Looking at moving back into the city - community advice sought

[Johnny Makarov]

Originally Posted by Sliver

I think we've heard enough from the non-contributing zero over here.

Look at you being all attention seeking again! lol

SE/SW traffic can go EAD! I would never live down there just due to the traffic.

Other than Lakeview. I can drive there from the NW in 3 mins non rushhour.... lol

But Lakeview is seriously awesome. Weaslehead and Glenmore Park. and it has like 8 schools in it. and an IGA! It might be the only community I would consider in the South. and it's only 8 mins to the Tsuu Tina Costco for cheap gas.

[pylon]

Let me add my opinion. Cause you all know what opinions are like!

I grew up in the Bonavista Estates and have a few friends that still live there. In the 70s/80s, living there was like announcing you were royalty. The amenities are amazing, the two Lakes are awesome for kids, schools galore, three sheets of ice (5 if you include outdoor) tons of restaurants and shopping and I practically lived in Fish Creek Park on my BMX through the summers. I like visiting it, but it feels like walking into an old pub from the 80's attached to a Greek pizza place that's never seen a reno. The Estates side seems to be getting more attention, but the old side east of Acadia drive, there's still a lot of decrepit and dilapidated rotting properties that haven't seen paint since the 70s. However, for a family, it probably is one of the best options out there.

I work right at the junction of Varsity, Brentwood and Dalhousie. You want to see rotting properties, come take a tour up here. It's worse. And I agree with Sliver, there's next to nothing to do around here. As I look out my office window I see that giant dead hill of grass called Nose Hill Park. How is that considered a park? It looks like a retired landfill to me, as that's what they look like. A big dead hill of grass. I've never understood the appeal, but of course having Fish Creek Park in my youth kinda set a high bar.

Now... I live in Cochrane in the exact same gaudy 3000 sq/ft shack on the hill that Sliver hates... just farther west. But hey, it's only 10 years old, cheaper to heat than a Bonavista bungalow built in the 70's and I'm not forced to endure the 8 foot ceilings these old communities generally force on you. I hate low ceilings. We go so hard during the week with our careers, we wanted a quiet, peaceful place with no little or no traffic noise, dark skies and in my community I have the Cochrane Ranch House Valley right out my back gate, which I'd compare to a miniature version of Fish Creek. We spend hours every week down there with our bikes or dogs.

The problem with a lot of older neighborhoods in my opinion, is there are a lot of really Janky unkempt houses you have to look at. It's just not consistent. And that bothers me. But some people don't care. Also with energy prices getting so expensive, I'd personally look at something newer as older houses can be absolute energy hogs.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

ITT: a bunch of people who clearly don’t know Jack #### about this city beyond the community they’ve lived in for 25 years.

People know more about and tend to over emphasize the positives of the community which they are most familiar with (ie live in). What other shocking revelations will we discover next! Who can say?

And honestly, I don’t even blame anyone for developing such a bias. Firstly, it’s funny reading these bad takes, especially Sliver, bravo as usual. Second, the way Calgary is set up, you don’t need to leave your community for most of your daily needs so it’s totally natural to live in a bubble.

Driving from community to community is basically like driving to a new city. Doubly so if you’re going to a new quadrant.

Not to mention saying stuff like SW vs NW is largely meaningless. We talking varsity vs lake view? Royal oak vs Cranston vs Aspen Woods? Crescent Heights vs Roxboro?

I guarantee you the far suburbs have much more in common with each other than anything remotely inner city. Treating an entire quadrant as homologous is asinine.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

ITT: a bunch of people who clearly don’t know #### about this city beyond the community they’ve lived in for 25 years.

People know more about and tend to over emphasize the positives of the community which they are most familiar with (ie live in). What other shocking revelations will we discover next! Who can say?

But isn't that how opinions work? You tend to be better versed in what you know or have experienced?

Can you point us all in the direction of the all-encompassing expert on every single community in Calgary? Then perhaps this debate can be solved once and for all!

However, having worked in Varsity/Dalhousie/Brentwood (20 years) for as long as I lived in Lake Bonavista, I will give Sliver the W based on what I would consider a good amount of personal anecdotal evidence. You cannot compare the amenities, things to do and quality of life, it's not even a contest especially if it's for a family.

The only caveat I'd give that, is if you are a University student. Then yes, this area would be far better.

And considering the OP looks like they are now an empty nester, I don't think any of the mentioned communities is where I'd look. I'd be hunting in the new'ish communities along HWY 8. Close enough to everything to not be burdensome, luxurious, and on the good side of the city for leaving town.

If they can afford any of the mentioned communities, they could definitely find something out there. Especially if they considered attached/duplex.

[Northendzone]

asking for a friend here, but is Bonavista the best neighborhood for swingers? Or would be others we should look at?

Bonavista has to be at least 30m from Chicken on the Way in Kensington in moderate traffic

Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee

If you and your wife are swingers, Bonavista is definitely the place for you.

