Winner: Greater Forest Lawn
Average Home Price: $344,716
What is known as Greater Forest Lawn was once an independent town that was annexed by the City of Calgary in 1961. Despite anchoring the southeast quadrant for more than half a century, Greater Forest Lawn tends to fly under the radar in discussions of the city’s best neighbourhoods. However, with mature tree-lined streets, affordably priced homes, a diverse and engaged population, a public high school that recently installed sustainable solar technology, and proximity to the eclectic businesses and restaurants of the International Avenue BIA, it’s a community that certainly has much to add to this discussion.
Unique Feature: Based in Greater Forest Lawn, Bike Shed is a volunteer-run project that salvages and fixes old or discarded bicycles and donates them to schools across the city. Last year, Bike Shed sent approximately 40 bikes to the YYC Kids Ride program and, this year, the group has teamed up with Youth En Route, which is building bikes at Calgary schools.
What the judges said: “Spontaneous and unpretentious, one feels instantly welcome in Forest Lawn.” -James Stauch
Runners-Up
Willow Park, Spruce Cliff