Moving to Calgary: 7 Things You Should Know

Are you thinking about moving to Calgary? Home to around 1.7 million people and growing, the Calgary Metropolitan Area is a sought-after area to live for many people across Canada – and even the world! From the picturesque nearby mountains and its expansive river parks to its plentiful cultural activities and relatively affordable housing and tax competitiveness, Calgary has much to offer anyone looking to relocate to our wonderful city.

Below, we go over several reasons why a move to Calgary might be right for you. If you ever need help relocating, don’t hesitate to contact our born-and-raised Calgary relocation specialists and Realtors® anytime and we will be happy to assist you!

Why Relocate to Calgary? Quick Facts:

1. Close to the Mountains: Calgary’s location provides convenient access to outdoor leisure and recreation amid beautiful mountain landscapes.
2. Most Livable Global Cities: Calgary consistently ranks high in global livability surveys due to its stability, healthcare, infrastructure, education, low crime rates, and entertainment scene.
3. An Enjoyable Lifestyle: Calgary provides an enjoyable lifestyle with its expansive river and pathway network, sunny weather, convenient airport, downtown walkway system, and unique Chinook weather patterns.
4. Cost of Living: Calgary offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major Canadian cities, with higher median household after-tax income and no land transfer tax.
5. Job Opportunities: Calgary has a high concentration of corporate headquarters and a growing diversity of jobs in various sectors, including technology, manufacturing, and finance.
6. Attractions & Landmarks: Calgary offers year-round activities, events, and attractions, including parks, entertainment districts, and cultural landmarks.
7. Festivals & Events: Calgary hosts world-renowned festivals, including the Stampede, Folk Music Festival, and other annual events that liven up the city.

#1 – Calgary is Close to the Rocky Mountains

Calgary is ideally situated in the western Canadian province of Alberta, about an hour’s drive to the Rocky Mountains. The city’s exceptional location puts residents within a few hours’ driving distance to countless beautiful lakes, world-class ski resorts, expansive national parks, and the U.S. border. It is a highly appealing place to live with convenient access to outdoor leisure and recreation amid the beautiful mountain landscapes.

Reach the picturesque Canmore and Banff within an hour or so from the Calgary city limits to enjoy all that these amazing mountain towns offer. Whether it be winter activities on the ski hill or summer fun hiking with the family, enjoy some of the best outdoor leisure and recreation in and around these unforgettable Albertan towns when moving to Calgary.

World-Class Ski Resorts

Living close to the mountains when in Calgary means you’ll have access to several world-class ski resorts within a few hours’ drive. The following five are the closest to Calgary, and include:

Nakiska is about an hour’s drive west of Calgary. A family-friendly resort, it hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics alpine events. Nakiska offers runs suitable for all skill levels, with 71 total trails and an average snowfall of 8.3 feet.

Mount Norquay is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Calgary, just minutes from Banff. It has 60 total ski trails for all skill levels and night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 pm to 9 pm. Norquay is a locals’ mountain with a historic feel, offering views of the nearby picturesque mountain town as you ski down its slopes.

Sunshine Village is a 3,500-acre ski resort about a 1.5-hour drive west of Calgary. Known for its long skiing season, typically lasting from early November to late May, it receives up to nine meters (30 feet) of snow each season and is home to 145 different ski trails. Sunshine Village has a 360° view of the Canadian Rockies and spans both Alberta and British Columbia, making it one of the largest ski resorts near Calgary.

Lake Louise is about a two-hour drive from Calgary. One of the largest ski areas in North America, it offers 4,200 skiable acres with around 150 total trails. Every chairlift provides access to beginner, intermediate, and expert runs, with various terrain perfect for everyone from families to ski pros.

Castle Mountain is located 2.5 hours southwest of Calgary in the Crowsnest Pass area. Alberta’s second-largest ski area is home to more than 95 ski trails, and receives approximately 30 feet of snow each season across two mountains.

