South Calgary epitomizes the perfect balance between urban sophistication and the tranquility of nature. This part of the city, renowned for its welcoming communities, presents a lively combination of residential comfort, commercial opportunities, and varied recreational offerings. Delving into the essence of South Calgary, this review uncovers its unique appeal, not merely as a city section but as a chosen lifestyle celebrated by its inhabitants. Table of Contents Homes for sale in South Calgary Urban Planning and Residential Areas Best Neighborhoods in South Calgary Commercial and Economic Growth Education and Learning Opportunities Cultural Diversity and Social Life Green Spaces and Outdoor Recreation Transportation and Accessibility Healthcare and Community Services Safety and Security Future Developments and Prospects South Calgary's Unique Charm FAQs about South Calgary Conclusion: The South Calgary Advantage Homes For Sale in South Calgary All Listings     $400,000 - $500,000 $500,000 - $600,000 $600,000 - $700,000 $800,000 - $900,000 $900,000 - $1,000,000 Over $1,000,000 Urban Planning and Residential Areas Urban planning in South Calgary is characterized by diverse residential areas and community-focused development: Local Area Planning: Calgary's local area planning involves communities like Eagle Ridge, Kelvin Grove, Kingsland, Fairview, Haysboro, Acadia, Southwood, Willow Park, and Maple, focusing on preserving the unique characteristics of these neighborhoods while guiding their evolutio​​n. South Shaganappi Communities: The South Shaganappi area, including communities like Banff Trail and Montgomery, is undergoing a local area planning process. This collaborative effort aims to shape the future of these neighborhoods in a way that balances growth and community need​​s. Diverse Residential Options: Calgary, including its southern regions, offers a variety of residential options. From single-family homes and duplexes to rowhouses and new urban villages, there is a range of housing choices catering to different preferences and lifestyle​​s. Innovative Urban Planning Practices: Calgary's urban planning, including in the south, is recognized for its innovation. New suburbs and communities are developed with a focus on sustainability and livabilit​​y. Inclusivity in Urban Planning: Efforts are being made to ensure inclusivity in urban planning, addressing legacy issues like residential segregation and making the city more accommodating for all resident​s. These aspects of urban planning in South Calgary reflect a commitment to creating livable, sustainable, and inclusive communities that meet the needs of a diverse population. Best Neighborhoods in South Calgary Bayview: Bayview is renowned for its luxurious waterfront homes and serene environment, offering residents picturesque views of the Glenmore Reservoir and easy access to recreational activitie​​s. Bonavista Downs: This neighborhood is appreciated for its affordable housing and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great choice for families looking for a quiet, suburban lifestyl​​e. Braeside: Braeside is known for its diverse housing options and excellent recreational facilities, including parks and community centers, catering to a wide range of resident​​s. Bridlewood: Bridlewood is a relatively newer neighborhood, offering modern amenities, schools, and green spaces, ideal for young families and professional​​s. Cedarbrae: Cedarbrae boasts a strong sense of community, with various housing options and community-focused events, making it a welcoming place for its resident​​s. Chaparral: Unique for its private lake and family-centric community, Chaparral is perfect for those seeking a blend of urban and outdoor livin​​g. Chinook Park: Chinook Park is a well-established neighborhood, offering a mix of traditional and modern homes, close to some of Calgary's best schools and amenitie​​s. Deer Ridge: Deer Ridge is known for its affordability and proximity to Fish Creek Provincial Park, attracting nature lovers and those seeking a quiet residential are​​a. These neighborhoods offer a mix of lifestyle choices, from serene lakefront living to vibrant suburban communities, catering to a diverse range of preferences and needs. Commercial and Economic Growth South Calgary has been experiencing significant commercial and economic growth: Strong Commercial Real Estate Market: In 2022, Calgary's commercial real estate market showed robust performance, indicating a thriving economic environment in the city, including South Calgar​​y. Financial Sector Growth: The city's financial sector has been a catalyst driving the growth of fintech firms across Calgary. This sector's strength contributes to the overall economic vitality of the city, including the southern region​​s. Economic Resilience and Diversification: Despite challenges, Calgary's economy, including South Calgary, has shown resilience. Efforts to diversify the local economy have been crucial in maintaining economic stabilit​​s. Positive Outlook for Rental Market: Net migration into Calgary is expected to remain strong in 2023, driving demand for rental apartments. This trend is beneficial for the real estate market in South Calgar​​y. Impact on Commercial and Industrial Real Estate: Calgary, as a major economic hub in Western Canada, has seen changes in its real estate market due to various economic factors. These changes influence commercial and industrial real estate dynamics in South Calgar​​y. Growth Leadership: Despite a slowing national economy, Calgary's GDP growth, including South Calgary, is expected to outpace the national average in 2023, reflecting its status as a growth leader in Canad​​a. These factors collectively point to a vibrant and growing commercial and economic landscape in South Calgary, supporting a positive outlook for its future development. Education and Learning Opportunities South Calgary offers a wide range of education and learning opportunities to cater to diverse educational needs: Professional Learning Opportunities for Pre-Service Teachers: The University of Calgary's Werklund School of Education provides professional learning opportunities that match pre-service teachers with experienced educators in the Calgary community. This program is designed to build on students' knowledge and skills in the field of educatio​​n. Enhanced Public Education: Initiatives like those by Education Matters focus on enhancing public education in Calgary. They provide awards and grants that support