Winner: Beltline
Average Home Price: $320,601
Named after Calgary’s historic municipal railway route, the Belt Line, this inner-city neighbourhood, comprising the communities of Victoria Park and Connaught and encompassing the north side of 17th Avenue S.W., has grown into one of Calgary’s most densely populated areas and vibrant dining districts. There are endless options for going out to restaurants, pubs, lounges and bars, as well as boutique, grocery and other styles of shopping (including a recently constructed urban-model Canadian Tire). There’s also a library, park and playground spaces, a public elementary school and more, all within walking distance. That fact, along with the network of bike lanes, makes the Beltline one of Calgary’s most walkable communities, boasting a Walk Score of 91, a Transit Score of 80 and a Bike Score of 90.
Unique Feature: High Park is the Beltline’s newest and most unique public park and event space. Located on the top floor of the parkade at the corner of 10th Avenue and 4th Street S.W., High Park’s colourfully designed installations and hangout zones offer Instagram-worthy photo ops, with activity stations including stationary bikes, ping pong and cornhole.
What the judges said: “A truly walkable neighbourhood is one where it’s actually a burden to have a car. The Beltline fits that bill beautifully.” -James Stauch
Runners-Up
Sunnyside, East Village