Top 5 Cheapest Neighborhoods to live in Calgary with the Best Quality of Life - 2024

• Average rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $1,665
• Average cost of buying a property: $448,895

In northwest Calgary, near the University of Calgary, Varsity is a serene residential area surrounded by wide parks. With a population of around 12,040, mostly young residents in their 20s to mid-30s, the neighborhood consists of single-family and individual homes.

Varsity offers diverse housing, including apartments and single-detached houses catering to students. As of November 2023, the average cost of buying a property is $448,895, with an average cost of rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,665.

Local Logic (Nov 2023), Realtor.ca (Nov 2023) & Zumper (Nov 2023)

• Average rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $1,788
• Average cost of buying a property: $682,614

Sunnyside, situated north of downtown Calgary along the Bow River, offers its residents convenient access to the city center by walking, biking, or public transportation. Its location along the river provides easy access to green spaces and outdoor activities, including the popular Prince’s Island Park, for recreation.

People here are typically aged from twenty to forty years old. Housing options include apartments, condominiums, and a few detached houses. As of November 2023, the average cost of buying a property is $682,614, with an average cost of rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,788.

Sunnyside (Oct 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Realtor.ca (Nov 2023) & Zumper (Nov 2023)

• Average rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $1,650
• Average cost of buying a property: $758,980

Albert Park/Radisson Heights, established in 1910, is bordered by the Bow River, Deerfoot Trail, Memorial Drive, and International Avenue; it offers ample open space and views of the Bow River Valley, Downtown, and the Rockies. The community has good access to schools including Radisson Park Elementary, Albert Park Elementary, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Junior High, Holy Family School, and Bishop Kidd schools. Additionally, the Max Bell Centre is conveniently located nearby.

Despite its proximity to Downtown and attractions like Inglewood and the Calgary Zoo, locals mention that it faces challenges such as short-cutting traffic. As of November 2023, the average cost of buying a property is $758,980, with an average cost of rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,650.

Realtor.ca (Nov 2023) & Zumper (Nov 2023)

• Average rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $1,639
• Average cost of buying a property: $837,220

Charleswood, centrally located in Northwest Calgary, offers great access to downtown, the University of Calgary and Market Mall. Its appeal lies in its abundance of parks and recreational opportunities, including Canmore Park, Confederation Park, Senator Patrick Burns School Field, and Triwood Park, providing residents with ample outdoor spaces. The community falls under the service of the Triwood Community Association, which offers a range of amenities such as fitness classes, summer camps, an ice arena, and community events.

If you wish to live in Charleswood with tree-lined streets and beautiful architectural styles, as of November 2023, the average cost of buying a property is $837,220, with an average cost of rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,639.

Realtor.ca (Nov 2023) & Zumper (Nov 2023)

• Average rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $1,279
• Average cost of buying a property: $1,086,925

Mayland Heights offers an abundance of green spaces and convenient access to major recreational pathways and the city zoo. This residential community blends city convenience with suburban tranquility, making it ideal for homeowners seeking easy access to nature. 

Online reviews often describe it as the inner-city, with reasonable transit options, bike-friendly streets, a locally owned grocery store, Fiasco gelato, and stunning views of downtown and the mountains. Overall, Mayland Heights provides a serene ambiance that appeals to homebuyers who appreciate spending time outdoors.

As of November 2023, the average cost of buying a property is $1,086,925, with an average cost of rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,279.

Realtor.ca (Nov 2023) & Zumper (Nov 2023)