The 5 best neighbourhoods to rent in Calgary

Calgary has seen an influx of renters lately both from within Canada and from out of the country. Alberta’s most populous city, often referred to as “Cowtown” by locals, is a tenant’s dream in many ways – offering a vibrant cultural scene, excellent public transit and access to some truly spectacular outdoor destinations. Perhaps most attractive of all though, Calgary’s rent prices are significantly lower than other major Canadian rental markets like Vancouver and Toronto. In this guide to the city, liv.rent will cover 5 of the best neighbourhoods to rent in Calgary, looking at average rent prices, nearby amenities, transportation, and more.

The best neighbourhoods in Calgary to rent

1. The Properties

‘The Properties’ is a loose grouping of neighbourhoods in Northeast Calgary, the city’s fastest-growing quadrant. The area roughly spans the neighbourhoods of Sunridge, Rundle, Whitehorn, Pineridge, and Temple – each desirable parts of town in their own right. The area is centred around the expansive Sunridge Mall, though most of this expansive neighbourhood is primarily residential.

Rental types in The Properties

• Studio apartments for rent: The Properties
• One-bedroom apartments for rent: The Properties
• Two-bedroom apartments for rent: The Properties

Average rent in The Properties

According to the latest data from Zumper, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in The Properties is just $1,395 as of March 2023. This makes it the cheapest neighbourhood to rent in on our list, despite the impressive assortment of amenities and excellent location it offers renters.

Schools in The Properties

There are a number of elementary and secondary schools within the neighbourhoods that make up the properties.

Elementary schools:

• St. Wilfrid Elementary School
• Colonel J. Fred Scott School
• Annie Gale School

Secondary schools:

• Bishop McNally High School
• Lester B. Pearson High School

Transportation in The Properties

The Properties is serviced by a number of bus routes, as well as the 202 light rail line. To get to and from Sunridge Mall, residents can take the 19, 32, 43, or 303 bus routes.

Proximity to Downtown Calgary: 15-20 minutes by car, 25-35 minutes by public transit

Recreation & amenities in The Properties

Sunridge Mall is home to over 150 retail stores as well as a movie theatre, and is an exceedingly popular destination for Calgary residents. There are plenty of nearby green spaces and recreational centres as well, such as Monterey Park and Community Centre, Pinecliff Park, and Pineridge Community Association Outdoor Rink.

2. Skyview Ranch

Also located in Northeast Calgary is Skyview Ranch. This relatively new master-planned residential neighbourhood is a renter’s dream, offering an excellent livability score highlighted by its close proximity to major transit arteries, nature, and much more.

Rental types in Skyview Ranch

• Studio apartments for rent: Skyview Ranch
• One-bedroom apartments for rent: Skyview Ranch
• Two-bedroom apartments for rent: Skyview Ranch

Average rent in Skyview Ranch

According to the latest data from Zumper, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in The Properties is just $1,526 as of March 2023.

Schools in Skyview Ranch

Elementary schools:

• Bright Futures Preschool & Daycare
• Prairie Sky School (Kindergarten-Grade 9)

Transportation in Skyview Ranch

Skyview Ranch is serviced by the 145 bus route which runs directly through the length of the Metis Trail NE.

Proximity to Downtown Calgary: 20-35 minutes by car, 40-55 minutes by public transit

Recreation & amenities in Skyview Ranch

Skyview has a number of dedicated outdoor amenity spaces designed for specific recreational uses, including the Skyview Basketball Courts, Skyview Ball Diamond, Skyview Soccer Field, and Skyview Community Playground. There are a number of restaurants and retail storefronts in the surrounding areas as well.

3. Beltline

Beltline is a trendy neighbourhood just south of Calgary’s downtown core, just below 9th Avenue and the CPR railroad tracks. One of the most densely populated parts of the city, this neighbourhood has an eclectic mix of young professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs who have contributed to Beltline’s impressive array of urban amenities, restaurants, and retail destinations.

Rental types in Beltline

• Studio apartments for rent: Beltline
• One-bedroom apartments for rent: Beltline
• Two-bedroom apartments for rent: Beltline

Average rent in Beltline

According to the latest March 2023 rental data from Zumper, the average monthly rent price for an unfurnished, one-bedroom unit is $1,837.

Schools in Beltline

Elementary schools:

• Connaught School

High schools:

• Western Canada High School

Transportation in Beltline

Beltline is well within Calgary’s downtown area and as such has great access to a number of different types of transit. The 2, 6, 7, 13, 65, 90, and 414 buses all have stops nearby, and the 202 Light Rail line also runs just next to the well-connected neighbourhood.

