Moving to Calgary: 7 Reasons Why You Should Take the First Step

Are you ready to experience the thrill of urban energy and wild adventures in one dynamic city?

Say hello to Calgary, a bustling city with over 1.34 million people, where the pulse of the city beats in harmony with the call of the wild. Imagine living in a place where your career can soar as high as the nearby Rocky Mountains, and adventures await just around the corner.

As we venture further, we’ll explore Calgary’s best neighborhoods, its booming economy, rich culture, and abundant educational opportunities. This is your insider’s guide to discovering why Calgary stands out as a prime destination for newcomers. Ready to uncover the magic of Calgary? Let’s dive in!

Calgary Housing and Neighborhoods

Finding the right place to live is like fitting a key piece into your life puzzle; it’s essential to getting the bigger picture just right. Calgary’s mosaic of neighborhoods offers a variety of housing options, each with its own local flavour and community spirit. As you navigate through the options, think about what matters most to you—be it family conveniences, vibrant city life, or a balance of both.

Choosing a Home in Calgary

When you’re on the hunt for the perfect home in Calgary, start by considering your lifestyle needs and budget. Would a spacious, modern condo in the heart of downtown appeal to you, or does a detached house with a garden for your green thumb sound more like home?

The city’s northwest and southwest quadrants are known for pricier options, but they also come with proximity to the University of Calgary and other amenities.

In Calgary, the northwest boasts upscale neighborhoods such as Arbour Lake, Brentwood, Charleswood, and Citadel, renowned for their high-end living standards. Similarly, the southwest region of the city, encompassing areas like Altadore, Aspen Woods, Bankview, and Britannia, is known for its luxury. These prestigious neighborhoods are characterized by housing values that typically surpass the $1 to $2 million range, reflecting their status as some of the city’s most affluent and sought-after areas.

Calgary’s Affordable Neighborhoods

However, if you’re seeking more budget-friendly options, Calgary doesn’t disappoint. The city offers a variety of affordable neighborhoods, each with its own charm and conveniences. In the southeast quadrant, Deer Ridge stands out as an affordable choice with an average home price of $400,000, offering good access to Fish Creek Provincial Park. Renfrew, an inner-city community with a rich history and a thriving food scene, provides older homes and easy access to downtown. Beddington Heights in the northwest, near Nose Hill Park and major roads, features very affordable housing options including townhomes and detached homes. Huntington Hills, one of Calgary’s most affordable communities, offers a variety of housing types and is conveniently close to Deerfoot Trail and the airport. On the western edge, Rocky Ridge, established in 1998, provides affordable housing with proximity to natural landscapes. Other notable affordable neighborhoods include Coach Hill, Evanston, Thorncliffe, Sandstone, and Harvest Hills, catering to a diverse range of residents from first-time home buyers to retirees.

Trendy Urban Districts in Calgary

For those drawn to the energy and convenience of city life, Calgary’s trendy urban districts are a perfect match.

Areas like Kensington, Inglewood, and the Beltline are bustling with restaurants, bars, and boutiques, ideal for those who enjoy being at the heart of the city’s vibrant culture. Inglewood, Calgary’s original main street, offers a unique bohemian vibe with its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and live music venues, forming part of the Music Mile. The Beltline, a lively inner-city community southwest of downtown, is home to the popular 17th Ave retail and entertainment district, known for its diverse shopping experiences, yoga studios, nightlife, and a design district filled with galleries and furniture shops. Bridgeland, a historic community along the Bow River, is anchored by the trendy 1st Ave NE, featuring independent shops, cafes, music venues, and art galleries, all adding to its small-town charm. The East Village, once an industrial area, has emerged as an arts and culture hub with contemporary art galleries, eateries, music venues, and the landmark Central Library building. Kensington, in northwest Calgary, is known for its lively atmosphere with patios, cafes, boutiques, and specialty food shops. These and many more of Calgary’s trendy areas showcase the city’s dynamic arts, food, and cultural scene.

