The boundaries of East Village include 3rd Street SE to the west, 8th Avenue to the south and the Bow River to the north. To the immediate east, across the parkway, is Fort Calgary, a now historic part of town that once served as home base for the RCMP and the first Calgarians.
For people who like to be a part of the downtown buzz and enjoy condo living will love East Village. Active residents, downtown urbanites and professionals who value being close to work and the amenities associated with downtown should definitely consider this area. Just remember: you’ll pay for these conveniences.
If East Village sounds like the place for you then you should be prepared to pay more than average to rent or own. Living in the heart of the city means you’re paying more for groceries, meals out and retail, which is why it makes for an ideal spot for single people or couples with disposable income.
With ambitious plans to bring in high-end retail, hotels and other luxury amenities over the next few years, this is sure to become one of the most posh areas to buy a condo in the city. Revitalization efforts have gone a long way to clean up this once seedy and crime-ridden part of the downtown but you’ll still encounter some of the transient crowd, especially along the river.
Because this community is so centrally located, this is one part of Calgary where you could go without a vehicle. The city hall C-Train stop is close by and downtown is just a few minutes walk via the Riverwalk. The bike and walking paths also make it easy to cross the river into a number of nearby neighbourhoods.
The Riverwalk is always full of runners, cyclists and outdoor yoga classes. Coined ‘Eat Village’ by locals, you have Charbar restaurant and patio; Phil and Sebastian coffee and fresh baking from Sidewalk Citizen Café – all located in the now restored Simmons Building. Here, you’ll also find an assortment of food trucks.
The convenience of having downtown so close and the influx of new metropolitan inspired condos, complete with rooftop patios and a spectacular view of the river, make this a popular place with the younger crowd and professionals who enjoy the urban lifestyle. You won’t see much for families in the area and many of the residents are renters vs. owners.
East Village has undergone intense revitalization efforts in the last few years and major development is still going on. Due to once high vacancy rates, this downtown neighbourhood was formerly known as ‘the wrong side of the tracks’, but in recent years has become one of the residential hot spots. East Village is now home to restored heritage buildings, public art, brand new condominium highrises, parkways and connecting bridges. ttttttththththththththththth
No matter the time of day or the season, you’ll always find activities on the local East Village pathway. This is where citywide events regularly happen, and the view from here is something to be admired.
Thanks to this newly installed bridge, East Village residents, bikers and cyclists can easily traverse to the north side of the city where the many attractions in Kensington and Bridgeland await.
more infoOne of the new attractions to the area is the island on the Bow. With 31 acres of revitalized parkway, you can take a leisurely walk or enjoy the amphitheatre built for outdoor entertainment.
more infoOne of the oldest buildings in Calgary, this was the foundation of the original City of Calgary. Take a tour, enjoy a picnic or rent the space for your next big event.
more infoThe EV Centre is the HQ for local activities like yoga on the river. As you walk or ride by, don’t be surprised to see fellow residents doing their sun salutations.
more infoNow over a century old, the historic Simmons Building is now the place to go for gourmet coffee, delicious food and a stellar rooftop view (compliments of Charbar) and baked goods from Sidewalk Citizen Bakery.
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