Living in City Centre Calgary: Reasons to Love Downtown Living

Living in City Centre Calgary: Reasons to Love Downtown Living

The City Centre of Calgary is a highly sought after area for real estate investment, due to its stunning natural beauty, robust job market, thriving economy, and high standard of living. This urban hub is located in the heart of Canada’s third largest city, and boasts a thriving food culture, an emerging arts scene, and a thriving economy. With ten distinct neighbourhoods, the City Centre is bordered by the Bow River to the north, 14th Street SW to the west, the Elbow River to the east, and 1 Street SE and Stampede Park to the south. For those looking for the ultimate city living experience, the City Centre community has everything to offer.

The City Centre Lifestyle

The City Centre of Calgary is a lively, urban neighbourhood located at the heart of Western Canada’s third-largest city. With its roots dating back to 1875, Calgary takes its name from the Isle of Mull in Scotland. The city is shaped by its beautiful natural surroundings including rolling prairie hills, the Rocky Mountains, and two rivers that run through it.

Boasting a modern and dynamic skyline with breath taking mountain views, the City Centre district is home to over 1.2 million residents who take great pride in the city’s magnificent beauty. This bustling neighbourhood comprises ten distinct areas, each with its own unique character.

The neighbourhoods of Downtown, Eau Claire, West End, West Connaught, Connaught Centre, Victoria Crossing Centre, Stampede Park, East Victoria Crossing, East Village, and Chinatown each have their own appeal, with the downtown area marking the true centre of the urban district. Many of these areas are bordered by either the Bow River or the Elbow River, adding to their unique charm.

City Centre residents value outdoor living, exceptional cuisine, a rich cultural scene, and endless opportunities to enjoy their community. They love the vibrant atmosphere and all that their neighbourhood has to offer.

Employers Near City Centre

The cost of living in Calgary and its strong local economy attracts many people to the city each year. With a projected job growth rate of 6.1% in 2021, Calgary presents plenty of economic opportunities. Over 143 major corporations have their headquarters located in the city, with the highest concentration found in the City Centre.

Downtown Calgary is home to prominent companies such as Aecon Group Inc., a construction and infrastructure development company with over 12,000 employees, Suncor, an energy company with over 13,000 employees worldwide, Enerflex Ltd., a global supplier to the power generation and gas production industry with over 1,800 employees, and Gibson Energy, a crude oil infrastructure firm with around 550 employees.

Calgary’s top industries include Aerospace & Logistics, Agriculture, Creative Industries, Fuel & Energy, Financial Services, Interactive Digital Media, Life Sciences, Technology, Economics, and Healthcare. In addition to these industries, there is also a demand for professional service providers such as real estate agents, accountants, and attorneys.

For professionals considering a move to Calgary, particularly the City Centre, the city offers a thriving job market with opportunities in various industries. With so many companies located in the city, there are plenty of options for those seeking employment

City Centre Amenities

For those looking to move to a new location, the availability of amenities is a key consideration. In the City Centre of Calgary, residents will have access to all of the necessary amenities for a well-rounded lifestyle, including healthcare facilities, public transportation, museums and galleries, entertainment options, outdoor spaces, shopping, and fine dining options. Calgary is unique in its ability to offer both urban abundance and a balanced way of life, and the City Centre is the epitome of this balance. Discover the many amenities that this neighbourhood has to offer.

Neighbourhood Services

Living in the bustling City Centre of Calgary comes with numerous advantages, including easy access to a range of essential services and amenities. One of the key services is the city’s outstanding public transportation system, Calgary Transit. With a combination of buses, trains, rideshare options, and specialized services, residents can effortlessly move throughout the city with ease. In fact, it’s estimated that roughly half of the downtown workforce takes advantage of this convenient transit system. Furthermore, Calgary’s 700 km of multi-use pathways make it one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Canada, providing yet another transportation option for those who prefer to pedal their way around.

Neighbourhood Shopping

City Centre, which encompasses ten unique neighbourhoods, is a hub of diverse shopping and dining options that cater to all tastes and preferences. From specialty food stores within walking distance in areas such as Downtown Calgary and Chinatown, to more formal shopping destinations such as The Core shopping centre in Downtown, residents have a variety of options to choose from. 17th Street, one of the main thoroughfares in City Centre, offers a range of small shops, delis, and markets to suit residents’ needs. Whether you’re looking for specialty goods or more traditional shopping experiences, City Centre has you covered.

Things To Do in Calgary City Centre

Living in City Centre, Calgary promises an abundance of exciting and diverse activities for residents to enjoy. From scenic urban parks to a wealth of museums and art galleries, the possibilities are endless. Each of the ten neighbourhoods in City Centre has its own character, offering a range of dining options, boutique shops, and unique attractions. Whether you prefer the cultural flavour of Chinatown or the upscale atmosphere of Eau Claire, there is something for everyone to explore in this dynamic western city. Come discover the many offerings of City Centre and beyond.

Outdoor Activities

Living in Calgary, with its stunning natural beauty, means that residents can easily incorporate the great outdoors into their daily lives. One of the most bike-friendly cities in North America, Calgary offers hundreds of kilometres of multi-use pathways for walking, jogging, and biking. City Centre is home to many beautiful parks, including Prince’s Island Park, Pearce Estate Park, and Eau Claire Plaza. Prince’s Island Park, located in Downtown Calgary, is a famous city park known for hosting events such as the Canada Day Celebration and the Calgary Folk Festival. Pearce Estate Park is a natural wetland park along the shores of Bow River and houses the Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery and the Bow Habitat Visitor Centre. Eau Claire Plaza is a stunning city park in the Eau Claire neighbourhood that features a market, a wading pool, restaurants, and a playground.

Restaurants, Breweries, & Bars

Calgary is becoming a sought-after destination for food lovers in recent years, being recognized as one of the top foodie cities in Canada alongside major cities like Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto. City Centre plays a major role in elevating Calgary’s culinary reputation. Known as Cowtown, the city used to be known for its meat-focused cuisine due to its rich cattle-ranching history, but today it offers a diverse range of global cuisine. From casual dining to fine dining, the city caters to all tastes. Some of the most popular restaurants in Downtown Calgary include CHARCUT Roast House, Blink Restaurant & Bar, Holy Grill, Briggs Kitchen & Bar, Kabuku Downtown, and Mango Shiva. In addition to its delicious food, Calgary also offers a rich cultural experience, with attractions like the Calgary Zoo, Beltline’s nightlife, Calgary Tower, Glenbow Museum, Stephen Avenue Walk, Peace Bridge, Olympic Plaza, and Fort Calgary National Park.

City Centre Schools

Calgary provides a range of educational options for students of all ages. City Centre residents are part of Area VII and are able to access numerous public and private schools under the jurisdiction of the Calgary Board of Education. High school students in City Centre will typically attend Western Canada High School located south of the city centre.

For those interested in further education, there are several prestigious universities located in nearby Northeast Calgary. These include the University of Calgary, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Mount Royal University, Ambrose University College, Alberta University of the Arts, and Bow Valley College.

Things to Consider Before Moving to City Centre

Living in City Centre offers a unique blend of urban conveniences and natural beauty that residents of Calgary have come to love. With a thriving economy and a strong work-life balance, this district has become a popular destination for those seeking new opportunities. However, when considering a move to City Centre, it’s important to explore the different neighbourhoods and find the right fit. Each neighbourhood has its own personality and identity, and discovering the right one can greatly enhance a resident’s experience in the area. Whether you’re looking for urban excitement or a connection to nature, City Centre provides the perfect balance for those who love all that Calgary has to offer.