moving to calgary

Why Brentwood NW Calgary Is One of the BEST Communities for Families

TL;DR: Brentwood NW in Calgary offers top-tier schools, mature parks, direct LRT access, and family-friendly homes on large lots. With excellent transit, low crime, and real estate that’s outperforming much of the Calgary real estate market, it’s one of the best places to raise a family in Calgary.


Is Brentwood a Good Community for Families?

Absolutely. Brentwood isn’t just another NW Calgary neighborhood — it’s one of the most desirable, family-oriented, and established communities in the entire Calgary real estate market. Whether you’re upsizing, relocating from another city, or investing in a long-term family home, Brentwood delivers a rare blend of lifestyle, location, and value. Brentwood NW Calgary for Families is the play for sure!

👉 Watch Now:


Why Families Love Brentwood NW in Calgary

1. Top-Rated Schools in Calgary NW

Brentwood is home to some of the most respected schools in the Calgary Board of Education. With Captain John Palliser Elementary, Simon Fraser School, and Sir Winston Churchill High School, parents have access to strong academic programming, French immersion, and Advanced Placement options. If you’re relocating to Calgary with kids, this is a major reason Brentwood should be on your shortlist.

2. Access to Nose Hill Park & Green Space

Not every community in the Calgary NW real estate market offers walkable access to Nose Hill Park. Brentwood does. Imagine being able to hike, bike, snowshoe, or picnic in one of the largest urban parks in North America — just minutes from your front door.

The community itself is filled with tree-lined streets, playgrounds, and mature landscaping. It’s ideal for growing families who value time outdoors.

3. Homes with Room to Grow

The homes in Brentwood were built to last. Many feature larger-than-average lots, detached garages, and basements with separate entrances — giving you future flexibility for rental suites or multi-generational living.

Updated bungalows, two-storeys, and even original mid-century builds can be found here. And compared to inner-city infills, Brentwood’s detached homes offer far more square footage for your dollar.

4. Incredible Commute Options

Brentwood has its own LRT station. That means parents can get downtown in 15 minutes, and students at the University of Calgary can walk, bike, or take a one-stop train ride to class.

Few family neighborhoods in Calgary offer this kind of direct, car-optional commuting. It’s a massive advantage for busy professionals and post-secondary families alike.

5. A Safe, Established, Tight-Knit Community

Crime rates in Brentwood remain low. Long-term residents, block parties, and a strong community association contribute to the area’s strong family appeal.

You’ll see kids biking to school, neighbors chatting on porches, and families out for evening walks. Brentwood has that “village in the city” feel that parents love.


How Brentwood Ranks in the Calgary Real Estate Market

Brentwood consistently ranks among Calgary’s top neighborhoods for livability, transit, and access to schools. But it also performs well in terms of real estate appreciation.

Detached homes in Brentwood typically range from $700,000 to $1,500,000, depending on condition and lot size. While some might view that as a premium, the long-term value in this area is undeniable. Renovated homes in Brentwood often outperform nearby neighborhoods like Varsity or Charleswood due to the combination of location and lot size.

Brentwood is one of the few communities where you get:

  • Long-term growth potential
  • Transit-connected infrastructure
  • Calgary NW charm with central-city convenience

If you’re buying in 2025, this community should be on your radar.

Split view of Nose Hill Park and Calgary CTrain station – highlighting Calgary lifestyle with Jay Schultz, Calgary NW Realtor

Brentwood NW Calgary for Families vs Other NW Communities

In my 3 Best NW Communities for Families video above, I highlight how Brentwood stacks up alongside:

  • Tuscany: Great schools and amenities, but less central
  • Edgemont: Scenic ravines and larger homes, but limited transit

Only Brentwood offers best LRT access, proximity to the U of C, walkability to Market Mall, and a 15-minute downtown commute.

If you’re a professional family or have university-aged kids, it’s a hard combination to beat.


FAQ: Is Brentwood Worth the Price?

