My Neighbourhood: Inglewood and Ramsay

As Calgary's oldest community, Inglewood is a neighbourhood that has been through a lot.

Since it pre-1900 founding as Brewery Flats, Inglewood – along with its neighbour Ramsay – has weathered both the First World War and Second World War, the Great Depression, and countless booms and busts. The communities have bounced back time and time again, emerging as two of the most desirable places to call home in the city.

Cody Stuart / CREB®Now

These neighbourhoods already boast an impressive selection of amenities, including some of the best restaurants in the city, but the resurrection of the area's beer heritage in the form of several craft breweries has helped Calgary's original main street reclaim its spot on the map.

Born-and-raised Calgarians Kelsey and Jordan Nixon rented elsewhere in the inner city before choosing to buy their first home in Inglewood eight years ago. Since welcoming twins three years ago, Kelsey says the area has provided plenty of activities for the young family. They can normally be found riding bikes on local pathways, frequenting St. Patrick's Island for picnics and walking around the Calgary Zoo.

Courtesy Kelsey Nixon

CREB^®Now: Why is Inglewood a great place to live?

Nixon: We love Inglewood because it truly is like living in a small town inside a big city. We get the benefits of a tight-knit community, where the owner of the local pub yells "hello" as you walk by, with the amenities of the river pathways, parks, the Calgary Zoo and all the wonderful restaurants, shops and galleries. We also like how once you step off the main streets, the community streets are quiet and have lots of surprises that are tucked away at the end of a winding street or sidewalk.

CREB^®Now: What is the biggest challenge facing Inglewood?

Cody Stuart / CREB®Now

Nixon: Some of Inglewood's challenges are balancing new and old on the main street in terms of development and how density is growing in inner-city communities. Inglewood was Calgary's first neighbourhood and it's vital to its character to preserve the historic buildings, but still have new people living here, adding renewal to a community and supporting the businesses.

CREB^®Now: What is the biggest opportunity for Inglewood going forward?

Nixon: The biggest opportunity for Inglewood will be the Green Line LRT. It will be a major connector between the neighbourhood and so many others.

CREB^®Now: What's one thing people might not know about Inglewood?

Nixon: The Esker Foundation – you can check out every art exhibit for free and the space on the fourth floor has the best views of the river valley and downtown. It really is incredible just to wander in the space.