With kids the age you mention though, not sure the lake makes sense for the pricetag vs. can get similar / same home quality in Canyon Meadows for $100K less prob. I have lived in both, loved both areas (not swingers though lol). Plus then the Anderson / 14st access to MRU or U of C is better too.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

asking for a friend here, but is Bonavista the best neighborhood for swingers? Or would be others we should look at?

Bonavista has to be at least 30m from Chicken on the Way in Kensington in moderate traffic

Apparently Langdon is swinger central but if you don't want to leave Calgary for a good time Bonavista will probably be adequate.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

asking for a friend here, but is Bonavista the best neighborhood for swingers?

I'll ask my parents.

I left when I was 18 and never experienced the swingers scene.

True story though, when I was a in High School I was a Pizza Delivery guy for Tommy's Pizza in Canyon Meadows, I had more than one invite from lonely housewives. Lady on Lake Lucerne Close was a regular inviter. So there's that I guess.

I never did take any of the offers. I wouldn't have had a clue what to do.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by pylon

Can you point us all in the direction of the all-encompassing expert on every single community in Calgary? Then perhaps this debate can be solved once and for all!

Avenue Magazine is the definitive expert on this matter.

It looks like in 2022 they don't do a full list and instead have various categories. 2020 seems to be the last full list:
https://www.avenuecalgary.com/best-n...ourhoods-2020/

[dammage79]

I loved living in Dalhousie. Just steps away from the train. It was beautiful. Easy way out of town heading west, everything you need is right there. And the train like a said, gets you to McMahon or the dome in no time.

[you&me]

There are two things at play here.

There's the things like Sliver's predictable Bonavista drum-beating (cute that he thinks it's the best community in the city), where posters talk about why their neighbourhood is best for them.

And then there are the posts that consider the parameters in the OP and make recommendations based on that particular situation.

With the OP working in Highfield, his wife working in Kensington and their son attending MRU or UofC, anyone suggesting Bonavista or Canyon Ghettos, er, Meadows isn't being genuine with their recommendation.

The only two choices that make sense as listed by the OP are Varsity and (only because of Crowchild) Lakeview.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

Avenue Magazine is the definitive expert on this matter.

Haha, I was trying to remember who that rag was.

I get it, we don't want to hurt anyone's or anything's feelings anymore, but when they called Forest Lawn a 'hidden gem' I did a spit take.

https://www.avenuecalgary.com/calgar...neighbourhood/

Like I know a few people that live/lived there, and every single one consider it a hell hole.

I feel bad for some person, researching neighborhoods to move to the city from out east or something, and they come across a fluff piece like that, and end up living next to a Hells Angels Clubhouse.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by pylon

Haha, I was trying to remember who that rag was.

I get it, we don't want to hurt anyone's or anything's feelings anymore, but when they called Forest Lawn a 'hidden gem' I did a spit take.

https://www.avenuecalgary.com/calgar...neighbourhood/

Like I know a few people that live/lived there, and every single one consider it a hell hole.

I feel bad for some person, researching neighborhoods to move to the city from out east or something, and they come across a fluff piece like that, and end up living next to a Hells Angels Clubhouse.

Interestingly Varsity, Lakeview and Lake Bonavista all won a category in 2022. They are all special in their own way.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

Interestingly Varsity, Lakeview and Lake Bonavista all won a category in 2022. They are all special in their own way.

So the you go. They all have a redeeming quality. Sounds like the OP can't go wrong no matter how he chooses.

[mrkajz44]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

I grew up in the North, and never had any specific interest living in the South so I’ve never had any reason to compare the two. That said, I was intrigued by your list but noted a few omissions:

Parks: South definitely wins

Access: In the North, Crowchild has no lights past 24 Ave, you’re also missing John Laurie and Beddington Trail in the NW, 16 Ave and McKnight in the NE. I’ll also take Deerfoot North over Deerfoot South although they both have their issues.

Other stuff in the North: UofC, SAIT, McMahon Stadium, airport, Children’s Hospital
Other stuff in the South: MRU, Ikea? Spruce Meadows?

The North is also closer to Banff/Canmore and Kananaskis, the South is closer to… High River? (j/k) The south can try to claim the Stampede grounds/Saddledome but I don’t think it qualifies unless you’re talking about C-Train accessibility.

Originally Posted by mikephoen

Sliver's post is objectively wrong on almost every point, but at least it was funny. This one is just terrible.

Somehow Deerfoot doesn't continue through the North half of the city? Crowchild goes through all of the NW, but in the South ends at Glenmore, yet somehow counts as great access in the South. You skipped 16th Ave, Memorial, John Laurie, Crowfoot and more for your North list.

Your list of parks is equally spotty.

Deerfoot North doesn't count because everyone is talking about the NW - Deerfoot doesn't have any real benefit to the NW communities. And if you guys are including slower roads with lots of lights like 16th and Memorial, then I could add Anderson, Bow Trail, etc. (not that I consider any of the above listed roads good transport roads).

I can concede that mountain access is much easier from the NW, but we're talking 15-20 minutes on an 60+ minute drive, so I guess it doesn't move the needle much for me.

