North, South, East or West Calgary?

Moving to Calgary is a big decision, especially if you're coming from another province or country. This is a very popular, growing area found in Alberta and provides a number of great features. However, before you make the move, there are a few things to consider.

Questions you should ask yourself before moving include:

• Which neighbourhoods are the best choices for you in Calgary?
• What do you value most about your current home?
• How large of a home do you need when you move?
• Where do you expect to be in five years, ten years or even fifteen years?
• Will you be working in the city or searching for a job once you arrive?
• What do you and your family enjoy for recreation?
• Are quality public or private schools important to you?

These are all very important questions, regardless of your situation. By asking each of these questions and really thinking about what you and your family need, you can make the move much easier.

About Calgary

Calgary has four quadrants, which are reflected by the street addresses. Each street ends with NW, NE, SW or SE for the quadrant. Most of the Avenues run east-west and the streets run north-south.

The majority of Calgary is detached homes, unlike most larger cities. The neighbourhoods closest to downtown tend to be the most expensive, while those found on the outskirts are a bit more affordable.

Choosing the right neighbourhood for your new home will make a big difference in how you adjust to Calgary. If you're young and single or a young couple, you may prefer a neighbourhood closer to downtown. However, if you have children or plan to have children very soon, you may prefer to live in one of the suburban neighbourhoods.

North, South, East, or West Calgary?

Calgary is divided into four separate quadrants including the northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest. While any other city can be cut into a pie like this you need to get familiar with these names if you're planning a move to Calgary. These divisions are commonly referred to by residents in the city and the media. 

Here's a brief overlook at these four different sections with each having their own personality and distinction to them.

Northeast Calgary

The northeast section is separated by the Deerfoot Trail from the rest of the city. Much of Calgary's commuting traffic uses this freeway and it can get quite busy during rush hour. There is a lot of industrial area in this quadrant as well as older neighborhoods for the working class. Attractions include the Prehistoric Park, Botanical Garden and the Calgary Zoo. This area boasts affordable living, easy access to the rest of Calgary and is a good place to live if you travel frequently with the airport nearby.

Northwest Calgary

This is the area where you will find a lot of the city’s athletic facilities and academic institutions. McMahon Stadium, Canada Olympic Park and the University of Calgary are all located in this section. The northwest has its fair share of upscale residential neighborhoods and is also the home to Kensington Village; an area that attracts an artistic crowd. This is a great place to live if you love to take to the mountains on weekends.

Southeast Calgary

The southeast area of Calgary homes the largest industrial sector of Calgary with fabrication plants, oil refineries etc. There are a lot of housing developments springing up in the area and the neighborhoods that have already been planted here are beautiful. You'll also find many of the best parks of the city here. Attractions include the stampede grounds, the Saddledome and the Spruce Meadows equestrian site.

Southwest Calgary

This is a mix of business and residential areas with a number of upscale communities. If you live in this area you'll have easy access to the downtown core without having to cross any bridges. Here you will find the North Glenmore Reservoir, the 17th Avenue shopping district and the Fourth Street restaurant section for people that are looking for fine cuisine.

Move to a Calgary Suburb

Living in a suburban area of Calgary will allow your children to walk to school, in most cases and may provide specific recreational opportunities you don't get when you live closer to downtown. This fits well for families, whereas living downtown is better for singles because of the culture, arts and nightlife.

Before you make your move, make sure you consider which area and what type of home you prefer. This will help you to choose the right new place to live, which will make the adjustment much easier.