Upper Mount Royal is a beautiful historic district in Calgary’s SW. It is bounded on the north by Royal Avenue SW, to the east by Cliff Street, to the south by Council Way, and to the west by 14 Street SW.
If you are interested in buying or selling in Upper Mount Royal, one of Calgary’s most exclusive and sought-after neighbourhoods, The Eklund Group is an expert team of inner-city Realtors®. Contact us for our skilled and knowledgeable insight into the unique living opportunities of living in Upper Mount Royal and Lower Mount Royal. (403) 863-7434.
Established in the late 1800s, it was designated as an exclusive neighbourhood for Calgary’s most affluent citizens. Once referred to as ”American Hill” due to the large numbers of American industry moguls who settled there, it was formally named Mount Royal by CPR president William E. Van Horne. Some of Calgary’s most well-known residents like Colonel James Macleod (of Fort Macleod and Macleod Trail fame and credited for giving Calgary its name), and the A.E. Cross family (Alfred Earnest Cross was one of the Big Four- the founders of the Calgary Stampede) have called Upper Mount Royal home.
Exclusive Living in Upper Mount Royal
Today Mount Royal is a showcase of this history with stately, grand brick and sandstone manors but also a display of Calgary’s younger and newer wealth. In the most recent decades contemporary, architecturally impressive estates have taken their place amid the original and traditional dwellings. It is adjacent to Lower Mount Royal. Annexed to the City of Calgary in 1907, Lower Mount Royal is a mix of historic homes, new infills, and multi-family residences. But Upper Mount Royal remains an exclusive enclave for those seeking the space and privacy of estate-living close to the bustling city centre.
History
Restrictive Covenants were put in place to limit housing development to single-family homes and designating minimum standards for construction to maintain the character and refinement of the community. Many Upper Mount Royal residences are historic homes built with the most costly of materials of the time, brick and sandstone. These historic facades, along with the meandering streets and abundant mature landscaping, give Upper Mount Royal the air of a bygone era.
Modernity
As much history as Upper Mount Royal has to offer, the influences of the innovative and risk-taking vision of many of Calgary’s younger generations have made their mark in this community as well. Sophisticated, functional designs of the mid century and the sleek, simple architecture reflective of today’s building trends are also evident here.
Active Community Association
The Mount Royal Community Association (MRCA) serves this community by maintaining the neighbourhood's public spaces, facilitating sport and group activities, preserving the area’s rich agricultural and horticultural history, and hosting community events.
Recreational Amenities
Upper Mount Royal offers many opportunities for recreation for its residents of all ages. Parks and playgrounds abound, there is an MRCA- maintained outdoor skating rink for winter fun, many sports fields, tennis courts, and a community-supported weekly playgroup. The world-class Respol Sport Centre is a five minute drive away.
Schools
Families in Upper Mount Royal have access to some of the city’s most acclaimed schools. Elementary schools in the area are Earl Grey School (K-6) and Sacred Heart School (K-6). Junior highs are St. Monica School (K-9) and Mount Royal School (7-9). And the area high schools are St Mary's High School and Western Canada High School. For post secondary education, there is easy access to public transportation hubs right nearby.
Retail/ Dining
Thanks to its proximity to downtown and the 17th Avenue and 4th Street amenities, opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment are all within walking distance or a short drive away.
Inner City Living In Upper Mount Royal
Enjoy the pace and privacy of estate-living right within Calgary's inner city. Upper Mount Royal offers the best benefits of historical neighbourhoods, the space of suburban living, and the dynamic and exciting amenities of downtown living.
If you are interested in exploring homes for sale in the exclusive and sought-after neighbourhood of Upper Mount Royal, contact The Eklund Group. Tanya Eklund and her team of Calgary Realtors® can guide you with a comprehensive understanding of the unique communities, demographics, opportunities, and challenges of buying and selling in the inner city. Their knowledge and experience is cultivated with real-life insight; they work, live, and play in the inner city. Let them help you find your place in Calgary.
FAQs
Q: Do I need an Inner City Realtor®?
A: A Realtor® who specializes in the inner city will have the experience and knowledge to navigate some of the unique challenges that can arise when buying or selling in the city’s core neighborhoods. Zoning, valuations, housing type, offer conditions, marketing and more can be different for inner city properties than for those in more suburban neighborhoods.
Q: Are there restrictions on new construction in Upper Mount Royal?
A: There is a mandate that new construction must respect the existing residential character of the community. If you have a vision for a home you wish to build on an Upper Mount Royal lot, reach out to us and we can connect you with the right players to make your vision a reality.
Q: Are homes in Lower Mount Royal less expensive?
A: Power Mount Royal offers a much more diverse selection of housing types than Upper Mount Royal. With single family historic homes, new infills, townhouses and other multi-family dwellings, there are options for every budget in Lower Mount Royal.