Living in South Calgary, Calgary: Community Guide for Home Buyers

by George Brown

Quick answer: South Calgary is an inner-city community in southwest Calgary, next to Marda Loop. About half the homes are low-rise condos, mixed with older houses and newer semi-detached homes, and Crowchild Trail runs along its west side.

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

What it's like to live in South Calgary

South Calgary runs from 26 Avenue SW south to 34 Avenue SW, between Crowchild Trail and 14 Street SW. It was first subdivided as a residential district in 1906, and streetcars reached the area in 1912.

Day to day, life here centres on Marda Loop. The shopping area along 33 and 34 Avenues SW is shared with Altadore, and the name comes from the old Marda Theatre. The community hall on 16 Street SW has an outdoor pool, tennis courts, rinks and a playground. The old sandstone King Edward School on 29 Avenue SW is now an arts centre.

Types of homes

About half the homes are in low-rise apartment buildings. The rest is a mix of detached homes, semi-detached homes, row houses and duplex units. Some houses date from 1960 or earlier, and nearly half of all homes were built in 2001 or later, so you can compare older homes with much newer ones on the same street.

Getting around

Crowchild Trail runs along the west side and 14 Street SW along the east. The City's West Elbow Communities Local Area Plan names 33 Avenue SW and 14 Street SW as main streets, and lists a 33 Avenue SW BRT station in the area.

Who South Calgary suits

South Calgary suits people who want to walk to shops and restaurants in Marda Loop while living in an established inner-city area. Condos are a good fit for first-time buyers and downsizers, and semi-detached and detached homes work for families.

Buying tips for South Calgary

Compare old and new. Older houses sit next to newer semi-detached homes and condos. Compare age, updates and lot size, not just finishes.
Read the condo documents. Review the reserve fund study, recent board minutes and bylaws on rentals and pets before you firm up an offer.
Ask what's planned nearby. The West Elbow plan supports more housing and mixed-use buildings along main streets. Check what could be built near the home you like.

See homes for sale in South Calgary

My South Calgary 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 South Calgary listings →

Thinking about buying or selling in South Calgary?

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.