Hillhurst Community Overview

Find answers to the most common questions about Hillhurst, one of Calgary's oldest and most beloved inner-city neighbourhoods, known for its historic charm, vibrant Kensington Village, and stunning Bow River views.

Where is Hillhurst located in Calgary?

Hillhurst is located in the inner city of Calgary's northwest quadrant. The community is bounded by 8th Avenue NW to the north, 10th Street NW to the east, the Bow River to the south, and 18th Street NW to the west. It lies directly across the river from downtown Calgary, offering stunning skyline views and easy access to the city core. The community is within Ward 1, represented by Councillor Sonya Sharp.

What is the history of Hillhurst?

Hillhurst is one of Calgary's oldest neighbourhoods, established in 1914. The first homesteads appeared in the 1880s, with the most notable being that of Felix McHugh, who established his homestead in 1883. The site of his house is now a playground at the corner of 9A Street and Memorial Drive. Ezra Riley acquired the land and sold it to the city in 1904, also donating a 20-acre parcel that is now Riley Park. Lots were originally 25 feet and sold for about $300 each in 1907.

What types of homes are available in Hillhurst?

Hillhurst offers a diverse mix of housing types including historic character homes, modern infills, condominium apartments, and semi-detached properties. Approximately 48% of buildings are condominiums or apartments, and 56% of housing is used for renting, reflecting the community's popularity with young professionals and students. The community has seen a revival in recent years with new residential development including single-family and semi-detached homes by local builders.

What is the average home price in Hillhurst?

Home prices in Hillhurst vary significantly by property type:

Detached Homes: Median sold price $1,940,000
Condos/Apartments: Median sold price $430,000
Attached Homes: Average approx $1,234,050
Townhomes: Average approx $549,000
1-Bedroom Condos: Average approx $280,384 (615 sq ft)

The average listing price overall is approximately $381,171, with homes spending an average of 42 days on the market.

What is Kensington Village?

The Kensington Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) adjoins the Hillhurst community. Kensington Village is an active, family-friendly commercial area abundant with amenities, including independent coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, bookstores, and pubs. It's known for its historic brick buildings, walkable streets, and vibrant cultural scene with regular festivals and events including the Kensington Sunfest and Night of Lights.

What is Riley Park?

Riley Park is a 20-acre park in the heart of Hillhurst, donated by Ezra Riley in 1904. It features walking paths, a playground, wading pool, picnic areas, and the Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Centre. The park is a central gathering place for families and community events throughout the year.

What outdoor recreation is available near Hillhurst?

Hillhurst offers exceptional access to outdoor recreation:

Bow River Pathway System – Connects cyclists and pedestrians to Calgary's extensive riverside trail network
Riley Park – Community gathering space with playground, wading pool, and walking paths
Queen Elizabeth Park – Located across the river with a lagoon and trails
Prince's Island Park – Downtown island park accessible via the Peace Bridge

What schools serve the Hillhurst area?

Hillhurst is served by several excellent schools:

Hillhurst Community School (K-6) – Public elementary located within the community
Queen Elizabeth School (6-12) – Public junior and senior high
Madeleine d'Houet – Bilingual school (9-12)
SAIT Polytechnic – Post-secondary institution located adjacent to the community

What are the transportation options in Hillhurst?

Hillhurst is exceptionally well-connected for commuters:

Sunnyside C-Train Station – Located at the southern edge of the community on the Red Line
Walk Score – Approximately 80+, considered very walkable
Bow River Pathways – Connect to downtown and the city's cycling network
Road Access – Quick access to Crowchild Trail, Memorial Drive, and 16th Avenue NW
Commute to downtown – Less than 5 minutes by car; 10-15 minutes by C-Train or bike

What healthcare options are near Hillhurst?

Hillhurst is conveniently located near two of Calgary's major hospitals:

Foothills Medical Centre – One of Alberta's largest hospitals
Alberta Children's Hospital – World-class paediatric care

Numerous medical clinics, dental offices, and pharmacies are also available within the community and surrounding area.

What shopping and dining are in Kensington?

Kensington Village offers a diverse range of independent shops and dining options:

Pages Books – Beloved independent bookstore
Steeling Home – Unique gifts and home décor
Reid's Stationers – High-quality stationery
Diverse restaurants including Japanese, Korean, Italian, Mexican, and Greek cuisine
Popular cafes including Higher Ground and Phil & Sebastian
The historic Plaza Theatre for independent films

What is the Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association?

The Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association (HSCA) serves both Hillhurst and neighbouring Sunnyside. Located at 1320 5th Ave NW in Riley Park, the association offers:

Recreational programs including fitness classes and sports leagues
Pickleball programs Saturdays 10:30am-12:00pm and 12:00pm-1:30pm (ages 16+)
Private pool rentals
Event rentals and community space
Community advocacy and neighbourhood planning

What is the demographic profile of Hillhurst?

The wider Hillhurst area (including Sunnyside) has a population of approximately 7,226 residents. Key demographics include:

Average Household Income: $173,419
Age Distribution: 20-34 (30%), 35-49 (24%), 0-19 (18%), 50-64 (17%), 65+ (12%)
Household Composition: Single person (45%), Single family (48%)
Ownership vs. Renters: 54% renters, 46% owners
Mother Tongue: English (84%), Cantonese (2%), Spanish (2%), Mandarin (2%), French (2%)
Immigrant Population (2000): 15.3%
Chinese Population: Approximately 4.65%

Is Hillhurst a safe community?

