Best Neighbourhoods for Families in Calgary: 15 Family-Friendly Communities
- November 7, 2024
- By Cody Battershill
What Are the Best Neighbourhoods for Families in Calgary?
What are the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for families? It's a hard question to answer because our city is home to many lovely and enjoyable communities, each with their own unique set of characteristics.
But undoubtedly, some neighbourhoods are far safer and family-oriented, with amenities that are conducive to a healthy family and community. Here’s our shortlist of some of the top 15 Calgary neighbourhoods for families that should make you feel right at home. Also see:
#1 - Altadore
New Infill Listing in Altadore
Why Families Love Altadore:
- Short drive to downtown and the Beltline
- Adjacent to amenities in Marda Loop
- Adjacent to Elbow River parks and pathways
- Rejuvenated ambiance with new infill developments
- Diverse real estate portfolio including condos & townhomes
Altadore is one of the best Calgary neighbourhoods for families because of its close proximity to downtown and the Elbow River parks and pathways.
Marda Loop, a business improvement area (BIA)with more than 100 different restaurants, shops, and services lining its streets, is found on the north side of Altadore. The convenience of living close to this BIA's amenities contributes immensely to Altadore's desirability from a family viewpoint.
Urban professionals with young families who frequent the city centre often look to Altadore real estate for themselves and their families for all of the reasons above, in addition to the astounding sheer number of youths in the area.
#2 - Arbour Lake
Central Lake at Arbour Lake
Why Families Love Arbour Lake:
- Central lake with exclusive access for residents
- Diverse real estate portfolio
- Close to Crowfoot Crossing and any amenity you’ll need
- Easy access to the city via Stoney and Crowchild Trails
- New mixed-use community Arbour Lake West
Arbour Lake’s central lake and proximity to nearby amenities make it one of the most family-oriented communities in Calgary.
During the summer, residents and their friends flock to the central lake and enjoy exclusive access. In the winter, the lake becomes an outdoor ice rink for shinny hockey and recreational skating. Arbour Lake’s community centre is quite busy, with many annual family activities and events.
Crowfoot Crossing is also just a short drive from any property in Arbour Lake. Find a complete list of amenities at one of Calgary’s largest outdoor strip malls including Lowe’s Home Improvement, Shoppers Drug Mart, Visions, Chapters, Safeway, TD Bank, Co-op, Community Foods, Party City, Cineplex Odeon, Sport Chek, and so much more.
#3 - Aspen
Luxury Estate Home in Aspen Woods
Why Families Love Aspen Woods:
- Upscale neighbourhood with high-end real estate
- Suburban living about 15 to 20 minutes from the city centre
- Built amid aspen groves and rolling foothills in West District
- Panoramic foothill and mountain views for some homes
- Quick and convenient access to the Rocky Mountains
Aspen Woods has long been one of the best communities for families in Calgary for several reasons, including the large detached homes, semi to estate-sized lots, and paved pathway systems inherent to the West District’s neighbourhood.
Find the Westside Recreation Centre – one of the best indoor recreation facilities in the city – just minutes away on 85th Street SW. To get there, you’ll pass by Aspen Landing, which is home to dozens of important day-to-day amenities like restaurants, grocers and professional services.
Aspen Woods homes for sale are also on the brim of the city limits, making the community ideal for families who frequent the foothills and Rocky Mountains. Spend less time stuck in Calgary rush hour, and more time on your favourite trails or picnic spots out amid nature.
#4 - Brentwood
Renovated Bungalow Listing in Brentwood
Why Families Love Brentwood:
- Inner city location less than 10 minutes to downtown
- Quick access to the Brentwood C-Train Station
- Amenities galore at Brentwood Village Shopping Centre
- Near the University of Calgary
- Host to an abundance of parks and adjacent to Nose Hill
Brentwood real estate is ideal for families looking to stay in place over the long-term because of the public transportation infrastructure and post-secondary institutions that make life convenient for young teens and adults.
In Brentwood, you’ll find lots of green spaces and playgrounds. Designated nearby schools are within or near the community, which also makes Brentwood very convenient for families to live and age in over the years.
The community is just a few minutes from downtown and is located on the east side of Crowchild Trail, providing smooth access to the city centre and mountains to the west. An in-community C-Train station provides easy access to other parts of the city.
#5 - Cougar Ridge
Single-Family Home Listing in Cougar Ridge
Why Families Love Cougar Ridge:
- Part of the sought-after West District
- Easy access to facilities at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park
- Close to outdoor strip malls with countless amenities along 85th Street SW
- A short drive away from Westside Recreation Centre, one of the best facilities
- Convenient access to the mountains and foothills out west
Cougar Ridge is well known as one of the best places for families to live in Calgary because of its upscale real estate portfolio, abundance of parks and green spaces, and location that puts it near some of the best amenities and recreational opportunities the city has to offer.
Paskapoo is a highlight of Cougar Ridge properties; the subdivision is host to relatively new construction single-family homes and sits directly behind WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park. It is well connected to other parts of the community via an extensive network of paved pathways, making it great for younger generations to connect with their friends and other families.
