Calgary is a cosmopolitan city that is continually transforming to meet the needs of its residents and stay abreast with innovation, culture and diversity. Downtown Calgary is a vibrant neighbourhood in the heart of Calgary. Several smaller communities make up the district, including the Central Business District, Eau Claire, Chinatown, East Village, and the West End.
The main street in Downtown is Stephen Avenue, which runs east to west from 4th Street S.W. to 9th Street S.W. The downtown area has some of Calgary's best dining and nightlife options, great local attractions like skating rinks, museums, parks and lively festivals throughout the year, all within walking distance.
Whether you are looking for a new job, entertainment, or just want to be closer to the city center, there are many reasons to move to Downtown Calgary. 17th Avenue S.W. has trendy restaurants and coffee shops, pubs near Stephen Ave Plaza, festive events year-round (particularly in the heart of winter), and easy access to everything from public transit routes (with two C-Train stations) to pedestrian pathways.
In this article, we will outline eight reasons why you should relocate your life downtown:
1. Location, Location, Location
Downtown Calgary is the ideal location for people looking to live close to nightlife and excitement. Most people tend to move Downtown because they love the convenience of living near the Bow River, Kensington, Eau Claire Market and Stephen Avenue.
From the different neighbourhoods in Downtown Calgary, Beltline being a popular spot for families with children. Young professionals prefer downtown condo buildings seeking easy access to work, local shops and restaurants.
2. Downtown Calgary Neighbourhoods
Downtown Calgary has several different neighbourhoods, all of which are central to the city, and each offers something different from the next.
East Village is a neighbourhood located just northeast of Downtown Calgary and was one of the first communities in Calgary to be revitalized from scratch. The community is home to restaurants, shops, taverns, parks and open spaces. Many condominium buildings in East Village provide high-rise views of the Downtown Calgary skyline while still maintaining a secluded feeling for residents.
The Beltline is one of Downtown Calgary's most popular neighbourhoods as it's right in between Downtown and 17th Avenue, which hosts Riverwalk shops, restaurants and bars. The Beltline has some fine public food markets, parks and is home to the Calgary Zoo and Telus Spark.
Inglewood is a diverse community located in the southeast area of Downtown Calgary. The neighbourhood is home to restaurants, shops, post-secondary institutions such as Mount Royal University and SAIT University, cultural hubs such as Calgary's First Westerner's established in 1911 and Fort Calgary, established in 1875. The area also has many high-rise condominiums providing a gorgeous view of Downtown.
Kensington in the northeast part of Downtown Calgary is just above East Village. The area features highly reviewed restaurants and boutique shops, including ones that cater to people from around the globe. It's home to a large park, Kensington Park, popular among families for picnics and other activities.
Related Post: The Complete Guide To Living In Calgary
3. No End To Things To Do In Downtown Calgary
There is a myriad of things to do in Downtown Calgary. Most of which are free or have minimal admission fees.
Telus Spark Science Centre is an interactive science centre that includes a climbing wall, a kid's play area, virtual reality rides, a planetarium, and many other exciting features for all ages to enjoy. Other attractions include the Glenbow Museum or the Art Gallery of Calgary.
The Calgary Tower is the second tallest free-standing building in Canada, located in the core of downtown Calgary. With a height of 191 meters, it gives visitors incredible 360-degree views from the observation deck of the city, the surrounding mountains and as far as Calgary International Airport.
Another impressive landmark in downtown Calgary is the newly constructed Central Library. Architectural Digest described it as one of the world’s most futuristic libraries, showcasing a move towards innovation and creativity.
4. Appreciating Home Values in Downtown Calgary
Anyone who lives or works here will attest that Downtown Calgary is a great place to live. The area indeed has benefits, such as the excellent transit system, access to transportation and nightlife.
Homes in Downtown Calgary are more expensive than those in the northern or southern neighbourhoods due to their location. Thus, an excellent investment if you wish to sell or rent in the future, as property prices rarely depreciate here.
Finding a place to live in Downtown Calgary can be convenient as several neighbourhoods make up the district. These neighbourhoods also have several condo buildings available for purchase. For example, the entire Beltline area, in particular, is full of condo buildings and makes for a great place to stay.
5. Working in Downtown Calgary
Downtown Calgary is home to several industries that are a vital part of the city's economy - Energy, Finance, Retail, Health, Professional, Insurance, Education, Food, and Hotels. Even with the recent downturn in the energy sector, the downtown core is seeing a growing shift in the technology sector, mainly start-ups.
Working in winter is a breeze with Canada's most extensive walkways. The plus fifteens give all residents the comfort they need on cold days.
6. Less Commute Time With Transit Systems
Transit is the prime form of transportation in Downtown Calgary. It's easy to use and makes it very feasible for anyone who works Downtown to get from one side of town to another. The train transit system in Calgary is called Calgary's Light Rail Transit System - the C-Train - and has several routes throughout the city, extending far into the North West, North East, West and Southern areas of Calgary.
The Calgary Transit bus system runs throughout the city and connects Downtown Calgary with other areas, including Beltline, East Village and Mount Royal. The buses run along most main streets Downtown, which makes them very convenient to use.
7. Pedestrian/Bikers Paradise
Unlike many other cities in Canada, Calgary is known for stopping for pedestrians and bikers. Calgary has over 1000km of pathways and thousands of parks for walking and cycling. Two out of the top five best bike paths are in downtown Calgary:
- Bow River: A 14km ride that starts in Eau Clair and ends in Edworthy Park.
- Prince’s Island Park: A 3km ride that crosses bridges and cuts through the middle of the 50-acre park.
8. Culture and Festivities
Downtown Calgary is known for 'The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth' - the Calgary Stampede. In 2019, over a million people from all over the world visited this 10-day event. For ten days, the city slows down, and the downtown core transforms into an entertainment hub. A parade not to be missed kicks off the Stampede. After which theme parks, exhibitions, rodeos, concerts, and chuckwagon races steal the show at the grounds.
Other popular year-round festivals that take place in Downtown Calgary are:
- Winefest
- Calgary Folk Music Festival
- Fiesta Filipino YYC
- Chinook Blast
Downtown Calgary offers prime living for anyone who wants to be close to the best of what the city has to offer.
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