Calgary’s Education Opportunities

If you’re considering a move to Calgary, you’re facing an exciting shift with plenty of new opportunities, especially when it comes to education. Calgary boasts a diverse and highly regarded education system for all ages, from kindergarteners to doctoral candidates.

Quality of Public Education

The city’s education system is recognized both nationally and globally for its quality and standardized curriculum. With over 250 public schools under the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic School District, the system serves a diverse student population of over 128,000. These institutions are equipped with modern technology and staffed by certified teachers, focusing on inclusive education to meet a wide range of learning needs. Public schools in Calgary consistently rank among the top in Alberta and Canada, demonstrating the city’s high level of educational achievement. In the 2023 Fraser Institute rankings, Calgary shines with seven of the top ten elementary schools in Alberta, including Sunalta School, Hillhurst School, and Briar Hill School.

Students in Calgary’s education system excel in national and international assessments, often outperforming their Canadian and OECD peers in reading, math, and science. This is particularly impressive given the significant improvements some schools have made over the past decade, despite challenges like high proportions of ESL and special needs students. Furthermore, Calgary offers quality education at an affordable cost, with public schooling being free for permanent residents and citizens. This blend of quality, diversity, and affordability in education makes Calgary’s system not only highly regarded but also accessible, providing a robust learning environment that fosters intellectual growth and innovation.

Higher Education Institutions

Beyond its public schools, Calgary also offers a wealth of higher education opportunities. The University of Calgary, a prominent public research university, ranks among the top 200 globally and offers over 250 programs to more than 30,000 students. It is particularly renowned for its programs in energy, environment, entrepreneurship, and veterinary medicine. Mount Royal University, an undergraduate-focused institution, is known for its commitment to teaching excellence and offers a range of certificates, diplomas, and bachelor’s degrees.

SAIT Polytechnic specializes in applied education, offering hands-on programs in business, information technology, health sciences, trades, and energy. Additionally, institutions like Alberta University of the Arts, Bow Valley College, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), and Red Deer College’s Calgary campus further enrich the city’s diverse higher education landscape.

Employment Opportunities in Calgary

Deciding to move to Calgary? You’ll be interested to know about the job market and the main industries that drive the city’s economy. Here’s a quick dive into what you can expect for employment prospects in Calgary.

Key Industries

Calgary is known for its energy sector, but there’s more variety than you might think. Here’s a snapshot:

Energy: The backbone of Calgary’s economy is its robust energy sector, which offers a wide range of roles from engineering to field services. The city is home to some of the world’s largest energy employers, including Enbridge, Suncor, and Canadian Natural Resources, all headquartered in Calgary and collectively providing thousands of jobs.
Technology: A rapidly growing area with opportunities in tech startups and established firms. From cleantech to fintech you’ll find startup tech companies like Fillip, Galatea and Neo Financial, where Neo was just valued at over $1 billion CAD as of 2023.
Agriculture: Calgary’s not just about oil; agribusiness plays a big role too. The city hosts employers like Cargill, JBS Food Canada and Syngenta, who all employ over 2000 Calgary residents each.
Tourism: With its proximity to the Rockies, Calgary has a steady tourism industry. From global hotel chains like the Marriott International to airlines like Air Canada to tour companies and travel service firms, Calgary hosts a plethora of tourism employers.

Each of these industries has different needs and offers a range of job types, so whatever your expertise, there’s likely a place for you in Calgary.

Calgary’s Lifestyle and Recreation

You’ll find that in Calgary, your day-to-day life can be as vibrant and diverse as you wish. Your leisure time might be spent catching a live show, hiking through beautiful landscapes, or joining one of the many festivals the city hosts.

Entertainment and Nightlife

When the sun sets, Calgary comes alive with an array of options to entertain. Find your rhythm at the various jazz clubs, dance the night away at modern nightclubs, or enjoy a casual evening at one of the local pubs with live music. In areas like 17th Ave, Kensington, Inglewood, and Downtown, popular spots such as Commonwealth Bar, Twisted Element, Knoxville’s Tavern, and The Blues Can are just a few highlights where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a lively atmosphere.

