5 Best Neighborhoods for Families in Calgary

5 Best Neighborhoods for Families in Calgary


Calgary is full of family-friendly neighborhoods engulfed by natural amenities that present opportunities to hike, fish, ski, and much more. From walkable neighborhoods nearby the city center to more residential communities with their own small-town atmosphere, here are five of the best neighborhoods for families in Calgary.

1. Arbour Lake

Arbour Lake is located in Northwest Calgary and is the only lakefront community in the area. This neighborhood was created by David Poppit, a southern California native that dotted the grassy hillside with its first show homes in 1991. Today this neighborhood is ranked the second best in all of Calgary for its lakefront destination, acres of green space, and western Rockies views.

Families searching for single-family homes for sale in Calgary love the outdoor focus of this neighborhood. In the summer, it’s common to see families lounging at the beach, playing sand volleyball, or picnicking along the waterfront. The manmade lake is strictly maintained, ensuring safe use for residents housed directly next to it. Families can also catch and release the rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout restocked every year.

A network of biking and walking trails offers even more outdoor recreation that’s family-friendly, while the community’s movie theater and nearby YMCA provide indoor activities. The resident’s association also plans youth events perfect for children to make friends with fellow neighbors. These include youth and junior tennis, youth kayaking, and youth stand-up paddleboarding. Families won’t want to miss the Arbour Lake Adventure Camps available all throughout the summer.

2. Evanston

The move-in-ready community of Evanston is located along Stoney Trail in Northwest Calgary, right next to everything a family would need. Parents are only a short commute from jobs and recreation in downtown Calgary while outdoor recreation at Nose Hill Park is right nearby. The community itself is home to three schools, two of which are open to residents. Evanston’s seven playgrounds with gazebos are a perfect weekend afternoon or after-school destination for children.

This neighborhood is also close to family essentials. The town’s center features 28 different shops and services suitable for all needs, while Evanston itself is only 30 minutes from the nearest children’s hospital. Pathways and trails connect the community, making it easily walkable. Evanston has some of the best single-family homes for sale in Calgary for families with children of all ages.

3. Sage Hill Crest

Sage Hill Crest is a highly sought community that is popular with growing families and first-time homeowners. Living here offers a balance between city amenities and natural serenity. Families searching for properties can select from a range of designs and types, including front-attached homes, multi-family properties, single-car garage homes, and townhomes. The variety of properties available caters to all family types resulting in an aesthetically unique streetscape.

Families are right nearby educational institutions ranging from preschool to the university level ensuring growing children always have access to quality education. Residents have easy access to the Symons Valley Natural Reserve alongside community walking and biking paths. Essentials and amenities like grocery stores, shopping centers, and restaurants are close by, while downtown Calgary is only 20 minutes away.

4. Tuscany

Tuscany is an established neighborhood that attracts all types of buyers searching for single-family homes for sale in Calgary. The community looks out over the Bow River Valley to the south and the Rocky Mountains to the west for a dynamic natural beauty. Residents have a median age of 34, which means Tuscany appeals to a younger pool of residents. Families love it for its easy access to major roads like Crowchild Trail and Stoney Trail.

Families can partake in the private Tuscany Club, which features a play area, ice rinks in the winter, and a splash pad in the summer. Walking trails connect the community’s houses, playgrounds, and parks, making them easy to walk to for families with young children. Families also love Tuscany for its proximity to schools, retail developments, and outdoor destinations like the Canada Olympic Park.

Tuscany provides plenty of ways for families and children to connect with one another. The Tuscany Community Soccer program is open for ages four through twelve. Other groups, like the Tuscany Youth Council, prepare activities and events for all age groups. Celebrations like the Harvest Festival provide a weekend of fun with family-friendly activities like a climbing wall, outdoor laser tag, and mini putt.

5. Watermark

Families love the outdoor luxury living at Watermark in Bearspaw. This executive community is full of spacious home sites that promote a relaxed lifestyle. Water features cut through the lush outdoors for a tranquil white noise throughout the neighborhood. Outdoor recreation abounds here, with six different parks featuring walking trails, playgrounds, and sports courts.

Families are nearby 11 different schools which include kindergarten through post-secondary institutions with French immersion and Catholic options. St. Basil School offers a great K-9 education, while Cochrane High School prepares teens for further education at the nearby University of Calgary or SAIT. Programs and amenities at the Crowfoot Family YMCA round out a child’s academic and extracurricular schedule.

Watermark also features six different golf courses and driving ranges for golfers of any skill level. In the winter, outdoor recreation kicks into full gear at Nakiska, only an hour away. Grocery shopping at the Tuscany Market, primary care physicians, and emergency services are a short drive away for a convenient and safe lifestyle. Life at Watermark offers a complete experience for all its residents.

Families love these neighborhoods

Families searching for single-family homes for sale in Calgary love the five neighborhoods listed above. Spots like Evanston are nearby Calgary’s city center making it an exciting community that grows easily with a child’s changing needs. Other spots like Arbour Lake and Watermark provide a complete roster of essentials, amenities, and recreation fit for families with children of all ages. When exploring the neighborhoods available, always work with an experienced professional who knows the area well, like the agents at The McKelvie Group.



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