Every community has its pros and cons, the issue most of our clients have is where do I start when I am looking for the right neighbourhood for my new home. Every DIY show, realtor and homeowner seem to live and die by the same mantra “location, location, location”. It is very important to consider all three of these things when looking for the right neighbourhood, whether it is a family of four, a professional couple or just an investment for your future. Calgary inner city neighbourhoods are desirable, convenient and usually a really sound investment.

The “desire” factor. When looking for the right neighbourhood “desire” probably falls into the most deciding factor of where we choose. Is this where “I” want to be. Is this convenient for “my” lifestyle. Sunnyside has some amazing attributes, all of which bring the quality of life to the next level in my opinion.

For me, number one is proximity to work, schools, amenities, and a feeling of community (technically three things, I like to summarize for my own convenience). Sunnyside is a stone’s throw from downtown, so if you work downtown this is one of the most convenient neighbourhoods you can choose. Access to Memorial Drive (with multiple access points to downtown) is the main road south of this community; this gives ultra convenience for commuting. The C-Train also stops in Sunnyside, just one extra perk for getting around the city.

Sunny side also has a great school within the community; Sunnyside Community School offers a unique family atmosphere, because of its size, access to a ton of amenities to enrich students learning, and a private before and after school care program. Shopping and entertainment are all within walking distance, grocery, restaurants, pubs, clothing, and some very unique stores all border this amazing community.

Number two is all about lifestyle, and for some of us this may even be number one. Sunnyside is bordering the river trails, pedestrian bridges into downtown, Princes Island Park, the Zoo, Euclaire Market, and multiple gyms within minutes of this neighbourhood. If you are an active individual then this is the right area for you. Nightlife is also an important factor to a great many of us when choosing our community, Sunnyside is walking distance to multiple restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, and nightclubs (downtown).

Sunnyside also has a strong community tradition, this neighbourhood was devastated in the “flood” of 2013, yet remains to be one of the most desirable locations in the city. Community togetherness made it possible to dig out, and rebuild into something even better. The Hillhurst/Sunnyside community association mission statement “to preserve and enhance a healthy and vibrant quality of life for the residents of Hillhurst-Sunnyside”. The community centre holds weekly farmers markets and flea markets, and offers multiple recreation programs.

Investment in your future; Calgary surpassed the economic estimate of 3.8% increase in home prices, coming in at 7.6% on average. Communities like Sunnyside were a big part of this growth. Investing into inner city communities remains a to be a strong driver behind our residential construction economy. After a long year of uncertainty it seems we are starting to see an increase in home sales, listings and new builds. An exciting opportunity might be waiting for you; the start of the upswing is the right place to jump in.