Hillhurst Business & Community Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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%

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.

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

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.