inner-city Calgary Archives

TL;DR

Highland Park NW is a quiet yet vibrant community in Calgary that combines suburban charm with excellent access to the city’s amenities. From its rich history to its top-rated schools, proximity to shopping, and short commute to downtown Calgary, Highland Park offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

History and Community Overview

Nestled in Calgary’s Inner City, Highland Park NW is a well-established and sought-after community, located just minutes from downtown Calgary. This area has evolved from a quaint residential neighborhood into a thriving community with a rich history, modern amenities, and a peaceful atmosphere.

The community was established in the 1950s and has seen gradual development over the years, maintaining its welcoming and family-friendly environment. Highland Park is known for its proximity to major roads, including Centre Street, providing quick access to the core of Calgary while retaining a suburban feel.

A Venn diagram illustrating the essence of Highland Park NW, highlighting the balance between suburban community characteristics and urban proximity. The diagram shows two overlapping circles: one representing "Community Characteristics" with symbols of people and a heart, and the other representing "Urban Proximity" with icons of homes and a cityscape. The intersection emphasizes Highland Park’s unique combination of suburban feel and urban access.

The Charm of Highland Park

Highland Park offers a variety of housing options, from mid-century homes with character to modern infill properties that reflect the community’s growth. The neighborhood’s large lots, mature trees, and well-maintained gardens enhance its visual appeal, making it one of Calgary’s most picturesque communities.

Despite being located close to downtown, Highland Park remains relatively quiet, which makes it ideal for those who enjoy a peaceful living environment with easy access to city conveniences. The neighborhood is filled with green spaces, parks, and walking paths, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

A detailed flowchart showcasing the key features of Highland Park, including housing options such as mid-century homes and modern infill properties, large lots, mature trees, well-maintained gardens, and visual appeal. It also highlights the quiet atmosphere, proximity to downtown, and access to green spaces, parks, and walking paths in the neighborhood

Schools in the Area

Highland Park is home to several reputable schools, making it an ideal community for families. These schools are part of Calgary’s renowned public education system, offering quality education to children of all ages.

Elementary Schools:

Buchanan School | Calgary Board of Education: Located nearby in the Crescent Heights neighborhood, Buchanan School provides an excellent academic program for students in kindergarten through grade six.

High Schools:

James Fowler High School: Situated close to Highland Park, James Fowler is a large, well-regarded high school that serves students from Highland Park and surrounding communities. The school offers a wide range of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP), and has a reputation for academic excellence.
John Diefenbaker High School: Located in the neighboring area, John Diefenbaker High School is a highly rated school known for its diverse academic programs, including specialized offerings in the arts and sciences. It is a popular choice for high school students from Highland Park.

A 1960s-style high school building with mid-century modern architecture, featuring large windows, a flat roof, and brick accents. The front of the building is framed by wide concrete stairs leading up to the main entrance. The well-maintained lawn surrounds the building, and the modern design emphasizes clean lines and geometric shapes typical of the 1960s architectural style

Shopping and Amenities

Living in Highland Park offers convenient access to a variety of shops, restaurants, and amenities. One of the key attractions for residents is its proximity to the following:

North Hill Centre: Located just a short drive away, this shopping center offers a wide variety of stores, including groceries, fashion, electronics, and more. It also features a selection of cafes and eateries for casual dining.
Bridgeland: A trendy neighborhood just to the south of Highland Park, Bridgeland offers a selection of boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it an excellent place for leisurely strolls and dining out.
McKnight Village: For more shopping options, residents can head to McKnight Village, which features larger retail stores and a range of services.

Highland Park is also close to major commercial areas along 16th Avenue NW, providing residents with a diverse array of businesses, shops, and services.

Commuting and Transportation

Highland Park is perfectly positioned for those who work downtown or need quick access to other parts of Calgary. The community is centrally located, with a short commute to the downtown core—typically just a 10-minute drive. Public transit is easily accessible with bus routes running throughout the area, offering efficient connections to the downtown transit hub.

For commuters who prefer to bike, there are several cycling lanes and paths that connect Highland Park to the downtown area. The neighborhood’s central location ensures that getting around Calgary is convenient, whether by car, public transport, or bike.

