Famous for the Calgary Stampede or “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”, and its close proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a youthful, vibrant place to live. Residents of Calgary love the outdoors, which is not surprising given the beauty in and around the city. In 2019, The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Calgary as the most livable city in North America (and the fifth most livable city in the world).
With an amazing array of restaurants serving diverse food, plenty of pubs to drink beloved local craft beer, a host of family-friendly events, clean and expansive city parks, and year-round outdoor activities, there is no shortage of things to see and do with your free time in the city and beyond. Need more convincing? Local Calgary events and attractions are updated frequently at LifeInCalgary and Visit Calgary.
Calgary is home to several post-secondary institutions such as the University of Calgary, which is amongst the top research universities in Canada, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and Mount Royal University (MRU), all of which offer a wide selection of recognized courses and faculties.
If you are looking to relocate to Calgary, or are interested in other neighbourhoods in Calgary, there are plenty of choices available on the rental market. RentFaster.ca has a comprehensive list of the many communities in Calgary to begin your search. Currently, monthly rental prices are estimated at:
- Approx $954 for a Studio
- Approx $1162+ for a 1 Bedroom
- Approx $1524+ for a 2 Bedroom
- Approx $1699+ for a 3 Bedroom
- Approx $2343 or less for a 4 Bedroom
Here are some of the most popular Calgary neighbourhoods to consider based on ratings from Avenue Calgary and Global News. Keep in mind that Calgary is divided into four quadrants: North East (NE), North West (NW), South East (SE), South West (SW). When searching for a rental property in Calgary, it is important to know which quadrant the community is in and search with the full address complete with quadrant designation.
1. BRENTWOOD – North West Calgary
Brentwood is a family-oriented community located in the North West area of Calgary. Running alongside the community of Brentwood is one of Calgary’s largest and most popular outdoor recreation areas, Nose Hill Park. Nose Hill is an amazing place to take in stunning downtown views while enjoying a walk with your family, or taking your dog to an off-leash area. There are several highly recognized schools In the Brentwood school district, many of which are within walking distance of available rental properties. Calgary’s LRT system runs through this community, creating easy access to not only the downtown core but also to the rest of the city and two of Calgary’s post-secondary institutes, the University of Calgary and SAIT.
The average rent in the Brentwood Community ranges from $795 to $1595 per month.
2. HUNTINGTON HILLS – North West Calgary
A diverse community located close to Brentwood, Huntington Hills offers great access to indoor and outdoor recreation. Facilities for hockey, curling, basketball, yoga, and other family activities are abundant throughout the community. A great family-friendly neighbourhood, Huntington Hills is served by numerous public and private schools perfect for your children at every stage of life. Huntington Hills is situated in the NW quadrant of Calgary and provides commuters easy access to Downtown Calgary, The University of Calgary, Market Mall, the Calgary International Airport, the Alberta Children’s Hospital, and the Foothills Hospital.
The average rent in the Huntington Hills community ranges from $850 to $1395 per month.
3. BOWNESS – North West Calgary
Located on the West side of Calgary closer to the cities edge, Bowness is bordered by the beautiful Bow River. One of Calgary’s oldest communities, Bowness offers residents a mix of history with a modern twist. Bowness Park, one of Calgary’s most popular parks and recreation areas, offers wonderful natural views, a beautiful walkway system, and rafting or skating on the river. This community has something for everyone at every stage of life, and as an established neighbourhood, it offers a variety of different residences including apartments, townhomes, and riverfront houses. Bowness is located in close proximity to SAIT, the University of Calgary, and two of Calgary’s renowned Hospitals, and also provides easy access to the downtown and the ring road.
The average rent in Bowness ranges from $891 to $1500 per month.
4. VARSITY – North West Calgary
An established neighbourhood close to the University of Calgary, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Market Mall, and the Jubilee Auditorium, Varsity offers mainly single-family residences and student residences due to its close proximity to the University of Calgary. Known for its great location of the city, Varsity provides easy access to Downtown and to the mountains. In a dynamic community like Varsity, there are plenty of restaurants and recreation areas that make this area perfect for those looking to lay down roots.
The average rent in Varsity ranges from $750 to $1598 per month.
5. ARBOUR LAKE – North West Calgary
Calgary’s first lake district, located on the West side of the city, Arbour Lake was established in 1992 and still remains as one of Calgary’s most popular communities. The community features a pristine lake brimming with rainbow trout, neighbourhood parks, spectacular mountain views, and an extensive bike and walkway path carved through rolling hills. Arbour Lake is perfectly located in the North West and provides easy access to the mountains, shopping, and some of Calgary’s best recreation and entertainment. Live in a community with a strong sense of welcoming, friendly neighbours, and enjoy the exclusive lake lifestyle.
The average rent in Arbour Lake ranges from $700 to $1798
6. ACADIA – South East Calgary
A beautiful residential area located south of downtown Calgary, Acadia is a great centralized community with 9 schools nearby, access to shopping and grocery stores, and amazing restaurants. Bordering the Bow River, families can enjoy year-round activities in the nearby parks and walking and biking along the river.
The average rent in Acadia ranges from $795 to $1998
7. LAKE BONAVISTA – South East Calgary
This established lake community has much to offer year-round. Featuring two man-made lakes, residents enjoy exclusive access to swimming, fishing, boating, and skating. This quaint community is perfect for the family that is looking to settle down in their forever home. Tall aged trees, shopping, and quiet streets make this community seem like its further from the city than it really is.
The average rent in Lake Bonavista ranges from $900 to $2262
8. SIGNAL HILL – South West Calgary
This established lake community has much to offer year-round. Featuring two man-made lakes, residents enjoy exclusive access to swimming, fishing, boating, and skating. This quaint community is perfect for the family that is looking to settle down in their forever home. Tall established trees, local shopping, and quiet streets make this community seem like it’s further from the city than it really is.
The average rent in Signal Hill ranges from $1350 to $2397
9. BELTLINE – South West Calgary
Working downtown, or seeking the hustle and bustle of city living? The Beltline district is one to check out. Just outside of the downtown core, Beltline includes the popular 17th Avenue and 14 Street shopping district with many restaurants and bars and boutique shopping. This neighbourhood is perfect for someone who loves the energy of the city and living in close proximity to the most popular social hubs.
The average rent in Beltline ranges from $1326 to $1953
10. INGLEWOOD – South East Calgary
As an older established area sitting near the Bow and Elbow rivers, Inglewood is a vibrant community with a mix of old and new. Just east of the downtown core, this Calgary neighborhood offers an eclectic mix of residences in a trendy, revitalizing neighborhood that is in close proximity to downtown, the Calgary Zoo, the Central Library, and many other Calgary attractions. Grab a coffee and walk down 9th Avenue to enjoy unique shops and restaurants, and don’t forget to stop by one of the amazing local breweries located in the area. Inglewood truly has something to offer for everybody.
The average rent in Inglewood ranges from $885 to $2008
RentFaster.ca has many rental options available. Depending on your lifestyle and needs, Rent Faster will help you find a home