Proximity to Downtown Calgary: 10-12 minutes by car, 15-25 minutes by public transit

Recreation & amenities in Beltline

Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood has a ton to offer renters, particularly young people seeking entertainment, fine dining, and nightlife. There are a number of craft beer bars nearby, as well as some of the city’s best restaurants and nightclubs. The Olympic Plaza urban park is also just a short stroll away and makes a perfect place to meet up with friends on a day off.

4. Downtown

Calgary’s Downtown is truly world-class and is the perfect spot for renters who are new to the city or want to be in the centre of the action. Bordered by the scenic Bow and Elbow Rivers, the expansive skyline is grounded in nature and offers a lush backdrop to the urban sights & sounds of the city’s centre. Numerous multinational companies have their headquarters throughout the area, and there are all types of restaurants, shopping, and much more all within walking distance.

Rental types in Downtown

• Studio apartments for rent: Downtown
• One-bedroom apartments for rent: Downtown
• Two-bedroom apartments for rent: Downtown

Average rent in Downtown

The average rent in Downtown Calgary is $1,893 per month for a one-bedroom unit, according to the latest rental data from Zumper.

Schools in Downtown

Elementary schools:

• Sunnyside School

High schools:

• Crescent Heights High School

Transportation in Downtown

As one would expect from a downtown core, Calgary’s city centre has plenty of ways to get to & from the area. Downtown Calgary is serviced by the 2, 6, 7, 13, 65, 90, and 414 buses, as well as the 202 Light Rail line.

Proximity to Downtown Calgary: N/A

Recreation & amenities in Downtown

Renters will find no shortage of things to do in Downtown Calgary. The city’s centre has become a cultural hub with all manner of restaurants, entertainment, galleries & museums, shopping and more all within walking distance or a brief bus trip. Seasonal festivals and events like the Calgary Folk Music Festival and Calgary International Film Festival offer year-round engagement for the city’s residents.

5. Mission

One of Calgary’s most desirable neighbourhoods, Mission is a mostly residential neighbourhood that’s known across the city for its vibrant arts scene and rich history. Considered to be a part of downtown, the neighbourhood is technically located in the Southwest quadrant though it’s close to the heart of the city.

Rental types in Mission

• Studio apartments for rent: Mission
• One-bedroom apartments for rent: Mission
• Two-bedroom apartments for rent: Mission

Average rent in Mission

The most expensive neighbourhood on our list, Mission’s average cost for a one-bedroom unit is $1,945 per month as of March 2023, according to data from Zumper.

Schools in Mission

Elementary schools:

• Wildwood School

Secondary schools:

• A.E. Cross School

Transportation in Mission

Mission, Calgary is accessible by the 3, 6, and 17 buses which all stop near the neighbourhood.

Proximity to Downtown Calgary: 10-15 minutes by car and 15-20 minutes by public transit

Recreation & amenities in Mission

Average rent in Calgary

As of March 2023, the average rent for an unfurnished, one-bedroom unit in Calgary is $1,558 – according to our latest liv.rent Calgary & Edmonton Rent Report. As you can see, it’s considerably cheaper to rent unfurnished units than furnished units within the city, with the latter costing $271 more than the former, on average.

To stay up-to-date on the latest average rental rates and trends for Calgary, you can consult our latest Calgary & Edmonton Rent Report.

Where is the cheapest rent in Calgary?

Calgary is typically broken down into Quadrants when looking at rental data from the city. As of March 2023, Northeast Calgary offers the cheapest rent prices for one-, two-, and three-bedroom, unfurnished units on average compared to other parts of the city. Unsurprisingly, City Centre has the most expensive average rent prices for all types of units.

For more information on rental trends & average rates in Calgary, you can refer to our latest Calgary & Edmonton Rent Report.

How to find a place to rent in Calgary

Calgary renters should make liv.rent their starting point for any home search. Best known as Canada’s safest rental platform, this all-in-one rental solution allows you to easily search for verified rental properties throughout the city, and connect with trusted landlords to help avoid costly rental scams and time-consuming processes.

Our strict manual verification processes allow renters to browse with ease, even if they’re not in Canada yet. Renters on liv.rent can also conduct every part of the rental process in one place, from searching listings to signing a lease and paying rent. All this is safeguarded by our military-grade encryption protocols to ensure piece of mind at every stage of your rental journey.

Resources for Alberta renters

For more information on renting in Alberta and to stay up-to-date on the latest rent prices in Calgary & Edmonton, you can consult these official resources and free guides from liv.rent.

• Residential Tenancies – Alberta.ca
• Laws for Landlords and Tenants in Alberta – landlordandtenant.org
• Calgary & Edmonton Rent Reports
• FAQ: Landlord & tenant responsibilities in Alberta
• FAQ: Everything you need to know about rent deposits in Alberta
• The Complete User Guide To liv.rent For Landlords & Property Managers
• The Ultimate Renter’s Guide To Using liv.rent

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the Canadian rental market.

>> Stay up-to-date on the average rent in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal: Rent Reports.