Best Neighborhoods in Calgary: Calgary is a vibrant and growing city known for its stunning landscapes, strong economy, and high quality of life. If you are planning to move to Calgary or just want to explore the best areas to live in, this guide will help you discover the best neighbourhoods in Calgary.
Whether you seek urban convenience, cultural vibrancy, or family-friendly environments, these communities offer something special for everyone.
Table of contents
Best Neighbourhoods in Calgary
To help you find the perfect spot, we’ve compiled a list of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for students, considering factors such as proximity to universities, public transportation, affordability, and local amenities.
- Beltline
- Downtown
- Bridgeland-Riverside
- Brentwood
- Kensington
Beltline
If you’re looking for a trendy, vibrant, and well-connected community, Beltline is one of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary. Located just south of Downtown, this area is a hub for young professionals, students, and urban dwellers who enjoy an energetic lifestyle.
- 17th Avenue SW (Red Mile)
- Central Memorial Park
- National Music Centre
- Calgary Tower
- Stephen Avenue Walk
- Glenbow Museum
- Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre
Why Choose Beltline?
- Proximity to Downtown – Walking distance to Calgary’s business district, making it perfect for professionals.
- Entertainment & Dining – Home to some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
- Parks & Green Spaces – Central Memorial Park and other green spaces provide a touch of nature.
- Public Transit Access – Well-served by Calgary Transit, making commuting easy.
- Modern Condos & Apartments – A mix of high-rise condos and charming historic buildings cater to diverse living preferences
It’s also close to several post-secondary institutions and offers a mix of housing options, from high-rise apartments to historic homes. At a very budget-friendly price, there are various options for student accommodations in Calgary. There is also a sense of security and safety in this neighbourhood.
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Downtown
For those who crave a bustling urban environment with everything at their doorstep, Downtown Calgary is an unbeatable choice. It is one of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for professionals, students, and culture enthusiasts alike. It is possible to find some of the most famous restaurants in the UK here. You can also find many famous tourist attractions like
- Calgary Tower
- Stephen Avenue Walk
- Glenbow Museum
- Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre
- Peace Bridge
- Olympic Plaza
- Prince’s Island Park
Why Choose Downtown?
- Business District – Ideal for professionals who want to live close to work.
- Arts & Culture – Home to the Calgary Tower, Glenbow Museum, and performing arts centers.
- Shopping & Dining – The CORE Shopping Centre and Stephen Avenue Walk offer a variety of options.
- Walkability & Transit – Excellent walkability and multiple CTrain stations ensure seamless commuting.
- River Pathways – The Bow River pathways provide excellent spots for jogging, biking, and relaxation.
Bridgeland-Riverside
Bridgeland-Riverside is an up-and-coming neighborhood known for its picturesque streets, trendy eateries, and scenic river views. This area is ideal for those who appreciate a tight-knit community with modern conveniences. With its tree-lined streets and charming character homes, Bridgeland offers a cosy and welcoming atmosphere for students. You can find affordable houses here. This best neighbourhood in Calgary is full of restaurants and cafes like:
- Lil’ Empire Burger – Bridgeland
- Sushi Bar Zipang
- La Brezza Ristorante
- Golden Bell Bridgeland and more.
Bridgeland-Memorial Rail Station is 9 minutes walking away, and NB Edmonton TR @ Meredith RD NE Bus stand is 13 minutes walking away, making transportation convenient for living in student accommodation in Canada.
Why Choose Bridgeland-Riverside?
- Scenic Views – Overlooks the Bow River and offers fantastic city views.
- Trendy Cafés & Restaurants – Home to some of Calgary’s best brunch spots and boutique eateries.
- Green Spaces & Parks – Close to Tom Campbell’s Hill and St. Patrick’s Island.
- Diverse Housing Options – A mix of historic homes, modern condos, and townhouses.
- Great Connectivity – Easy access to Downtown and other key areas via major roads and public transit.
Brentwood
Brentwood is one of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for families, students, and professionals alike. It offers a peaceful residential atmosphere while being conveniently located near major educational institutions and shopping centers. It’s close to Nose Hill Park, so you can enjoy nature whenever possible. Students will also enjoy the location with the University of Calgary close by.
You can also find many coffee shops in the UK near this neighbourhood like:
- Minuet Cafe
- Fresh Blend Coffee & Sandwich Bar
- Euphoria Cafe
- Second Cup Café.
Why Choose Brentwood?
- Top-Rated Schools – Ideal for families with children due to its excellent schools.
- Proximity to the University of Calgary – A great option for students and university staff.
- Parks & Outdoor Activities – Nose Hill Park, one of Canada’s largest urban parks, is nearby.
- Easy Access to Shopping – Brentwood Village Shopping Centre and Market Mall offer diverse retail options.
- Well-Connected Transit – Brentwood LRT Station ensures smooth commuting across the city.
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Kensington
If you love boutique shopping, vibrant nightlife, and a charming village-like feel, Kensington is an excellent choice. Often regarded as one of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary, Kensington is popular among young professionals, creatives, and students.
Have a look at some cafes below
- Caffe Nero
- WFM Coffee Bar
- Panis Aureus
- Caffè Concerto Kensington
Why Choose Kensington?
- Charming & Walkable – A pedestrian-friendly area with unique shops, cafes, and art galleries.
- Thriving Nightlife & Dining Scene – Offers a mix of trendy bars, gourmet restaurants, and coffee spots.
- Close to Downtown – Just a short walk or bike ride from the city center.
- Access to Outdoor Activities – Bow River pathways and Prince’s Island Park are nearby.
- Eclectic Housing Choices – A mix of historic homes, modern apartments, and new developments.
FAQs on the Best Neighborhoods in Calgary
Beltline, Downtown, Bridgeland-Riverside, Brentwood, and Kensington are among the best neighbourhoods in Calgary due to their proximity to universities, affordability, and access to amenities.
Brentwood, University Heights, Varsity, and Montgomery are some of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for students attending the University of Calgary, offering short commutes and student-friendly housing.
Most families live in areas like Taradale, Martindale, and Saddleridge.
Affordable neighbourhoods in Calgary for students include Bowness, Sunalta, and Dover, where rental prices are lower while still providing access to public transport and essential services.
Some of the safest neighbourhoods in Calgary for students include Brentwood, Varsity, and Kensington, which have low crime rates and a strong sense of community.
Kensington, Mission, and Brentwood are among the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for international students due to their multicultural environment, student housing, and proximity to universities.
Capitol Hill, University Heights, and Sunalta have a variety of student housing options, including shared accommodations, apartments, and basement suites.
Rental prices vary, but in student-friendly neighbourhoods like Brentwood and Varsity, shared accommodations can start around $600-$900 per month, while private apartments may cost $1,200 or more.
Students should consider access to public transport, grocery stores, study spots, libraries, recreational centers, and affordable dining options when choosing a neighbourhood in Calgary.
Thank you for reading our blog. This blog is all about the best neighbourhoods in Calgary. Hope you liked it. For booking the best student accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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