Is Moving to Calgary Alberta in 2025 a Good Idea?

Is Moving To Calgary a Good Idea?

Hi there! I’m Dean Martin, a Real Estate Agent with Real Broker here in Calgary, Alberta. If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering making the big move to Calgary—or at least curious about what life is like in “Cowtow.” You’ve come to the right place. I’ve helped countless people relocate to this incredible city, and it’s something I’m super passionate about. In this blog, I’ll dive deep into whether or not moving to Calgary, Alberta is a good idea, and I’ll share personal insights, local tips, and practical advice for anyone thinking about making this city their new home.

The Calgary Vibe: Western Charm Meets Modern City

People often associate Calgary with cowboys and the Calgary Stampede, but while we definitely tip our hats to our ranching roots, that’s only part of what makes this city special. Calgary is a bustling metropolis with over 1.4 million residents - it’s the largest city in Alberta and the third-largest municipality in Canada.

Despite its rapid growth, Calgary has retained its welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere. The city’s spirit is often described as pioneering and entrepreneurial, likely a remnant of the days when this was frontier land. Whether you’re walking through downtown or exploring one of our trendy inner-city neighborhoods, you’ll quickly feel that combination of Western charm and modern flair.

Proximity to the Rockies

One of Calgary’s biggest draws is its location. You can see the Rocky Mountains on the horizon from many vantage points in the city, and you can get there in about an hour’s drive. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is huge. In fact, I often tell people that if you love skiing, hiking, mountain biking, or simply gazing at spectacular mountain views, Calgary is about as good as it gets.

I personally take advantage of being this close to the Rockies as often as possible, whether it’s a quick weekend escape to Banff, skiing at Sunshine Village, or hiking through Kananaskis Country. If an outdoor lifestyle is on your wish list, relocating to Calgary might be the best decision you’ll ever make.

Economic Opportunities: Oil, Tech, and Beyond

Calgary has historically been known as an oil and gas hub. This sector still plays a significant role in our economy—so if you’re in the energy industry, that’s fantastic news. However, Calgary has also been diversifying in recent years, with notable growth in the tech and innovation sectors. Companies like Amazon Web Services and tech startups have begun to set up shop in Calgary, contributing to a budding tech scene.

But don’t worry—our city isn’t all about big corporations. Calgary’s small business and entrepreneurial culture thrives as well. If you’ve got an idea, you’ll find a welcoming community here that loves to see innovators succeed. As someone who built my real estate business in this city, I can attest to the supportive environment and the can-do spirit that Calgarians bring to the table.

Cost of Living: Bang for Your Buck

One of the first things people ask me when considering a move is, “How does the cost of living compare to other major Canadian cities?” Generally speaking, you’ll find that Calgary offers more affordable housing and lower overall living costs compared to places like Toronto or Vancouver. According to data from Numbeo (Source: Numbeo Cost of Living in Calgary), the overall cost of living in Calgary is relatively moderate, especially when you factor in average salaries and the housing market.

Housing Costs

Housing is typically the largest expense anywhere, but Calgary’s real estate market is known for being more approachable than many other large Canadian markets. You’ll find a range of housing options—from modern condos in downtown to spacious family homes in the suburbs. As a real estate professional, I’m here to help you find that perfect property that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Everyday Expenses

Things like groceries, dining out, transportation, and healthcare are also reasonable. We have plenty of shopping centers, and you can find budget-friendly grocery stores as well as higher-end, specialty ones—so there’s something for everyone’s price range.

The Weather: Sunny but Sometimes Extreme

Let’s talk about Calgary’s climate. We’re known for our sunshine—on average, Calgary gets more days of sun than any other major Canadian city. But with that sunshine comes the occasional rollercoaster in temperatures.

• Chinooks: A unique weather phenomenon where warm Pacific winds blow over the Rockies and can raise local temperatures significantly within just a few hours. This can be a nice break in the dead of winter, but it also means Calgary weather can be unpredictable.
• Winters: Our winters can be cold and snowy, although they’re often interspersed with Chinook warm-ups. If you enjoy winter sports, you’ll be in heaven. If you’re not a big fan of the cold, at least you can count on those Chinooks to offer some relief.
• Summers: Summers are generally mild, and we might see a heatwave or two. Nothing too extreme compared to some other parts of Canada, but definitely enough sunshine to enjoy patios, festivals, and barbecues.

Lifestyle, Amenities, and Culture

Calgary has grown so much over the years in terms of its cultural and social scene. Here are a few highlights I love to share:

Arts and Culture

We have a vibrant arts community, with institutions like the Glenbow Museum, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and Theatre Calgary showcasing local and international talent. The city’s arts scene is also sprinkled with smaller galleries, street art, and indie venues, particularly in neighborhoods like Inglewood and Kensington.

Food and Dining

Calgary’s culinary landscape has exploded over the past decade. Whether you’re craving authentic Asian cuisine, upscale dining, craft breweries, or comfort food, you can find just about everything here. I always recommend that newcomers explore the diversity of Calgary’s food scene—it’s a great way to get to know the city’s personality.

Festivals and Events

Of course, I can’t talk about events without mentioning the Calgary Stampede—a world-famous event that truly captures the spirit of the city. But that’s not all. We also have the Calgary Folk Music Festival, GlobalFest (an international fireworks competition), and several cultural celebrations throughout the year. If you’re a festival junkie, Calgary will keep you busy.

