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Written By
Corinna Frattini
Jul 23, 2025
•Housing
Some of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for newcomers looking to rent include Beltline, Mission, Signal Hill, Hillhurst, West Springs, Bridgeland, Inglewood, Lake Bonavista, Brentwood, and Altadore. These areas offer a mix of affordability, access to transit, family-friendly amenities, and walkability, making them ideal for students and families settling in Calgary.
Thinking of moving to Calgary? Whether you’re arriving as a skilled worker, international student, or newcomer family, choosing the right Calgary neighbourhood is key to settling in successfully. This guide breaks down the best Calgary neighbourhoods for newcomers, including rental and family-friendly options, so you can find the right fit based on lifestyle, housing type, and affordability.
The Beltline is one of Calgary’s most vibrant inner-city communities, offering everything from high-rise condos to boutique shops, trendy cafes, and a buzzing nightlife scene.
With proximity to the downtown core and major employment hubs, Beltline remains one of the best Calgary neighbourhoods for renting a modern condo or apartment downtown. It’s a favourite among professionals, students, and newcomers who want walkability and transit access. The lively area around 17th Avenue is known for its restaurants and nightlife.
Mission is a charming inner-city neighbourhood with character homes, low-rise condos, and quick access to the Elbow River pathways. It’s ideal for those who value a walkable lifestyle close to downtown, while enjoying a quieter, more residential atmosphere. The community has a rich history, a strong sense of identity, and affordability that attracts first-time buyers and renters.
As a newcomer, it’s vital to be aware of and avoid rental scams. Always view properties in person, verify the landlord or property manager, and avoid sending money before signing a legitimate lease.
Good for: First-time buyers, singles, professionals
Access: Excellent (close to downtown, CTrain, river pathways)
Vibe: Urban-meets-residential, historic, scenic, river-adjacent
Rental range: $1,600–$1,850/month (1-bed)
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARLocated in Calgary’s southwest, Signal Hill is one of the best Calgary neighbourhoods for renting a family home, with easy access to schools, shopping, and the Light Rapid Transit (LRT). With easy access to the West LRT line and stunning mountain views to the west, it’s a top choice for families and professionals seeking a peaceful, family-oriented environment.
Good for: Families, homeowners, suburban newcomers
Access: Good (West LRT nearby, car-friendly)
Vibe: Quiet, suburban, family-oriented with shopping plazas
Rental range: $1,500–$1,750/month (1-bed); higher for detached homes
Nestled near Kensington and the Bow River, Hillhurst combines the charm of heritage homes with modern infill developments.
It’s an inner-city gem with high walkability, access to shops, restaurants, and downtown, as well as top schools. Young professionals and families alike enjoy the mix of convenience and character that defines this neighbourhood.
Good for: Families, professionals, infill buyers
Access: Good (Calgary Transit CTrain access, walkable to downtown)
Vibe: Heritage charm meets modern living, community-focused
Rental range: $1,600–$1,800/month (1-bed)
West Springs offers a polished suburban lifestyle with modern homes, boutique shopping, and great schools. Though it’s farther from the downtown core, many residents enjoy the peaceful surroundings and amenities that make it feel like a small town within the city. It’s ideal for families or professionals who prefer quieter, more upscale environments.
Good for: Affluent families, commuters, lifestyle seekers
Access: Fair (bus access, car-dependent)
Vibe: Upscale suburban, boutique living, newer developments
Rental range: $1,800–$2,000/month (1-bed); higher for family homes
Bridgeland is a revitalized inner-city neighbourhood just northeast of downtown. Known for its parks, walkable streets, and eclectic dining scene, it’s popular with professionals and newcomers who love a mix of nature and convenience. The neighbourhood offers some of the best views of Calgary’s skyline and easy access to the Bow River pathways
Good for: Urban professionals, nature lovers, foodies
Access: Good (CTrain station, river pathways)
Vibe: Trendy, walkable, scenic with skyline views
Rental range: $2,000–$2,300/month (1-bed)
Inglewood is Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood, located just east of downtown. Its rich history blends with a modern, creative vibe, attracting artists, small business owners, and newcomers who love community spirit. You’ll find heritage homes, music venues, vintage stores, and riverside trails in a walkable and distinctive setting.
Good for: Artists, creatives, history lovers
Access: Moderate (bus, bike paths, walkable to downtown)
Vibe: Eclectic, artsy, historic with indie shops
Rental range: $1,600–$1,750/month (1-bed furnished)
Lake Bonavista, in southeast Calgary, was the first neighbourhood in Canada built with its own lake, created just for the community. Residents enjoy access to private beaches, parks, and a strong sense of community. This quiet, mature suburb is perfect for families seeking space, nature, and excellent schools, all while being close to major roadways.
Located near the University of Calgary, Brentwood is a well-connected, family-friendly area with plenty of green space and schools. With excellent access to the CTrain, it’s ideal for international students, faculty, and newcomers who want a peaceful lifestyle without sacrificing transit access. The housing mix includes detached homes and mid-rise apartments.
Altadore is a trendy southwest neighbourhood near the vibrant Marda Loop shopping district. Known for its modern infill homes, green spaces, and proximity to the Elbow River and Glenmore Reservoir, it’s popular among young families and professionals who want a walkable, lifestyle-focused community with great outdoor access.
Good for: Professionals, infill homebuyers, active families
Access: Good (bus routes, near major roads)
Vibe: Trendy, modern, walkable with outdoor access (Marda Loop, river)
Rental range: $1,800–$2,000/month (1-bed)
| AREA | AVG. 1-BED RENT (June 2025) |
|---|---|
| Beltline | $1,950 |
| Mission | $1,742 |
| Signal Hill | $1,537 |
| Hillhurst | $1,677 |
| West Springs | $1,927 |
| Bridgeland | $2,190 |
| Inglewood | $1,665 |
| Lake Bonavista | $2,026 |
| Brentwood | $2,092 |
| Altadore | $1,927 |
Altadore, Signal Hill, and Brentwood are safe, family-friendly communities with strong community associations and low crime rates. Always check the Calgary Police crime map for up-to-date safety information before choosing a place to live.
As of June 2025, average monthly rent prices in Calgary are approximately $1,650–$2,000 for a 1-bedroom and $2,000–$2,500 for a 2-bedroom.
For students attending the University of Calgary, Brentwood, is ideal due to its proximity to campus and transit access.
If you’re moving to Calgary or simply searching for the best places to live in Calgary, this guide can help you decide where to live based on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. From the vibrant energy of Beltline to the family-friendly calm of Signal Hill, these Calgary neighbourhoods offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a newcomer, international student, young professional, or growing family, discover the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for renting and settling in with confidence.
WRITTEN BY
Corinna Frattini
Senior Editor, Prepare for Canada
Corinna Frattini is the Senior Editor and Content Director for Prepare for Canada. She contributes articles to help newcomers achieve their goals in key areas related to living, working, and settling in Canada. With an extensive background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.
© Prepare for Canada 2025
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