Calgary's Top 5 Neighbourhoods with Curb Appeal

Curb appeal in a neighbourhood was rated as the third most-desirable factor in a best neighbourhood, according to Avenue’s city-wide community survey. Scores were based on survey responses from residents about the curb appeal of their neighbourhood.

1. Rosedale
Sandwiched between McHugh Bluff Park and the community of Sunnyside, Rosedale, which is in the northwest quadrant of the city, is swimming in green space and historic appeal. The tree-lined streets of well-kept character homes can be walked with ease and Prince’s Island Park is not far away down an admittedly steep and long staircase and across the river. The area’s high-end homes are primarily along the west end of Crescent Road N.W., and have stunning views of downtown Calgary. The area’s variety of homes also adds to the charm. Small parks and pathways connect the community.

2. Lower Mount Royal
This historic area was established in 1907 and set up for wealthy, single-family homes. Today, 97 percent of the residences are apartments, most built in the 1970s, but a few stately period homes remain, giving this neighbourhood a sense of history. Most of these houses were constructed during Calgary’s 1910 to 1912 building boom and have been kept in good condition. Old trees, a wealth of green spaces and parks, as well as the variety of home styles, add to this area’s appeal.

3. West Hillhurst
This northwest, inner-city neighbourhood extends from 5th Avenue N.W. to the Bow River to the west of 19th Street. Approximately half of the residences are single-family homes, and the median year of construction is 1958. Residents love the mix of older homes, newer infills and apartments, as well as the proximity to the river and the area’s many older trees and small parks.

4. Sunnyside
Sunnyside is surrounded by Centre Street on the east and by 10th Street N.W. on the west; to the north is pretty McHugh Bluff Park and to the south lies the Bow River. The area is picturesque to begin with, and the addition of charming character homes and well-maintained gardens just adds to the appeal.

5. Elboya
Located in the southwest quadrant of the city, this area borders the Bow River and Stanley Park. Residents can stroll through the park on the paved path all the way up to picturesque Riverdale Avenue or straight downtown to the Mission area. Many homes in Elboya boast beautiful floral gardens and landscaped yards in summer.

See more of Best Neighbourhoods 2010

Top 5 Pedestrian-Friendly Neighbourhoods

Top 5 Safest Neighbourhoods

Top 5 Friendliest Neighbourhoods

Top 5 Neighbourhoods with Curb Appeal

Top 5 Neighbourhoods for Parks and Recreation

Calgary's Best Neighbourhoods: The Data
Wonder how we determined the 15 top Calgary neighbourhoods? Here's how they ranked in each of our criteria categories. Plus: view the stats for 19 additional neighbourhoods in the city.