Shopping and Entertainment

From major shopping complexes like CF Chinook Centre to the charming boutique stores in Kensington, there’s no shortage of retail therapy here. Our nightlife is lively too, with everything from casual pubs to upscale lounges.

Family Life and Education

If you have kids or are planning on starting a family, Calgary is an excellent place to settle down. Our city offers diverse educational options, including public, Catholic, and private school systems. The University of Calgary and Mount Royal University are well-regarded institutions for post-secondary education. We also have plenty of community centers, sports programs, and extracurricular activities for kids of all ages.

Healthcare in Calgary

Alberta’s healthcare system provides accessible services for residents, and Calgary is well-equipped with top-tier hospitals and medical facilities such as the Foothills Medical Centre and the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Wait times can sometimes be long, as in many parts of Canada, but overall, the quality of care is high. Plus, many areas have walk-in clinics for minor issues, and private healthcare options exist if you prefer something more specialized.

The Neighborhood Breakdown

One question I get a lot: “Dean, which neighborhood should I live in?” Calgary is divided into four main quadrants—NW, NE, SW, and SE—each with its own unique vibe. There’s also a developing area called the Beltline that’s perfect if you crave a more urban setting.

• Northwest: Known for scenic views, proximity to the University of Calgary, and a good mix of suburban and urban living.
• Southwest: Often considered one of the more affluent areas, featuring mature neighborhoods, parks, and easy access to downtown.
• Northeast: Very diverse, with easy access to the airport and plenty of budget-friendly housing options.
• Southeast: Known for family-friendly communities, industrial areas, and newer developments like Seton, which has a growing shopping and entertainment district.

The right neighborhood for you depends on your priorities—commute times, school districts, house style, or community amenities. If you’d like personalized advice, feel free to reach out to me at dean@deanmartinteam.com. I’m always happy to help!

Safety and Community

Calgary is generally a safe city, with crime rates that align with many other Canadian urban centers. Of course, as in any major city, certain areas experience higher crime rates than others. However, most neighborhoods are peaceful and welcoming. Calgarians are known to be friendly, and you’ll often find neighbors greeting you with a smile or helping shovel your driveway after a heavy snowfall.

Getting Around

Having a reliable car can be beneficial in Calgary, especially in winter, but our public transit system (operated by Calgary Transit) is quite robust. We have the CTrain (light rail system) and bus routes covering most parts of the city. Traffic can get congested during rush hour, but it’s relatively manageable compared to cities of similar size. Biking infrastructure has also improved, with dedicated bike lanes in downtown and inner-city areas.

Real Estate Snapshot

If you’re wondering about Calgary’s housing market, it’s historically been more stable than some other large Canadian cities. Prices can fluctuate depending on the economic climate—particularly tied to oil prices—but there’s typically a steady demand for homes due to ongoing job opportunities and population growth.

Whether you’re interested in a spacious family home in the suburbs, a modern condo downtown, or an older character home near the core, you can find it here. As a local real estate agent with Real Broker, I’ve helped countless clients navigate this market. Feel free to shoot me an email at dean@deanmartinteam.com for insights or to set up a consultation!

Relocation Tips

1. Visit First (If You Can): If possible, plan a short trip to Calgary. Scope out neighborhoods, chat with locals, and get a feel for the city.
2. Work With a Local Pro: A local real estate agent (like me!) can guide you to the neighborhoods that best suit your lifestyle and budget.
3. Be Ready for Weather Changes: Keep a warm coat and sunscreen on hand. You’ll use both—sometimes in the same week!
4. Cost of Living Prep: Check out sites like Numbeo or the City of Calgary for up-to-date data on everything from grocery prices to utility costs.
5. Get Social: Join local Facebook groups or community events to meet people and make friends more quickly.

FAQs

1. Is Calgary a good place for tech jobs?

It’s getting there! Calgary’s tech scene is growing rapidly, thanks to both established tech giants and innovative startups. This diversification is a strong sign for the city’s future.

2. Is it really cold all the time?

We do have long winters, but the Chinooks break up the season, and we get plenty of sun. Summers can be absolutely beautiful, often hitting the mid-to-high 20s (Celsius).

3. Do I need a car?

While public transit is decent, a car can be helpful—particularly for getting out to the mountains or if you live in more suburban areas. Many urban dwellers in downtown and inner-city neighborhoods do just fine without one, though.

4. What about taxes?

Alberta is known for having no provincial sales tax, which is a major bonus compared to other provinces. You’ll still pay federal GST (5%), but you won’t have the extra 8-10% that some other provinces tack on.

Final Thoughts: Should You Move to Calgary?

I may be biased (this is my hometown, after all!), but I truly believe Calgary, Alberta is one of the best places to live in Canada. It offers a fantastic balance of economic opportunity, affordable housing, breathtaking scenery, a thriving cultural scene, and that quintessential Western hospitality. Of course, no city is perfect—you’ll have to adapt to the weather, and job prospects can sometimes ebb and flow with the energy sector’s fortunes. But if you’re looking for a city on the rise, with a balanced lifestyle and endless outdoor adventures, then moving to Calgary might just be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

If you’re leaning towards making the move or just want some personalized advice, please reach out to me at dean@deanmartinteam.com. I’d love to help you discover whether Calgary is the perfect fit for you and your family. After all, I’ve lived here, worked here, and built my life here—it’s safe to say I know this city inside and out.

Thank you for reading, and I hope this guide has given you valuable insights into what life in Calgary is really like. Here’s to the next chapter in your journey—maybe it’ll be in Cowtown!