Complete Guide To Living In Calgary, AB

 

  1. About Calgary
  2. Calgary Neighbourhoods
  3. Weather in Calgary
  4. Things to Do
  5. Calgary Real Estate
  6. Homes in Calgary

About Calgary

Calgary Stampede

As the home of the greatest outdoor shows on earth, The Calgary Stampede, the energetic city is located in Southern Alberta. It's also considered one of the cleanest cities to live in. The city has a tremendous entrepreneurial spirit, with so many small businesses emerging all the time. Moving to Calgary is an excellent decision for those who want to be close to the Rocky Mountains, start their own business, or live somewhere beautiful. The city has a lot to offer. 

Calgary Neighbourhoods

Calgary is separated into four quadrants - South East, South West, North West, and North East. The downtown core is centrally-located and relatively small compared to the rest of the city that spans 825.3 km². Each quadrant has some fantastic neighbourhoods to call home, depending on what you're looking for in new stomping grounds. Many people also choose to purchase homes in towns that are close to the city and commute each day, like Cochrane, Okotoks, Airdrie, Chestermere, Strathmore, or Springbank. There are over 200 great neighbourhoods that make living in Calgary very easy. 

South East

McKenzie Towne: McKenzie Towne has been an upper-middle-class community since its development in 1995. It's known as a safe, family-friendly community with access to the highway and everyday conveniences. 

Mahogany: Mahogany is a fairly new community in the deep south with many new homes in Calgary. Homeowners within the boundaries have access to Mahogany Lake. It's an ideal place to raise a family and have access to trendy new businesses in the community. 

Quarry Park: Quarry Park is located along the Bow River. There are plenty of housing options for those moving to Calgary. With beautiful new homes, apartments, townhomes and condos, there's something for all lifestyles. 

Bow River

South West

Shawnessy: Shawnessy is a dynamic community with access to the Shawnessy C-train station, which offers a short ride into downtown for commuters. There are many single-family homes and upscale condos in the area. It's a great place to raise a family. 

Lake Bonavista: Another incredible lake community, Lake Bonavista has always been an upscale community within the city's southwest quadrant. Lake Bonavista makes living in Calgary a breeze with lake access, beautiful homes, and friendly neighbours. 

North West

Brentwood & Varsity: Located close to the University of Calgary, these communities are perfect for students moving to Calgary. They are separated by the major highway, Crowchild Trail, but they're both tremendous residential areas. 

Tuscany: Tuscany is the furthest NW community before you reach Cochrane. It's a residential area with excellent housing options that are ideal for families. Many single-family homes are available in this area. 

North East

Huntington Hills: On the edge of Nose Hill Park, Huntington Hills teeters between the NE and the NW. Nose Hill Park offers an off-leash dog park and great homes. 

Downtown

Kensington: Kensington is a quirky downtown community with plenty of great local businesses. From quaint coffee shops, wing nights, and a cat cafe, Kensington is a trendy young professionals' dream. 

Inglewood: Like Kensington, Inglewood is home to countless small businesses, apartment and condo-living, and right downtown. There are great coffee shops, and everything is very walkable. There are night markets held once each month in the summer in the community. 

Crescent Heights: As one of the top-rated communities in the city, Crescent Heights is centrally located just north of the downtown core. Memorial Drive is located in Crescent Heights, which is home to a beautiful pathway along the river and the Peace Bridge. It's an excellent place for those who want the downtown lifestyle. 

Crescent Heights Downtown

Weather in Calgary

If you are moving to Calgary, you will need to be prepared for some quick and frequent weather changes. Summers are hot and dry from May to August, with a short autumn season that can last from September to either October or November before snow hits. Most years, Trick Or Treaters need to make sure their costumes fit over their winter clothes. Typically, winter lasts from October until April and May, with February being the coldest month, with temperatures reaching -40º or lower. There's a short spring in May, with June primarily raining. 

During the winter months, there are frequent Chinooks that bring some warmth into the city. For migraine sufferers, it can wreak havoc. It causes a lot of melted snow that will freeze up as soon as the Chinook passes. You will likely need a winter jacket in the mornings and a light sweater by the afternoon, so be prepared for anything!

Things to Do

West Edmonton Mall

One of the prominent selling features of Calgary is all the natural beauty just a short drive away. About 90 minutes west is Banff and Lake Louise. Calgarians can make a day trip to explore the world-famous parks. You can take the Gondola up to see the incredible views, go on epic hikes, and get some delicious eats on Banff Avenue. 

Edmonton is a short 3-hour drive north so that residents can visit the famous West Edmonton Mall for retail therapy. 

There are plenty of excellent restaurants to check out when you're living in Calgary. Get some fantastic Alberta beef at one of the many fantastic steak houses like Modern Steak, Hy's, Vintage Steakhouse, the Cattle Baron, or Chairman's. You can find some great burgers, sushi, Indian, Shawarma, Greek, Italian, pizza, seafood, and any other cuisine you can think of across the city. 

Calgary Real Estate

Compared to other major Canadian cities, homes in Calgary are on the more affordable side. 

Condos range in price from $95,000 to $6 million. 

Single-family homes range in price from $250,000 to $11 million. 

The average sale price in the city as of July 2021 is just under $490,000.

Homes in Calgary

As Calgary continues to expand, there are plenty of housing options around the city, including new homes. New homes in Calgary are easy to find. There are builds almost always happening in every quadrant of the city, and it continues to expand. 

Living in Calgary is ideal for most lifestyles and careers. Whether you're looking to start a family, launch your own business, or purchase some investment properties, Calgary is a great place to lay down roots. 

Thinking about buying or selling? Let’s get in touch!

Contact Us