If you’re thinking about moving to Calgary, be aware that it can come with downsides along with upsides just like any other city. There are many things that you need to consider before making a move to make sure the city is right for you. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of moving to the great city of Calgary.
The Pros of Moving To Calgary
Lower cost of living than most larger cities
When you compare Calgary’s cost of living to other major cities in Canada, it’s no question where the cheaper place is to live. Calgary has a better cost of living than cities like Winnipeg, Montreal and Quebec City. This means you can get the most out of your money when it comes to housing and you likely won’t have the money woes you would in other cities.
Clean and beautiful streets
Calgary was named one of the Cleanest Cities by Forbes magazine in 2007 and they have lived up to the title ever since. The city is proud of its reputation and they do a great job maintaining the clean city streets with high fines for littering and a great recycling program.
Great location
Calgary is located in a great area that is close enough to travel to many other great parts of the country. The city is a three-hour drive away from nearby Edmonton, the beautiful Glacier National Park, and the US border along with being just an hour and a half away from Banff National Park.
Fantastically rated schools
If you’re thinking about raising a family in Calgary then you need to consider what the schools are like. Schools test 3% higher than the national average and the graduation rate for high schools is 5% higher than the national average.
Amazing attractions
Calgary is home to many great attractions that are perfect for your family and friends to visit. The Calgary Stampede is one of the biggest festivals in the country and there are tons of great activities, concerts and events that go on for the stampede. You can also visit the Calgary Zoo, The Hangar Flight Museum or the Telus Spark Science Centre for a great day with the family.
Great Homes For Sale
There are plenty of great homes for sale in Calgary and there are so many amazing Calgary realtors that can help you find the perfect home for you and your family. The median home value for homes in Calgary is in the upper 400k range and there are thousands of homes available for you to consider.
Beautiful neighbourhoods
Calgary has quite a few gorgeous neighbourhoods full of beautiful homes and parks. Some of the best neighbourhoods in Calgary include Brentwood, Varsity, Crescent Heights, Sunnyside and Bridgeland/Riverside.
Cons for living in Calgary
Traffic problems
Residents of the city are aware of how bad the traffic problems are in Calgary, even though the city has been trying its best to improve it. There are many traffic jams during peak hours and it can make it difficult to get to your job on time. The transit system is known for being late and overcrowded so that option isn’t much better for commuting.
Overcrowded schools
We talked about how great the schools are rated in Calgary but unfortunately, some have just too many students currently attending and many schools have become overcrowded. This means you may not be able to get your child into the school you were hoping for. Some places have even resorted to doing a lottery to decide which students attend which schools.
Unemployment rates
The unemployment rates in Calgary are at an all-time high for the country and they are currently sitting around 10%. While there are large sectors like oil and agriculture that take up most of the jobs in the area, these sectors have been hit with recessions and they are struggling to recover.
Low temperatures
Calgary gets quite a winter every year and their summer months are not as hot as many other places in Canada. Winters come with a large snowfall and temperatures that are often below freezing. There are many sunny days in the summer months but the temperature still stays fairly low so it’s not the best place for anyone who enjoys a warm summer.
Dead Nightlife
Residents of Calgary often complain that the majority of attractions and activities are more suited for families or people who prefer to gather together in the daytime and there isn’t much for night owls. The downtown area is more suited for daytime travellers and there are very few nightclubs and bars to go to for a good date night out. The pandemic has shuttered many of the places that relied on social gatherings so there are even fewer places to party at night than there have been in recent years.
Smokey Summers
In recent years, there have been many wildfires in both British Columbia and Alberta. Residents report that the fires often make the town smokey and clouded in the summertime so they are unable to enjoy the few hours of sun they get. This is a small problem but many jobs like photographers rely on unfiltered natural light to produce good photos and people with difficulty breathing might have an extra hard time in the summer.
Rising Crime Rates
The crime rate in Calgary has risen a small amount every year (except for 2020 when the police chief reported an unusually low amount due to the COVID-19 pandemic) and the crime rates are expected to rise. Both shootings and homicides have had a slight spike, but violent crimes and property crimes have both seen a slight decline.
There are so many reasons why you might think about moving to Calgary for your next move. There are plenty of great Calgary realtors that would be happy to show you some of the amazing homes for sale in Calgary. Consider all the ups and downs of the city before you choose to move there to ensure you have a better chance of enjoying it and thriving.
Calgary Home Sales Group is a team of knowledgeable and eager professionals willing to go the distances to get you the perfect home.
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