Vibrant lifestyle, variety of options bring life to Calgary’s inner-city

In any city, the closer you are to downtown, the higher the cost of homes. Same is true in Calgary, but Cowtown’s inner-city remains an appealing draw for new homebuyers.

So, what are the benefits of living close to the downtown? A lot, it seems, and today there are more choices than ever.
Calgary’s inner-city is where the urban and urbane lifestyle meet; where the benefits of having established amenities surround you, and a cosmopolitan style of home awaits.

There are a ton of new home opportunities. Whether you’re interested in a new infill, a stylish multi-family home, or perhaps an older bungalow, an inner-city lifestyle has several benefits that are hard to look past for many buyers, especially those who work downtown or frequent the city centre.

According to realtor and our own Calgaryism real estate blogger, Cody Battershill, some benefits of inner city living include: accessibility to downtown and amenities – a major appeal to those who work at the core and those who live for the entertainment it can easily provide; and its inherent walkability, where you can get to work on foot or on a bike without too much of a sweat.

There is also a wide selection of home types to choose from – whether apartment condos, townhomes, infills, fixer-uppers – you name it, the inner city has it. “While some people look to new infill developments as their preferred home in the inner city, others find multi-family properties much more viable for their budget,” Battershill says. “This diverse real estate portfolio helps promote eclectic and vibrant streetscapes wherever you go by offering living opportunities for people from many walks of life.”

Buyers aren’t limited to expensive custom-made infill homes either, especially after the success of the redevelopment of the former military grounds of Currie Barracks, just off Crowchild Trail in the southwest.

Now called Currie, it is one of the best places in the inner-city where this wide range of housing choices and lifestyles can be found.

Historic legacy

One of the most exciting developments in Calgary’s inner-city is Currie. Although not exactly an infill community, it is at that nexus where urban meets suburban – at the midpoint where urban sensibilities meet suburban ease.

Opportunities abound to find a comfortable, meaningful, and well-connected lifestyle in Currie. This 200-acre community developed by Canada Lands Corporation (CLC) repurposes a historic military base in the heart of Calgary into a modern, environmentally friendly, amenity-rich enclave designed to meet the needs of today’s homebuyers.

Today, Currie is a beacon of endless possibilities, linking past, present and future in one brilliant setting. You can continue the tradition of vibrant living in Currie with homes for every life stage and lifestyle, designed to be close to shopping, restaurants, parks and playgrounds. All less than 10 minutes from downtown.

Inner-city specialty

Crystal Creek Homes is one of the new home builders offering single-family and multi-family options in Currie and in other parts of Calgary’s inner-city. In Currie, Crystal Creek has both rear-detached and font-garage single-family homes.
“Currie holds rich historical significance as a former military base. Its redevelopment has retained elements of the area’s heritage, incorporating historical buildings and artifacts into the modern community, creating a unique blend of past and present,” says Crystal Creek Marketing Manager, Karla Takasaki.

“Unlike many other neighborhoods, Currie Barracks was meticulously planned for mixed-use development, offering a diverse range of housing options, retail spaces, parks, and amenities within a walkable and sustainable urban environment,” she tells Calgary New Home + Condo Guide.

Currie already boasts a wide array of amenities, including schools, recreational facilities, green spaces, and pedestrian-friendly pathways, fostering a strong sense of community and convenience for residents. Along with its proximity to downtown, Currie was also developed with sustainable living in mind.

In Currie, Crystal Creek offers a variety of home models for both Front Drive garage homes starting from $1.6M and estate rear garage homes with carriage suite options available starting from $1.25M.

“Our new 3-story showhome, The Kennedy opens February 3rd, and we are having a grand opening event at grand opening event,” Takasaki says. The new showhome is at 219 Calais Drive SW.

In the inner-city community of Richmond, Crystal Creek has the Richmond Luxe, a collection of eight luxury townhomes with rear detached garages from the $700’s. “The units are scheduled to be completed in August this year. We have two different plans available, with one including a roof top patio. The townhomes have been professionally designed with stunning interior selections,” Takasaki says.

Inner-city multi-family

Calgary’s inner-city may be known for the stylish and elegant custom-made single-family homes, but new multi-family homes are also available, such as Brookfield Residential’s Crown Park townhomes.

Just off Bow Trail, five minutes from downtown, Crown Park currently offers City Townhomes, Urban Rowhomes, Bungalow-style townhomes. They will include executive infill homes and urban low-rise condos in the future.
“Crown Park is one of the most exciting inner-city developments,” says Justin Castelino, Senior Marketing Manager, Alberta Homes at Brookfield Residential.

“It is a truly remarkable community offering luxurious living just minutes to downtown. We are proudly crafting two- and three- bedroom townhomes, along with a select number of semi-detached homes, in a planned community that offers curated greenspaces and exceptional city views.”

Although inner-city selections have relatively higher prices compared to suburban homes, Castelino says Brookfield Residential balances this out in Crown Park with the wide range of homes.

“We always seek to provide exceptional value to all our homeowners, and Crown Park is no different. We offer eight different floorplans that range from 1,200 to over 2,200 square feet. Our Manhattan plan, as an example, offers 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an open concept kitchen and an attached garage, all in an efficient design that makes the most of space.”

He says its location is also a big draw, as it is just a few train stops from the downtown core, or a short bike ride along the pathway will mean quicker commute time and less gas money.