Moving to Calgary – Where should I live? – 2024

Studies
Canada
Alberta
Calgary

Choosing where to live in Calgary depends on your personal preferences, as this city has a lot to offer. Calgary is a cosmopolitan city, located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, is the most populous in the province, with around 1.6 million residents. Known for its balanced urban and natural environment, it attracts individuals and families looking for both.

An important factor that comes into play when deciding living in Calgary is the cost of living, which can be more affordable compared to nearby major cities like Vancouver. Calgary has a thriving economy, serving as the hub of Canada’s energy sector, and offers diverse living experiences in its neighborhoods. These areas are characterized by parks, a variety of housing options, and welcoming communities that enhance the overall quality of life.

Read on to discover the top 7 neighborhoods in Calgary that offer the best quality of life.

Methodology

Based on “Best” being a subjective word, below is our methodology to compile the best places.

Using our existing ranking of the safest and cheapest places to live in Calgary, we based our ranking on 3 criteria: safety, affordability and quality of life. 

Our safety ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of the total number of crimes, which is derived from the official website of Calgary Police Service and recorded from each neighborhood’s data in 2023. The crime rate is calculated per 1,000 people. The data includes person and property crimes, disorder, traffic, domestic conflict, drugs, weapons, and youth crime in Calgary.

Affordability takes into account the prices of housing and renting. Statistics come from Redfin for the average cost of buying a property and Zumper for the average cost of rent for a 1-bed apartment.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, environment (cleanliness), as well as availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Moving to Calgary – Best Neighborhoods in Calgary with the Best Quality of Life

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1. Edgemont

  • Crime rate: 15.4 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,688
  • Average property buying cost: $656,000

In northwest Calgary, Edgemont is a residential neighborhood surrounded by parks, creating a relaxed atmosphere with low levels of traffic noise. The parks are easy to reach and bring recreational opportunities for its residents and dog lovers. It has reported a low crime rate of 15.4 crimes per 1,000 people. Edgemont, housing around 15,225 residents, mainly families in their 50s to mid-60s, offers diverse living options, single-detached houses, townhomes, and condos. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,688, with an average property price of $656,000 as of November 2023.

Edgemont (Oct 2023),Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Realtor.ca (Nov 2023)

Edgemont, Alberta

2. Varsity

  • Crime rate: 50.25 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,665
  • Average property buying cost: $448,895

In northwest Calgary, near the University of Calgary, Varsity is a serene residential area surrounded by wide parks. With a population of around 12,040, mostly young residents in their 20s to mid-30s, the neighborhood consists of single-family and individual homes. Varsity offers diverse housing, including apartments and single-detached houses catering to students. As of November 2023, the average property price is $448,895, with a 1-bed apartment renting for around $1,665. It shows a low crime rate of 50.25 per 1,000 people, offering a strong sense of security.

Varsity (Oct 2023) & Local Logic (Nov 2023)

Varsity, Alberta

3. Mount Pleasant

  • Crime rate: 74.4 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,980
  • Average property buying cost: $685,000

In northwest Calgary, Mount Pleasant is a peaceful neighborhood near downtown and the trendy Kensington area, known for its shops and restaurants. Surrounded by big parks like Confederation Park, residents can enjoy walking and biking trails, and sports fields. It has a crime rate of 74.4 crimes per 1,000 people, offering a secure environment for its residents. Mount Pleasant, home to 6,325 residents aged from the mid-30s to late 40s, features mainly single detached and semi-detached houses, and apartments. As of November 2023, the average property price is approximately $685,000, while renting a 1-bed apartment costs around $1,980.

Mount Pleasant (Oct 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Redfin (Nov 2023)

Mount Plesant, Alberta

4. Killarney/Glengarry

  • Crime rate: 92.0 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,400
  • Average property buying cost: $588,000

Killarney is a southwest Calgary neighborhood that offers a relaxed environment with convenient access to downtown and amenities, along with accessible public transportation via nearby bus stops and the CTrain. In Killarney/Glengarry, the household composition is primarily couple families with children, along with many common-law couples without children. The housing types include mainly apartments, as well as some single-detached, semi-detached, and row houses. As of November 2023, the average property price in Killarney is approximately $588,000, while renting a 1-bed apartment costs around $1,400. With a reported crime rate of 92.0 crimes per 1,000 people, the neighborhood offers a secure environment and is an attractive choice for those seeking more affordable housing prices.

Killarney (Oct 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Redfin (Nov 2023)

Glengarry, Alberta

5. Brentwood

  • Crime rate: 105.9 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,644.5
  • Average property buying cost: $721,000

The neighborhood of Brentwood, in the northwest of Calgary, stands out for its convenient access to shopping centers both in the west and east. Additionally, it offers easy access to public transit, including the C-Train, thanks to nearby trails such as Crowchild and Shaganappi. Adding to its charm, the community is surrounded by spacious parks, bordered to the north by John Laurie Boulevard, providing its residents with a well-rounded living experience. In Brentwood, predominantly families reside in single-family homes, although there are also a few row houses and apartments. As of November 2023, the average property price is $721,000, and a 1-bed apartment rental cost around $1,644.5. With a reported crime rate of 105.9 crimes per 1,000 people, Brentwood offers a sense of security.

Brentwood (Nov 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Redfin (Nov 2023)

Brentwood, Alberta

6. Mission

  • Crime rate: 127.5 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,091
  • Average property buying cost: $769,533

In the heart of the city, Mission charms its residents with lively 4th Street, featuring shops and a variety of dining options, ranging from restaurants and pubs to karaoke spots and bars. Surrounded by greenery, including the Natural Riverbank Area and the Elbow River Pathway, residents can enjoy walking or biking along the scenic path. In Mission, the majority of households consist of single individuals, with some single families. Among its population of 4,505 residents, nearly half are young adults ranging from their mid-20s to mid-30s. The prevalent housing options in this area are primarily apartments and condominiums. As of November 2023, the average property price is $769,533, and a 1-bed apartment rents for around $2,091. While the reported crime rate is 127.5 crimes per 1,000 people, showing that the area might not be the quietest on the list, it maintains an overall safety record, ensuring a secure environment to its residents.

Mission (Oct 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Redfin (Nov 2023

Mission, Alberta

7. Sunnyside

  • Crime rate: 148 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,788
  • Average property buying cost: $682,614

Sunnyside, situated north of downtown Calgary along the Bow River, offers its residents convenient access to the city center by walking, biking, or public transportation. Its location along the river provides easy access to green spaces and outdoor activities, including the popular Prince’s Island Park for recreation. People here are typically aged from twenty to forty years old. Housing options include apartments, condominiums, and a few detached houses. As of November 2023, the average home price is $682,614, with a 1-bed apartment renting for around $1,788. In terms of safety, Sunnyside maintains a crime rate of 148 crimes per 1,000 people within its small population of 4,000, creating a secure feel for its residents.

Sunnyside (Oct 2023) & Local Logic (Nov 2023)

Sunnyside, Alberta

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Conclusion

When choosing the best place to live in Calgary, consider factors like the safest neighborhoods, amenities, and proximity to the city center. Each area, from the family friendly Edgemont to the trendy and vibrant atmosphere from Mission, has a unique mix of characteristics. Keep in mind the varying costs of living and the lifestyle each neighborhood offers as you make this important decision.

For a stress-free move, research the best moving companies in Calgary in advance.

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
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