Beltline is largely considered a great place to live. It has been dubbed one of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary and is among the most popular choices to move to.
It’s primarily a space for young professionals because of its proximity to recreational areas, commercial spaces, and offices. That said, there are a lot of factors that make it an attractive place to live for anybody.
Below, we look at these factors and answer common questions you may have about Beltline.
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Why is it called Beltline?
Beltline earned its name from being part of the Calgary Municipal Railway’s “belt line” route. The No. 5 trolley would follow a route that circled the area covered by Beltline’s district.
A belt line is a transport system that goes around a specific district, which in this case, refers to the district of Beltline, Calgary.
Where is the Beltline area in Calgary?
Beltline is found in the lower part of central Calgary, immediately south of downtown. It covers the postal codes T2G 5L1, T2R 0A3, T2R 0B2, T2R 0H2, T2R 0K2, T2R 0L5, T2R 0P4, T2R 1J5, T2R 1J7, T2R 1L2, T2R 1P6, T2R 1R8, and T3C 0M8.
Going from the central point of Downtown Calgary to the starting border of Beltline is just a seven-to-ten-minute drive. The most efficient route is about 2.8 kilometres.
What is the cost of living in Beltline?
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Beltline is $1,650. As for monthly costs for essentials, individuals spend an average of $1,293 while families of four spend $4,604.
If you’re planning to buy real estate, you can expect prices that range from $2,500 to $2,250,000.
Public transportation with Calgary Transit has a regular fare of $3.60 for one-way trips. Children under five years of age ride free, while youth aged six to seventeen pay a fare of $2.45.
Students attending high school full-time aged 18 to 21 also pay the Youth fare. There is a Monthly Pass that is $112 for adults and $82 for youth.
Seniors may also avail of the Regular Senior Yearly Pass for $150. There are also Low-Income passes for adults and seniors.
The average cost of electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a large apartment is $235 a month. Internet generally costs anywhere from $63 to $120 depending on the internet service provider and plan.
Groceries can net you $400 to $650 a month, depending on how much you consume and where you purchase your goods.
Where can you eat in Beltline?
If you’re planning to eat out, you’ll be glad to know that Beltline is popular for its many restaurants. There are plenty of local businesses to choose from with various cuisines, and Beltline has even recently seen unique dining concepts open.
It’s no surprise that this is the case, as Calgary is truly a hub for must-try food. The Beltline area itself is home to a variety of delectable restaurants.
You can’t miss out on Rodney’s Oyster House Calgary. It’s one of the best seafood restaurants in not just Beltline but Calgary as a whole.
Rodney’s offers up to 16 kinds of oysters, and they have a stunning happy hour special with fresh drinks and delicious meals. Try their popular clam chowder and see for yourself.
If you’re seeking out vegan options, you can visit the Vegan Street Kitchen & Lounge. They serve genuinely delectable dishes that don’t feel sad or flavourless.
They take pride in providing comfort food that is free from gluten and animal byproducts, so you can order online.
Are there fun places to go in Beltline?
There’s a lot of fun stuff you can do in Beltline, especially since it’s considered a hot spot for nightlife, cool niche shops, and great recreational avenues.
If you’re looking for a park, you can’t go wrong with its popular Central Memorial Park. It is the oldest park in Calgary and even leads to the Memorial Park Library.
If you’re looking for something more lively that’s within the vicinity, you’ll want to check out Twisted Element. It’s one of the most popular nightclubs in Calgary, and it’s right by the heart of Beltline.
It has an awesome and very inclusive scene, lauded for being a safe space for LGBTQIA+ in Calgary. Regardless of how you identify, though, it’s a great place for partying and enjoying drag shows, karaoke, and billiards.
Beltline is also known for its art scene, so you may want to visit great art galleries like Gibson Fine Art. They display amazing local art pieces and regularly update their exhibits.
Another cool thing about this gallery is that they not only sell fine art but also offer consultations with interior designers and architects.
How is the community in Beltline?
Beltline is a welcoming space that is very livable and comfortable. Its community is also pretty diverse compared to its neighbouring districts, with the City of Calgary reporting that a fourth of its population is made up of immigrants.
There is a distinctive Asian presence within the neighbourhood mixed with non-immigrants. 52 percent of the residents are male, with most private households seeing members aged 15 to 64 years old.
Beltline is a stellar place in terms of walkability. With a Walk Score of 91, it is rated a Walker’s Paradise.
This means you can accomplish all of your daily errands on foot, with plenty of essentials being easy to reach within the area. Its Bike Score is 90, so you’ll also have an easy time navigating Beltline by cycling.
The air quality is also quite stellar, with AccuWeather’s Air Quality Index rating it at 14. This means it is excellent for outdoor activities and has a low distribution of unwanted particles and gases.
That said, there is a tendency for dander and dander to hit high levels every now and then, so those with sensitivities will be more affected than the general public.
Is Beltline safe?
While generally a safe place to live, it should be noted that Beltline has a slightly higher overall crime rate than the national average. That said, the area does experience fewer violent crimes than the national scale.
The most recent statistics in the area show that crime has gotten lower, with a total average of 108.2 crimes committed a month. Among these crimes, the most prevalent has been theft from vehicles.
Emergency measures for natural disasters are properly put in place, but the most concerning would be flooding due to Beltline’s proximity to the Bow River. That said, the most recent flood that hit devastating levels was recorded in 2013.
Daily life should be safe with the presence of mind and general precautions. Getting proper insurance is also a recommended step to ensure a more comfortable living experience.
Does Beltline have proper health services?
Calgary provides free healthcare without the need for a monthly premium. In Beltline, residents and visitors alike have access to many medical services both elective and urgent.
You shouldn’t have a hard time finding a doctor that can cater to your specific needs.
If you’re in need of urgent care, a reliable resource is the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre. Although they are not a full-service hospital, they do provide urgent care services 24 hours a day.
If a case is deemed in need of further care, they will transfer patients to the nearest available hospital.
Beltline also has some great dental clinics. A solid dental clinic you can visit is Bow Trail Dental, which is very accessible and has lots of parking.
Their staff stands out for their friendly and efficient manner, and they have a comfortable reception area with ample space.
