Living Near the University of Calgary: A Buyer's Guide

Written by Jessica Chan, a Calgary REALTOR® and broker serving the city since 1990. Last updated: June 2026.

The communities around the University of Calgary are some of the most consistently in-demand in the city, and for good reason. They combine established neighborhoods, strong schools, LRT access, and one of Calgary's major shopping centres, all anchored by a university that drives steady housing demand year after year. Whether you're a family that wants to be close to campus, a parent buying a home your student can live in, or an investor looking at rental potential, the area has options worth understanding.

This guide compares the four communities buyers most often consider when they want to live near the University of Calgary: University Heights, Varsity, Brentwood, and Dalhousie. All four are part of the northwest, so you can also read our broader Northwest Calgary real estate overview for the full picture.

Why Buy Near the University of Calgary?

A few things make the U of C area distinct from the rest of the northwest:

• Steady demand. A major university creates ongoing housing demand from students, faculty, and staff, which supports both resale and rental markets.
• Transit. The Red Line runs right through the area, with the University station on campus and Brentwood and Dalhousie stations nearby, making a car-free or car-light lifestyle realistic.
• Amenities. Market Mall, one of Calgary's largest shopping centres, sits at the edge of the area, and the newer University District development has added retail, dining, and green space.
• Established neighborhoods. These are mature communities with grown-in trees, established schools, and a track record of holding value.

University Heights

University Heights is a small, established community located right beside the University of Calgary. Its proximity to campus is its defining feature, you can often walk or cycle to the university from here, which makes it especially appealing to faculty, staff, and families with students. Homes tend to be established detached properties, and the community's location keeps demand consistent.

Best for: Buyers who want to be as close to campus as possible in an established detached-home setting.

Varsity

Varsity is one of the northwest's most desirable mature communities, sitting next to both the University of Calgary and Market Mall. It offers a wide range of housing, from mid-century bungalows to condos, which means it works for first-time buyers, families, downsizers, and investors alike. Varsity's combination of location, amenities, and reputation has made it a long-standing favorite, and it consistently holds value well.

Best for: Buyers who want an established, amenity-rich community with a range of housing options near campus.

Brentwood

Brentwood is an established, university-adjacent community with its own LRT station, making it one of the most commuter-friendly choices in the area. It's popular with families and investors because of its housing mix and transit access, and its proximity to the university supports steady rental demand. Brentwood has also seen ongoing interest from buyers who want an established community with strong long-term fundamentals.

Best for: Buyers who want established-community character with direct LRT access and rental potential.

Dalhousie

Dalhousie is an LRT-connected community a short distance north of campus, with its own station on the Red Line. It offers a strong mix of housing types, from condos and townhomes to detached homes, which makes it accessible across a range of budgets. The quick LRT trip to the University station makes Dalhousie a practical choice for students, staff, and families who want campus access without paying the premium of being right next door.

Best for: Buyers who want good value and quick LRT access to campus.

Buying Near Campus as an Investment

One reason the U of C area gets so much attention from buyers is its rental potential. A major university generates ongoing demand for housing from students, graduate students, faculty, and staff, which is why condos and homes near campus are popular with investors and with families who buy a property their student can live in while building equity.

That said, an investment only makes sense if the numbers work. Purchase price, financing, condo fees, property management, and current rental rates all factor in, and they change over time. Before buying with rental income in mind, run the specific numbers for the specific property. We're happy to help you think through the area and the options, though this is market context rather than financial advice, and a mortgage professional and accountant should weigh in on the financial side.

Which U of C Community Is Right for You?

• Closest to campus: University Heights, Varsity
• Best LRT access: Brentwood, Dalhousie (and the University station itself)
• Best range of housing and amenities: Varsity (next to Market Mall)
• Best value with quick campus access: Dalhousie
• Best for rental investment: Condos and homes across all four, depending on the specific numbers

If you're considering a purchase near the University of Calgary, we can help you compare communities, weigh resale versus rental potential, and find the right property. Join the Home Finder to see new listings in the area, or contact us to talk it through. You can also learn more about Jessica's 35+ years working the northwest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which communities are closest to the University of Calgary?

The communities immediately around the University of Calgary include University Heights, Varsity, Brentwood, Charleswood, and Banff Trail. University Heights and Varsity sit right next to campus, while Brentwood and Dalhousie are a short distance away with direct LRT access. The newer University District development sits on the northwest edge of campus.

Is buying a condo near the University of Calgary a good investment?

Properties near the University of Calgary tend to see steady rental demand from students, faculty, and staff, which is why the area is popular with investors and with families buying a home their student can live in. As with any investment, returns depend on purchase price, financing, condo fees, and rental rates at the time, so it's worth running the specific numbers before buying. This is market context, not financial advice.

Can you walk to the University of Calgary from nearby communities?

Yes. University Heights and parts of Varsity and Brentwood are within walking or cycling distance of campus. For communities slightly further out like Dalhousie, the LRT makes the trip quick, since the University station sits right at the campus. The whole area is well served by the Red Line, with University, Brentwood, and Dalhousie stations all nearby.

Is the University of Calgary area good for families or just students?

Both. While the area has strong student rental demand, communities like Varsity, Brentwood, and Dalhousie are established family neighborhoods with good schools, parks, and access to Market Mall and the LRT. Many families choose the area precisely because it combines amenities, transit, and long-term value.