A city street scene showing a cyclist riding in the designated bike lane while a bus travels in the opposite direction in the bus lane. The image captures a modern urban setting with tall buildings on either side, traffic lights with a green signal, and clear lanes for both the bus and bike, symbolizing urban transportation harmony

Parks and Green Spaces

Highland Park is home to several beautiful green spaces that add to the area’s charm. Notable parks in the area include:

Confederation Park: Just to the south of Highland Park, Confederation Park is one of Calgary’s most popular parks. It features a variety of walking paths, picnic areas, and green spaces, perfect for outdoor recreation. The park also includes a beautiful pond, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and nature walks.
Edgemont Ravine: Located to the west of Highland Park, Edgemont Ravine offers residents a peaceful retreat with walking trails, wildlife watching, and scenic views. It’s a great spot for nature lovers to explore the outdoors.

One of the standout features of Highland Park is its strong sense of community. Residents enjoy a quiet suburban lifestyle, but also appreciate the neighborhood’s sense of connection and community spirit. Highland Park hosts various community events throughout the year, including neighborhood block parties, holiday celebrations, and farmer’s markets.

There are also active community organizations and social clubs, ensuring that there’s always something happening in the area. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, joining a local sports team, or simply participating in neighborhood events, Highland Park is an inclusive and welcoming place to call home.

The Highland Park Community Association (HPCA) is a vital hub for the residents of Highland Park, located in Calgary’s northwest. Established to foster a sense of community and improve local life, the HPCA organizes a range of events, activities, and programs for all ages. From social events to volunteer opportunities, the association is deeply involved in maintaining and enhancing the neighborhood’s family-friendly atmosphere. Highland Park’s proximity to downtown, local parks, and excellent schools like Buchanan Elementary and James Fowler High School makes it an attractive community for residents. The HPCA provides a space for residents to engage with one another, contribute to community projects, and enjoy recreational opportunities right at their doorstep.

Highland Park NW Real Estate

The real estate market in Highland Park is diverse, with homes ranging from charming mid-century houses to modern infill developments. Because the area is close to downtown, homes in Highland Park tend to hold their value, and the neighborhood has seen consistent growth over the years. Whether you’re looking for a detached home with a large yard, a townhouse, or an investment property, Highland Park offers plenty of options for every buyer.

Highland Park NW Real Estate: link

Market Analysis: Real Estate Trends in Highland Park NW

Over the past year to December 2024, Highland Park NW real estate has witnessed steady demand for both single-family homes and more modern, infill properties. The market in this area continues to attract homebuyers, thanks to its combination of suburban charm and proximity to downtown Calgary.

From the data, homes in this neighborhood vary in style and size, but certain trends can be observed. For instance, single-family homes such as bungalows and two-story properties dominate the listings, with prices ranging from around $400,000 for smaller homes to upwards of $1.8 million for larger, more luxurious estates. For example, a notable sale at 107 40 Avenue NE reached $1.8 million, reflecting the area’s appeal for larger, high-end properties.

Homes in the $700,000 to $900,000 range are quite common, with sizes ranging from 1,800 to 2,400 square feet. These homes are typically well-maintained, offering spacious lots and often featuring updates like modern kitchens and additional living spaces. The recent sales demonstrate a healthy market with homes selling at an average of around $850,000, indicative of Highland Park’s balanced combination of desirable living conditions and accessibility to Calgary’s vibrant downtown core.

On the lower end, more affordable homes are still available in the $400,000 to $600,000 range, which offer solid value for first-time homebuyers looking for properties that can be customized or renovated to their taste. For example, you may find properties that are unrenovated and ready for upgrades.

As the year progresses into 2025, Highland Park is expected to maintain its appeal with steady home values, making it an excellent investment area for both long-term homeowners and potential buyers looking to capitalize on the neighborhood’s growing popularity.

A market analysis diagram for Highland Park NW real estate. The image shows a 2x2 matrix with categories based on size and price. The top-left square is labeled 'Spacious Family Home' (Large Size, Low Price), the top-right square is labeled 'Luxury Estate' (Large Size, High Price), the bottom-left square is labeled 'Affordable Starter Home' (Small Size, Low Price), and the bottom-right square is labeled 'Modern Infill Property' (Small Size, High Price). The graph provides a clear breakdown of various property types in the area

Why Choose Highland Park NW?

Highland Park’s unique combination of suburban charm and proximity to the city makes it a desirable location for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. With its rich history, excellent schools, convenient amenities, and peaceful environment, it offers a balanced lifestyle that many residents seek. Whether you’re looking to purchase your first home or your forever home, Highland Park offers the ideal setting for your next move.

For more information or to schedule a viewing of available homes in Highland Park, don’t hesitate to contact me. Let’s find your dream home in this fantastic Calgary neighborhood!