Article Summary
Calgary’s real estate landscape is being transformed by population growth, a tightening rental market, and economic recovery. This has led to increased demand and higher importance of strategic neighborhood selection. In late 2024, apartment vacancy dropped to 4.6%, driving average rents up, while CREB’s 2025 outlook forecasts around 26,000 home sales, about 20% above long-term norms, with price growth near 3% annually. To help investors identify communities with rental stability and capital appreciation, Jesse Davies, leader of the Jesse Davies Team with Century 21, shared his top five Calgary neighborhood picks for investment.
What This Means for You
- Be aware of Calgary’s positive real estate outlook and the growing demand for strategic neighborhood selection.
- Explore the top five neighborhoods (Bridgeland, Killarney-Glengarry, Brentwood, Mahogany, and Tuscany) with potential for rental stability and capital appreciation.
- Consider the unique characteristics, rental market, and investment strategies of each neighborhood to make informed decisions based on your objectives.
- Stay updated on key terms and concepts to optimize your investment approach in Calgary’s real estate market.
Original Post
Calgary’s real estate landscape is being reshaped by sustained population growth, a tightening rental market, and renewed economic momentum. These factors both fuel demand and elevate the importance of strategic neighborhood selection. In late 2024, apartment vacancy dipped to just 4.6%, driving average rents upward, while CREB’s 2025 outlook forecasts roughly 26,000 home sales, about 20% above long-term norms, with price growth near 3% annually.
Given this positive outlook, Jesse Davies, leader of the Jesse Davies Team with Century 21, shared his top five Calgary neighborhood picks for investment.
1. Bridgeland
Bridgeland (Riverside) is an inner-city NE community immediately adjacent to downtown. It is a mature neighborhood of low-rise apartments, townhomes, and older detached houses. In the past year, Bridgeland’s median home sold price (all housing types) was about $462,000.
Future Prospects
Limited new supply and ongoing infill mean Bridgeland remains in high demand. Redevelopment and streetscape improvements enhance long-term value, making it appealing for both character and new housing supply.
Proximity to downtown and a fixed urban grid indicate Bridgeland should continue to outpace older suburbs in appreciation.
Rental Market
Rents in Bridgeland are among the highest in Calgary’s core. The median rent in Bridgeland is about $2,140 per month for all unit types.
Davies notes, “Many investors value Bridgeland for its consistent tenant base and capital stability. Bridgeland’s location makes rental demand consistently high. It has a C-Train station, quick downtown access, and is surrounded by eateries, shops, and parks.”
Investment Strategy
Investors in Bridgeland often target low-rise condo apartments and townhomes, capturing high rent per unit or renovating under-valued houses on large lots.
Since inventory is limited, buying move-in condition units for cash flow is common, and capital growth and stable occupancy make Bridgeland attractive for long-term hold.
2. Killarney-Glengarry
Killarney-Glengarry is a mature SW inner-city community west of Downtown Calgary. It features a mix of bungalows, laned houses, and many low-rise condos.
Future Prospects
Long-term, Killarney benefits from planned city investment, including the Stage 3 LRT extension and the Killarney/Glengarry Area Redevelopment Plan, which support moderate price growth.
Rental Market
Rental rates in Killarney are relatively lower than the property sale prices might suggest. The median rent across all unit types is about $1,853.
Killarney’s central location, minutes from downtown and the banks of the Elbow River, along with excellent transit and amenities, means tenant demand remains strong. Investors here accept tight cash flow in exchange for solid capital growth prospects.
3. Brentwood
Brentwood is a well-established NW Calgary neighborhood bordering the University of Calgary and the Alberta Children’s Hospital. It is a mix of older detached homes, townhomes, and newer condos.
Future Prospects
Brentwood is undergoing gradual densification, with major redevelopment planned around Brentwood Station and future transit improvements likely. CREB forecasts faster price growth in more affordable segments, and Brentwood’s balanced mix could benefit from this trend.
Rental Market
Rents in Brentwood are strong, and the median rent is about $2,232 per month.
Brentwood’s proximity to the University of Calgary and SAIT, plus major hospitals, makes it a renters’ hot spot, with steady demand from students, faculty, medical staff, and families.
4. Mahogany
Mahogany is a master-planned lake community in SE Calgary, built since 2007. It consists mainly of newer single-family homes, townhouses, and condos around a large man-made lake.
Future Prospects
Mahogany still has undeveloped parcels, which will bring more homes, schools, commercial areas, and pathways, increasing the community’s self-sufficiency. Being a prestigious lakeside suburb, Mahogany is expected to see steady appreciation as Calgary’s population grows into the periphery.
5. Tuscany
Tuscany is a large NW Calgary suburb on the city’s outskirts, near Crowchild Trail and the Rocky Mountains. It offers a mix of detached homes, duplexes, and some townhomes.
Future Prospects
Tuscany’s age means mature infrastructure, but also limited further densification. The most significant future development is likely small infill projects. However, the LRT link and continued population growth in NW Calgary support steady values.
| Neighborhood | Median Home Price (2025) | Median Rent (per month) | Transit/Location Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeland | $462K | $2,140 | Inner-city; C-Train (Blue Line); walkable to downtown and shops. |
| Killarney- Glengarry | $768K | $1,853 | Inner SW; near Westbrook Mall & LRT; affluent suburban feel. |
| Brentwood | $587K | $2,232 | NW core; adjacent to UofC, hospitals; C-Train access. |
| Mahogany | $688K | $2,025 | SE waterfront community; family-oriented; growing amenities. |
| Tuscany | $684K | $2,106 | Outer NW; LRT station; suburban with strong schools and parks. |
As a top Calgary investment realtor, Davies combines a deep understanding of each community’s nuances with a proven track record of matching investors to the properties best aligned with their objectives. He leverages comprehensive market intelligence and tailored investment strategies for every client, to ensure that they secure the right properties to expand their portfolios and achieve their long-term investment goals.
Key Terms
- Investment Real Estate
- Capital Appreciation
- Rental Stability
- Strategic Neighborhood Selection
- Inner-City Calgary Neighborhoods
- Suburban Calgary Neighborhoods
- Calgary Real Estate Outlook
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