Where newcomers should not settle

Calgary offers newcomers a wide range of housing options, but not all areas are equally suitable for starting a new life in Canada. Understanding which areas to avoid is critical to your safety, financial stability, and successful integration.

The most problematic areas for newcomers

Northeast Calgary — high-risk areas

Forest Lawn

  • Highest crime rate among Calgary neighborhoods.
  • In 2024 — 866 crimes.

International Avenue (17 Ave SE)

  • Between 36th and 52nd Streets — drug dealing, prostitution.

Marlborough and Marlborough Park

  • Near Marlborough Mall — shootings and organized crime.

Other problem areas

  • Dover — history of drug addiction, over 40 police calls to one house (2014–2017).
  • Ogden — despite a decline in crime, the area shows signs of decline.
  • Pineridge, Temple, Whitehorn — a cluster of NE neighborhoods with high crime rates.

Central neighborhoods with challenges

Beltline

  • Most densely populated area.
  • High levels of theft, noise, and homelessness.
  • High cost of living, limited parking.

East Village and Downtown Core

  • East Village — problems with homelessness and drugs.
  • Downtown Core — violent crime +8% in 2022, danger at C-Train stations.

Victoria Park

  • Dangerous area near Macleod Trail due to history of decline.

Financial pitfalls for newcomers

Expensive neighborhoods to avoid

  • Bel-Aire: $1.35M–$12M

  • Bearspaw: $1.7M–$10M

  • Aspen Woods: $1.5M–$8M

  • Britannia: $2.6M–$4.3M

Problematic expensive neighborhoods

  • Marda Loop / Altadore: congestion, parking, $700K–$3.5M
  • Currie Barracks: infrastructure limitations at a high price

Specific challenges for newcomers

Transportation and accessibility

  • Deep NE (Saddle Ridge) — new homes without full infrastructure
  • Remote suburbs — limited public transportation

Social and cultural challenges

  • Neighborhoods with low ethnic diversity → feeling of isolation
  • Local anti-immigrant sentiment

Housing traps and scams

Unsafe housing situations

  • Trailer Parks (e.g., Red Carpet) — crime rates 59% higher than average
  • Basement apartments in troubled neighborhoods — lack of ventilation, emergency exits

Signs of housing fraud

  • Abnormally low prices
  • Requirement to pay in advance before viewing

Access to services

Overburdened services

  • Long waits for language assessment and ESL
  • Limited access to medical services

Educational challenges

  • Lack of ESL programs in some schools
  • Low academic achievement

Recommendations for safe housing

Alternative safe neighborhoods

Neighborhood Crime index
Hamptons 11.4
Cougar Ridge 14.0
Parkland 18.6 (accessible, with infrastructure)

Strategies for avoiding problems

  • Explore the area at different times of the day
  • Use official housing sources
  • Consult with:
  • Calgary Catholic Immigration Society
  • Centre for Newcomers

Resources and support

Housing support services

  • Calgary Housing Company — subsidized housing
  • Immigrant Services Calgary — housing counseling

Legal assistance

  • Calgary Legal Guidance — free consultations
  • RTDRS — dispute resolution with landlords

Long-term considerations

Integration plan

  • Start in a safe neighborhood
  • Gradually improve your living conditions
  • Build credit history

Investments

  • Research the market for future investments
  • Get involved in local communities → support network

Conclusion

Choosing a neighborhood to settle in is a key step toward a safe and successful life in Calgary.

Avoid:

  • Forest Lawn
  • Marlborough
  • Northeast communities
  • High-end neighborhoods without financial stability

Use resources, research, plan, and act wisely.