Living in Varsity, Calgary: Community Guide for Home Buyers

by George Brown

Quick answer: Varsity is an established northwest Calgary community next to the University of Calgary. It has a mix of 1960s and 1970s detached homes, townhomes and condos, with Market Mall inside the community and the Brentwood CTrain station on its edge.

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

What it's like to live in Varsity

Varsity is bounded by Crowchild Trail on the north and east, the Bow River on the west and 32 Avenue NW on the south, where it meets the University of Calgary. It was developed in the 1960s and early 1970s, and about 12,000 people lived here in the 2021 Census.

Day to day, a lot is close by. Market Mall is in the community, the university is next door, and Varsity Estates sits next to Bowmont Natural Park. Schools include F. E. Osborne School, Marion Carson School, Varsity Acres School and St. Vincent de Paul School.

Types of homes

About 45% of homes are detached houses, many of them bungalows and two-storey homes that have been updated or rebuilt. Apartment-style condos make up close to four in ten homes, and townhomes add more choice.

Getting around

Brentwood CTrain station on the Red Line sits in the middle of Crowchild Trail, with Varsity on its south side. Crowchild Trail gives a direct drive to downtown.

Who Varsity suits

Varsity suits families who want schools, shopping and parks nearby, and people who work or study at the university. Condos and townhomes make it a good option for first-time buyers, downsizers and investors.

Buying tips for Varsity

Plan for updates. Most homes in Varsity were built between 1961 and 1980. Ask about the roof, windows, furnace, electrical and any past renovations, and budget for work that may be coming.
Read the condo documents. Varsity has many condos. Review the reserve fund study, board minutes and fee history, and confirm the rules on rentals and pets.
Think about location in the community. Varsity is large. Homes near Market Mall, Crowchild Trail or the university can be busier, while streets closer to the river are quieter. Visit at different times of day.

See homes for sale in Varsity

My Varsity 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 Varsity listings →

Thinking about buying or selling in Varsity?

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.