Calgary Real Estate Overview
The largest city in Alberta, as well as its economic centre, Calgary is an ideal destination for homeowners. Thanks largely to its booming oil and gas industry, Calgary is known for having one of the highest personal income rates and lowest unemployment rates in the country.
According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, the average selling price for all residential property types in March 2013 was $460,791, which is up 9.1% from March 2012.
Calgary is divided into four quadrants encompassing 184 neighbourhoods. The northwest and southwest quadrants offer a large number of luxury properties in some of the city's most affluent communities, while the northeast and southeast quadrants offer a greater variety of home styles and prices.
- Calgary Population (2011)1.1 M
- 5 Year Population Change1.8%
- Number of Homes in Calgary451,000
Why Buy a Home in Calgary?
Calgary boasts a large number of jobs and a high standard of living. The Economist Intelligence Unit's most recent global liveability report ranked Calgary as the fifth-best city in the world to live in, tied with Adelaide, Australia.
The city has a unique geography, with the Canadian Prairies to the east and the Rocky Mountain foothills to the west. Banff National Park is only a short drive away, providing easy access to world-class skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. Calgary is also among the sunniest cities in Canada, with over 2,400 hours of annual sunshine on average.
Calgary has a vibrant local culture that it celebrates in various annual festivals and events, including the Folk Music Festival, the Fringe Festival, and the world-famous Calgary Stampede.
Explore Calgary's Rich Cultural Heritage
The Calgary area was originally inhabited by Paleo-Indian peoples who settled there more than 11,000 years ago. The first documented European settler, John Glenn, arrived in 1873. Two years later, it was established as a post of the North-West Mounted Police and renamed Fort Calgary.
The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway brought a wave of settlers to the area in search of land and opportunity, and Calgary was officially incorporated as a town in 1884. After the discovery of oil in Alberta, Calgary's economy boomed, and today it is one of the wealthiest cities in Canada.
Calgary has a diverse culture, with nearly one in four residents belonging to a visible minority. It has a particularly large Chinese population, and is home to the fourth largest Chinatown in Canada.
Getting around in Calgary
Calgary has an extensive public transit service that offers access to virtually anywhere in the city. The public C-Train is completely free for downtown destinations. The city lies at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and the QE2 Highway, providing speedy driving routes in all four cardinal directions.
Calgary uses a numbered grid-based street system that makes navigating a breeze. If you do get lost, you can always call one of the city's many taxi companies. If you prefer to walk or bike, be sure to check out some of the paths and trails, such as those at Nose Hill Park and Bowmont Park.
Shopping and Amenities
Calgary is a shopper's paradise. Popular malls include the Chinook Centre, CrossIron Mills, and the trendy CORE. Other hot spots include the downtown area, Kensington Village, and Victoria Park.
The Calgary Aquatic & Fitness Centres provide a number of family-friendly recreation facilities where you or your kids can learn to swim, dance, or practice martial arts. There are also sporting leagues and clubs centered around everything from golf, to horseback riding, to skiing and snowboarding.
There are over 300 elementary and secondary schools in Calgary, as well as seven colleges and universities, including the Alberta College of Art and Design and the University of Calgary.
Entertainment and Attractions in Calgary
Calgarians know how to have fun, so there's no shortage of things to do in this city.
Popular bars and clubs include Cowboys and the Roadhouse Nightclub. During the day, you can make your way over to the TELUS Spark Science Center, the Heritage Park Historical Village, Calaway Park, or the Calgary Zoo.
Calgary's professional sports teams include the Stampeders, the Flames, and the Roughnecks. You can watch them play at the McMahon Stadium and the Scotiabank Saddledome.
And of course, you haven't experienced Calgary until you've checked out the annual Stampede - the greatest outdoor show on earth!
