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
Bus trips and individual tours to the Canadian Rockies!
- Dangerous area near Macleod Trail due to history of decline.
Financial pitfalls for newcomers
Expensive neighborhoods to avoid
-
Bel-Aire: $1.35M–$12M
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Bearspaw: $1.7M–$10M
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Aspen Woods: $1.5M–$8M
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Britannia: $2.6M–$4.3M
Problematic expensive neighborhoods
Your trusted real estate agent in Calgary — Anna Gogol
- 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
Astropsychologist
- 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
AM Goldsmith
- 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.