The CTrain is a light rail transit system in Calgary, and for city dwellers looking for a convenient place to call home, easy access to it can provide an excellent way to get around town. The CTrain boasts two lines—the red line and the blue line—which run throughout the city for a combined track length of nearly 60 kilometres. With stations from Dalhousie to Heritage and from Sirocco to Martindale, the CTrain makes Calgary infinitely more navigable. If you are looking to make the most of public transportation within Calgary, using the CTrain is a great way to go. Here are some neighbourhoods where you will be able to easily hop on and off the tram. 

Beltline

The hip and trendy Beltline district in Calgary is one of the hippest places to live within the city. Many of its original warehouses still remain, some of which have been turned into chic urban living spaces – but overall, the character of this area has made it an enviable location within Calgary. The Beltline is well known for its cool boutiques, which peddle vintage fashion, retro furniture, vinyl records, and other uncommon goods. Looking for a bite to eat? Check out renowned taco joints, farm-to-table kitchens, and Korean eateries alike – and then head out to enjoy some of the best nightlife in Calgary in the Beltline’s numerous breweries, pubs, and live music venues. Even with all of these urban conveniences, the Beltline offers widespread green space, including the lush gardens of Central Memorial Park and even nearby Stampede Park, where you can catch a glimpse of the annual Calgary Stampede rodeo. Nestled in the heart of downtown, the Beltline is easily accessible on the CTrain, and is even conveniently situated in the light rail’s fare-free zone. Score! If you are looking to make Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood your home, you will see a wide range of prices, starting at about $200K for a modest apartment and reaching up to $13M for the area’s highest-priced standalone homes. 

University District

Offering a bold, new vision for Calgary’s northwest region, the city’s University District combines urban convenience with suburban quiet and relaxation. With many new construction developments mingling with historical, quaint buildings, the University District’s character is unmatched and unique within this sprawling city. You will find residential, commercial, and retail areas in the University District, which has been nicknamed “U/D.” Dining and entertainment abound here, and city planners have made an effort to expand and revitalise local parks that highlight the best of Calgary’s natural scenery. This neighbourhood exudes intentionality with every breath – find all of the vibrant social scene you are looking for at U/D’s night market, break a sweat at a boutique fitness studio, or enjoy brunch with friends at one of the main drag’s posh new eateries. And the best part? It’s easy to travel from the University District into downtown, as Calgary’s CTrain stops right in the midst of this neighbourhood with its red line “University” stop. Looking to make your home in the University District? With options including condos, townhomes, and rental apartments, purchase prices range from about $300K to $1.7M. 

Somerset

On the tail end of the CTrain’s red line, you will find a stop called Somerset-Bridlewood. There, the neighbourhood of Somerset stands out as a hidden gem in Calgary’s southwest quadrant. This community is widely respected as a safe, quiet neighbourhood with excellent public education and many nearby parks and recreation opportunities. Located enviably close to Stoney Trail and Macleod Trail, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up Calgary’s scenic natural beauty in Somerset. Within the community itself, you will find well-kept parks with splash pads, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, and sports complexes. Most homes here were built in the late 1990s, though many have since received remodelling that introduced upscale features and finishes into these attractive homes. The majority of the homes in Somerset are two-story, single-family residences. To purchase a home in Somerset, Calgary, you can expect prices starting around $260K and reaching up to the $900,000s. 

Marlborough

A largely residential neighbourhood in the northeast quadrant of Calgary, Marlborough offers lots to love. A quaint, small community with tight-knit ties to neighbours and friends, Marlborough often feels like a blast from the past – the main street has countless retro shops, adorable cafés, and boutique shopping options you will not find anywhere else. But don’t worry, there are countless name-brand, big-box stores nearby as well. Marlborough Mall is the major shopping hub in the neighbourhood and contains offerings like Walmart, Safeway, and Home Depot as well as other shops, services, and restaurants. In addition to its easy access to major thoroughfares like Highway 1, Marlborough is accessible via the CTrain. Take the blue line toward Saddletowne, and you will find Marlborough about six stops from the end of the line. Calgary’s northeast area has recently undergone much revitalization, and offers a safe and quiet place for residents of all ages with comparatively affordable home pricing that still provides easy access to the downtown core. If you are looking to purchase a home in Marlborough, prices start around $380K and can go up to the mid-$600,000s. 

Dalhousie

Nestled in the northwest area of Calgary, Dalhousie is a desirable neighbourhood that was established in the late 1960s. With an active community association and a tight-knit feel, there is always something fun happening in Dalhousie. From the renowned farmers’ market to the accessible nature trails (Crowchild Trail to the south, Shaganappi Trail to the east, and Sarcee Trail to the west), outdoors enthusiasts and shopping buffs alike will find themselves at home in Dalhousie. Best of all, the CTrain provides easy access to the downtown core. You will find the Dalhousie station on the red line, two stops from the end of the line at Tuscany. Despite the neighbourhood’s 1960s roots, many homes have been updated and the area is considered quaint and comfortable. If you are considering purchasing a home in Dalhousie, the average price of a single-family home is around $500K, while condos average about half of that price. 

Benefits of Buying a Calgary Home Near the CTrain

Convenient Commute: One of the main advantages of living near the CTrain is the convenience it offers for daily commutes. Whether you work in downtown Calgary or other business districts, the CTrain provides a hassle-free and time-efficient mode of transportation. Say goodbye to long hours stuck in traffic and the stress of finding parking spaces. Simply hop on the CTrain and reach your destination quickly and comfortably.

Cost Savings: Living near the CTrain can lead to significant cost savings over time. By relying on public transportation, you can save on fuel, vehicle maintenance, and parking fees. Additionally, many employers offer transit subsidies for employees who use public transportation, further reducing your commuting costs. These savings can make a substantial difference in your monthly budget, allowing you to allocate funds to other important areas such as savings or leisure activities.

Environmental Benefits: Choosing to live near the CTrain and utilizing public transportation contributes to a reduction in your carbon footprint. Public transit systems like the CTrain help decrease the number of vehicles on the road, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality. By opting for an eco-friendly mode of transportation, you play a part in preserving Calgary's natural beauty and promoting sustainability.

Enhanced Lifestyle Amenities: Proximity to the CTrain means easy access to a plethora of lifestyle amenities and attractions. Whether you're looking to explore Calgary’s bustling downtown, visit shopping centers, dine at top-rated restaurants, or enjoy cultural events, the CTrain can take you there. This accessibility enhances your overall quality of life, making it convenient to indulge in recreational activities and enjoy the city's vibrant social scene.

Increased Property Value: Investing in a home near the CTrain can be a smart financial decision. Properties located close to public transit systems often experience higher demand and appreciation in value over time. Potential buyers and renters recognize the benefits of convenient public transportation, making such properties more attractive in the real estate market. This increased demand can lead to better returns on your investment in the long run.

Community Engagement: Living near the CTrain fosters a sense of community engagement. Public transit hubs often become gathering points for local residents, creating opportunities for social interactions and building connections with neighbors. Additionally, the convenience of public transportation encourages residents to explore different parts of the city, fostering a greater sense of belonging and connection to Calgary’s diverse neighborhoods.