students, underlining the community's commitment to educational excellenc​​e. Vocational and Technical Training: The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) offers hands-on degree, diploma, certificate, continuing education, and corporate training programs. These programs are tailored to meet the demands of various industries and profession​​s. Diverse Job Opportunities in Education: The availability of numerous education-related jobs in South Calgary reflects the area's dynamic educational landscape, providing opportunities for professionals in this fiel​​d. Professional and Continuing Education: The University of Calgary offers a range of online, blended, or face-to-face courses designed for professional development and lifelong learning. These programs cater to those seeking to enhance their skills or pursue new career path​​s. Specialized Educational Institutions: Schools like Calgary Academy help students develop independence and confidence through small class sizes and educational supports led by expert teachers, tailored to student need​​s. These educational opportunities underscore South Calgary's focus on providing quality education and continuous learning for individuals at various stages of their academic and professional journeys. Cultural Diversity and Social Life South Calgary is a melting pot of cultural diversity and vibrant social life: Multicultural Community: Approximately 28.1% of Calgarians were born outside Canada, contributing to a rich tapestry of over 240 different ethnic origins present in the cit​​​​y. Language Diversity: Reflecting its multiculturalism, Calgary is home to over 165 spoken languages, adding to the linguistic diversity of the cit​​​​y. Cultural Events and Festivals: South Calgary hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating the diverse traditions and heritages of its resident​​​​s. Arts and Culture Scene: The city boasts a dynamic arts and culture scene, with year-round opportunities to enjoy and create art, highlighting the blend of Indigenous traditions and modern multiculturalis​​​​t. Inclusive Cultural Practices: The City of Calgary values diversity and promotes the expression of individuality through the arts, culture, and recreation, making it an inclusive and welcoming place for al​​l. This cultural diversity and social vibrancy enhance the quality of life in South Calgary, making it a rich, dynamic, and inclusive community. Green Spaces and Outdoor Recreation South Calgary is renowned for its abundant green spaces and outdoor recreational opportunities: South Glenmore Park: This park is a favorite for activities like sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Its picturesque setting makes it ideal for water sports enthusiast​​s. Fish Creek Provincial Park: Known for its vast area and beautiful views, this park offers an excellent escape from city life within the city itself. It's perfect for hiking, biking, and nature walk​​s. Accessible Leisure and Recreation: The city's plan for parks and open spaces focuses on providing accessible leisure and recreation opportunities for all Calgarians, including park litter pickup and festival and event suppor​​t. Off-the-Beaten-Path Parks and Green Spaces: Calgary has numerous lesser-known parks and green spaces that offer serene environments away from the usual city bustl​​​​e. Booking Open Public Park Spaces: The Calgary Recreation department facilitates the booking of open public park spaces for various activities, including weddings and outdoor events, making these green spaces versatile for different use​​s. These parks and recreational areas contribute significantly to the quality of life in South Calgary, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to enjoy nature and engage in various outdoor activities. Transportation and Accessibility Transportation and accessibility in South Calgary are well-developed, catering to diverse mobility needs: Accessible Public Transit: Calgary's public transit system, including buses and CTrains, is fully accessible. These vehicles are equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate different levels of mobility, ensuring convenient travel for all user​​​​s. Specialized Transportation Services: SOUTHLAND Transportation, in partnership with Calgary Transit Access, offers specialized busing services for citizens with disabilities. This service is crucial for providing mobility solutions for those who may not be able to use standard public transit option​​s. Calgary Transit Access: This service allows eligible users to view, book, and cancel trips online, catering specifically to individuals with disabilities or limited mobility. It includes specialized buses, vans, and sedans to facilitate travel across the cit​​​​y. Additional Facilities: South Calgary also offers accessible taxis, designated accessible parking zones, and wheelchair ramp requests to further aid mobility across the cit​​y. Comprehensive Transportation Services: The city's transportation infrastructure includes a range of services like taxis, shuttles, rental cars, and well-maintained highways and roads, enhancing overall accessibility in South Calgar​​y. These services demonstrate South Calgary's commitment to inclusive and accessible transportation, ensuring that all residents and visitors can navigate the area conveniently and safely. Healthcare and Community Services South Calgary offers a comprehensive range of healthcare and community services to its residents: South Calgary Health Centre: This facility provides various health services, including community-based treatment for those with moderate to severe addiction and mental health issue​​​​s. Community Health Resources: The South Calgary Primary Care Network (PCN) offers vetted health resources for residents, addressing a range of healthcare need​​s. 24/7 Access and Services: The South Calgary Health Centre operates around the clock, ensuring constant access to healthcare services for the communit​y. Other Community Health Centres: In addition to the South Calgary Health Centre, other health centres like Acadia Community Health Centre provide essential health services, including immunization and general healthcar​​e. Comprehensive Health Clinic Services: Full-service health clinics, such as the Community Health Centre, offer a holistic approach to health, recognizing the importance of physical, mental, and social well-bein​​g. These services emphasize South Calgary's commitment to providing accessible, quality healthcare and support services to its