Cougar Ridge’s location overlooking the Bow River Valley and the northwest provides many properties like those at the Cougarstone Villas and The VIEWS luxury condos, for example, with some of the city's most spectacular panoramic views.
#6 - Discovery Ridge
View from an Old Listing in Discovery Ridge
Why Families Love Discovery Ridge:
- Carved out of forests just north of the Elbow River
- Diverse real estate portfolio with everything from condos to semi-estate properties
- As close as it gets to Bragg Creek and the mountains beyond
- Family-oriented community with multiple parks and pathways
- Close to Westhills, your one-stop shop for amenities
Nature lovers, dog enthusiasts and fitness buffs all have one thing in common when it comes to Discovery Ridge homes --- they love its location amid a natural reserve on the brim of the city!
This community was carved out of thick forest lining the meandering Elbow River in the deep southwest of the city. Paved pathways laid through the forest and near the Elbow River provide young families in Discovery Ridge with second-to-none access to outdoor leisure and recreation year-round.
Westhills provides residents with all the amenities they could ask for just minutes away, including a Cineplex Odeon great for a family movie night on the weekend. Chinook Mall is just a short drive from Discovery Ridge, as are Bragg Creek, Kananaskis Country and the Rockies.
#7 - Edgemont
Views from Nose Hill Park beside Edgemont
Why Families Love Edgemont:
- Huge community with a diverse set of real estate for sale
- Built on top of a massive foothill amid multiple ravines
- Connectivity to Nose Hill Park
- Designated schools within the community
- Quick access to amenities at Country Hills Village
Edgemont’s “top of the hill” location is extremely unique given that it is the highest point any community sits within Calgary. Edgemont has a lot to offer families, including several ridgeside luxury properties with incredible views of the city as far as the eye can see.
Inherent to the hilltop are beautiful parks and ravines, most of which have paved pathways running throughout and serve to keep youth connected with one another. They also make for a fun, yet adventurous jog or bicycle ride for some healthy outdoor leisure and recreation.
Country Hills Village is a major amenity resource for Edgemont homebuyers. Complete with a Superstore and several other restaurants, shops and services, the strip mall makes life convenient for residents, as do the in-community Tom Baines Junior High and Edgemont Elementary School.
#8 - Evanston
Evanston Outdoor Park and Playground
Why Families Love Evanston:
- Easy access to amenities at Creekside and strip malls inside the community
- Expansive neighbourhood with interconnecting parks and paved pathways
- In-community schools for public and catholic designations
- Stoney Trail ring road makes getting to other parts of the city as easy as possible
- Tight-knit, family-oriented community with lots of youth
Evanston is an award-winning, family-oriented neighbourhood brimming the North District of Calgary. Home to thousands of residential homes ranging from more affordable townhomes to semi-estate single-family properties, Evanston’s pristine rolling prairie setting is the perfect place for families to grow with one another through the years.
With several parks and interconnecting pathways between the various sub-divisions of the community, living in a home in Evanston makes it easy for young children to connect with one another. These pathways also serve well for outdoor leisure and recreation throughout the year.
Today, Evanston is home to three schools, a thriving commercial centre, seven playgrounds, 16 green spaces, and more. It’s no wonder Evanston is by far one of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for families!
#9 - Garrison Green
Lush Condo Courtyard in Garrison Green
Why Families Love Garrison Green:
- Host to three large parks with open space and playgrounds
- Family-oriented atmosphere with many young families
- Nearby public, private and post-secondary schools
- Close to downtown and amenities galore with an inner city location
- Quiet ambiance with low-flow traffic into the community
Garrison Green is a highly sought-after neighbourhood coveted by potential buyers from many walks of life. Well known as one of the best Calgary communities for families, Garrison Green properties have a lot to offer including three large central parks, a tight-knit ambiance, interconnecting paved pathways, and a close-to-downtown location.
Most Garrison Green streets are lined with row townhomes, and others have laned or semi-estate properties, perfect for families of all backgrounds and sizes.
Residents love utilizing the community’s ample park space in the spring and summer time, where you’ll find several war memorials honouring Canadian soldiers who have fought in past wars and peacekeeping missions abroad. In the winter, it’s not unusual to see homemade ice rinks created by community members passionate about outdoor activities year-round who want to see the kids enjoy winter hockey fun.
#10 - Hillhurst
10th Street Bridge to Downtown's West End
Why Families Love Hillhurst:
- Centrally located near the Bow River pathways
- Home to the Kensington District with 100+ restaurants, shops and services
- New infill home developments perfect for the modern family
- Adjacent to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
- Five-minute drive to downtown
Hillhurst is a go-to inner city community for families for all the right reasons. Those looking to enjoy a walkable lifestyle near the river pathways and amid the business district of Kensington will seriously want to consider moving to the area.
Downtown professionals love how close Hillhurst real estate is to work, so close in fact that walking or biking to work is convenient to do and takes little time. Green spaces like Riley Park, complete with a wading pool for young children, are hit destinations for families looking to enjoy the summer sun.
New infill developments ensure there is more than enough room to go around for families of all sizes. Also, more affordable townhome projects are popping up all over the area, providing options for buyers looking to get their foot into the door of a Hillhurst property.