For those seeking a more sophisticated night out, trendy cocktail lounges and speakeasies like Milk Tiger Lounge, Betty Lou’s Library and The Grand offer an upscale experience. Additionally, Calgary’s western culture is celebrated in cowboy-themed country bars and dance halls, including Ranchman’s, Whiskey Rose Saloon, Cowboys Calgary, and Honky Tonk, providing a unique taste of the local heritage. For the more culturally inclined, the theater and arts scene offers performances from local and international artists year-round with attractions like the Arts Commons theatre complex, contemporary art galleries, and music venues along the ‘Music Mile’.

Outdoor Activities

Your connection to nature is just a stone’s throw away when you live in Calgary. Here’s a taste of what awaits under the open sky:

Winter Sports: Embrace Alberta’s winter charm with skiing and snowboarding in Calgary. The city boasts WinSport Canada Olympic Park, a ski and snowboard hill with runs for all skill levels and is within a 2.5-hour drive of renowned ski resorts like Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Norquay. Overall, there are over 1,000 km of pathways in Calgary that are perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing,
Hiking Trails: During the warmer months, switching to hiking or biking in breathtaking surroundings is an easy feat, as the city is surrounded by a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. Easy hikes include Griffith Woods Park, and Boom Lake in Banff National Park, known for its scenic views. For the more adventurous, difficult hikes like Yamnuska Ridge, Wind Ridge Trail, and Mount St. Piran offers challenging terrains with spectacular views. With many breathtaking hikes within a few hours’ drive of Calgary, there’s something for every hiker to explore.
Parks and Recreation: The city boasts numerous parks, including the famous Prince’s Island Park, where you can jog, picnic, or just relax. Popular parks include Fish Creek Provincial Park, Nose Hill Park and Prince’s Island. They offer amenities like pathways, playgrounds, sports facilities, nature walks, and river access. As for recreational facilities, the city operates over 25 recreation and aquatic centers with pools, gyms, and ice rinks, while also providing easy access to activities like paddling the Bow River, hiking, and biking the extensive pathway system and visiting the Calgary Zoo.

Community Events and Festivals

Calgary knows how to throw a party, and you’re invited to the year-round festivities. The highlight must be the Calgary Stampede, a world-renowned rodeo festival that transforms the city into a vibrant celebration of Western culture every July. Foodies will love Taste of Calgary, and music enthusiasts can’t miss the Calgary Folk Music Festival. These events are a great way to mingle with locals and get a real feel for the city’s community spirit. In addition to these major events, Calgary’s community calendar is packed with a variety of activities catering to all interests.

Arts events such as the Devilled Legs Drag Brunch and theater performances like “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “One Christmas Carol.” Art exhibitions, music concerts, and sports events like the Calgary Stampeders football games add to the city’s dynamic atmosphere. These events, ranging from free or low-cost community gatherings to arts, culture, and sports, all contribute to Calgary’s lively and inclusive community, offering something for everyone throughout the year.

Is Calgary a Good Place to Live? You Decide

If you’re eyeing Calgary as your next home, you’re not alone. Many are drawn to its vibrant job market, particularly in energy, technology, and finance. Calgary’s economy is resilient, bouncing back with a growth spurt that beats even Toronto and Vancouver. But that’s not it, you’ll find a city that boasts an active lifestyle with proximity to the Rockies and a community spirit that’s hard to match. While the winters are chilly with usual dips below -20°C, Calgary’s sunny days outnumber most Canadian cities.

In essence, moving to Calgary means embracing a city that balances a robust economy with a high quality of life. It’s a place where career opportunities, educational excellence, and a love for the outdoors merge seamlessly. With all these factors in mind, Calgary isn’t just a great place to live; it’s a place where life is lived to the fullest.

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