11 Best Neighbourhoods in Calgary: Where to Live in Calgary, AB

With so many great places to live throughout the city and the suburbs, it's hard to figure out exactly where the best neighbourhoods are located. Answering this question depends a little bit on what you need. Is proximity to Calgary schools important? Do you prefer established areas, or up-and-coming hotspots? What's you're budget? How close do you want to be to downtown? Not every neighbourhood is the right fit for every homebuyer.

Nonetheless, there are some recurring favourites among Calgary homebuyers. If you plan to relocate to Calgary, or if it's just time for a change, consider these top Calgary neighbourhoods:

Elboya

It's hard to argue with this gorgeous community. With the Elbow River providing great scenery and the views of downtown, this is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in all of Calgary. The streets of Elboya are shaded by mature trees, creating a serene and verdant atmosphere that enhances the area's residential charm. There are plenty of great walking trails and pathways for the outdoor enthusiast, plus several neighbourhood parks, including an off-leash dog park.

Residents enjoy direct access to downtown via Macleod Trail, and the panorama of the city skyline contrasts beautifully with the tranquil river vistas, making Elboya a uniquely desirable place to live.

Homes for sale in Elboya are highly valued, as they don't come up on the market all that often. Typical listing prices for homes range between $1.3 and $2 million, though often go higher. Most of the homes here are detached, featuring spacious lots and distinctive architecture that ranges from mid-century modern to newly constructed estates.

Sunnyside

Sunnyside arguably boasts the best overall location in all of Calgary. Flanked by the picturesque Bow River on its south side and located just a stone's throw from downtown, this neighbourhood is a top draw for those looking to live near Calgary’s urban core without the need for a vehicle. Walking to the downtown commercial area is only about two kilometres across the pedestrian Peace Bridge.

Its proximity to top attractions and the core business district makes Sunnyside a highly desirable choice for new residents, particularly those commuting to downtown workplaces. Beyond its superb location, Sunnyside offers a tranquil environment that includes beautifully maintained community gardens and parks. Prince's Island Park, Rosedale Off-Leash Dog Park, and the riverfront Eau Claire Park are all easily accessible.

The architectural charm of Sunnyside is largely defined by its historic homes, which are among the oldest in the city. These properties give the neighbourhood a unique character that is hard to find in newer, more modern developments. The scenic views of the Bow River and the Calgary downtown skyline further cement Sunnyside’s reputation as a picturesque residential area. When homes hit the market in Sunnyside, they are often snatched up quickly.

Homes for sale in Sunnyside have an average home price in the mid-$800s, offering a range of housing options from condominiums starting in the $300s to detached homes beginning in the high $900s.

Altadore

Altadore stands out as one of Calgary's most vibrant and well-rounded neighbourhoods, effortlessly combining extensive green spaces with superb shopping options. The area’s main attraction, Marda Loop, is a bustling commercial district with over 125 stores catering to all shopping desires, from boutique fashion to local groceries. This makes Altadore not just a residential area but a lively hub for commerce and social interaction. The best part? You can walk to nearly anything within the community.

This City Centre community is equally esteemed for its expansive parks, which include River Park, Glenmore Athletic Park, and Sandy Beach. Altadore is also home to the largest off-leash dog park in the city and the best place to start your rafting journey down Elbow River, adding a splash of excitement to the neighbourhood's abundant recreation options.

The types of homes for sale in Altadore are diverse, reflecting the community's dynamic character. The average home price hovers around $1.1 million, with available properties ranging from charming 1950s bungalows to sleek, modern infill homes.

West Hillhurst

It's hard to find a neighbourhood that offers everything you need in one place. However, West Hillhurst may come really close. This neighbourhood is especially appealing due to its variety of trendy coffee shops where locals can start their day with a quality brew, popular pubs that provide vibrant nightspots, and an extensive pathway system that caters to fitness enthusiasts and casual strollers alike.

The Bow River borders the south side of West Hillhurst and it's located close to downtown, though not within easy walking distance. However, this isn't a negative; the neighbourhood has enough distance from the hustle and bustle to preserve a quiet, residential charm.

Homes for sale in West Hillhurst average around $1.3 million, reflecting the area's desirability and the quality of living it offers. While most of the homes are detached, offering spacious living and privacy, the neighbourhood also includes a selection of condos and multiplexes, which are perfect for those seeking a more communal living environment or a smaller, more manageable living space.

Mission

Mission is a paradise of urban walkability, blending vibrant streetscapes with a lively community atmosphere. Central to its appeal is 4th Street, renowned for its dynamic mix of public art, outdoor pub seating, and large, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. Well-lit streets lined with benches and lush trees create a welcoming environment among the many boutiques and dining options.

Venturing north from 4th Street, residents will discover the even bigger and more varied 17th Street, one of Calgary's most celebrated shopping and nightlife areas. Walkability to 17th Street puts Mission a step above the rest when it comes to affordable Calgary neighbourhoods—the average home price is typically in the high $400s.