Beautiful Mountain Lakes

Moving to Calgary means gaining unparalleled access to some of the most breathtaking alpine lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Within an hour or two, you can easily reach the following lakes (and many more not listed below):

Moraine Lake: Known for its stunning turquoise waters, it’s a photographer’s paradise. Enjoy hiking and canoeing in the summer, and breathtaking winter wonderland scenery in the winter.

Barrier Lake: A man-made reservoir in Kananaskis Country, Barrier Lake is perfect for hiking, picnicking and paddleboarding if you’re okay with the cold mountain water. In winter, it offers ice skating and snowshoeing, making it a year-round destination.

Spray Lakes Reservoir: This large reservoir is ideal for scenic drives and water activities such as swimming and canoeing in the summer. Winter transforms it into a serene landscape for cross-country skiing and winter photography.

Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes: Offering stunning mountain views, these lakes are great for hiking with several spectacular and not too difficult trails including Rawson Lake and Sarrail Ridge. Winter brings opportunities for ice fishing and snowshoeing, with the dramatic backdrop of snow-covered mountain peaks.

Lake Minnewanka: Close to Banff, Lake Minnewanka is known for its exotic bubble phenomenon, where methane bubbles get trapped in the ice as it freezes, creating a magical experience for visitors. Explore the surrounding trails during the warmer months, and enjoy ice activities during the winter.

Expansive National Parks

Relocating to Calgary means you also gain access to some of the best outdoor leisure and recreation Alberta has to offer amid its stunning natural scenery. Kananaskis Country, about a 45-minute drive west, is home to the acclaimed Nordic Centre Spa, Nakiska Ski Resort, and the popular Kananaskis Village. It also has hundreds of hiking and biking trails, making it an expansive outdoor playground that many Calgarians enjoy year-round.

Banff National Park is a bit further west than Kananaskis Country. Calgary residents will find scenic drives, outdoor hiking, lake activities, hot springs, and several other activities and events in Alberta’s most visited outdoor park. Many Calgarians take short trips to Banff and the surrounding area as a short vacation away from home, especially during peak ski season and amid the warmer summer months.

#2 – Calgary is One of the Most Livable Global Cities

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Livability Survey, Calgary has consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world for a decade and running. In 2023, for example, Calgary placed seventh on the prestigious index, while in 2024, it jumped two spots to fifth, primarily due to high scores in stability, healthcare, infrastructure and education.

When relocating to Calgary, you’ll get to participate in what makes the city one of the most livable in the world, such as low crime rates, a burgeoning entertainment scene, and exciting cultural festivals year-round. The city is known for its modernized transportation infrastructure, low traffic levels relative to other major Canadian metropolises, availability of affordable housing, and quality educational opportunities, both public and private.

Calgary has won many global awards over the past several years, also being named the world’s 47th Best City by Forbes in 2020. Others include the Condé Nast Readers Choice Awards for Friendliest City in the World in 2023.

#3 – Calgary Offers an Enjoyable Lifestyle

When considering a potential move to Calgary, the lifestyle offered by its appealing communities is hard to look past. Below, we review several aspects of Calgary that make it a great place to relocate to, no matter where you’re coming from.

Sunniest Major City in Canada

Calgary is the sunniest major city in all of Canada. The city gets about 333 days of at least partial or full sun every year, which is absolutely incredible and good for the mood. With an average of about 2,300 to 2,400 hours of sunshine through spring, summer, fall and winter, you’ll enjoy life under the sun when relocating to Calgary! Sunny ways have an uplifting affect on your psyche, even if it’s just for a few hours on a winter day.

Expansive River & Pathway Network

Calgary has the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America. The city maintains roughly 1,000 kilometres of regional pathways and 96 kilometres of trails, providing residents with world-class leisure and recreation including dog-walking, running, biking, rollerblading, and everything in between.

Much of these pathways are focused along the meandering Bow and Elbow Rivers, which then extend into communities on either embankment. Also found along Calgary’s extensive river pathway network are several parks, the perfect place to gather with family and friends for activities and events most months of the year.

