East Village Calgary Neighbourhood Guide: 8 Reasons to Live in Downtown East Village
Posted by Justin Havre Real Estate Team on Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 at 3:40pm.

When you explore Calgary’s East Village, you'll find a neighbourhood that's more than just a place to live—it's a community rich with culture and green spaces. With various housing options, from modern condos to charming townhouses, you can find a place to call home. Discover the amenities, activities, and opportunities that make this urban community—one of Calgary’s most walkable neighbourhoods—a remarkable place to call home.
8 Reasons to Live in Calgary’s East Village
- Vibrant Lifestyle: East Village offers a dynamic urban lifestyle, making it a popular choice for residents looking to engage with local culture and events.
- Green Spaces & RiverWalk: The neighbourhood emphasizes sustainability, with ample parks and the redeveloped RiverWalk, a scenic pathway along the Bow River.
- Proximity to Downtown: East Village is adjacent to Calgary’s downtown, offering easy access to work, nightlife, entertainment, and public transit.
- Affordable Living: The cost of living in East Village is generally lower than in other parts of Calgary.
- Housing Options: The area features a mix of modern condos, townhouses, and lofts, providing a variety of housing types to suit different needs and preferences.
- Shopping: The neighbourhood features unique shopping experiences, with local artisan shops, fashion outlets, and cafes that cater to a range of tastes.
- Culinary Scene: East Village has a diverse culinary scene, featuring everything from trendy cafes like Phil & Sebastian to high-end dining at places like Nupo.
- Employment Hub: Major employers like Telus, BMO, and Shaw Communications are located nearby, offering job opportunities in the finance, tech, and energy sectors.
The Downtown East Village Lifestyle

Living in Downtown East Village means enjoying a vibrant urban lifestyle in Calgary with a strong sense of community and diverse cultural experiences. This neighbourhood fosters engagement among residents, making it easy to connect with neighbours and participate in local events. One of the standout features of Downtown East Village is its emphasis on sustainability and green spaces. You'll find plenty of parks and a redeveloped river walkway, perfect for staying active and enjoying the outdoors.
Another significant advantage of living in the East Village is its proximity to Downtown Calgary. Whether you need to commute for work or want to explore the city's nightlife, everything is just a short walk or transit ride away. Speaking of transit, public transportation options are plentiful, making it easy to get around without relying on a car.
Affordability is also a key benefit. Downtown East Village's overall costs are lower than Calgary's cost of living, making it an attractive option for many. With all these advantages, Downtown East Village offers a balanced, dynamic lifestyle.
Types of Homes in Calgary's East Village
Downtown East Village offers diverse housing options, including Calgary condos, lofts, townhouses and apartments. This vibrant neighbourhood offers modern high-rise buildings with stunning views of the Bow River and downtown Calgary, catering to modest and luxurious tastes. Whether you're looking for an affordable rental unit or an upscale luxury residence, East Village has something to suit your needs.
Downtown East Village homes are typically priced from the mid-$200s to $1 million. Many homes in the area come equipped with convenient amenities such as fitness centres, rooftop patios, and underground parking, making everyday life more comfortable and enjoyable. The real estate market here is designed to cater to various lifestyles and preferences, featuring contemporary urban living spaces alongside historic buildings.
You'll appreciate the mix of affordability and high-end options, allowing you to choose a home that fits your budget and style. With easy access to the downtown core and a redeveloped river walkway, East Village combines the best urban living with scenic beauty. From cozy lofts to spacious townhouses, you'll find the perfect spot to call home in this dynamic and evolving community.
East Village Amenities
You'll find various neighbourhood services and convenient shopping options when exploring East Village. This area has everything you need, from essential services to unique local boutiques, and countless more options await in neighbouring Downtown Calgary. Discover what makes the East Village’s amenities so special.
East Village Neighbourhood Services
The East Village has everything you need, from a variety of restaurants and cafes to essential services like grocery stores and pharmacies. This vibrant neighbourhood ensures that all your daily needs are within easy reach, making it a convenient place to call home.
For your fitness needs, East Village boasts several fitness centres where you can hit the gym or join a yoga class. If you're looking for outdoor activity, the area is rich with green spaces and some of Calgary's best walking and jogging trails. St. Patrick's Island and the RiverWalk are local favourites for nature enthusiasts.
Healthcare services are also readily available, with clinics and pharmacies guaranteeing you can easily address your medical needs. Banking services are conveniently located, so managing your finances is a breeze.
East Village offers several ways to connect with the community. Cultural venues and art galleries add a touch of enrichment and leisure, providing a well-rounded living experience. In East Village, everything is designed to make your daily life easier and more enjoyable, blending convenience with a vibrant urban lifestyle.
Shopping in Calgary's Downtown East Village
Calgary’s East Village offers various shopping options, from local boutiques to specialty stores, ensuring you find everything you need right in your neighbourhood. You'll love the variety of artisan shops that bring a unique flair to the area, making each shopping trip an adventure. Whether you're searching for trendy fashion outlets, home decor, or one-of-a-kind gifts, East Village has you covered. For even more unique shopping, the nearby Chinatown neighbourhood is a must-visit.
Living in the East Village means you have convenient access to everyday essentials. Grocery stores and pharmacies are nearby, so you're never far from what you need. Clothing retailers abound, offering everything from the latest trends to timeless classics.
But it's not just about the basics; East Village also boasts cozy cafes and bakeries where you can grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely coffee. The retail scene here caters to various tastes and preferences, making East Village a shopper's paradise. With such a well-rounded shopping experience, you'll find that everything you need is just around the corner.
Things to Do in East Village

