Calgary is one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most livable cities. According to Calgary Economic Development, 2024–2025 will see ongoing population growth, a surge in newcomers, and a steady real estate market. Whether you’re a family, young professional, investor, or student, the neighborhood you choose will shape your lifestyle, network, and the return on your investment.

Calgary Real Estate Market Snapshot (2024–2025):

• Average detached home price (summer 2025): ~$685,000 ( CREB )
• Condos in top areas: $330,000–$500,000
• Home price growth 2023–2025: +12–16% in leading neighborhoods, especially in south and west Calgary
• Rental rates (2025): 1-bedroom from $1,400/month, 2-bedroom from $1,700/month (Rentals.ca)

Top 5 Calgary Neighborhoods: Full Review

1. Bridgeland-Riverside

Who it’s for: Young professionals, couples, IT sector, urban enthusiasts
Housing: Modern condos, townhomes, renovated heritage houses
Average home price (2025): $700,000
Average condo price: $400,000
2-year price growth: +14%

Lifestyle & Amenities:

• 5 minutes to downtown by CTrain or car
• Vibrant food scene (Blue Star Diner, Phil & Sebastian), bakeries, markets
• Adjacent to Bow River, beautiful parks, and bike paths
• Active community, regular farmer’s markets, family events

Best Schools:

• Langevin Science School (K-9, consistently ranked Top 10)
• St. Angela School (Catholic, K-6)

Pros:

• Superb transit and city access
• Youthful, energetic vibe
• Rapid development of new complexes
• Tech/startup hotspot

Cons:

— Limited parking
— Rising prices and high demand for new units
— Not as “family-oriented” as the suburbs

Fun Fact:

• Bridgeland was Calgary’s original “Little Italy” and retains its multicultural atmosphere.
• The Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association offers free events and workshops for locals.

2. Beltline

Who it’s for: Active young adults, freelancers, students, creative professionals
Housing: High-rise condos, lofts, modern townhomes
Average condo price (2025): $390,000
1-bedroom average rent: $1,650/month

Lifestyle & Amenities:

• 10 minutes walking to downtown
• Top restaurants, bars, yoga studios, gyms everywhere
• Central Memorial Park, shops, local markets, street art
• Transit-friendly: most residents walk or cycle (Walk Score: 97/100)

Best Schools:

• Connaught School (K-6)
• Western Canada High School (one of Calgary’s top public high schools)

Pros:

• Urban lifestyle, vibrant energy
• Best nightlife, festivals, cultural scene
• Easy to rent or buy without a realtor
• Trendy, youthful community

Cons:

— Not a quiet area
— Few single-family homes or large lots
— Parking can be challenging

Fun Fact:

• Beltline hosts Calgary’s biggest street festivals: Lilac Festival, Calgary Pride, Sled Island.

3. Altadore

Who it’s for: Families with kids, nature lovers, pet owners
Housing: Detached homes with yards, modern townhouses
Average home price: $1,050,000
2-year price growth: +11%

Lifestyle & Amenities:

• Close to River Park and Sandy Beach (picnics, dog walking, jogging)
• Quiet, green streets with low-rise development
• 15 minutes to downtown by car

Best Schools:

• Altadore School (K-6, highly rated)
• Central Memorial High School (strong academics, programs)

Pros:

• Ideal for families
• Safe, low crime rates
• Welcoming, community-focused neighborhoods
• Lots of new, energy-efficient homes

Cons:

— Higher property taxes
— Scarcity of affordable rental apartments
— Further from nightlife and shopping malls

Fun Fact:

• Altadore is consistently rated among the top 3 “Best Family Neighborhoods” by Avenue Calgary.

