Calgary, the largest city in Alberta and the third largest in Canada, is home to over 1.3 million residents. Calgary is known for its picturesque mountain views, diverse economy, and friendly community. If you are moving to Calgary or considering a move within the city, you might be wondering which side of the city is the best place to call home.
Calgary is divided into four main quadrants: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest. Each quadrant has its own unique features and benefits, making it challenging to determine which side of the city is the best for you. However, with a little bit of research, you can find the perfect fit for you and your family.
Northwest Calgary:
Northwest Calgary is a popular choice for families, thanks to its fantastic schools, abundance of parks, and quiet neighborhoods. It’s also home to the University of Calgary, making it a great location for students. With easy access to the Rocky Mountains, residents of Northwest Calgary can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and camping.
Northeast Calgary:
Northeast Calgary is known for its cultural diversity, fantastic restaurants, and affordable housing. It’s also home to some of the city’s largest shopping centers, such as CrossIron Mills and Sunridge Mall. For those commuting to downtown Calgary or the airport, Northeast Calgary is an ideal location due to its quick access to major highways.
Southeast Calgary:
Southeast Calgary is a bustling area with a plethora of new developments, making it perfect for those who love the city’s fast-paced lifestyle. It’s also home to some of the most popular attractions in Calgary, such as the popular Calgary Stampede. Residents of Southeast Calgary can take advantage of the numerous recreational opportunities available, including golf courses, parks, and lakes.
Southwest Calgary:
Southwest Calgary boasts some of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods, such as Mount Royal and Britannia. It’s also home to the famous Calgary Tower, which provides a bird’s eye view of the entire city. The area is well-connected with easy access to main arterial roads and major highways, and it’s also home to some of the best schools in the city.
Ultimately, the best side of Calgary to live in depends on your lifestyle, budget, and preferences. No matter where you decide to call home, Calgary is a vibrant and welcoming city that offers plenty of opportunities to work, play, and explore.
Quick navigation
What are the different neighborhoods located on the east side of Calgary and what are their unique features?
The east side of Calgary is a rapidly developing area that is characterized by a variety of neighborhoods with their unique features. One of the neighborhoods located on the east side is the community of Forest Lawn. The area is known for its diverse population and ethnic food restaurants, making it a beautiful and colorful place to visit. It also boasts of large open green spaces and good public transportation, making it a perfect place for young families and the elderly.
Another neighborhood on the east side of Calgary is Dover. It is east of Forest Lawn and often referred to as the “Suburban Oasis.” The area is family-friendly, with good schools, and affordable housing options. The neighborhood is surrounded by beautiful parks, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It also has access to several shopping centers and healthcare facilities, making it an excellent place for those who want to enjoy a quiet life while still having access to all necessary amenities.
Finally, Marlborough is another neighborhood located on the east side of the city known for its older buildings and availability of budget-friendly housing. Its diverse community makes Marlborough an interesting place to live, while its proximity to several shopping centers and public libraries provides easy access for residents looking for amenities. Also, Marlborough is served by excellent public transportation, making it easy for people to move around the city.
Are there any affordable housing options available on the west side of Calgary?
Affordable housing options on the west side of Calgary are limited, but they do exist. One popular option is to look for basement suites, which can often be found at a more affordable price point compared to standalone apartments or houses. These suites may come furnished or unfurnished, and typically include a separate entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. Another option is to look for apartment complexes that offer affordable rent levels, which may be located in less sought-after areas or offer fewer amenities.
Another option worth considering is shared housing. This involves leasing a room in a house or apartment with others, which can significantly reduce the cost of rent and utilities. This can be a great option for students or young professionals who are looking to save money and build connections within their community. Several online platforms facilitate shared housing arrangements, including Roomster and Padmapper.
Overall, finding affordable housing on the west side of Calgary may require some creativity and research, but with a bit of effort, it is possible to find options that fit within your budget. It is important to be realistic about what you can afford, and to consider factors such as accessibility to transportation, amenities, and local services when making your decision.
How do the public schools in Calgary compare between the north and south?
Calgary is known to have some of the best public schools in Canada, offering a range of programs, facilities and quality education to thousands of students across the city. While public schools in Calgary have a general reputation for quality education, there is still some variation depending on where you reside in the city. The schools in the north side of the city have been known to have some issues with overcrowding, fewer resources and mixed socio-economic backgrounds, which can affect the overall education quality. However, the north side schools have been increasing their efforts and resources to improve their systems over the years.
On the other hand, the public schools in the south of Calgary have a better reputation and are generally perceived to be of higher quality. These schools have better resources, more extracurricular activities, and often come with high-income homes and dedicated parental involvement. While the south side schools are generally viewed as favorable, it is important to note that there could be exceptions, and some schools in the south may underperform. It ultimately comes down to factors ranging from well-qualified teachers, supportive parental involvement and community resources.
Overall, the caliber of education offered in the public schools of Calgary will be heavily influenced by a range of factors that vary from community to community. Hence, parents should consider the individual schools, their curriculum, teaching staff and classroom settings, when making schools choices for their children.
Which side of Calgary has better access to outdoor recreational activities?
Calgary is a city that boasts an impressive array of outdoor recreational activities, including skiing, hiking, and cycling. However, when it comes to deciding which side of the city has better access to these activities, there are a few factors that need to be taken into consideration. Ultimately, it depends on what type of outdoor experience you’re looking for.
On the south side of Calgary, you’ll find the Rocky Mountains, which are home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country. Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise are all within easy driving distance, making it the perfect location for winter sports enthusiasts. The south side is also closer to Kananaskis Country, which boasts some of the best hiking and biking trails in the region. On top of that, Calgary’s largest provincial park, Fish Creek, is situated on the south side of the city, providing ample opportunities for picnicking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.
On the other hand, the north side of Calgary is home to Nose Hill Park, one of the largest urban parks in Canada. This park boasts over 11 square kilometers of protected grasslands and hills, making it the perfect location for hiking, cycling, and nature walks. The north side is also closer to the Bow River, which provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and river rafting. And if you’re looking for a winter sports destination, the Nakiska Ski Resort is just a short drive away. Ultimately, both sides of the city offer easy access to a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities, and the choice between the two will largely depend on your personal preferences.
What amenities are provided in the downtown area that differ from the surrounding suburbs?
When it comes to downtown areas, they are often packed with amenities that can’t be found in the surrounding suburbs. In many cases, the downtown area is the heart of the city and it is the place where people can find everything. For example, downtown areas can provide access to public transportation, which can make it easy for residents to get around without needing a car. In contrast, suburbs often require longer commute times and can lack easy access to public transportation.
Additionally, downtown areas often have a higher concentration of restaurants, cafes, and shops. This high density of businesses provides an exceptional opportunity for residents to quickly meet their daily needs without venturing too far from their homes. Many of these businesses are unique to the downtown area, offering exclusive shopping and dining experiences that can’t be found anywhere else.
Another significant difference between the amenities provided in downtown areas versus those in the suburbs is the availability of cultural attractions. Downtown areas are often home to museums, concert halls, art galleries, and theaters. These cultural attractions provide residents with a range of entertainment options that cater to various tastes and interests, making life in the city more exciting and fulfilling. In some cases, however, suburbs may lack these cultural amenities, making them less attractive to those who value art and culture. Overall, these differences in amenities help distinguish downtown areas from surrounding suburbs and make them a unique and exciting place to live.