Avenue Magazine is back with their annual list of the best neighborhoods to live in Calgary. Without further ado, here are the communities to make the cut for 2025!
You can read the full and original article HERE
Elbow Park
A visit to Calgary’s historic Elbow Park community is a treat for the architectural senses. Along the neighbourhood's winding residential roads, an eclectic mix of houses ranging from modern designs to heritage homes built in the early 1900s convene cohesively. Aesthetics aside, the neighbourhood’s greatest quality is its community spirit.
Kensington
Technically, Kensington is a Businesses Improvement Zone that includes Sunnyside and Hillhurst. But, colloquially, Kensington has long been one of Calgary’s most vital neighbourhoods, where history, art, shopping and community come together.
Mahogany
Mahogany is a shining example of a neighbourhood that seamlessly merges convenient amenities with ample access to parks and outdoor recreation, alongside a variety of housing options.
Beltline
On a summer weekend night in the Beltline, there’s a palpable buzz as Calgarians pop in and out of local bars; head to reservations at one of the 100-plus restaurants, lounges and cafés on the bustling 17th Avenue S.W. strip; or simply explore the area with an ice cream cone in hand. This energy, not to mention the neighbourhood’s walkability (it has a walk score of 91) and access to countless restaurants, shops and amenities, are all key draws for many residents, as well as the visitors.
University District
If you haven’t been near the University of Calgary in a few years, the University District neighbourhood might come as a bit of a surprise. Here, suddenly, in a fairly central location, sits a whole new and growing community. Not only that, it’s walkable and provides access to shops, transit and restaurants near the university and it's not too far from downtown.
West Springs
Established in 2001, this southwest neighbourhood is a convenient home base for families and singles, alike, thanks to its proximity to a wide range of amenities and attractions. While there’s plenty of appeal right on its doorstep, other handy destinations like Aspen Landing Shopping Centre, WestHills Towne Centre and CF Market Mall are all just a short drive away.
Inglewood
As Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood, Inglewood has endured many identity changes in its 150-year history. Located east of downtown at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers, over the past 30 years, Inglewood has become known as one of Calgary’s pre-eminent arts and shopping districts, particularly attractive to shoppers in the warmer months.
Midnapore
Rich in character and community, Midnapore has retained its small-town charm since being annexed by The City of Calgary in 1961. While much has changed since then, Midnapore’s greatest qualities continue to be its community-centric living, greenspace and convenient amenities.
Bowness
The town of Bowness was amalgamated into Calgary in 1964 and most of the small-town allure and timeless community spirit remains in this west-Calgary pillar. Bordered by the Bow River to the north and east, and the Trans-Canada Highway to the south, and home to the iconic Bowness Park, the neighbourhood sees visits from nature-loving Calgarians, outdoor sports enthusiasts and families every season of the year.
Saddle Ridge
Saddle Ridge's development encompasses the many uses of this area through time. Standing on the traditional grounds of the Blackfoot Territory, the land that is now Saddle Ridge was annexed by Calgary for ranching in 1894. The community has since grown to a population of 24,365 residents, 62 per cent of whom are newcomers to Canada. This longstanding heritage combined with a diverse community exemplifies Calgary’s cultural mosaic as well as its past, present and future.