4. Kensington / Sunnyside

Who it’s for: Students, young professionals, creatives, cyclists
Housing: Heritage homes, apartments, duplexes
Average home price: $820,000
Average condo price: $420,000

Lifestyle & Amenities:

• Unique cafés (Vendome Café, Higher Ground), indie theaters, bookstores
• Direct access to the river and citywide bike network
• 2 minutes to downtown by CTrain, or a 15-minute walk

Best Schools:

• Sunnyside School (K-6)
• Hillhurst School
• Close to University of Calgary and SAIT

Pros:

• Progressive, artistic community
• Super walkable and bike-friendly
• Art fairs, markets, outdoor movie nights
• Many rentals and roommate options

Cons:

— Fewer large parks than the suburbs
— Fewer large grocery stores
— Competitive rental and home-buying market

Fun Fact:

• Kensington is considered Calgary’s most “Instagrammable” neighborhood.

5. Lake Bonavista

Who it’s for: Families, nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, privacy seekers
Housing: Spacious family homes, exclusive townhomes
Average home price: $1,150,000
Average condo price: $450,000

Lifestyle & Amenities:

• Private lake for residents (fishing, kayaking, skating)
• Private beaches, playgrounds, sports clubs
• 20 minutes to downtown by car

Best Schools:

• Lake Bonavista School (K-6, top-ranked)
• Nickle School (7-9)

Pros:

• Exclusive, private, resort-like lifestyle
• Top-rated schools and youth programs
• Very safe, no through traffic
• High community standards for amenities and cleanliness

Cons:

— Higher property costs and HOA fees
— Limited rental availability
— Annual membership fees for lake access

Fun Fact:

• Lake Bonavista was Canada’s first community built around an artificial lake for exclusive resident use.

3 More Neighborhoods to Consider (Bonus Picks)

6. Aspen Woods

A prestigious suburb in west Calgary with new schools, private clubs, luxury homes, the Aspen Landing Shopping Centre, and quick access to the Rockies.

7. Mahogany

One of the city’s fastest-growing suburbs: two man-made lakes, modern family infrastructure, great playgrounds, and new-build homes.

8. Varsity

An established, stable neighborhood popular with families and students—close to University of Calgary, parks, strong transit, and all amenities.

Calgary Neighborhoods Comparison Table

Neighborhood	For Whom	Avg. Home Price	Transit	Schools	Features
Bridgeland	Young pros, IT, couples	$700,000	+++	+++	Urban vibe, cafés, walkable
Beltline	Youth, students	$390,000	++++	++	Nightlife, condos, festivals
Altadore	Families	$1,050,000	++	++++	Parks, family life, quiet
Kensington	Creatives, students	$820,000	+++	+++	Bookstores, art scene, unique
Lake Bonavista	Families, kids	$1,150,000	++	++++	Lake, privacy, resort living

Expert Tips from Calgary Movers

• Start your search early: In popular neighborhoods, homes sell or rent out in 1–2 weeks.
• Factor in transit: Traffic jams are common in south and west Calgary during rush hour.
• Check school rankings: The Fraser Institute publishes reliable school ratings.
• Compare not just prices but condo fees: Gated communities and luxury condos may have significant extra costs.

This article was prepared by the team at Calgary Movers ABPro , with over 10 years’ experience helping families and businesses relocate to Calgary. We closely monitor market trends, work with leading real estate agents, update price and school data regularly, and have real feedback from hundreds of happy clients.

Sources:

• Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB)
• Rentals.ca
• Calgary Board of Education
• Fraser Institute

We do more than just move your belongings — we help you make Calgary your home.

FAQ

1. Where to live if you work downtown but want peace and quiet?
   Bridgeland or Kensington are close to downtown but quieter and greener than the core.
2. Which areas have the best schools?
   Aspen Woods, Altadore, and Lake Bonavista are home to top private and public schools.
3. Where to find the most affordable homes?
   Beltline, Varsity, and Mahogany offer budget-friendly condos and rental options.
4. What’s the average moving cost within Calgary?
   For a 2-bedroom apartment: from $900 (depends on distance and season).

Let Calgary Become Your Home

Choosing the right neighborhood isn’t just about price—it’s about your comfort, your family’s future, and your quality of life. Not sure where to start?
Calgary Movers ABPro offers free neighborhood consultations, custom checklists, and full-service moves tailored to your needs.

Contact us today for a no-obligation quote and let’s make your Calgary move stress-free and successful!