community, ensuring a well-rounded approach to health and wellness. Safety and Security South Calgary is generally regarded as a safe area with a relatively low crime rate. Key aspects of safety and security in the area include: Low Crime Rates: Like much of Calgary, South Calgary has a low crime rate compared to other major urban areas. Violent crimes are relatively uncommon, and most incidents tend to be minor in natur​​​​e. Community Policing: The area benefits from effective community policing strategies. Local law enforcement actively works with the community to maintain safety and address any concern​​s. Safe Public Spaces: Calgary Transit and other public spaces in South Calgary are committed to ensuring safety for all users. Initiatives are in place to create safe environments in these locations, including downtown South Calgar​​y. Active Local Initiatives: There are ongoing efforts and initiatives to further enhance the safety of neighborhoods in South Calgary. These efforts include crime prevention programs and community engagement activitie​​s. Overall, South Calgary's reputation for safety makes it a desirable location for families, professionals, and tourists. The combination of low crime rates and proactive community measures contributes to the area's secure and welcoming atmosphere. Future Developments and Prospects South Calgary is poised for significant developments and growth, with various projects underway or planned that will shape its future: New Communities: Several new neighbourhoods are set to emerge in South Calgary, offering a range of affordable housing options and enhancing the area's residential appea​​l. Transit-Oriented Developments: The Riverbend Transit Oriented Development is one of the key projects that will reshape South Calgary, focusing on efficient land use and improved public transportatio​​n. Commercial Expansion: Plans for new business parks and commercial areas, like the Aurora Business Park, are in motion, promising to boost the local economy and create job opportunitie​​s. Housing Projects: The potential sale and redevelopment of Glenmore Landing parkland into a housing project indicates a focus on increasing residential spaces in South Calgar​​y. Urban Regeneration: Initiatives by the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) aim to transform and rejuvenate various parts of Calgary, including the south, enhancing public spaces and community experience​​s. These developments reflect a commitment to sustainable growth, community building, and improving the quality of life for residents in South Calgary. South Calgary's Unique Charm South Calgary's unique charm lies in its harmonious blend of natural beauty and urban development. This area of the city is celebrated for several distinct features: Natural Splendor: South Calgary is bordered by picturesque landscapes, including parks and natural reserves. The proximity to the Rocky Mountains adds to its scenic charm, making it a haven for nature lovers. Vibrant Communities: The area is known for its dynamic and friendly communities. Neighbourhoods in South Calgary boast a strong sense of belonging and community spirit, which is evident in the local events and gatherings. Recreational Opportunities: With an abundance of green spaces, recreational facilities, and outdoor activities, South Calgary is a paradise for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. From biking and hiking trails to sports complexes and community centers, there's something for everyone. Cultural Diversity: Reflecting the multicultural mosaic of Calgary, South Calgary is home to various cultural festivals, events, and eateries, offering a taste of global cultures. Economic Prosperity: The area's commercial and economic growth continues to attract businesses and job opportunities, contributing to its thriving local economy. Architectural Variety: South Calgary showcases a diverse range of architectural styles, from historic buildings to modern developments, adding to its visual appeal. Educational Excellence: With several top-rated schools and educational institutions, it's a sought-after location for families and students. These attributes, combined with a commitment to community development and sustainability, make South Calgary uniquely charming and a desirable place to live and visit. FAQs about South Calgary What types of housing are available in South Calgary? South Calgary offers a diverse range of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, apartments, and condos to suit various lifestyles and budgets. Are there good schools in South Calgary? Yes, South Calgary is home to several highly-rated schools, both public and private, catering to all education levels. What recreational facilities are available in South Calgary? The area boasts numerous parks, sports complexes, and community centers, offering activities like swimming, skating, and various sports programs. How is the public transportation system in South Calgary? South Calgary is well-served by Calgary Transit, with numerous bus routes and access to the C-Train for convenient city-wide travel. What are some popular shopping destinations in South Calgary? South Calgary features various shopping centers and districts, including Southcentre Mall and the unique boutiques and shops of 17th Ave SW. Is South Calgary a safe area to live in? South Calgary is known for its safety, with low crime rates and active community policing efforts. Are there healthcare facilities nearby? Yes, South Calgary has access to several healthcare facilities, including clinics, family doctors, and the South Health Campus hospital. What kind of cultural activities can be found in South Calgary? The area is rich in cultural activities, hosting various festivals, art galleries, and cultural centers reflecting its diverse community. Are there opportunities for outdoor activities? Absolutely, South Calgary is close to several parks, river pathways, and is a short drive from the Rocky Mountains, offering hiking, biking, and outdoor adventures. What makes South Calgary unique compared to other parts of the city? South Calgary is known for its community spirit, beautiful residential areas, access to nature, and a balanced urban lifestyle, making it distinct from other parts of Calgary. South Calgary represents a harmonious blend of modern urban living with strong community values. Its combination of amenities, cultural diversity, and commitment to growth and development makes it an outstanding choice for a fulfilling lifestyle.