Yes, and here’s why:
While Brentwood’s homes are priced higher than some newer suburban communities, you’re buying into long-term value. You’re not just paying for a home—you’re investing in a community with:

  • One of Calgary’s best school zones
  • Some of the city’s largest lots
  • Proven resale value and demand
  • Central NW location with real commuter flexibility

Compared to similarly priced neighborhoods, Brentwood continues to attract buyers who prioritize lifestyle, walkability, and education.


Final Thoughts: Brentwood NW Is Built for Families

If you’re looking for family-friendly homes in Calgary NW, Brentwood checks every box: schools, safety, green space, community spirit, and real estate value. It’s an ideal location whether you’re relocating to Calgary, upgrading your current home, or looking for a long-term investment in a top-tier neighborhood.

Happy family standing in front of their Calgary NW home – helping families find the perfect home with Jay Schultz, Calgary Realtor.

✅ Ready to Explore Brentwood Homes?

If you’re a family exploring Calgary NW real estate, let me help you find a home that fits your needs and your future. I’m Jay Schultz, a Calgary Realtor, and I specialize in NW Calgary communities like Brentwood, Varsity, Tuscany, and Edgemont. Brentwood NW Calgary for Families is the way to go!

📍 Book your free Neighborhood Game Plan Call to explore your Brentwood options today.

Want a breakdown of current home prices in NW Calgary? Check out my latest Calgary real estate market update for 2025.


Selling Homes, Building Relationships

5 Things You’ll Regret NOT Knowing Before Moving to Calgary

Thinking about moving to Calgary? It’s an incredible city with a lot to offer, but if you don’t do your homework first, you might find yourself saying “I wish someone told me that before I moved!”

Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or affordability, there are a few things that catch newcomers off guard—and not knowing these can cost you time, money, or your sanity. Let’s fix that.

TL;DR: Thinking about moving to Calgary? These 5 often-overlooked factors—from weather to commute—can surprise even the most prepared newcomers.

🎥 Watch the video: “5 Things You’ll Regret NOT Knowing Before Moving to Calgary”


1. Our Weather is Wild (Even for Canadians)

Yes, it gets cold. Yes, we have snow. But Calgary’s weather is unpredictable even by Canadian standards. One minute you’re bundled up, the next a Chinook rolls in and melts everything.

  • Chinooks can raise the temperature by 20°C in a single day.
  • The sun is strong here year-round—yes, even in winter.
  • You’ll need sunscreen and a shovel most months.

If you’re not ready for four seasons in one week, Calgary weather might throw you off.


2. The Cost of Living Isn’t What It Used to Be

Calgary was once the affordable escape from Vancouver or Toronto—but things are changing fast.

  • Home prices have jumped. Detached homes average over $700K in many areas.
  • Rentals under $2,000/month are getting harder to find.
  • Property taxes are relatively low, but insurance and utilities add up.

If you’re moving here for “cheap housing,” make sure you’ve updated your info for 2025.


3. Our City is Massive—Know Where You Want to Live

Calgary is divided into four quadrants (NW, NE, SW, SE), and getting from one side to the other isn’t quick.

  • NW is close to the university and full of family-friendly communities.
  • SW offers beautiful views, easy mountain access, and high-end homes.
  • SE is booming with newer communities and infrastructure.

Choose wisely, because a poorly planned location could turn your commute into a daily nightmare.


4. Public Transit Works… But It’s Not for Everyone

The C-Train is decent, and buses are reliable—but this is still a car city for most people.

  • The C-Train is free in the downtown core.
  • No direct train to the airport.
  • Winters can make waiting for a bus feel like survival training.

If you don’t plan to live and work in the city core, you’ll probably need a car.


5. The Job Market is Booming… But It’s Who You Know

Calgary is no longer just oil and gas. Tech, healthcare, education, and trades are all growing. But landing the right job here still often comes down to networking.

  • LinkedIn is your friend.
  • Local Facebook groups and referrals go a long way.
  • Expect at least 30–60 days of active job hunting.

Start applying before you arrive and be ready to hustle a bit.


Frequently Asked:

Is Calgary a good place to live in 2025?

Yes. With no PST, access to the Rockies, clean air, and a growing job market, Calgary is one of the most livable cities in Canada. Just don’t underestimate the weather, cost of living, or the importance of choosing the right neighborhood.


