5 Perks To Living Near International Avenue in East Calgary

When it comes to choosing a home in the best neighbourhoods in Calgary, a key benefit for residents of the East Calgary Community is the district’s easy access to International Avenue, a vibrant business district located on 17th Avenue S.E., from 26 to 61st streets. Thinking about moving to calgary? Keep reading to discover just a few of the best perks of living in an East Calgary neighbourhood close to International Avenue.

International Avenue offers a diverse shopping and dining experience that spans the globe with its broad array of shops and restaurants. The street is well-known for its international cuisine and is home to Calgary’s inaugural food tour, the “world tour,” which was launched in 1997 and features restaurants representing five continents. Mimo, a Portuguese restaurant that has been serving the East Calgary community for over three decades, is one such example from Europe. Among the several delectable Asian restaurants is Ramen Tekkotsu Ya, which serves Japanese food, and Pho Dau Bo, a Vietnamese restaurant in Little Saigon Towne Square that is famous for its spicy beef pho satay noodle soup.

Supreme Dosa specializes in cuisine from the Indian subcontinent and serves scrumptious dishes from South India and Sri Lanka, including dosa, a crepe made from chickpea flour that is highly popular in South India. The restaurant features several vegetarian dishes and hosts a vegetarian buffet on weekends. The Golden Cactus Mexican Grill, a family-owned restaurant that opened in 2018, and Bravo Restaurant, which serves Latin American dishes, are two additional examples of the food offerings on International Avenue.

International Avenue also provides a top-notch shopping experience. For instance, Nile Supermarket is Calgary’s most extensive African and Middle Eastern store and has a wide selection of groceries, clothing, and other items. Coastal Grocery Market is an African-Caribbean grocery store and butcher shop that has fabrics, clothing, and purses on the upper level.

Living near International Avenue provides an added advantage of affordable housing. The Forest Lawn neighbourhood has more than 2,500 homes in various styles, with a majority consisting of single-family detached homes and row houses. Most of these homes were constructed in the 1960s, while some were built between 1980 and 1990. Aside from its proximity to International Avenue, the area is located near the Bow River and Western Irrigation District Canal, providing stunning views of the city and the Rocky Mountains. Residents can also enjoy Elliston Park and Forest Lawn Natural Playground, which features basketball courts and art projects, and a zip track, respectively. Forest Lawn home prices range from the mid-$100,000s to around $550,000.

Established in 1959, Forest Heights is a neighbourhood characterized by giant elm trees that form a canopy over the streets. Its rolling landscape provides spectacular views of the city and Rockies, and residents can enjoy several parks. Homes in Forest Heights come in various styles, such as split-level, ranch-style abodes, attached single-family houses, luxury homes, townhouses, apartment-style condos, and even duplexes. Interiors are stylish, with formal dining rooms, vaulted ceilings, spa baths, designer light fixtures, and oversized windows. Prices for Forest Heights homes typically range from the mid-$200,000s to about $500,000.

Developed in 1969, Penbrooke Meadows is a neighbourhood that features many parks and recreational facilities managed by its community association, as well as trails along the Bow River. Prospective residents can find several housing options, with bungalows and split-level homes being the most popular, along with condos and townhomes. Prices for homes in Penbrooke Meadows generally range from the mid-$100,000s to the upper $400,000s.

Those residing close to International Avenue can enjoy various facilities beyond the street. Elliston Park in Forest Lawn serves as a venue for significant festivals and houses a 20-hectare stormwater retention pond, a rose garden, an off-leash dog area, two playgrounds, picnic tables, and walkways. It also has a self-guided nature tour for visitors.

The East Calgary Twin Arenas situated on Erin Woods Drive S.E. provides an indoor space for classes, training, and competitions for both adults and youth. Spectators can also enjoy watching events here.

The East Hills Shopping Centre offers over 63 well-known brand stores and dining options, such as Costco, Walmart, Starbucks, Bed Bath & Beyond, PetSmart, Panda Express, and Marshall’s. Several services, including salons, physiotherapists, financial institutions, and dental clinics, are also available here.

Located in a lively and diverse community, International Avenue offers an array of restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world, while shoppers can discover unique finds within a 35-block radius. Residents also have the luxury of attending local festivals, including music, arts, and artisan markets, among other activities.

Additionally, one of the major benefits of living near International Avenue is the range and affordability of housing options. Whether one seeks the space and privacy of a single-family home or the convenience of a townhome or condo, there are options to suit every budget, with prices ranging from the mid-$100,000s to just above $500,000.