Discover The 11 Best Neighbourhoods in Calgary for Families in ‘23/24 | Find Your Ideal Community

Calgary, Alberta is a family-friendly city with a myriad of activities perfect for all ages, including the vibrant Calgary Zoo with its diverse wildlife exhibits, the iconic Calgary Tower with breathtaking panoramic views, and the annual Calgary stampede in Victoria Park.

If you’re moving here with children, choosing the right Calgary neighbourhood is just as important as choosing the right Calgary home.

Most families seek neighbourhoods with safety, quality schools, excellent amenities, and a strong sense of community. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 neighborhoods in Calgary that are specifically tailored to meet those needs.

Whether you prefer lakeside luxury in enjoyable communities like Auburn Bay & Lake Bonavista, the convenience of Altadore & Hillhurst, the affordability of Evanston, or the village-like charm of McKenzie Towne, Calgary offers a variety of great neighborhoods for young families.

Hillhurst

Hillhurst is a family friendly community nestled in the heart of Calgary with an array of family-friendly amenities just a short drive to Downtown Calgary.

The renowned Hillhurst School — a public school with the Calgary Board of Education — has a remarkable 9.3 Fraser score. For post-secondary education, the Southern-Alberta Institute of Technology is walking distance from homes in Hillhurst, Calgary.

Residents of Hillhurst can take advantage of the picturesque Riley Park, a charming green space perfect for picnics, leisurely walks, and outdoor gatherings. Prince's Island Park is a short 10 minute bike ride away with meandering pathways, gardens, and a variety of events throughout the year.

Just a stone's throw away, the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association offers a plethora of recreation facilities, including an ice rink and activity centre with fitness classes, art workshops, and regular community events. For families with elders seeking assisted living care, Agape Hospice is centrally located next to Riley Park.

If you’re a family of nature enthusiasts, the Bow River Pathway invites you to explore scenic trails while enjoying stunning views of the river and cityscape.

A short distance away, the Kensington district is teeming with boutique shops, local eateries, and cultural experiences that add a touch of urban charm.

Altadore

Altadore is a family oriented community with a central location in Calgary offering quick access to amenities and urban life in the city's vibrant downtown core, cultural attractions like the Calgary Zoo, shopping districts, and recreational facilities. Overall, this is one of Calgary's best neighbourhoods for for families seeking both urban convenience and calm in the Calgary suburbs.

Altadore offers a family-friendly environment with a range of amenities, including nearby parks with well-maintained playgrounds such as Sandy Beach Park and River Park, while the Elbow River pathways offer residents a serene and picturesque route for leisurely walks, refreshing jogs, or peaceful moments by the water's edge.

Altadore School boasts an impressive 8.6 Fraser Institute score, showcasing its commitment to excellence in academics.

Evanston

Evanston is a rapidly growing neighborhood in Northwest Calgary that’s known for its housing affordability, low crime rates and a family oriented atmosphere.

This vibrant community features well-designed parks, pathways, and playgrounds, giving your family ample opportunities for outdoor play and adventures. The Evanston community hosts annual events like the Evanston Harvest Festival, helping to foster a tight-knit community atmosphere.

Evanston is home to Our Lady of Grace elementary school with the Calgary Catholic School District, with a commendable 7.5 Fraser score.

The Evanston Towne Centre & Creekside Shopping Centre have all of your daily needs covered with great restaurants, grocery stores, cafes, banks, and a pharmacy. Multi-generational families in Calgary will appreciate Evanston’s retirement home and assisted living facility, making family visits more convenient.

Sage Hill

Sage Hill, situated in the northwest quadrant of Calgary, has emerged as a welcoming family-friendly neighborhood for anyone seeking a balanced lifestyle - and detached homes with a lower average price.

This growing community boasts a blend of modern amenities and natural beauty, making it one of the best Calgary neighbourhoods for those seeking a suburban escape.

One of Sage Hill's standout features is its proximity to the expansive Nose Hill Park, a natural retreat perfect for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife observation.

For families with a love for the outdoors, Sage Hill offers abundant opportunities for exploration. The local Symons Valley Farmers' Market is a hub of activity, showcasing local produce, artisanal goods, and community spirit. With convenient access to major roadways like Stoney Trail and Shaganappi Trail, Sage Hill provides an ideal blend of tranquility and connectivity.

Nolan Hill

Nolan Hill, nestled in Calgary's northwest, offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a touch of natural beauty. This mature community is known for its well-planned green spaces, walking paths, and a strong sense of belonging.

Families in Nolan Hill have access to nearby Beacon Hill Centre, which features shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The local Nolan Hill Community Association adds to the neighborhood's charm with events, programs, and recreational activities that foster community connections - including a community BBQ, sports programs, an ice rink, an annual Christmas Lights contest, and Halloween contest.

For any young family seeking quality education, Nolan Hill is a short distance from BearPaw Christian - an elementary and secondary school with a 9.1 Fraser Institute score. With its family-oriented amenities and a range of housing options, Nolan Hill presents an appealing choice for families looking to put down roots in Calgary.

