Calgary currently has nearly 200 neighbourhoods, and it could be overwhelming deciding where to live, especially if you’re buying your first home or planning your next move.

Some neighbourhoods are trendy and urban, others are family-friendly, while a few hidden gems offer the best of both worlds.

To help you narrow it down, we’ve highlighted the top neighbourhoods in Calgary as ranked by Avenue Magazine, complete with their unique features, average home prices, and rental costs.

1. Elbow Park

Elbow Park is one of Calgary’s most prestigious and expensive neighbourhoods, with the average house price of about $2.8 million. The view is quite scenic, hilly, and next to the river as well.

If you love aesthetic buildings, you will love this place because it has older historic homes, mansions, right next to cutting-edge modern designs.

Living in this neighbourhood gives you park access to visit the Sandy Beach park, River Park, and Stanley Park, which are all within close range. Other fun things to do in Elbow Park include visiting the Glen Co. Club, walking, and running trails along the Elbow River.

For accessibility, the Elbow River is walkable to downtown, and all the shops are along 17th Avenue and Mission. Although it is pricey, it is a great central location.

• Key Features: Elbow Park offers architectural beauty, family-friendly amenities, and a vibrant community spirit in the heart of Calgary.
• Average house price: $2,804,733
• Average rental cost (2-bedroom): C$2,209

2. Kensington

Kensington is one of Calgary’s most walkable and trendy areas. It is located just across the river from downtown and includes neighbourhoods like Sunnyside, Hillhurst, and West Hill.

Kensington is also one of the best places in Calgary for young professionals and creative people to be, as it is known for its cafés, bars, boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. It is easy to access the Bow River Pathway from here, and some of the fun events here include pub nights and festivals.

For transportation and accessibility, it is best to be on foot or use a scooter; driving is cool too if you can, as you can easily meet up with young professionals and creatives seeking an urban lifestyle close to downtown.

• Key Features: Walkability, Bow River pathways, diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• Average house price: $695,957
• Average rental cost (2-bedroom): C$2,000

3. Mahogany

Mahogany is Calgary’s largest lake community, located in the southeast. This master-planned neighbourhood is perfect for families, offering private beaches, a lake club, sports courts, shopping, and restaurants.

It has good transportation routes in and out of the neighborhood, there are tons of new homes, and it provides both comfort and recreation for growing families. You’ll find excellent schools, green spaces, and Calgary’s biggest lake.

• Key Features: Lakeside living, family-friendly amenities, private beaches, and Calgary’s largest lake.
• Average house price: $757,345
• Average rental cost (2-bedroom): C$2,300

4. Beltline

Beltline is the vibrant urban core of Calgary, filled with high-rise condos, trendy restaurants, cafés, and bars. This can be the best location for the right person, especially single young professionals or creatives who want to be in Downtown or live close to work.

Beltline is actually the most lovely part of the city, known for its lively arts and culture scene. If you are looking for a place with great nightlife and entertainment, the Beltline is a great place to start.

• Key Features: Walkable downtown living, vibrant nightlife, cultural venues, and diverse housing.
• Average house price: $496,380
• Average rental cost (2-bedroom): C$2,403

5. University District

The University District is a modern, master-planned community and is one of Calgary’s most walkable areas. Located near the University of Calgary and Foothills Hospital, it’s ideal for students, young professionals, and educators.

You can easily find grocery stores, restaurants, cinemas, and even night markets. University District combines convenience with lifestyle.

• Key Features: Proximity to the University of Calgary, excellent transit, on-site shops, and dining.
• Average house price: $430,979
• Average rental cost (2-bedroom): C$1,789

6. West Springs

West Springs is a very popular suburban yet upscale community located in West Calgary with excellent schools, shopping, and easy access to the mountains.

It is great for families or professionals who want a calm West Calgary lifestyle with good access to the mountains and some popular schools in the city.

Families and professionals love the quiet, safe environment paired with convenient connections to downtown. With above-average to very expensive homes, West Springs is considered one of Calgary’s most desirable communities.

• Key Features: Family-friendly, great schools, suburban lifestyle with mountain access.
• Average house price: $902,250
• Average rental cost (2-bedroom): C$1,970

7. Inglewood

Inglewood is Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood, rich in history, charm, and creativity. It’s a hub for entrepreneurs, artists, and anyone who loves character homes.

Inglewood is also a fun place to be in Calgary; it is known for its eclectic shops, pubs, restaurants, and year-round festivals. Inglewood also offers river pathways and easy downtown access.

• Key Features: Historic charm, thriving arts and culture scene, festivals, and walkability.
• Average house price: $843,923
• Average rental cost (2-bedroom): C$2,075

8. Midnapore

Midnapore is one of the lake communities in Calgary that is still affordable compared to Calgary’s newer lake neighbourhoods.

It has an old-school suburban feel as it was annexed into Calgary in the late 60s. Living in Midnapore grants you access to Fish Creek Park and a private lake.

It’s an excellent choice for first-time homebuyers and families seeking outdoor recreation and suburban living. Shopping in nearby Shaughnessy and Somerset adds convenience.

• Key Features: Community-focused living, lake access, green space, and affordability.
• Average house price: $551,643
• Average rental cost (2-bedroom): C$2,083

9. Bowness

Bowness is one of the hidden gems in Calgary. It was once an independent town, and still has a small-town charm while being part of Calgary.

Bowness Park is also one of the nicest parks in the city, which offers tubing on the Bow River in summer and skating in winter.

The Bowness neighborhood has quite a mixed vibe; some parts look really nice and expensive, and there are other parts that look dumpy as well. With a mix of affordable and upscale housing, strong community spirit, and great schools, Bowness is popular among families and investors alike.

• Key Features: Riverside recreation, community charm, mixed housing, and family-friendly environment.
• Average house price: $521,738
• Average rental cost (2-bedroom): C$2,340

10. Saddle Ridge

Saddle Ridge is one of the best neighbourhoods in the deep northeast of Calgary. It’s a newer community, very diverse, and has convenient access to the LRT at Saddletowne Station, the airport, and major roads.

The neighbourhood is popular with multicultural families and offers a range of newer homes. The Genesis Centre, a large modern recreation facility, adds to its appeal.

• Key Features: Multicultural community, easy transit access, new housing, and modern recreation.
• Average house price: $517,805
• Average rental cost (2-bedroom): C$1,950

Conclusion

Choosing the right neighbourhood in Calgary depends on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Whether you want the historic charm of Inglewood, the lakeside lifestyle in Mahogany, or the upscale tranquility of West Springs, Calgary’s top communities offer something for everyone.

With nearly 200 neighbourhoods across the city, these ten stand out for their location, amenities, and quality of life.