There’s plenty to do in Calgary’s Downtown East Village, from outdoor activities near downtown to a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. Explore some of the must-see attractions in the East Village.
Outdoor Activities Near Downtown East Village
Embracing outdoor activities in the East Village, you can start with a scenic stroll along Calgary's RiverWalk for a relaxing experience. This pathway offers stunning views of the Bow River and connects various parts of the city, making it a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors while staying close to downtown. There are many reasons to love living on East Village’s RiverWalk, making it one of the neighbourhood’s standout features.
Head to The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland in winter for some cross-country skiing. Formerly known as Fort Calgary, this attraction—one of the sites Calgary is famous for—transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a unique way to embrace the colder months. For fun and games, visit the Bounce Games Park in East Village. It's an excellent spot for locals to enjoy some active entertainment.
St. Patrick’s Island Park, one of Calgary’s best parks, is just a stone’s throw across a fork in the Bow River from East Village, and the nearby Calgary Zoo is a must-visit. Finally, take a moment to marvel at the Central Library. The library's modern architecture makes it a great space to explore. These activities ensure you'll always have things to do in East Village.
Restaurants & Nightlife
After exploring outdoor activities, you'll find East Village's vibrant culinary and nightlife scene equally enticing. Start your culinary journey at local favourites like Phil & Sebastian for a perfect cup of coffee or Sidewalk Citizen Bakery for artisanal pastries and bread. Charbar offers a delicious array of grilled meats and seafood if you're in the mood for something hearty.
For a more refined dining experience, the top restaurants in Downtown Calgary are all nearby—Head to The Alt Hotel, where you'll find Nupo and EIGHT. Nupo specializes in Japanese cuisine with a creative twist, while EIGHT offers an exclusive, high-end tasting menu. Don't miss out on Chix Eggshop for a quirky brunch option that serves delectable egg-centric dishes.
Craving something sweet? Parlour Ice Cream has you covered with its creamy, flavorful scoops. For a casual bite, Strip Joint Chicken is a must-visit, serving up delicious chicken dishes that are perfect for a laid-back meal. With trendy eateries, cozy cafes, and delightful dessert spots, East Village promises a diverse and satisfying culinary adventure.
Employers Near Downtown East Village
Downtown East Village abounds with opportunities from major employers like Telus, BMO Financial Group, Cenovus Energy, and Shaw Communications. These companies are among the largest employers in the city and significant draws for professionals moving to Calgary, providing diverse job prospects in finance, technology, energy, and telecommunications.
These companies have helped to make the area a hub for professionals from various fields. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a finance expert, or someone looking to break into the energy sector, you'll find ample employment options here.
The presence of these leading employers contributes to a vibrant and dynamic workforce. You'll be surrounded by ambitious individuals and innovative companies, creating an environment ripe for networking and professional growth. Additionally, the mix of established corporations and emerging businesses guarantees a balanced job market, catering to different career stages and aspirations.
Convenience is another perk of working in Downtown East Village. The neighbourhood's proximity to the downtown core means you're never far from the action, whether it's client meetings, industry events, or after-work socializing. Plus, the area's pedestrian-friendly design and access to Calgary’s public transit options make commuting a breeze.
In short, Downtown East Village isn't just a great place to live—it's a fantastic place to work, offering many opportunities for career advancement and personal fulfillment.
Schools Near Calgary's Downtown East Village

When you live and work in Downtown East Village, you'll find educational options like King George School and St. Mary's High School nearby. King George School, a historic landmark located less than five kilometres away in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood, caters to K–5 students. It's a public school known for its strong community ties and dedication to providing a robust foundational education.
For older students, St. Mary's High School offers a thorough Catholic education for grades 10 to 12. Located nearby in the Mission neighbourhood, St. Mary's focuses on academic excellence and moral development, preparing students for both higher education and life beyond school.
Living in Downtown East Village means you won't have to worry about long commutes or limited educational resources. With quality schools like King George and St. Mary's nearby, students’ educational journeys are well-supported in the East Village.
Call East Village Calgary Home
If the East Village becomes your home, you'll enjoy a tapestry of cultural experiences, green spaces, and amenities that cater to every need. With a lower cost of living than other Calgary neighbourhoods, East Village is a place where you can truly thrive. So, come be part of this dynamic neighbourhood, where the heartbeat of urban life meets the tranquillity of nature. Your East Village adventure awaits!
If you're interested in Calgary real estate, contact Justin Havre Real Estate Team with eXp Realty with Calgary Homes at (403) 217-0003 to get in touch with a local real estate agent who can help you find your Calgary dream home today.