The Ultimate Guide to Living in Southwest Calgary

If you’ve been trying to find the right part of Calgary to call home, the city’s southwest quadrant has plenty to offer. In this area, you’ll find everything from established neighbourhoods rich in charm to vibrant new communities with future-planned schools and amenities. Southwest Calgary isn’t just known for its scenic views of the Rocky Mountains; it’s a hub where refined living meets community spirit, offering diverse options for every stage of life.

In this comprehensive guide to living in Southwest Calgary, we’ll dive into what truly sets this side of the city apart, exploring its unique lifestyle advantages, extensive services, top-tier educational institutions, and all the amenities that make it a desirable place to live and grow.

The Lifestyle: Elevated Living Meets Natural Grandeur

One of the most compelling reasons to choose Southwest Calgary is its unique blend of upscale living and stunning natural beauty. This quadrant of the city boasts a landscape that’s characterized by rolling hills, mature trees, and often, panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. It’s an environment that naturally encourages an active and engaging lifestyle throughout the year. You’ll find meticulously maintained parks, extensive networks of walking and cycling pathways, and an impressive array of things to do. 

Major highlights in Southwest Calgary include access to Fish Creek Provincial Park, one of North America’s largest urban parks, offering endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife spotting. Additionally, the expansive Glenmore Reservoir serves as a vital recreational hub, popular for sailing, rowing, paddleboarding, and enjoying lakeside trails. 

Southwest Calgary’s Diverse Neighbourhoods

Southwest Calgary is a mosaic of distinct communities, each possessing its own unique character, amenities, and housing styles. This wonderful variety ensures that prospective homebuyers can discover a neighbourhood that perfectly aligns with their lifestyle preferences, family needs, and of course, their budget.

Let’s explore some of the dynamic communities shaping the Southwest, including places where Trico Homes is actively building:

Belmont

As one of Calgary’s newest master-planned communities in the West Macleod area, Belmont offers a fresh start with modern home designs and ample green spaces. It’s specifically designed to be a family-friendly community with numerous parks, thoughtful pathways, and engaging play areas. Residents here can look forward to plans for vibrant commercial areas, including a City of Calgary recreation centre and public library. Its location provides efficient access to Macleod Trail and Stoney Trail (Southwest Calgary’s ring road), seamlessly connecting residents to the rest of the city.

Pine Creek

Nestled gracefully alongside the serene Pine Creek Valley, this community emphasizes natural beauty and an outdoor-centric lifestyle. Pine Creek offers stunning views, extensive pathways that directly connect to the natural environment, and a remarkably tranquil atmosphere. It’s a newer community that perfectly blends contemporary homes with the peace of nature, appealing to those who seek an active yet serene living experience. Residents enjoy easy access to Fish Creek Park, as well as amenities in the nearby communities of Silverado and Shawnessy

Sirocco at Pine Creek

Part of the larger Pine Creek area, Sirocco is a master-planned community where the Rocky Mountain foothills blend seamlessly with beautifully landscaped areas. This elevated community features a ridge overlooking the Sirocco Golf Club, offering stunning views of the course and the surrounding mountains. It’s laced with over 5 km of pathways that connect the community’s homes to four parks and a tranquil pond. Sirocco offers elegant homes designed for exploration and growth, providing easy access to amenities in Silverado and Shawnessy, as well as attractions like Spruce Meadows and Granary Road.

Creek View

Nestled in Southwest Calgary, Creek View is a newer neighbourhood that’s located just south of Pine Creek, Belmont, and Sirocco, featuring picturesque green spaces and multi-use pathways with convenient access to urban amenities. Over 25% of the community is dedicated to an environmental reserve, making nature a core part of daily life. Residents can enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, as well as diverse housing options such as single-family homes, duplexes, and laned homes, many of which feature walk-out basements. 

West Springs

One of Calgary’s most coveted neighbourhoods, West Springs, is undergoing an expansion thanks to newly acquired land. New developments in the community include a small section of front-drive homes, as well as Trico’s West 83 townhomes. Nestled behind WinSport Canada Olympic Park, West Springs provides easy access to Kananaskis and the Rocky Mountains. Residents here enjoy numerous green spaces, playing fields, and playgrounds, with convenient access to amenities at West Springs Village and the extensive Westside Recreation Centre, which offers a variety of sports and leisure programs.

Wentworth Landing

Located within Southwest Calgary’s desirable community of Wentworth, Wentworth Landing offers luxury living with inspiring mountain views and a strong connection to nature. This neighbourhood is characterized by its treed environment and integration with natural reserve areas. It offers a diverse selection of home styles, ranging from spacious bungalow villas to executive and estate homes, featuring natural stone exteriors and generous homesite widths . Residents benefit from being in close proximity to amenities in Aspen Woods and West Springs, as well as quick access to some of Calgary’s major roadways for convenient travel throughout the city. 

