborhoods on this list are what we believe to be ideal places to live, particularly for those moving to Calgary for the first time.
They each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, but at the end of the day, they all share the Calgary spirit – allowing residents to successfully pursue their business, family, and educational goals.
Do you agree with our choices? Whether your answer is yes or no, let us know why!