Final Thoughts

Moving to Calgary can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make—but it’s not without surprises. Knowing what to expect gives you the upper hand.

If you’re thinking about relocating, send me a DM with “MOVE” on Instagram @jay_schultz and I’ll send you my free relocation checklist.

And don’t forget—watch the full video at the top of this blog for even more tips and Calgary insight.


Ready to Learn More about Life in Calgary?

👉 Thinking about moving to Calgary?


Explore homes, get expert advice, and book a relocation consult at: https://jayschultz.14741.wl.simvoly.com/




A realtor in calgary named Jay Schultz. He is skilled in helping sellers and buyers relocate to Calgary NW and other areas of the city.

Selling Homes, Building Relationships

Calgary Cost of Living 2025: Is It Still Affordable to Live Here?

TL;DR: Calgary’s cost of living in 2025 has increased, but it remains more affordable than cities like Toronto or Vancouver. Expect to budget for higher housing costs, rising rent, growing utility bills, and pricier entertainment. However, Calgary’s lack of provincial sales tax and access to lower-cost suburban communities keeps it competitive for families, professionals, and newcomers.


Is Calgary still affordable in 2025?
With housing prices up and rental rates climbing, many buyers and renters are asking this exact question. In this post, we break down the real costs of living in Calgary, from buying a home to getting a beer at Stampede.

Cowgirl in a cowboy hat drinking beer at the Calgary Stampede, representing Calgary cost of living and local entertainment in 2025.

Calgary Housing Costs in 2025

The biggest piece of the puzzle is housing. In February 2025, Calgary’s average benchmark prices hit:

For buyers, this means Calgary is still far more affordable than major Canadian cities, but it’s not immune to price increases.

Rental Prices in Calgary

For those not ready to buy, rental costs are up too:

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,728/month
  • 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,158/month
  • Detached Rental Home (top floor): $2,112/month

Tip: Look for rentals with heat and water included—utilities can add $100+ monthly.

Calgary Property Taxes

Calgary’s 2025 property tax rate is 0.0064861. That means you’ll pay:

  • $1,621/year on a $250K home
  • $3,243/year on a $500K home
  • $4,865/year on a $750K home
  • $6,486/year on a $1M home

Compared to other provinces, Alberta’s no PST policy keeps overall taxes lower.


Entertainment: What Does Fun Cost in Calgary?

Whether you like concerts or corn dogs, fun comes at a price.

  • Movie tickets: $14–18 (up to $22 for premium)
  • Stampede admission: $23 per adult
  • Beer at the grounds: $10–13
  • Saddledome events: $60–300+ depending on seats
  • Grey Eagle concerts: $40–80 for tribute bands, comedians, or retro acts

Free events and local festivals still offer budget-friendly options!

Utilities & Internet

For a family of four, expect monthly costs like:

  • Electricity & Heat: $150–250
  • Water & Sewer: $100–130
  • Internet/Phone: $120–150
  • Waste Collection: $25 (city fee)

Pro tip: Smart thermostats can save money during Calgary’s long winters.


Is Calgary Still Affordable in 2025?

That depends on your lifestyle. Calgary offers a strong mix of city amenities, accessible suburbs, and no PST—but buyers and renters need to budget smarter than ever.

If you’re considering a move or want to explore Calgary MLS listings, reach out and I’ll help you run the numbers.


Looking to buy or sell in Calgary?
Let’s connect. I can help you navigate this market with confidence.

Reach out if you are looking at buying, selling or want to chat real estate: www.jayschultz.ca/about

→ Watch the full video here:

Calgary vs. Edmonton, Toronto & Vancouver: Where’s the Best Place to Buy in 2025?