Beyond these communities, the city’s southwest quadrant is rich with established neighbourhoods that offer their own unique charm, often boasting mature trees, larger lots, and a settled feel. These areas typically feature well-regarded schools, local retail, and essential services, ensuring residents enjoy comprehensive access to amenities. Some of these beloved, more established communities include Lakeview, Palliser, Haysboro, Oakridge, Evergreen, and Woodbine.

Amenities That Keep Convenience at Your Fingertips

Southwest Calgary provides more than just scenic beauty; it’s an exceptionally well-resourced part of the city with amenities that streamline daily life and enhance overall enjoyment for its residents. All essential services, from routine errands to premium experiences, are designed for convenience and quality. 

Healthcare

The Southwest quadrant benefits from excellent healthcare accessibility. While Rockyview General Hospital is a major facility located on the eastern edge of the southwest, serving as a critical regional hub, residents also have access to numerous specialized clinics and medical centres spread throughout the area. This hospital offers comprehensive services, including a fully equipped 24-hour emergency department, various specialty clinics, advanced diagnostic imaging, and surgical services. Its proximity ensures that residents have peace of mind, with world-class medical care available just minutes from their homes. 

Beyond Rockyview General Hospital, you’ll find an extensive network of medical clinics, family practices, pharmacies, and dental offices conveniently located across the area’s various communities. Additionally, residents will discover a diverse range of holistic and alternative care options, including massage therapists, chiropractors, and naturopathic clinics, ensuring support is always readily available. 

Shopping

Southwest Calgary proudly showcases an impressive array of shopping opportunities, genuinely catering to every need and desire you could imagine. From expansive retail power centres to charming local boutiques and upscale establishments, you’ll find it all in Southwest Calgary. 

Southcentre Mall

Conveniently situated along Macleod Trail at the border of the SW and SE quadrants, Southcentre Mall is one of the city’s premier indoor shopping centres. It houses a large selection of national and international stores, as well as designer name brands. Shops here include Winners, H&M, Lululemon, Decathlon, and Miniso. This mall also features a diverse food court and several inviting sit-down restaurants, such as Craft, Earls, and Milestones, making it a great destination for shopping and dining. 

Westhills Towne Centre/Signal Hill Centre

Located further west along Sarcee Trail, this truly massive outdoor shopping centre serves a large portion of the city’s southwest. This powerhouse is home to a wide variety of shops, services, entertainment, and restaurants, including major brands like Best Buy, Cineplex Odeon, Safeway, Winners, and Shopper’s Drug Mart.

Aspen Landing Shopping Centre

Nestled in the heart of West Calgary, Aspen Landing offers a more upscale, village-style shopping experience. It features boutique shops, specialty grocery stores, fine dining establishments, and professional services, providing a refined and convenient shopping destination for local residents. 

Macleod Trail Retail Corridor

This long stretch of Macleod Trail, particularly the section running through the southwest, is lined with countless big box stores, automotive dealerships, furniture stores, and a wide variety of restaurants, offering immense choice and convenience for almost any need. 

Education

Families considering a move to Southwest Calgary can breathe easy knowing the educational infrastructure is solid. This quadrant boasts a comprehensive selection of schools, ensuring quality education for children of all ages. 

Public Schools

The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) maintains a strong presence in Southwest Calgary, with numerous highly-regarded elementary, junior high, and  high schools. Established communities like Palliser, Haysboro, and Lakeview offer a variety of choices, while newer areas like Belmont and Yorkville are served by modern facilities such as Nellie McClung School (K-4) and Dr. Roberta Bondar School (K-9). The CBE provides various programs, including French Immersion, Montessori, Traditional Learning Centres, and other specialized programs, ensuring diverse choices for parents.

Catholic Schools

The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) also has a significant footprint in Southwest Calgary, offering faith-based education for students from kindergarten through grade 12. Many communities here are serve by Catholic schools, with busing often available for those who don’t live within walking distance.

Private & Charter Schools

For families seeking specific educational philosophies or specialized education for their children, Southwest Calgary is particularly rich in private and charter school options. Institutions like Rundle College, Calgary Academy, and Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (just south of the city) are highly respected choices providing alternative educational pathways. This quadrant offers some of the city’s most prestigious private schooling opportunities. 

Post-Secondary Education

Southwest Calgary is home to Mount Royal University, a comprehensive teaching university offering a wide array of undergraduate programs. Additionally, other major institutions like the University of Calgary and SAIT Polytechnic are easily accessible via public transportation and major roadways.

The Daily Commute

Navigating Calgary from the southwest is convenient thanks to a well-developed transportation infrastructure. This means you’ll spend less time stuck in traffic and more time doing what you love. 

Major Roadways

The city’s Southwest is well-connected by several arterial roads. Crowchild Trail offers direct access to the downtown core and other northern areas. Sarcee Trail and Stoney Trail, the city’s ever-evolving ring road, offer excellent connectivity to all quadrants of the city and beyond, including quick access to the majestic Rocky Mountains. Macleod Trail is another significant roadway, linking residents directly to downtown from the south. 

