Have you ever wondered why people love living in Calgary’s northwest? From its close proximity to the mountains to great restaurants and friendly neighbours, the northwest is an amazing place to call home. For these northwest residents, this area of Calgary is full of meaningful communities that they’re proud to call home. Read on to learn their stories.
Meet Jeanne:
Jeanne and her pup, Pippin, love their walks through U/D
Jeanne first moved to Calgary 29 years ago and has lived in Calgary’s northwest ever since. Before moving to U/D, Jeanne loved spending her spare time gardening in her large backyard. Now, Jeanne is a U/D resident and a self-proclaimed ‘northwest loyalist’.
Why do you love this part of Calgary so much?
I love the northwest because of the view of the mountains and how quick and easy it is to get to things in the area. As for University District, I love being able to walk to so many places, and how quickly it is to get downtown and to places in south Calgary thanks to the new ring road. I am also so impressed by the sense of community in U/D! I love the building that I live in, Aria, with its great amenities.
Why did you choose to move to U/D? Was it a difficult decision to relocate?
After my husband died six and a half years ago, I found it hard to manage our big house and yard. I had great neighbours, but I still felt lonely in the big house alone. I decided I was ready for a change. I had been watching this community develop and was intrigued by how well it was set up for easy access to so many things! Also, U/D was still near many places I was familiar with in Crowfoot and moving here meant I was closer to places where I play pickleball, too.
What are some of your favourite things to do in U/D?
I have a dog and I love how safe it feels to walk him in the evening. There are so many great paths to explore and it’s fun watching the area grow around us, too. It’s cute because my dog knows all the spots in the area that give out dog treats, so he has a specific path that he always wants to take.
I also enjoy eating out, so having so many great places to eat within walking distance is absolutely amazing! I can easily walk to Save-On-Foods, Market Wines, Pet Planet, COBS Bread, Cineplex VIP Cinemas, Olive Nail Bar, Borough Bar + Grill, Charcut, Village Ice Cream and the skating rink at Central Commons Park in the winter.
Village Ice Cream is a popular destination for U/D residents
What would you say to people considering a move to U/D?
If you are considering moving here, DO IT! U/D is such a well-planned district that just keeps getting better as it grows.
In what ways have you found a sense of community in University District? What do you do to connect with other residents?
I’m fairly outgoing and friendly, so I connect with people frequently. I stop and chat when I’m out to eat and get to know the staff and some of the regulars. I have found the staff in so many places to be so friendly. I know them by name, and they know my dog, Pippin, and my name too! I’ve also experienced some of the wine tastings at Market Wines and have met some great people through that network. After moving into my building, I started a happy hour and a book club to give people a space to get to know each other, which has developed another great community I belong to.
Meet Richard and Kathleen:
Richard and Kathleen love living in U/D
Meet Richard and Kathleen! This married couple grew up outside of Calgary but moved to Calgary’s northwest community of Tuscany in 2005. They loved the mountain views, and the convenience of Stony Trail for quick access west to Banff and north to Edmonton. Now U/D residents, we spoke to them to hear all about why they love the northwest and U/D.
Why did you choose to move to U/D? Was it a difficult decision to relocate?
We chose to move to U/D because it’s closer to downtown, local busineses and tennis courts. It also has easy access to the Save-on-Foods, Scotiabank and an array of dining options, which makes life so much easier.
What are some of your favourite things to do in U/D?
We enjoy going to the movie theatre, eating out, going for walks and connecting with the community through gatherings and events like the community clean-up day.
University District’s Retail Main Street is a community hub that brings people together
What would you say to people considering a move to U/D?
Do it. Everything is here, including friendly neighbours, a vibrant business district and the choice of renting or owning. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what this community can offer.
In what ways have you found a sense of community in University District? What do you do to connect with other residents?
We are very active in the community. We have found that sense of community by serving on the condo board, participating in the annual clean-up, meeting neighbours in the elevator and lobby, going to the summer night markets and participating in community recycling initiatives. We also serve on our building’s recycling team and love to attend the pizza parties and socialize with other residents!
U/D residents participating in the Community Clean up in April
Want to learn more about why residents have chosen to live in U/D? Check out this blog.
The University District blog is a resource for Calgarians who want to live, work, play, visit or buy in the northwest. We will provide you with information, stories, news and a closer look at the things that matter so you can live a more inspired, active and connected life in NW Calgary at University District… Life works here.
Join the Discussion