Albert Park / Radisson Heights Real Estate & Community Guide
Directly east of the Max Bell Arena overlooking the Bow River and Deerfoot Trail lies the community of Albert Park/Radisson Heights. Situated between 17th Avenue SE (International Avenue) and Memorial Drive NE, and west of 36th Street NE, this residential neighbourhood offers a variety of affordable housing options.
Sporadic development occurred between 1908 and 1950, but most of the housing was constructed over a twenty-year span following annexation in 1960. Almost half the dwellings are either these modest, single detached homes or duplexes, while just over 40 percent are low-rise apartment buildings. An upscale apartment condo project was completed in 2015 and there are a few townhomes.
Almost two-thirds of the households in Albert Park/Radisson Heights are occupied by renters. Along with homeowners they’re no doubt attracted by the housing costs and choices; walking distance to community shopping and restaurants; transit convenience and Calgary Board of Education schools – both public and Catholic; and close proximity to the downtown and recreation amenities. This relatively quiet neighbourhood also features several parks and green spaces and direct access to the Calgary pathway system. Some homes offer unparalleled views of the Bow River valley, the city skyline and Rocky Mountains.
The majority of residents are young (less than 54 years old) and educated (high school education or above). Census numbers also indicate that the number of single parents living in the neighbourhood is almost double that of the city average.
The community may have started as a scam by developer Albert Smyth to lure residents and potential investors to his plan for an exclusive subdivision, but more than a century later at least part of his vision has been realized. Albert Park/ Radisson Heights is now one of the most affordable communities close to the city’s downtown and is a great place to start a family.