#11 - Lake Bonavista
Bonavista's central lake with resident-only access
Why Families Love Lake Bonavista
- Central man-made lake with exclusive use for residents
- Active central community association with family-friendly activities and events
- Lush green spaces and parks and in-community schools
- Conveniently located near amenities along Macleod Trail
- Large family-oriented lots with huge homes
Lake Bonavista is a neighbourhood where many families tend to stay for the long term because of all that it has to offer, including a tight-knit, family-oriented small community feel amid the big city. The central man-made lake serves as a focal point with an active community association that offers a wide range of activities year-round for families to enjoy including swimming, skating, holiday events, and more.
Its real estate was made for families from the get-go with large lots, fenced backyards, mature vegetation, and an impressive selection of single-family homes either lining or within a few blocks from the lake. Meanwhile, amenities along Macleod Trail like Southcentre Mall and Chinook Mall make day-to-day living for young families as convenient as it gets.
#12 - Mahogany
Lakeside Estates Backing onto Mahogany Lake
Why Families Love Mahogany:
- Central lake with exclusive access for residents and company
- Active community association with year-round activities and events
- Tight-knit, family-oriented community propped up by associations
- Close to amenities in Mahogany, Auburn Bay and the Seton area
- Diverse portfolio of real estate with everything from starter homes to lakeside estates
Mahogany is a great family-oriented neighbourhood in Calgary for many reasons apart from its expansive real estate portfolio which provides home ownership opportunities for buyers from many walks of life.
For starters, in the summertime, residents have exclusive access to a large central man-made lake with watersports and equipment, which are free to rent. Enjoy a paddleboard, paddleboat, or perhaps a canoe for a few hours under the summer sun with the kids or perhaps a handful of your friends.
Second, the Mahogany Beach Club and Copperfield-Mahogany Community Association offer a ton of activities and events for both children and parents to choose from. Families have a real opportunity to spend time together and make lasting memories when growing up in Mahogany.
#13 - Rockland Park
Central Homeowners Association at Rockland Park
Why Families Love Rockland Park:
- Developed by Brookfield, an established and reputed builder/developer
- An active Homeowners Association with weekly activities/events
- Future in-community school for Kindergarten to Grade 9
- Future 85,000-square-foot commercial hub with daily amenities
- 120 acres of park space interconnected by paved pathways
Rockland Park is an ideal community for families because of its exclusive riverside location and family-oriented features such as a very active community association and central amenity plaza. Located on the brim of the northwest quadrant/district, it is nestled between the Bow River and Tuscany and away from main throughways such as Crowchild Trail.
The Rockland Park Homeowners’ Association features a 6,500 square foot building, outdoor pool and hot tub, playground, central fire pit and gathering space, casual skate trail, hockey rink, basketball court, picnic and BBQ shelters, amphitheatre, open spaces and gardens, and more.
These in-community amenities are all ideal for nurturing a close-knit spirit, making it one of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for families by a long shot.
#14 - Sunnyside
Views of Sunnyside and Downtown
Why Families Love Sunnyside:
- Minutes away from Prince's Island Park, St. Patrick’s Island, the Calgary Zoo
- Bow River pathways provide excellent outdoor leisure and recreation
- Quick and easy access to the downtown core
- Adjacent to Kensington, home to more than 100 amenities
- Near the University of Calgary and SAIT campuses
Sunnyside is, without a doubt, another one of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for families due to its close-to-everything location. The community provides quick-and-easy access to not only restaurants, shops, and services, but also to work downtown for a parent or the classroom for a student at one of the nearby post-secondary institutions.
Do you feel like casually strolling the river pathways on a warm summer day? Maybe grab a meal on a Kensington patio before heading to Prince’s Island Park to check out a festival event? Whichever the case, residents in Sunnyside will have more time for what’s important in life – like family – by skipping the traffic while walking to and from work.
#15 - Tuscany
View from Prior Listing in Tuscany
Why Families Love Tuscany:
- Central amenity hub with a grocer, gas station, restaurants and more
- Built amid rolling foothills and ravines that offer ample outdoor recreation
- Active community association with year-round activities and events
- Convenient access to the Rocky Mountains
- C-Train Station offers convenient access to city via public transit
Tuscany real estate was built from the ground up for families. From the outdoor ballparks to the central amenity plaza, Tuscany has all the amenities, leisure and recreational opportunities that any family would love to have a chance to engage in..
Tuscany’s active community association encourages youth to engage in activities like ice skating in the winter and basketball in the summer. The area is also home to schools that host programs for both regular and Catholic students from kindergarten through to the end of junior high.
Located on the brim of the city, Tuscany offers easy access to the foothills and mountain out west. The neighbourhood has an intricate pathway system, serving to connect families in different phases of development.
What’s Your Favourite Family Neighbourhood in Calgary?
Let us know what community you would say is one of the best Calgary neighbourhoods for families, and we’ll add it to our list! Also, see these Best Areas to Live in Calgary.
Have questions about buying and/or selling in these family-oriented neighbourhoods? Contact Cody & Jordan, experienced Realtors® with RE/MAX House of Real Estate anytime to discuss your real estate goals!