The best neighborhoods in Calgary for families share a few key ingredients: safe streets, top-rated schools, walkable parks, and a strong sense of community. Whether a family is looking to buy or rent, choosing the right area can have a lasting impact on quality of life.
This guide highlights five of Calgary’s top family-friendly neighbourhoods — Acadia, Woodlands, Mount Pleasant, Palliser, and Kingsland — based on a mix of lifestyle benefits and access to amenities.
Acadia
Located in southeast Calgary, Acadia is a well-established neighbourhood known for its family-friendly amenities, strong community roots, and easy access to major roads and green spaces.
Recreation & Green Spaces: Acadia is packed with family-friendly amenities, including Acadia Athletic Park (sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas) and easy access to the Bow River Pathway system for cycling, jogging, and walks. The Acadia Aquatic & Fitness Centre and Acadia Recreation Complex offer year-round activities.
Schools: The neighbourhood is served by several reputable schools, both public and Catholic, such as Acadia School, St. Cecilia School, and Janus Academy Middle School, offering diverse educational options.
Convenience & Connectivity: Acadia’s location is strategic, with major roads on all sides, quick access to transit, shopping (Safeway, Glenmore Landing, Deerfoot Meadows), and healthcare (close to Rockyview General Hospital).
Community Spirit: The Acadia Community Association is very active, organizing events and recreational programs, and fostering a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Woodlands
Tucked into Calgary’s southwest, Woodlands is loved for its quiet streets and its proximity to Fish Creek Park Provincial Park — one of the largest urban wildernesses in the world, boasting over 54 miles of trails for hiking, biking and running.
Safety & Community: Residents value Woodlands for its safe, beautiful, and family-friendly environment, with a strong sense of community and pride.
Programs & Events: The community association and city initiatives provide sports and recreation programs for youth, community clean-up days, and family play events, helping neighbours connect and children thrive.
Parks & Playgrounds: The neighbourhood features well-maintained parks and playgrounds, including the popular Spider Park, and is adjacent to Fish Creek Provincial Park, one of Calgary’s largest natural areas — ideal for outdoor family activities.
Mount Pleasant
Positioned just north of downtown in Calgary’s inner city, Mount Pleasant blends urban convenience with leafy streets and a community vibe that appeals to families of all sizes.
Location & Accessibility: Mount Pleasant is centrally located with easy access to downtown, major roads, and public transit, making commutes and city outings convenient for families.
Green Spaces & Recreation: The neighbourhood has mature tree-lined streets with proximity to Confederation Park and Canmore Park (playgrounds, splash park, sports fields), and the Mount Pleasant Sportsplex (ice rink, outdoor pool).
Schools: Several reputable schools serve the area, and it’s close to post-secondary institutions like SAIT and the University of Calgary, making it ideal for families with children of all ages.
Community Life: The active community association organizes events, publishes a monthly newsletter, and maintains amenities that foster a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere.
Housing Variety: Offers a mix of historic homes and modern infills, giving families diverse housing choices in an established setting. Renters looking for access to downtown and walkability will appreciate Victoria Gardens, an Avenue Living property offering a central location and easy access to local parks and transit.
Palliser
Situated in the city’s southwest corridor, Palliser offers a peaceful, suburban atmosphere with access to nature, strong schools, and some of the lowest crime rates in the city.
Quiet, Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Palliser is renowned for its peaceful, suburban feel and strong community engagement, making it a haven for families seeking tranquility close to the city.
Proximity to Nature: The neighbourhood is near Glenmore Reservoir, South Glenmore Park, and Weaselhead Flats, offering natural beauty for family adventures.
Recreation Facilities: Southland Leisure Centre is within the community, providing pools, gyms, and sports programming for all ages.
Schools: Home to several excellent schools, both public (Nellie McClung School, John Ware School) and Catholic, plus private options nearby.
Amenities: Palliser is close to major shopping centres (Chinook Mall, Glenmore Landing, Southcentre Mall), with local grocery stores meeting day-to-day needs. Glenmore Gardens, a premium Avenue Living property tucked into the neighbourhood, offers direct access to Glenmore Reservoir’s trails and parks — ideal for active families. Glenmore Gardens also has many different amenities for residents, including a gym, a pool, and beautifully landscaped grounds.
Kingsland
Kingsland sits in Calgary’s southwest near Chinook Centre and Glenmore Trail, offering families a centrally located neighbourhood with excellent transit, schools, and green space access.
Parks & Recreation: Kingsland features mature landscaping and access to green spaces like Kelvin Grove Park and Bonaventure Park. It’s also close to Glenmore Reservoir and Weaselhead Natural Area for outdoor family fun.
Schools: The neighbourhood is served by reputable schools such as Chinook Park School and Henry Wise Wood High School, supporting strong educational outcomes.
Community Engagement: The Kingsland Community Association is active, organizing family-friendly events and maintaining recreational facilities like playgrounds and skating rinks.
Convenience: Excellent access to transit, major shopping centres (Chinook Centre), and quick commutes to downtown make Kingsland a good neighbourhood for busy families. For families looking to rent in a connected, established area, Glenmore Heights by Avenue Living offers spacious units, green space, and proximity to both schools and shopping.
|
Neighbourhood |
Schools |
Recreation |
Convenience |
|
Acadia |
Strong mix of public and Catholic schools |
Acadia Rec Complex and Aquatic Centre |
Great access to Deerfoot Trail and nearby transit options |
|
Palliser |
Top-rated schools in the SW |
Near Glenmore Resevoir, Southland Leisure Centre and Weaselhead Flats |
Close to several major shopping centres |
|
Woodlands |
Well-rated public schools |
Adjacent to Fish Creek Park and Woodview Park |
Peaceful, but accessible location |
|
Mt. Pleasant |
Close to post-secondary institutions like SAIT |
Near Confederation Park, Riley Park and Mt. Pleasant Sportsplex |
Central location with easy access to downtown and transit routes |
|
Kingsland |
Reputable public and Catholic schools |
Near Glenmore Reservoir and Bonaventure Park. |
Easy access to main roads like Glenmore Trail |
Every family’s needs are a little different — some want quiet streets and quick school commutes, others want walkable amenities and access to downtown. But across the board, the five communities in this list check the big boxes: schools, parks, and that elusive but essential ingredient — community.
And if you’re renting? Avenue Living has properties in each of these areas that blend convenience, comfort, and connection, so you can focus on building a life, not just finding a place to live.
Find Your Ideal Family Home with Avenue Living
As you consider the best neighbourhoods in Calgary for your family, Avenue Living is here to help you find the perfect place to call home. With a variety of apartment and townhouse rentals to fit your lifestyle and budget, we ensure a comfortable and convenient living experience. Embrace the opportunity to live in a community that supports family growth and happiness.