Renting Downtown (and area) in Calgary - Advice!

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Shazam

I really did like living near 17 Ave SW, but the noise can be rather extreme if that kind of thing bothers you.

We lived on 16th ave for about a year. The drunks and woo girls at 2am got old pretty quickly. Our next apartment was on 12th ave...where there were no woo girls...but instead we had motorbikes racing every night like it was the Isle of Man TT. Not a huge deal, but sucks when you have a baby or have trouble sleeping. That's when we realized we were probably getting too old for the Beltline.

[MarchHare]

I live in a 5th floor unit on 14th Ave SW. When my windows are shut, I barely hear any noise at all from the surrounding neighbourhood aside from the odd emergency vehicle siren every now and then. I've been working from home full time throughout the pandemic in peace and quiet for over a year now.

The biggest noise nuisance by far are the obnoxiously loud motorcyclists who feel the need to advertise the fact they have a tiny pp to everyone within earshot, but you only get maybe one or two of those a day, and even then it's only during the summer months.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

I'm conscious of noise but have lived on or near busy roads before so it isn't my top concern.

That being said, I'm being mindful in my evaluation of places near hotspots like the stampede grounds, bars etc.

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by Table 5

We lived on 16th ave for about a year. The drunks and woo girls at 2am got old pretty quickly. Our next apartment was on 12th ave...where there were no woo girls...but instead we had motorbikes racing every night like it was the Isle of Man TT. Not a huge deal, but sucks when you have a baby or have trouble sleeping. That's when we realized we were probably getting too old for the Beltline.

lol those were good times.

Honestly the worst thing was all the public urination I saw. So many surprise penises that last year...

[Robbob]

Lots of good info here. The Mrs and me were also thinking of moving downtown in a year or two. After over a decade in the burbs, it would be something we would like to try. We thought after selling our house we would try renting before buying anything. The one we thought we would like for location and amenities was SODO, but I completely overlooked the rail just north, so thanks for that. Definitely would have to look at it when the train is there.

[LIP MAN]

PM me, I have an opening in my building in Lower Mt. Royal. Great area and reasonably priced. Unit could be yours for 850 all in, just need to pay your own cable and internet.

[Shazam]

Don't forgot the Sunnyside area.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Originally Posted by Robbob

Lots of good info here. The Mrs and me were also thinking of moving downtown in a year or two. After over a decade in the burbs, it would be something we would like to try. We thought after selling our house we would try renting before buying anything. The one we thought we would like for location and amenities was SODO, but I completely overlooked the rail just north, so thanks for that. Definitely would have to look at it when the train is there.

And read the google reviews for that building! Not favourable.

[cam_wmh]

I highly recommend Mission. Adjacent to both the river & 4th. And steps from 17th. On the quieter streets, you'll still find good people watching. With patio doors/windows open, you will hear the noise on Friday & Saturday nights.
There's a couple busy Aves, but if you can find a place off of one of them in a decent building go for it.
Lived there for 12 years, until I moved to the mountains, but still retain my old home as a rental property.

I'm a hard no, for elevator dependent condos.

Although both my old and new home have elevators, I highly recommend one of the first few floors, especially during these crazy times.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

I highly recommend Mission. Adjacent to both the river & 4th. And steps from 17th. On the quieter streets, you'll still find good people watching. With patio doors/windows open, you will hear the noise on Friday & Saturday nights.
There's a couple busy Aves, but if you can find a place off of one of them in a decent building go for it.
Lived there for 12 years, until I moved to the mountains, but still retain my old home as a rental property.

I'm a hard no, for elevator dependent condos.

Although both my old and new home have elevators, I highly recommend one of the first few floors, especially during these crazy times.

The elevator thing is interesting. Seems like there isn’t a single high rise that doesn’t have elevator complaints.

On the other hand, wood buildings are not my favourite, even on the top floor.

Definitely some buildings in the 5-15 floor range that appeal. Anything above 10 is pushing it for regular trips up using stairs, especially with groceries, but I’ve always liked taking the stairs when I’m not in a rush or carrying heavy ####.

[Blankcanvas]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

The elevator thing is interesting. Seems like there isn’t a single high rise that doesn’t have elevator complaints.

On the other hand, wood buildings are not my favourite, even on the top floor.

Definitely some buildings in the 5-15 floor range that appeal. Anything above 10 is pushing it for regular trips up using stairs, especially with groceries, but I’ve always liked taking the stairs when I’m not in a rush or carrying heavy ####.

Interestingly elevator problems wasn't something I considered before moving to a condo. Here in Xenex on 12th, 1 of 2 elevators has been out of service for almost a month now. They are apparently waiting for some major parts to be delivered from overseas. At peak times it can be 5-10 minutes wait, especially if you don't want to 'crowd' into the elevator.

On the other hand my ex lives in the Montana building on 15 Ave SW. My teenage kids tell me she has 3 elevators, they have never broken down and there is always one waiting for them on the main floor. They also like the concierge there that takes their Amazon packages and hands them to them. Montana also has a gym and other facilities that Xenex doesn't have but then it is generally more expensive.

I did take a good look at the Arch and Aura towers on 12th. In the end I felt more comfortable with a building that has a lot of owner occupiers rather than entirely tenants.

[Wormius]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

Hi All,

Going to be moving to the downtown area soon and looking at prospective locations. I WFH right now but anticipate an eventual return to the office.

I've never rented before so in addition to advice on location, any suggestions for a first time renter are welcome.

Suggestions on areas, specific buildings that are good or to avoid, where to look for reviews, how to find a good place (been browsing using rentfaster), how to deal with landlords etc are all welcome.

I've lived in Calgary for a long time but never lived near the core before.

Preferences are close to food, grocery, public transit. No kids, so schools are irrelevant to me. Not particularly concerned about nightlife all that much, I'm old and boring now.

TIA.

Just from my experience living *near* a Boardwalk in the core, avoid Boardwalk.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

The elevator thing is interesting. Seems like there isn’t a single high rise that doesn’t have elevator complaints.

On the other hand, wood buildings are not my favourite, even on the top floor.

Definitely some buildings in the 5-15 floor range that appeal. Anything above 10 is pushing it for regular trips up using stairs, especially with groceries, but I’ve always liked taking the stairs when I’m not in a rush or carrying heavy ####.

Totally agree. It's why both are on the 2nd floor, and concrete builds.

Also, and I can't stress this enough for condo living; BUY A WAGON.
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/o...w.ds#store=469