[Johnny Makarov]

Originally Posted by pylon

So the you go. They all have a redeeming quality. Sounds like the OP can't go wrong no matter how he chooses.

Maybe he got his list from the magazine! Lol

[PepsiFree]

You know, one thing the NW has for it is that you never see someone throw a temper tantrum trying to justify why it’s the best and why some other part of the city is worse. People in the NW just have a level of confidence in their neighbourhoods that make insecure people living in the South look silly.

That’s why they huddle a few houses around a dinky little runoff pond they call a lake down there. It’s both a lure for the plebs, and a nice option to cool off in when people get too heated trying to defend their inferior living situation.

[topfiverecords]

The new University District and its cool park is turning out to be one of the best areas of the city so if I ever had a lobotomy or a head injury giving me permanent memory loss and needed to move I’d probably be good with the north end of University Heights.

Access in and out of there is easy. The new Stadium shopping development could prove to be amenity rich, though time will tell. Easy to get to UofC, Foothills, McMahon, Market Mall, Bowmont, Brentwood. In the crossroads of 16th, Crowchild, and Shaganappi.

Would be convenient for university and quick access to Kensington. If they need MRU, Crowchild south has super free flow access from University Drive and you get off Crowchild north before it crushes at 24th Ave.

Not the closest to Highfield but taking Memorial east through Inglewood to Ogden Blackfoot is never that bad and if it’s only occasionally at off peak times the other family members commutes probably take precedence.

As for the south, you have to remove my fingernails to get me to go south of Mission RD or 26th Ave. Except for Sliver’s swinger nights in Lake Bonavista. Then we make an exception.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

Avenue Magazine is the definitive expert on this matter.

It looks like in 2022 they don't do a full list and instead have various categories. 2020 seems to be the last full list:
https://www.avenuecalgary.com/best-n...ourhoods-2020/

Those cowards!

[Knut]

I grew up in Wildwood. Awesome Neighbourhood. Quick access to downtown and likely both U of C and MRU. I would recommend it as an option. Edworthy park is right there too and it’s pretty quick to get to Highway 1 to head out to the mountains.

I lived in Garrison Green for 9 years. It was great for a young family as it was relatively quiet (little cut through traffic) and lots of young families. My wife had a 9 min commute to her downtown job. My commute was 20 mins to Southcentre.

My wife’s job moved all online (pre Covid) so we decided to look elsewhere. We were kind of sick of the fact 7 other houses could look into our backyard and that the neighbourhood kids just let themselves into our house and yard all the time.

We had been looking at Lakeview extensively but just couldn’t get over the smaller lots on the non-estate side and how much work would have to go into renovating a home on the estate side. We almost pulled the trigger a few times there. North Glenmore Park is pretty nice.

We ended up expanding our search to Pumphill, Chinook Park, Bayview, Mayfair etc. Put an offer on a place in Pumphill that checked a lot of boxes but missed out due to timing. After that we expanded a bit. We looked into Montgomery, university heights and even into Aspen Ridge (big Houses, small yards, crap commutes and brutal wind. Might be the worst place in the city to live). My wife was always against going too far south and to her Lake Bonavista May as well have been Okotoks.

I convinced her to look at a few places in Bonavista and we immediately loved the community. Maybe it was the able bodied guys taking mobility scooters to the Pub or perhaps proximity to everything you need in life. Southcentre Mall, Shawnessy (need to know the secret ways in and out) snd Macleod Trail. Fish creek park is amazing and even getting Chinook area is like 15 mins. The Ring Road has really improved access to the Mountains and North Calgary. The schools here have all been great too. We we’re able to join our vacation home into our real home by buying something with a shared dock as well. I can be Kayaking 20 mins after leaving work. Also if you get to know someone in Parkland you can access the best community park in the city. Someone might off me if I say the name though.

The biggest downside to Lake Bonavista is that it has the downside of a small town. Lots do gossip and infighting. It’s also very WASPy. It maybe the whitest community in all of Calgary. There is not much exposure to other cultures or religions here. The local pub , Brewsters, is actually pretty terrible but I am always forced to go there and have their #### beer becuase that’s what Bonavistan’s do.

As for Swingers. We have heard about the reputation and I have heard some stories. It is something that happened everywhere I bet but the gossip here proliferates things. To me it’s like the Chicken on the Way stuff. One crazy story turned into a reputation.

As for the Northwest. Every time I am up there I get lost with the incredibly confusing streets and signage. There is always way more snow and the wind is always much worse. It’s also much too close to Edmonton for my liking. Access to U of C is nice and if you like the mountains it’s a quick out. Personally it’s not for me but I won’t disparage anyone that likes it.

[Sliver]

Ahhh, Bonavistians going to Brewster's and complaining about the awful beer. A tale as old as time. They really do have ####ty beer. Here's one hack for you to make it bearable, though. Ask for a cold glass. I #### you not they have cold glasses and not many people know about it. It helps the medicine go down.