Calgary's "Most LIVEable" Neighbourhoods

What makes a neighbourhood LIVE-able? Is it proximity to transit, shopping and recreation facilities? Or the number of parks nearby, and how quickly you can walk to your favourite restaurants and pubs? The answers to these questions, no doubt, vary from person to person. Whether you’re a young professional, a student, parent or downsizer, what’s important for you may be slightly different for others. Still, there are some generally desirable features most residents look for, and we’ve ranked some of Calgary’s best neighbourhoods, according to their LIVEability. Indeed, Calgary is thriving, and has grown from a small city to a booming urban hub – and is routinely rated one of the best cities to live in. Throughout its various neighbourhoods, you’ll find hundreds of restaurants, boutiques, cafes and patios, all within walking distance of your front door. This is what makes Calgary a great place to live. Check out the most LIVEable neighbourhoods in Calgary. If you’re a young professional, a family with young kids, or a fitness junkie, you’ll fall in love with Beltline because…

• The proximity to downtown. Beltline is located just south of downtown – approximately 1.6 km away.
• Beltline is great for all things related to food, transit, recreation and entertainment.
• It is a foodie’s paradise, with more than 564 international eateries.
• You can say good-bye to gas money and car insurance as you leave the car at home! Residents typically get around on foot or hop on one of the 13 bus or LRT routes servicing the area.
• Parents will enjoy the convenience of sending their kids to one of the five elementary schools and two secondary schools, within walking distance.
• There are 13 beautiful greenspaces and parks in the neighbourhood that are perfect for jogging, cycling, walking or just enjoying the fresh air.

Cliff Bungalow

If you’re a fitness junkie, a parent with young kids, a hypochondriac, or a downsizer/empty nester, you’ll love Cliff Bungalow because…

• This neighbourhood is all about the active lifestyle. The streets are always packed with joggers, cyclists and walkers.
• It is also blessed with abundant parkland and nature spaces, given its adjacency to the beautiful Elbow River.
• There’s a great mix of public and Catholic schools and Montessori pre-schools to send your kids to.
• You’ll be thankful for the many walk-in clinics, pharmacies and dental office found around the neighbourhood.
• The wide selection of luxury condos, lowrise condos, apartments and historic townhomes provide great renting or buying options for empty nesters and downsizers.

Eau Claire

If you’re the frequent festival-goer, the outdoorsy-type, or a downsizer/empty nester then you’ll fall in love with Eau Claire because…

• It is a great area for those looking for constant entertainment, as it hosts most of Calgary’s festivals, such as Calgary’s Folk Music Festival and various busker festivals.
• The neighbourhood is a pedestrian’s dream, offering many walkways, nature trails and bike paths to explore.
• Should you ever get bored (while not likely), there are hundreds of eclectic boutiques, pubs and restaurants to check out.
• The riverside condominiums provide a gorgeous and a tranquil living environment suited for the downsizers or empty nesters looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city living.

 

Hounsfield Heights/Briar Hill

If you’re a student or a family with young kids, you’ll fall in love with Hounsfield/ Briar Hill because…

• Its proximity to three post-secondary institutions – Alberta College of Art and Design, SAIT Polytechnic and the University of Calgary.
• The neighbourhood is a mere 10-minute drive from downtown – convenient for a cheap cab ride home after a night out!
• The area is dominated by mostly single-family homes, ideal for raising or expanding your family.
• The neighbourhood boasts a quiet suburban lifestyle.
• Briar Hill is a tight-knit community with 2,954 residents, so you can count on your neighbours, if you’re ever in need.
• The neighbourhood is well-serviced by the C-Train – Calgary’s LRT system – making commuting and exploring a breeze.

Hillhurst

If you’re a cash-strapped young professional, a student, family with young kids, or fitness junkie, you’ll love Hillhurst because…

• The neighbourhood is great for walking to all your daily amenities – from banks and cafes to grocery stores and pharmacies.
• It’s minutes away from the University of Calgary, SAIT Polytechnic and the C-Train station.
• The neighbourhood boasts more than a dozen elementary, middle and secondary schools.
• Alberta’s Children’s Hospital just around the corner.
• Hillhurst is often praised for its access to the top recreational facilities in Calgary. This includes tennis courts, outdoor pools, aquatic centres and curling clubs. Plus, the Canada Olympic Park is just a short drive away.