Winner: Kensington
Average Home Price in Adjacent Communities: $521,808 (Sunnyside) $677,527 (Hillhurst)
This buzzy BIA is one of Calgary’s most vibrant urban areas, with unique boutiques, great pubs and restaurants, cool coffee shops, candy shops, a comic shop, and more. Bordered by Sunnyside to the east and Hillhurst to the west, Kensington serves as a main street for the two communities complete with CTrain station, grocery stores (both the supermarket and small natural market varieties), and an interesting and eclectic mix of art students, young families, retirees and others meandering along its blocks.
Unique Feature: Along with the reopened Plaza Theatre, Kensington is home to another purveyor of old-school charm: the Kensington Pub. This classic English-style pub has been run by the same family since 1993 and draws faithful regulars who come for a proper pint and authentic menu offerings such as ploughman’s lunch and Sunday roast.
What the judges said: “I feel like Kensington really just speaks for itself. It’s got so much character.” -Michelle Salt
Runners-Up
Inglewood, 17th Avenue S.W.