Are you planning a move to Calgary, but not exactly sure where you want to live? Calgary is an amazing City with fantastic neighbourhoods, a vibrant downtown core and a suburban lifestyle that is hard to beat. But trying to decide where to live can be daunting, especially if you aren’t a local.

Ultimately, where you live in Calgary truly depends on your personal preferences so this is simply set out to give you an idea about some of the areas in Calgary and the benefits of living in each.

Calgary is divided into four quadrants, SW, NW, SE ad NE. Each address in Calgary will end with one of these. Streets typically run north-south and avenues typically run east-west. Once you’ve figured out the grid, Calgary becomes a fairly easy City to navigate.

As with all major cities, the closer you live to downtown the more expensive homes become. That being said there are some great neighbourhoods located throughout the city in a variety or price ranges, giving everyone ample opportunity to find their perfect home.

Southwest:

The southwest is home to some of Calgary’s most sought out neighbourhoods. Given their proximity to downtown and large lots, areas like Mount Royal, Elbow Park and Britannia are popular. They offer a short commute to downtown, access to great schools and river pathways and parks. For those looking to stay close to the core but not necessarily wanting to spend a fortune, communities like Killarney, Windsor Park and North Glenmore Park may be more appealing.

The southwest is also home to 17th avenue, which offers an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants and shops. If you’re young, single or wanting a smaller space, condos in Cliff Bungalow, the Beltline and Mission have some beautiful new condos as well as some great duplexes for urban living.

And for those willing to venture a bit further out, communities like Acadia, Chinook Park, Evergreen Wentworth and Aspen Woods provide great access to city transit, larger lots and plenty of local amenities.

In addition, the southwest is also home to Mount Royal University, which offers small class sizes and a variety of post graduate degrees, certificate and diploma programs. Communities that border the campus include Altidore, Lakeview and Garrison Woods.

Northwest:

The Northwest offers Calgarians great access to some of the provinces best post-secondary institutions. The University of Calgary, Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD) and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) are all located in the heart of the northwest quadrant. Communities that border these campuses include Varsity and Brentwood.

If you're looking for a home close to downtown, Sunnyside, Point McKay and Kensington have a great mix of single family dwellings and condominiums giving you access to downtown and the Calgary river pathway system. And for those looking for a great view, Briar Hill and Rosedale offer beautiful lots but at a higher price tag.

Northeast:

The Calgary International Airport is located in the city's northeast quadrant. There are also a number of industrial and commercial sites located in the area. Often given a bad rep, the northeast has come a long way offering residents diverse communities with houses at a lower price range. Areas like Renfrew and Bridgeland offer a close commute to downtown and are currently in the midst of a great revitalization.

A major work in progress is Calgary’s East Village project. This urban area, when complete will offer a variety of multifamily, an eclectic mix of restaurants and cultural events that will offer something for everyone who wants to live right downtown.

There are also a number of new communities popping up in the northeast. Our very own Redstone, is so popular, it’s hard to keep up with the demand!

Southeast:

Once known for its industrial side, the southeast is now the fastest growing quadrants in Calgary. Master planned communities like McKenzie Towne and Quarry Park offer families a great suburban lifestyle complete with local amenities, outdoor activities and a sense of space.

Communities like Bonavista and Parkland offer established community living, with large lots, great schools and fantastic access to Fish Creek Park. And for those seeking lakeside living, Midnapore Sundance, Auburn Bay and Mahogany all feature freshwater lakes, park space and wetlands.

In addition to the new South Health Campus opened in 2013, paving the way for additional development in the community of Seton which is earmarked to be a 365-acre multi-faceted urban development unit in Calgary.