Living in Shawnessy, Calgary: Community Guide for Home Buyers

by George Brown

Quick answer: Shawnessy is an established community in south Calgary, first built in the early 1980s. Most homes are detached houses, and two Red Line CTrain stations are inside the community, which makes it a strong pick for commuters.

I'm George Brown, a Calgary REALTOR® with LPT Realty. Here's what buyers should know about Shawnessy.

What it's like to live in Shawnessy

Shawnessy sits west of Macleod Trail, between Shawnessy Boulevard on the north and 162 Avenue SW on the south. It's in Ward 13, and the Shawnessy Towne Centre shopping area is just to the east.

Day to day, it feels like a settled family neighbourhood. The Shawnessy Community Association runs The Barn community centre on Shawmeadows Road SW, there's an outdoor rink on Shawinigan Drive SW, and pathways and sidewalks connect the streets. Janet Johnstone School, Samuel W. Shaw School and Father Doucet School are all in the community.

Types of homes

About 81% of homes in Shawnessy are single-detached houses, based on the 2021 Census. Most were built between 1981 and 2000, so you'll see a lot of two-storey homes, bungalows and split-levels from that era.

There are also row townhomes and low-rise apartment-style condos, which give first-time buyers a way into the community.

Getting around

Shawnessy has two CTrain stations on the Red Line. Shawnessy station is on Shawville Boulevard SW, and Somerset-Bridlewood station on 6 Street SW is the south end of the line, with a large park and ride and a busy bus loop.

By car, Macleod Trail runs along the east side and connects south to Stoney Trail.

Who Shawnessy suits

Shawnessy suits families who want an established detached home with schools nearby, and commuters who want to take the CTrain downtown. Townhomes and condos also make it a fit for first-time buyers and downsizers who want to stay in south Calgary.

Buying tips for Shawnessy

Check the age of the home. Most homes date from the 1980s and 1990s. Ask about the roof, furnace, hot water tank and windows, and plan for updates.
Think about location within the community. Homes near the LRT line, Macleod Trail or the park and ride lots are handy but busier. Visit at rush hour.
Confirm school designations. Check which school serves the address with the Calgary Board of Education or Calgary Catholic School District before you firm up.

See homes for sale in Shawnessy

My Shawnessy homes for sale page shows every current listing, updated daily from the MLS®, plus live numbers on how many homes are for sale and the median asking price.

Browse current Shawnessy listings →

Thinking about buying or selling in Shawnessy?

I'm happy to walk you through the area, compare a few homes side by side, or tell you what your place could sell for. Call or text me at (403) 616-6309, or get a free home evaluation.