Best Areas to Live in Calgary

[Igottago]

Hey guys, I'm pleased to report I will be moving back to Calgary at the end of this month. Its been a decent 4.5 year stretch in Vancouver but various factors have led me back to Calgary at this stage of my life.

I wanted to get an idea of some of the good places to rent a place in Calgary are. I'm living in Kitsilano right now so I'd like a similar vibe if possible. I like being able to walk to bars/restaurants/coffee shops. Being from Calgary i'm obviously familiar with a lot of those types of areas (Mission, Marda Loop, around17th Ave, Inglewood, Downtown), but I'd like to hear from anyone who lives in these areas about what specifically they like or don't like about it. I do like areas with a bit of atmosphere and places where people hang out. Not looking for the absolute quiet of some of the suburbs.

I grew up in the suburbs like most Calgarians and I'll be returning home to that for a short while with my parents...but ultimately I'd like to get away from that. I hate using words like trendy and hip, but let me know what you think about the trendy or hip area you live in. Appreciate the feedback!

PS - Lets not make this an inner city vs suburbs battle please -- thats not my intent with this thread.

[Redliner]

Lived in Marda Loop and Altadore for about 7 years and loved it. Pretty well everything we needed was within walking distance or a short (5min) drive. I was able to ride my bike to work downtown and everything - I'd move back there in a heartbeat if it wasn't so bloody expensive.

I've never lived in Mission but it's a fantastic area, and you can't get much more central without being right downtown. Kensington might be work a look as well - great area.

[TylerSVT]

Do you need train access? How important is a short commute?

McKenzie is awesome. Bridlewood and Evergreen are really nice as well.

What is your house price range?

[DownInFlames]

Any of the areas you mentioned would be good. I live in the Beltline (12th Ave SW) and everything I need is within walking distance, even the Dome.

[Coach]

@ Tyler: He said he'd like to get away from the suburb idea.

[Bigtime]

We love living in the Beltline, but as we grow our family we are taking a good hard look at Hillhurst/Sunnyside and West Hillhurst. As they seem to have the same level of convenience for walking distance to shops/restaurants/groceries.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Mount Royal, Pumphill, Palliser, Briar Hill.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Bigtime

We love living in the Beltline, but as we grow our family we are taking a good hard look at Hillhurst/Sunnyside and West Hillhurst. As they seem to have the same level of convenience for walking distance to shops/restaurants/groceries.

Dude take a peak at Lake Bonavista while you're at it. We can walk to Safeway, cheap theater, southcentre mall, Trico leisure centre, library, and the lake. It's perfect for families.

[Bigtime]

No way, that commute would kill my soul and will to live (I work up on 12th street NE between McKnight and 32nd avenue).

Our idea of a good time is to get the stroller out and hit the Beltline, downtown core and surrounding areas and just see what is happening.

[T@T]

I have lived in Calgary for 30 years, moved probably 12 times and because of my job I travel the city a lot. I can honestly say living anywhere south of downtown is a nightmare for traffic.

I personally like areas around north central. Beddington, Country Hills, Harvest Hills..etc. everything you need, nice neighbourhoods, shopping and easy access to everywhere.

Just my opinion

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Bigtime

No way, that commute would kill my soul and will to live (I work up on 12th street NE between McKnight and 32nd avenue).

Our idea of a good time is to get the stroller out and hit the Beltline, downtown core and surrounding areas and just see what is happening.

That commute would suck major balls. Sorry I just assumed you worked downtown.

[Bigtime]

Haha no worries!

[T@T]

Originally Posted by TurnedTheCorner

Mount Royal, Pumphill, Palliser, Briar Hill.

I missed the part where he said he had a spare $2 million for a house

[TurnedTheCorner]

Originally Posted by fotze

One of those things is not like the other.

Eh, I don't know the SW and used Google.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Originally Posted by T@T

I missed the part where he said he had a spare $2 million for a house

I only put Briar Hill up because of two $3M plus properties on MLS.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by T@T

I have lived in Calgary for 30 years, moved probably 12 times and because of my job I travel the city a lot. I can honestly say living anywhere south of downtown is a nightmare for traffic.

I personally like areas around north central. Beddington, Country Hills, Harvest Hills..etc. everything you need, nice neighbourhoods, shopping and easy access to everywhere.

Just my opinion

lol those north areas are 10x worse for traffic. I lived in the nw for about 30 years...the south is way better for traffic, multiple/alternate routes.

[GreenTeaFrapp]

Originally Posted by MattyC

@ Tyler: He said he'd like to get away from the suburb idea.

I'm sure those places seem urban and hip compared to DeWinton.

[Igottago]

Originally Posted by TylerSVT

Do you need train access? How important is a short commute?

McKenzie is awesome. Bridlewood and Evergreen are really nice as well.

What is your house price range?

Lol i actually grew up in evergreen. Not looking to get back to that type of area, but it is nice. I'm a young single guy, don't have a family. Want to be somewhere that caters to my demographic a bit.

I actually won't be working downtown, But I will be driving to and from work near the chinook area. Not worried about the commute. More worried about access to cool places to hang out when I'm off work.

[Regulator75]

Have a read here.

http://www.avenuecalgary.com/article...ighbourhoods-0

[DFO]

Sounds like Mission would be a fit.