Entry-level condos for sale in Mission start in the affordable $200s, providing an excellent opportunity for first-time homebuyers or investors. On the higher end, luxury condos can reach into the $800s and beyond. There are a few single-family properties, but they're much less common.

Garrison Woods

With plenty of ownership opportunities including townhouses, detached homes and condominiums, this is a great neighbourhood to start your Calgary home search. Condos here typically start in the $300s, giving plenty of budget-friendly options, while single-family homes for sale in Garrison Woods typically begin above $1 million. There's a lot of architectural diversity in the community,too.

The community’s heart is its bustling retail and social scene, where residents enjoy easy access to a plethora of local amenities. Coffee shops, grocery stores, and a wide array of restaurants are just a short walk away, and the neighbourhood is well-served by public transit and comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian pathways.

Central to Garrison Woods is the activity centre, a vibrant hub where community events bring residents together throughout the year. This focal point not only provides entertainment and social interaction but also fosters a strong sense of belonging and community spirit among the residents.

Douglasdale & Quarry Park

Leaving behind the neighbourhoods in the City Centre, this area in Southeast Calgary is a top choice for homebuyers seeking a blend of residential comfort and commercial convenience. Douglasdale and Quarry Park offer a plethora of housing options ranging from condos and townhomes to detached homes, catering to diverse lifestyle needs and preferences. The average home price here hovers around the mid-$700s, with single-family homes starting in the $600s, presenting a range of options from more affordable townhomes to luxurious detached houses.

Douglasdale, encompassing the sub-communities of Douglas Glen, Douglas Ridge, and Douglasdale Estates, is particularly revered for its scenic vistas and proximity to luxury amenities, such as the renowned Douglasdale Golf Course.

Neighboring Douglas Glen to the north, Quarry Park stands out as a mixed-use community, housing many of the area’s condo and townhome communities. This incredibly walkable neighborhood is designed to foster a balanced lifestyle with its combination of residential units, offices, retail facilities, and abundant green spaces.

Both neighbourhoods enjoy the natural splendor of Fish Creek Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America, along Douglasdale’s western limits. With extensive bike and walking trails along the bluffs overlooking the Bow River, residents have ample opportunities to engage in outdoor activities right in their backyard. Both communities are served by the Douglas Quarry Community Association, which offers various programs and events.

Hillhurst

Hillhurst is one of Calgary's most storied communities, having been established in the early 1900s. This neighbourhood seamlessly blends its historical roots with contemporary living, making it a prime location for those drawn to both heritage and modernity. Located in the heart of the city, Hillhurst is bordered by the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and the vibrant, trendy Kensington district, which is known for its boutique shopping, eclectic eateries, and bustling street life.

Homes for sale in Hillhurst offer a diverse array of options, from beautifully restored heritage homes to luxury condos to brand-new constructions that provide modern conveniences and luxury living. Prices start in the accessible $200s for some condos; however, for those seeking the pinnacle of luxury both home and condo offerings can rise into the $2 million range, offering expansive living spaces, high-end finishes, and spectacular city views. Detached homes in Hillhurst typically start around the $800s and can rise significantly in price, reflecting the high demand for property in this desirable area.

Canyon Meadows

Nestled in South Calgary, Calgary Meadows blends blend historical charm with modern living. Established in the 1960s, the community offers a variety of housing styles and price points. The average price of homes for sale in Canyon Meadows hovers around the $900s mark, a reasonable price for one of Calgary's most sought-after locales. Condos in Canyon Meadows start in the affordable $200s, with detached homes beginning in the mid-$600s and ranging up to luxury pricing, offering larger lots, expansive floor plans, and exclusive features.

Residents of Canyon Meadows enjoy proximity to several parks and natural landscapes, as well as the Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club. To the south, Fish Creek Provincial Park provides plenty of trails and vistas.

Brentwood

Located in Northwest Calgary, Brentwood is a community that offers a unique blend of mid-century charm and contemporary amenities. Established in the 1960s, this neighborhood is characterized by its quiet streets lined with mature trees and modern homes, many of which feature large yards.

Brentwood's appeal is enhanced by its excellent transportation connections. The Brentwood LRT Station allows residents to easily hop on the CTrain, facilitating quick commutes to downtown Calgary and other parts of the city.

Brentwood is well-served by the nearby Northland Village Mall, which provides a variety of shopping and dining options. Additionally, the beautiful expanse of Nose Hill Park is close by, offering residents a natural retreat where they can enjoy walking, cycling, and a range of other outdoor activities. The Brentwood Community Association, located in the Brentwood Sportsplex, offers everything from a community garden and dance classes to hockey lessons and an annual barbecue.

Real estate in Brentwood is reasonably priced considering its many benefits, with the average home price in the mid-to-high $500s. Single-family homes typically start in the mid-$700s, offering value for both the community feel and the accessibility it provides.

Discover These Great Calgary Neighbourhoods Today

These neighbourhoods are some of the best in Calgary, offering fantastic locations, plentiful amenities, and beautiful homes. If you're moving to the area, looking deeper into one of these excellent communities may just lead you to the right place to call home.