Introduction
The neighbourhoods of Sunnyside and Kensington in Calgary, are two of the most beautiful inner-city communities you will find. Steps away from the Bow River, residents find themselves in nature with an incredible view of downtown Calgary. This vibrant and bustling community is overflowing with great coffee, amazing food and fantastic retail.
Lifestyle
Sunnyside/Kensington has a vibrant and cultural lifestyle that encourages residents to be active and get outdoors with their family. It is definitely a small business owners paradise with lots of support from the Business Revitalization Zone administration and other retailers. Chockful of great restaurants and cafes, you can expect to see the rest of Calgary flocking to this foodie hub on a regular basis.
The Vibe
People often describe Sunnyside & Kensington as half yuppies and half hippies – an exaggeration, perhaps, but the mix of luxury shops and high-end dining with indie coffee and consignment shops furthers that thought. This active community is serious about running, yoga and cycling. Foodies delight in the variety of restaurants and cafes. Bordered by parks and riverside greenspace, this neighbourhood is great for anyone looking for a thriving community.
Meet the Neighbours
Baby boomers meet hipster barisatas with a healthy dose of young families in Sunnyside & Kensington, making for a diverse, vibrant and cultured community. The area houses higher income professionals, while young artists and musicians also choose to call it home. An abundance of parks and schools make this area desirable for families that are active and passionate about a welcoming and thriving community.
In the Area
The financial picture for living in this area is definitely more expensive than other inner city neighbourhoods however you can still afford to get great food and coffee for a decent price. The Safeway grocery store is among the most expensive locations in the city however local markets are frequent allowing consumers to buy direct.
3.2 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Sunnyside & Kensington is excellent for utilizing Calgary’s public transit system, with great bus and train service catering to residents and visitors. A thriving cycling community means bikes are more visible on the roads, as well as plenty of bike racks are dispersed through the neighbourhood. Cars are also welcome, thanks to the very busy 10th Street but good luck trying to find parking in the area.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
The good is that Sunnyside & Kensington has always been a friendly, welcoming community and continues to be. However, as new condo developments start popping up, it risks becoming densely populated and could lose some historic charm. Another negative is that it can be transient at times, more so with the constantly changing student population. Another interesting fact about this area is the focus on Green and eco-friendly practices.
Dollars & Sense
The good is that Sunnyside & Kensington has always been a friendly, welcoming community. However, new condo developments may lead to an increasingly dense population and a loss of some of the area’s historic charm. Recycling and sustainability are a priority in this community, given the focus on Green and eco-friendly practices.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Purr Petite
Stylish children find their threads at Purr Petite, a bright and colourful local store. Stocked with perfectly curated wardrobes, Purr Petite is ideal for finding a unique gift for a baby shower or birthday.
more infoVendome Cafe
Perched in Sunnyside, visiting Vendome Cafe is like leaving Calgary to step into a Parisian cafe. Perfect for brunch with friends and family, or to enjoy a good book with a steaming hot latte.
more infoThe Big Cheese
Craving some late-night poutine? A fun and quirky locale, The Big Cheese boasts what seems like endless concoctions of the famous fries, curds and gravy dish that make this place special.
more infoThe Plaza Theatre
The Plaza Theatre is the best place to catch an indie or cult flick. Not only is it one of the last remaining art house theatres in Calgary, it also has comfy plush velvet seats.
more infoThe Roasterie
You can’t miss The Roasterie, because you can smell the freshly roasted coffee several blocks away. A great place to get into an intellectual discussion; the diverse crowd that frequents here won’t mind a bit.
more infoSunnyside Natural Markert
An alternative to the grocery chains, Sunnyside Natural Market is a one-stop shop for vegans, gluten-free folks and generally healthy people. Find your organic produce here and your locally made breads.
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