Rent or buy? It’s a question that many ponder when they’re planning their next move, and for a variety of reasons, many people are looking for a great place to rent to fit with their lifestyle. Purpose-built rentals in U/D provide modern living, paired with the convenience of being just steps away from amenities, restaurants, parks and more.

Recently named Canada’s 2026 Best Growing Community by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA), University District continues to build on its reputation as one of Calgary’s most vibrant and connected neighbourhoods. With exciting new projects under construction or nearing completion, University District is expanding its housing options and creating even more opportunities to live in one of the city’s most walkable and amenity-rich communities.

A Growing Community Designed for Everyday Living

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University District is mindfully designed to be much more than just another residential neighbourhood. It’s a vibrant, connected and welcoming community where residents can live, work, shop, and connect within walking distance of everyday essentials. Within close proximity to the University of Calgary, Foothills Medical Centre, Alberta Children’s Hospital and major roads and transit routes, U/D continues to attract residents seeking a vibrant, unique and maintenance-free lifestyle.

Living in a mindfully made community offers the flexibility to adapt to changing lifestyles, along with professionally managed services and amenities designed for convenience and comfort. University District’s growing collection of rental apartments allows residents to enjoy a walkable, amenity-rich neighbourhood and a strong sense of community.

Under Construction: What’s Next for U/D Rentals

Academy by Truman

This purpose-built rental project will offer a total of 222 one, two and three-bedroom units ranging from 650 to 900 square feet. Located near Kovitz Avenue and McLaurin Street NW, Academy is well positioned just a short walk from Save-On-Foods, restaurants and everyday conveniences on Retail Main Street.Residents will have access to a variety of premium amenities, including a fitness centre, residents’ lounge, pet spa, and bike storage room.

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Says Abby Woitas, Creative Marketing Director at Truman, “Academy is a project we’re genuinely excited about because it brings together a lot of what people are looking for in a rental home: a good location, practical amenities, and a space that feels easy to live in. Being close to groceries, restaurants, and everyday services makes a real difference for residents, and we think the mix of homes and amenities will make Academy a strong addition to the community.”

Pre-leasing at Academy is anticipated to begin this fall, with construction expected to be completed near the end of 2026.

Thesis by Gracorp Properties

Thesis by Gracorp Properties is a 12-storey, purpose-built rental development designed with students and young professionals in mind. Thesis is located on Perraton Ave NW, adjacent to Central Commons Park and upon completion, it will be the largest residential building in University District to date.

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Thesis recently reached a major construction milestone with the completion of its structural top-off, bringing the building to its full height. The next steps in construction will include exterior enclosure work, interior framing, and the installation of building systems.

Says Devin Dyler, Development & Design Manager at Gracorp Properties, “Pre-leasing is scheduled to begin in September 2026, and we’re looking forward to opening a show suite in Spring 2027. Once complete, Thesis will add 645 beds of purpose-built student housing in Calgary’s University District, featuring 322 fully furnished units, secure underground parking and student-focused amenity spaces designed to support academic success, community living and a seamless student experience.”

Scholar by Truman and University of Calgary Properties Group

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Scholar is a unique partnership with Truman and University of Calgary Properties Group, the land developer behind University District. Scholar is located on the southeast corner of University Avenue NW and McCaig Street NW. The mixed-use development will feature approximately 13,000 square feet of retail space at street level, with six storeys of residential units above, totalling 203 rental suites. Residents will be just steps away from University District’s growing retail and dining offerings, including recently announced tenants such as Analog Coffee, with additional retailers set to be revealed in the coming months.

Says Abby Woitas, Creative Marketing Director with Truman, “Scholar is a project we’re proud to be part of because it builds on the strong vision already established at University District. Through our partnership with University of Calgary Properties Group, we’re bringing new rental homes and retail space to a location that continues to grow into one of Calgary’s most connected communities.”

Construction is currently nearing completion of the foundation stage, with completion of the building targeted for the end of 2027.

Find Your Perfect Rental in University District

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With new purpose-built rental projects inching closer to welcoming their first residents, U/D features several completed and established rental buildings that each add their own unique flair to the community.

Looking for modern rental living? Find it at Aria by Gracorp Properties and Harrison Street, where residents can enjoy a modern rental community, including a fully equipped fitness centre and yoga room along with a beautiful 30,000 sq. ft courtyard. Aria is ideally located just steps from Retail Main Street, Save-On-Foods, and Central Commons Park.

Nearby, Encore by Gracorp Properties and Harrison Street is the perfect place for students and young professionals who value easy walkability to the University of Calgary campus, the nearby Save-On-Foods and coffee shops as well as access to Calgary Transit. On-site amenities are available like a roof top patio and fitness centre along with furnished and un-furnished suites complete with air-conditioning.

Says Josh Prediger, U/D resident, “Renting at Encore has made it easy to enjoy everything University District has to offer. I can walk to grab a coffee, pick up groceries, or meet friends without needing to get in my car. The convenience is great, but what really stands out is the sense of community. There are always opportunities to connect with neighbours, and having access to so many amenities right outside my door has made my experience here incredibly rewarding.”

Appreciate contemporary living? The rental units at Esquire by Truman offer a modern aesthetic, with residents having easy access to Retail Main Street as well as great connections to the community through nearby walking paths.

Looking for elevated amenities and modern comfort? The Forge by Vivenda Group brings upscale modern finishes that blend style with comfort amenities such as air conditioning and high-efficiency appliances. An added bonus: Calgary favourites UNA pizza + wine, Seed N Salt, and Native Tongues Taqueria are in the same building!

Ready to Rent? Consider U/D

University District is a community that appeals to residents at many different stages of life. For young professionals, it offers the ability to live close to work, transit, restaurants, fitness studios and everyday essentials. For downsizers and empty nesters, rental living can be an opportunity to trade in home maintenance and upkeep for a more flexible lifestyle. With parks, pathways, community events and a growing collection of shops and services all within walking distance, University District makes it easy to feel at home and enjoy everything the neighbourhood has to offer.

For students considering off-campus housing, the community provides the opportunity to enjoy greater independence while remaining just minutes from the University of Calgary. With rental options, everyday amenities, parks, pathways and transit hubs all within walking distance, it’s easy to stay connected to both campus and community life. Students interested in learning more about rental living in the community can explore our Top Reasons to Rent in U/D as a Student or Young Professional blog.

No matter your style or dream square footage, U/D’s residential offerings are diverse, convenient, and focus on bringing the best of the community to your doorstep.

University District also offers a growing selection of homes for purchase. From luxury condominiums and townhomes nearing completion to new projects preparing to break ground, there are opportunities for buyers at every stage of homeownership. Learn more about the latest for-sale residential projects in our blog, Building U/D: Inside Our Latest Residential Builder Milestones.

Curious what it’s really like to live in U/D? Hear directly from one of our residents here.