Calgary is a city of choices. On one hand, you’ve got quiet, family-friendly suburbs with space to spread out. On the other, you’ve got the bustling energy of downtown living, with everything at your fingertips.
Both options have their perks—and challenges. If you’re trying to decide where to plant roots in Calgary, let’s walk through what a day in the life looks like in both suburban Calgary and downtown Calgary.
Mornings: How You Start the Day
Suburbs:
Morning in suburban Calgary often means coffee on the back deck, watching the sunrise over the Rockies or listening to the birds in the yard. Parents are helping kids get ready for school, maybe packing up hockey gear for later. Streets are calm, and there’s room to breathe before the workday begins.
Downtown:
Living downtown means you’re probably skipping the kitchen coffee pot in favour of a latte from Analog Coffee or Phil & Sebastian. Your commute is a walk or a quick C-Train ride—no scraping ice off the windshield or fighting traffic on Crowchild Trail. Mornings feel fast-paced and connected.
Midday: Work & Daily Routine
Suburbs:
Many suburban homeowners either drive downtown for work or now work remotely from a dedicated home office. The extra square footage makes it easier to have a quiet space for Zoom calls. Suburban living also makes errands simpler—big box stores, groceries, and services are often close by with lots of parking.
Downtown:
Downtown professionals love the convenience. Work is usually just a short walk, bike, or C-Train ride away. Lunch might be on Stephen Avenue, Eau Claire, or one of the many food halls and local cafes. Everything you need is at your doorstep—pharmacies, fitness studios, and shops.
Evenings: How You Unwind
Suburbs:
Evenings in the suburbs often mean community activities—kids’ sports, dog walks in Fish Creek Park, or a BBQ with neighbours. Bigger yards and quiet streets make outdoor living easier, especially for families and pet owners. Entertainment might mean a trip to Chinook Centre, Westhills, or a local rec centre.
Downtown:
Evenings downtown are full of energy. Grab dinner on 17th Ave, check out a concert at the Saddledome, or head to a rooftop patio for drinks. Sports fans love being close to the Calgary Flames, Roughnecks, and Stampeders. Nightlife and events are just a short walk away, making downtown ideal for social lifestyles.
Lifestyle Snapshot
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Suburban Living
✅ Pros: More space, bigger homes, yards, quieter streets, strong community feel
⚠️ Cons: Commute times, less walkability, need for a car
Downtown Living
✅ Pros: Walkability, culture, restaurants, events, shorter commutes
⚠️ Cons: Smaller spaces, higher condo fees, limited parking, busier environment
Cost of Living: Suburbs vs Downtown
Suburbs: Detached homes are generally more expensive than condos, but the price-per-square-foot is often lower. You get more space for your money, but you’ll also need to budget for commuting, utilities, and maintenance (yards, driveways, etc.).
Downtown: Condos can be affordable entry points into the Calgary market, but they often come with condo fees. Parking can be pricey, and space is tighter. However, you may save money on transportation if you ditch the car.
Community & Lifestyle Fit
Suburbs: Perfect for families, pet owners, or anyone craving peace and space. Communities like Mahogany, Evanston, and Silverado offer lakes, pathways, and strong neighbourhood vibes.
Downtown: Ideal for professionals, students, and people who thrive on energy. Neighbourhoods like East Village, Beltline, and Eau Claire are hotspots for walkability and lifestyle perks.
FAQs
Q: Which option is better for families?
Most families prefer suburbs for the schools, yards, and quiet streets. However, some families enjoy downtown condo life, especially those who want to cut down on commuting and enjoy cultural amenities.
Q: How does winter affect suburban vs downtown living?
In the suburbs, you’re shoveling driveways and driving in snow. Downtown, you’re walking more—but you avoid scraping cars. Both have trade-offs depending on your comfort level with driving.
Q: What about resale value?
Suburban detached homes typically hold strong resale value in Calgary. Downtown condos can fluctuate more depending on market cycles and investor activity.
Q: Is downtown Calgary safe for families?
Yes—though it’s busier. Some families choose condos near river pathways or parks for a more balanced lifestyle.
Q: Can I have a pet in a downtown condo?
Many condos allow pets, but with restrictions. Suburbs are generally more pet-friendly thanks to yards and open spaces.
Related Reading
Top Calgary Communities for Young Professionals
Condo Living in Calgary: Pros and Cons
Calgary gives you the best of both worlds: quiet suburban neighbourhoods with room to grow, and a vibrant downtown core filled with energy. The question isn’t which is better—it’s which lifestyle fits YOU.
Do you want calm mornings and space for the dog? Or do you want walkability and rooftop patios at your doorstep?
💬 DM me “CALGARY LIFE” and I’ll send you my free Suburbs vs. Downtown Buyer Guide to help you weigh your options.
Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.