Calgary Transit

Calgary Transit, the city’s public transportation system, features an extensive network of bus routes that connect communities to major hubs and the CTrain system. The Red Line CTrain runs directly through the southwest, with numerous stations along Macleod Trail and in areas like Anderson and Southland, providing efficient access to downtown, SAIT, and the University of Calgary. 

Why Choose Southwest Calgary? 

Choosing to live in Calgary’s Southwest offers an array of exciting advantages:

• Elevated Lifestyle: Enjoy refined living in well-established or beautifully designed new communities, often with stunning mountain views.
• Outdoor Paradise: Direct access to vast green spaces like Fish Creek Provincial Park and recreational hubs like Glenmore Reservoir for endless outdoor activities.
• Exceptional Schools: Benefit from a wide selection of top-tier public, Catholic, and prestigious private schools.
• Comprehensive Amenities: Access major shopping centres, diverse dining experiences, and world-class healthcare facilities with ease.
• Superb Connectivity: Easy commutes to downtown, universities, and other city areas via major roadways and the efficient CTrain system.
• Diverse Housing: A wide range of options from luxury estates to modern townhomes, ensuring a fit for various preferences and budgets.

How Trico Homes Contributes to Southwest Calgary

At Trico Homes, our involvement in Southwest Calgary goes beyond constructing homes; we’re actively invested in nurturing the communities where we build and work. We recognize that choosing a location for your home is a huge decision, and we take immense pride in being a key contributor to Southwest Calgary’s evolution. Our dedication is to creating sustainable, welcoming environments where people can thrive. 

We build our homes in thoughtfully designed southwest communities such as Belmont, West Springs, and Pine Creek. In these areas, we ensure that every Trico Home integrates with the community, complementing its natural beauty and its continually expanding infrastructure. Our aim is to craft homes that truly enhance these qualities. Depending on the community, our homes typically include spacious single-family homes, stylish townhomes, and comfortable duplexes. We consistently prioritize quality craftsmanship, innovative designs, and energy efficiency to ensure your home is beautiful and built to last. 

As Western Canada’s only Certified B Corp homebuilder, our work is guided by a deep commitment to people and the planet. This core philosophy shapes every decision, from the sustainable materials we choose to the lasting positive impact we aim to deliver for our homeowners. We are honoured to contribute to Calgary’s southwest, laying strong foundations where families can flourish, neighbours can connect, and cherished memories can be built. 

Your Future Home Awaits

If the sophisticated lifestyle, stunning natural landscapes, and strong community feel of Southwest Calgary align with your vision of home, then your ideal lifestyle awaits you here. This quadrant offers a blend of natural splendour and urban convenience, making it a wonderful place to live. 

We invite you to experience the quality and care that goes into every Tricohome by visiting our showhomes in Southwest Calgary neighbourhoods like Belmont and Pine Creek. Come discover the perfect floorplan and community for your family, or contact us to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Southwest Calgary a desirable place to live? 

Calgary South West offers a highly desirable blend of natural beauty, established communities, and convenient access to urban amenities. Residents enjoy proximity to expansive parks like Fish Creek Provincial Park and recreational hubs like Glenmore Reservoir, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and water sports. The area is also home to reputable schools, diverse housing options, and a strong sense of community, making it an attractive choice for families and individuals alike.

What types of housing are available in Southwest Calgary? 

South West Calgary boasts a diverse range of housing options to suit various lifestyles and budgets. From modern condominiums and townhouses to spacious single-family homes and luxury estates, prospective homeowners can find properties that meet their specific needs. Communities like Belmont and Pine Creek offer contemporary designs, while more established neighbourhoods like Lakeview, Palliser, and Evergreen provide well-established settings with mature trees and a strong sense of community.

How is public transportation in Southwest Calgary? 

South West Calgary is exceptionally well-served by Calgary Transit, including several CTrain stations on the Red Line (along Macleod Trail) and an extensive network of bus routes that provide efficient access to downtown and other parts of the city. Major roadways such as Crowchild Trail, Sarcee Trail, and Stoney Trail also facilitate easy commuting by car, especially with convenient access to the Rocky Mountains.

What amenities are available in Southwest Calgary?

Residents of South West Calgary have access to a wide array of amenities that enhance daily living:

• Shopping Centers: Southcentre Mall, Westhills Towne Centre, Aspen Landing Shopping Centre, and Willow Park Village offer a vast variety of retail stores, restaurants, and services.
• Healthcare Facilities: The area is home to major hospitals like Rockyview General Hospital, ensuring comprehensive healthcare services.
• Recreational Facilities: Community centres, sports fields, fitness facilities, like the Southland Leisure Centre, and specialized venues like Spruce Meadows cater to active lifestyles.
• Educational Institutions: Mount Royal University provides higher education opportunities, while numerous public, Catholic, and prestigious private schools serve younger students across all communities.