Best places in Calgary to live?

[FCAV]

What would you consider to be the best five areas to live in Calgary? I'm currently shopping for a one-bedroom condo and am wondering where you all would suggest.

Things to keep into consideration for me are resale value, location to downtown (I don't go out a whole lot, 2-3 times a month but I currently live just off 17th and like it except the noise all the time), ect.

I'm sure you'll have some questions to ask as well so fire away.

Should note I am primarily looking between Sarcee Trail and McLeod Trail and Memorial Drive and Glenmore Trail.

[Byrns]

For Condos; Parkdale, West Hillhurst, Sunnyside, Bankview

[dj_patm]

All I know is once I'm done my degree and move out I'm not venturing far from the Somerset/Bridlewood/Evergreen area.

I love it here.

Edit: Just saw that you want it in that specific area. No idea then. Not much for nice condos in that square.

[FCAV]

Originally Posted by fotze

Where do you work, that should be on everyones top 3 criteria.

With the region I'm in now vs. where I'll be, at worst we're tacking on 5 minutes a day!

[Ducay]

If you're a young person who likes the urban environment:

-Hillhurst/Sunnyside
-Lower Mt Royal
-Erlton / Stampede areas


If you want bang for your buck:
-Get as far away from downtown as you can

[mac_82]

Bridgeland, Marda Loop, Garrison, Eau Claire.

I don't know much about the East Village development but I believe it is supposed to be an up and coming area.

[HelloHockeyFans]

Forestlawn
Marlborough
Abbeydale
Whitehorn
Temple

[dj_patm]

Originally Posted by fotze

There is still a billion different considerations. Do you want a brand new place, a low level place, a highrise, low condo fees, walking distance to grocery, nice restaurants, hookers nearby, dildo outlet proximity, outdoor hockey rinks, saddledome access?

Name some stuff you like.

Big mistake my friend made. It's really a common mistake.

Nothing worse then wanting to get blown with a dildo up the bum and having to drive 15 minutes to get it.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by Ducay

If you're a young person who likes the urban environment:

-Hillhurst/Sunnyside
-Lower Mt Royal
-Erlton / Stampede areas


If you want bang for your buck:
-Get as far away from downtown as you can

Agree with this, except the bang for buck part.

If I moved back to Calgary, I'd be looking in these areas. In the long term, if/when Calgary does adapt to more urban density in the core they should hold or increase in value as well. Better than a condo in the suburbs, which is why I disagree with the bang for buck part (long term), but in short term, yes you get more for less in the burbs.

[FCAV]

Originally Posted by fotze

There is still a billion different considerations. Do you want a brand new place, a low level place, a highrise, low condo fees, walking distance to grocery, nice restaurants, hookers nearby, dildo outlet proximity, outdoor hockey rinks, saddledome access?

Name some stuff you like.

Guess the best way to describe it is close to downtown but far enough away to avoid the bs that comes with living in it.

Looking at anything and everything to be honest. More inquiring about communities than style mind you. Places on the outskirts of downtown like Sunalta, Bankview, Shaganappi, Glendale, Westgate, ect.

[Raekwon]

Originally Posted by HelloHockeyFans

Forestlawn
Marlborough
Abbeydale
Whitehorn
Temple

Dover
Penbrooke

[4X4]

Originally Posted by FCAV

Guess the best way to describe it is close to downtown but far enough away to avoid the bs that comes with living in it.

Looking at anything and everything to be honest. More inquiring about communities than style mind you. Places on the outskirts of downtown like Sunalta, Bankview, Shaganappi, Glendale, Westgate, ect.

I heart Bankview. Close enough to DT that I can walk or take a cheap cab, far enough away that parking is free and (at least where I am) requires no parking permit. Nothing is more annoying than having to walk two blocks to go to a friend's place. Wait, yes there is... When you go to someone's place and then you have to take a parking permit out to your car.

Other things I like about Bankview is that Safeway is close, Co-op is close, convenience stores close, dog park is close, bars and restaurants are close. For other shopping, Westhills is only 10 minute drive. Easy access to Crowchild and Elbow Drive.

About the only drawback I find with Bankview is that it's quite hilly. 4WD is very handy in the winter around here.

[Flames in 07]

Originally Posted by Ducay

If you want bang for your buck:
-Get as far away from downtown as you can

Completely wrong but a typical calgary comment.

the first homes to go down in value will be away in the burbs and they won't appreciate nearly as fast either, further, cost of transportation is multiples higher out in the burbs.

[dj_patm]

Depends what makes up your bang.

Noise, crime and sketchyness is not my bang

[pope04]

Originally Posted by Raekwon

Dover
Penbrooke

Erin Woods
Ogden

[MickMcGeough]

I'm biased because I live in bankview, but I'd highly recommend it. There are plenty of brand new condos and plenty of renovated condos at better prices, whatever you're looking for. In spring there were renovated one bedrooms going for $165K and brand new 3 bedrooms for $800K+. Close enough to downtown and a walk to Marda Loop so you don't often have to drive far.

[DionPlett]

I've lived in Sunnyside & Sunalta, and I liked both. I'm in the burbs now and I like that too. A bit more driving and some extra cab fare. But that's what you make money for and utilize your new vehicle.

[worth]

I'm partial to the SW and I like the kingsland/kelvin grove area. Close to all major routes including Glenmore, MacLeod, Crowchild, Deerfoot and close enough to downtown.

I suppose if you worked downtown you might want to get closer to down there though.

[Sample00]

Originally Posted by HelloHockeyFans

Forestlawn
Marlborough
Abbeydale
Whitehorn
Temple

not to derail the thread, but I grew up in Marlborough Park and moved away about 18 years ago. Has it really gotten that bad there? I knew Forest Lawn had its shady areas but to lump those other areas into it, is that really how it is?

[burning_acid1]

Originally Posted by HelloHockeyFans

Forestlawn
Marlborough
Abbeydale
Whitehorn
Temple

I wouldn't listen to this guy