According to Calgary Police Service data, crime rates in Hillhurst have shown improvement in recent years:

2018: 5.9 per 100 residents
2019: 8.5 per 100 residents
2020: 6.0 per 100 residents
2021: 5.3 per 100 residents
2022: 6.3 per 100 residents
2023: 4.9 per 100 residents

As with any inner-city neighbourhood, residents should take standard urban precautions. The area has an active community association and is well-patrolled.

Is Hillhurst a good place for families?

Yes, Hillhurst is an excellent community for families. Features include:

Hillhurst Community School (K-6) within the neighbourhood
Riley Park with playground and wading pool
Direct access to the Bow River pathway system
Kensington Village with family-friendly restaurants and shops
Active community association with programs for children
Proximity to SAIT and the University of Calgary

Is Hillhurst dog-friendly?

Yes, Hillhurst is a very dog-friendly neighbourhood. The Bow River pathway system and Riley Park provide excellent walking routes for dogs. Many cafes and pubs in Kensington have dog-friendly patios, and the community's walkable streets are perfect for daily walks with pets.

Frequently Asked Questions About
Hillhurst Housing Market

Get instant answers to the most common questions about living in Hillhurst, real estate housing market trends, and community amenities. Updated with current market data.

Is Hillhurst a good place to live?

Yes, Hillhurst is considered one of Calgary's best neighborhoods. It offers an exceptional quality of life with a walkable main street, local shops and restaurants, and a strong sense of community. The area features excellent schools, parks, and is known for its safe, family-friendly atmosphere. With its central location, residents enjoy convenient access to downtown Calgary while having direct access to pathway systems and parks.

What types of properties are available in Hillhurst?

Hillhurst offers a variety of property types including single-family detached homes, townhomes, condominiums, duplexes, and new construction developments. The community has options for first-time homebuyers, growing families, and downsizers. Housing styles range from character homes and bungalows to modern luxury infills and townhome complexes.

Is Hillhurst expensive?

Hillhurst is considered a desirable inner-city neighborhood in Calgary. Due to its walkability, mature character, and convenient location, home values reflect the premium of inner-city living while offering a connected, amenity-rich lifestyle within reach of downtown Calgary.

What amenities are available in Hillhurst?

Hillhurst features parks, walking trails, playgrounds, shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, and recreational facilities. The community is also served by several highly-rated schools and is conveniently located near major transportation routes. Popular local businesses include coffee shops, bakeries, breweries, and boutique retail stores that create a vibrant main street atmosphere.

What schools are in Hillhurst?

Hillhurst is served by several highly-rated public and private schools. The community falls within the Calgary school district, which is known for its strong academic programs, extracurricular activities, and diverse educational options including regular programming, French immersion, Catholic education, and private school alternatives.

What is the commute time from Hillhurst to downtown Calgary?

Commute times from Hillhurst to downtown Calgary typically range from 10 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions, time of day, and mode of transportation. The community has excellent access to public transit including bus rapid transit routes, as well as major roadway connections that make driving into the downtown core convenient.

What public transit options serve Hillhurst?

Hillhurst is served by multiple Calgary Transit bus routes and rapid transit lines that connect directly to downtown Calgary and LRT stations. The community's transit hub provides frequent service during peak hours, making it a popular commuting option for professionals working in the city core. Travel times to downtown are typically under 20 minutes.

How did Hillhurst get its name?

Hillhurst has a unique history tied to the local community. The name reflects the area's heritage and the families who helped shape the neighborhood. The community's main street festival and local landmarks continue to honor this legacy, making it a distinctive part of Calgary's cultural fabric.

Is Hillhurst dog-friendly?

Yes, Hillhurst is extremely dog-friendly. The community is home to several parks with off-leash areas featuring walking trails and scenic views. Many local cafes, breweries, and restaurants welcome dogs on their patios, and the area has pet supply stores and grooming services within walking distance. It is common to see residents walking their dogs along the main streets and pathways.

What is the main street festival in Hillhurst?

Hillhurst hosts a popular annual street festival during the summer months, typically held in July or August. This signature community event is one of the longest-running street festivals in the region, closing down the main avenue for a pedestrian-friendly celebration. The event features local vendors, food trucks, live music, street performers, kids' activities, and family entertainment, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

What parks and green spaces are near Hillhurst?

Hillhurst is surrounded by excellent parks and green spaces. The community features multiple playgrounds, sports fields, off-leash dog parks, and a major river pathway system that connects cyclists and pedestrians to other parts of the city. These green spaces offer stunning views and year-round recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.

Hillhurst Neighbourhood Profile

Hillhurst is a residential neighbourhood in Calgary offering:

Diverse housing options from single-family homes to condominiums
Walk Score of 50/100 - Somewhat Walkable
Proximity to major employment centers and transportation routes
Active community association with year-round events

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Hillhurst Emergency Resources
& Phone Numbers

Important emergency contacts and resources for Hillhurst residents:

Calgary Police Service

The Calgary Police Service provides law enforcement and public safety services to the Calgary area.

Emergency: 911

Non-Emergency: 403-266-1234

Website: calgarypolice.ca

Alberta Health Services

Emergency medical care and health information.

Emergency: 911

Health Link: 811

Website: albertahealthservices.ca

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Schools in Hillhurst

Hillhurst offers quality educational options for families:

Public Schools

Elementary: Hillhurst School
Middle: Calgary Middle School
High: Calgary High School

Board of Education

Catholic Schools

Elementary: St. Hillhurst
High: Bishop Calgary

Catholic School District

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