Royal Oak

Royal Oak, located in the northwest quadrant of Calgary, presents a blend of suburban tranquility and modern conveniences, making it an attractive neighborhood for families. Royal Oak is home to nearby parks like Royal Oak Natural Ravine Park with serene walking & hiking trails, and a Toboggan & Sledding Hill for winter fun.

Residents of Royal Oak enjoy the convenience of Royal Oak Centre, a shopping complex with a variety of retailers, restaurants, and services. The community is also adjacent to Rocky Ridge, providing access to additional amenities and the Rocky Ridge Royal Oak Community Association.

Families seeking educational opportunities will find a variety of schools, including William D. Pratt School with the Calgary Board of Education. For nature enthusiasts, the nearby Rocky Ridge Park offers a serene escape for picnics, outdoor games, and relaxation.

With its strong community spirit and a range of housing options, Royal Oak has become a sought-after destination for families seeking a comfortable and connected lifestyle.

Signal Hill

Signal Hill, situated in the southwest quadrant of Calgary, offers a blend of established charm and contemporary amenities, making it an appealing choice for families seeking a well-rounded neighborhood.

One of Signal Hill's notable features is the Battalion Park, home to historic military monuments and a peaceful atmosphere for outdoor activities. Families can explore Signal Hill Centre, a shopping complex with a variety of stores and services. For families with school-age children, Battalion Park School stands out with a 7.3 Fraser Institute score, reflecting its dedication to academic excellence.

Signal Hill's location provides convenient access to major roadways like Sarcee Trail and Glenmore Trail, ensuring seamless connectivity to other parts of the city. Homes for sale in Signal Hill include 1 & 2 bed condos from the $250K to $350K and single family homes from $750K.

With its unique blend of history, convenience, and family-friendly amenities, Signal Hill continues to be a beloved neighborhood for Calgary families.

Tuscany

Tuscany, located in the northwest quadrant of Calgary, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Residents of Tuscany enjoy access to the Tuscany Club, a community hub offering amenities like a skating rink, splash park, and community events. Families can also explore the natural beauty of nearby Twelve Mile Coulee Park, a serene destination for hikes, picnics, and birdwatching.

If you have elementary-age children, Tuscany has both a public and private school for students in kindergarten to grade 6. St. Basil scores an impressive 8.1

The neighborhood's location near Stoney Trail ensures convenient access to various parts of the city, including Bowness Park for outdoor skating. With its scenic charm, community spirit, and range of housing options, Tuscany remains a sought-after destination for families seeking a harmonious blend of suburban living and natural beauty.

McKenzie Towne

McKenzie Towne is a master-planned community by Brookfield Residential that is gaining popularity amongst families in Calgary. This Neotraditional neighbourhood boasts a village-like concept, offering a central gathering space known as High Street - a vibrant hub of urban life with shops, restaurants, and community events that make it easy for families to connect with their neighbors.

McKenzie Towne consists of 4 separate areas: Inverness, Elgin, Prestwick, and High Street which all have a unique charm with their own distinctive European architectural styles.

The McKenzie Towne Council organizes community activities year round like movie nights, holiday celebrations, and farmers' markets. You can send your kids to a selection of highly regarded schools, including McKenzie Towne School and St. Albert the Great School.

Lake Bonavista

The Lake Bonavista neighborhood is a picturesque lake community in Calgary's southeast that offers an array of family-oriented amenities — including the renowned Lake Bonavista, which provides year-round recreational opportunities like swimming, boating, and ice skating.

Lush green spaces and playgrounds dot the neighborhood, while St. Boniface School — boasting a Fraser Institute score of 8.6 — enhances the area's appeal to families seeking a quality education.

Conveniently located near Macleod Trail and Deerfoot Trail, Lake Bonavista offers a central and well-connected location for Calgary families to enjoy a balanced suburban lifestyle with easy access to urban conveniences like Avenida Place.

Auburn Bay

Auburn Bay, nestled in Calgary's southeast quadrant is a family-friendly neighborhood with a variety of amenities for all ages — including a pristine private lake with a sandy beach, community playgrounds, sports fields, and a network of walking paths. It's also one of the safest neighbourhoods in Calgary's south.

For families seeking quality education, Prince of Peace School is a private Catholic school that’s centrally located in Auburn Bay, boasting a Fraser Institute score of 8.1 out of 10.

With a convenient location near major roadways and commercial centers like Seton with its Urban Village, South Health Campus, and YMCA, Auburn Bay is a well-connected neighbourhood for families in Calgary seeking both suburban tranquility and city convenience.

Are the Best Family Neighbourhoods in Calgary Within My Budget?

Rest assured, Calgary offers a wide range of housing options to suit various budgets.

From entry-level homes to upscale properties, there are choices available for every budget in each of these family-friendly Calgary neighbourhoods.

If you partner with our knowledgeable real estate agents, we can help you find suitable options within your budget, show you the newest homes for sale, and help you make an informed decision.

For personalized guidance and expert assistance in choosing the perfect neighborhood to call home, reach out to Reeves & Associates — a trusted and experienced team of Calgary REALTORs® ready to help you every step of the way.

Reeves & Associates, Calgary Real Estate Agents

eXp Realty

phone: +1 (587) 200-2728