TL;DR – Looking to buy real estate in Canada but can’t decide between Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, or Vancouver? We break down housing affordability, rental prices, weather, sports rivalries, and cost of living to determine which city is the best place to buy a home in 2025. Spoiler alert: One city stands out! Keep reading for the details.
 A YouTube thumbnail comparing real estate in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver for 2025. The image features Jay Schultz in the center with a puzzled expression, shrugging while wearing glasses and a grey hoodie. The left side shows a black-and-white sketch of Toronto’s skyline with a large red dollar sign, while the right side highlights Calgary’s skyline with a checkmark inside a green circle. The bold yellow text reads “Best Place” with “To buy?” in a white, slanted font underneath. The background is split diagonally with Toronto in blue and Calgary in pink, emphasizing the contrast between the two cities.

Where’s the Best Place to Buy a Home in Canada?

The real estate market in Canada is constantly changing, but if you’re looking for the best combination of affordability, lifestyle, and investment potential, some cities are better than others. Today, we’re comparing Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Vancouver to see which one takes the top spot for homebuyers in 2025.

Let’s break it down:


🏡 Housing Affordability – Where Can You Actually Buy a Home?

Let’s start with the big one: home prices.

CityAverage Home Price (2025)
Vancouver$1.8M+
Toronto$1.4M+
Calgary$600K
Edmonton$450K

Vancouver and Toronto continue to have sky-high real estate prices, making homeownership out of reach for many buyers. A detached home in these cities will cost well over $1 million, while Calgary offers similar housing options for a fraction of the price.

👉 Winner: Calgary – Affordable, with strong growth potential.


💰 Rental Prices – Where’s the Cheapest Place to Rent?

If you’re renting before buying, this is important.

  • Toronto: A 1-bedroom condo averages $2,800/month 🤯
  • Vancouver: A similar unit costs around $2,700/month
  • Calgary: A 2-bedroom condo rents for $2,100/month
  • Edmonton: $1,600/month (cheapest, but fewer job opportunities)

👉 Winner: Edmonton for price, Calgary for best value.


🌞 Weather – The Battle of Sun, Snow & Rain

Canada has some wild weather, but each city has its own climate struggles:

  • Calgary: Chinooks bring random warm spells in winter. 300+ sunny days a year ☀️
  • Edmonton: Colder, darker winters ❄️
  • Toronto: Hot, humid summers and harsh winter ice storms 🧊
  • Vancouver: Rain. Rain. More rain. 🌧️

👉 Winner: Calgary – Sunny and mild winters thanks to Chinooks.


🔥 Sports Rivalries – Where’s the Most Passion?

  • Calgary vs. Edmonton: The Battle of Alberta is legendary 🏒 Flames vs. Oilers is the rivalry.
  • Toronto: The Leafs’ eternal playoff struggle is… entertaining? 🤷‍♂️
  • Vancouver: Canucks fans are still recovering from past heartbreaks.

👉 Winner: Calgary vs. Edmonton for the best rivalry.


💵 Cost of Living – Who’s not broke?

Living in Canada is expensive, but some cities make your money go further:

CityCost of Living Ranking
TorontoHighest – Everything costs more. 🍎❌
VancouverExpensive groceries, rent, and gas. ⛽
CalgaryLower taxes, affordable homes, and cheap gas. ✅
EdmontonAffordable but fewer opportunities. ⚠️

👉 Winner: Calgary – Best balance of affordability and lifestyle.


🏆 FINAL VERDICT: Calgary Wins for 2025!

When you factor in affordability, rental prices, cost of living, weather, and lifestyle, Calgary comes out on top as the best place to buy real estate in 2025.

Thinking of moving to Calgary? Watch my full video here: https://youtu.be/bV9hUeK8_qQ


FAQ – Buying a Home in Calgary

Is Calgary real estate a good investment in 2025?

Yes! Calgary has affordable home prices, a growing economy, and no provincial sales tax, making it a great place to buy.

Is Edmonton cheaper than Calgary?

Yes, but Calgary has better long-term growth and more job opportunities.

Is Toronto or Vancouver better for real estate?

They are strong markets, but extremely expensive. Calgary offers better value for your money.


Thinking About Buying in Calgary? Let’s Chat!

If you’re considering a move to Calgary and want to find the perfect home, I’d love to help!

📩 Contact me here: https://jayschultz.ca/about/

📺 Subscribe for more real estate insights: https://www.youtube.com/@MrJaySchultz/