In the spring, summer, and fall, these maintained pathways are used by thousands of Calgarians to get to and from work and other day-to-day destinations. The downtown and inner city pathways are often cleared throughout the year, making it easy for locals to use and enjoy at their pleasure.

YYC International Airport

Home to the YYC Calgary International Airport – the fourth largest airport in Canada – Calgary residents enjoy direct access to more than 100 destinations in nearly two dozen countries with over 15 different airlines on any given day.

Many locals choose to work hard in the city, then take vacations in the winter to warmer places like Hawaii, Europe, and the United States. With the YYC Airport serving direct flights to hundreds of destinations worldwide, you’ll have all the convenient travelling opportunities you could hope for.

Downtown +15 Walkway System

The downtown plus 15 walkway system is the largest indoor system of its kind in the world. Named after the height (in feet) of its pathways above the street below, countless indoor +15 bridges between downtown Calgary buildings allow commuters to traverse the city centre without setting foot on the street.

The +15 network is great for those who work in the city centre as it often reduces the need to go outside and is used by many in all seasons, especially winter. Downtown condo residents frequently have direct access to the +15 network as well, allowing them to never have to step out onto the streets when the weather gets chilly.

Chinooks that Warm Up the Winter

Established at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, Calgary is ideally situated in a hotspot for a favourable weather phenomenon called Chinooks that can change a winter’s day from freezing to above zero in hours. Moving to Calgary means you’ll enjoy the reprieve from the cold weather that Chinooks bring, which many locals appreciate, especially during the winter.

Young and Educated

Calgary is one of the youngest cities in Canada. As of February 2021, the average age in Calgary was 37.6 years, higher than Edmonton and Regina, but lower than Montreal, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver. This youthfulness brings vibrant energy to all aspects of the city’s business and social scenes.

Calgary is home to two major post-secondary institutions, Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary, which serve more than 50,000 students annually in addition to several smaller colleges found throughout the city. As a result, Alberta’s largest city has the highest concentration STEM degree completions of any city in Canada.

Culturally Diverse Community

Calgary is a highly diverse, inclusive, multi-cultural city that welcomes and supports everyone, no matter where you’re from. In fact, Calgary is the third most diverse major city in Canada, with over 165 languages spoken and 240 different ethnic origins.

The people who have come to Calgary from other provinces and nations bring with them their foods, culture and traditions, which have led to an incredible selection of ethnic restaurants and annual festival events to enjoy year-round.

#4 – Cost of Living in Calgary

Life is getting increasingly expensive these days, but in Calgary, you can build the life you’ve dreamed of in a relatively affordable way compared to other major Canadian municipalities – and earn more. With an average household income of $107,400, Calgary has Canada’s highest median household after-tax income.

Workers in Calgary are also paid more than anywhere else in Canada, while Albertans pay the lowest provincial sales tax (PST) nationwide. With low PST and no land transfer tax in real estate transactions, relocating to Calgary means you’ll keep more money in your pocket.

With respect to housing, Calgary is much more affordable than other major Canadian cities such as Vancouver and Toronto. As of January 2025, Calgary’s real estate benchmark price was $584,000, which is $135,000 lower than the average price across Canada. While prices remain higher than in Edmonton, Calgary housing affordability ranks high domestically and internationally:

• Demographia International Housing Affordability 2024 – Calgary was the second most affordable Canadian city in 2024, and remains among the world’s top 40 most affordable cities for housing versus 94 cities worldwide.
• Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living Index – Calgary has the lowest cost of living vs. Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto.
• Rentals.ca May 2025 Affordability Report – Calgary is seeing the steepest decline in rental rates, with an average of $1,579 for a one-bedroom, and $1,913 for a two-bedroom – a decline of more than 10% year-over-year. Calgary remains one of the most affordable major cities nationwide.

#5 – Job Opportunities in Calgary

Home to 102, or approximately 1 in 8 of Canada’s 800 largest corporate headquarters, Calgary has one of the highest concentrations of head offices in the country on a per capita basis. As Canada’s centre for energy, many of the country’s leading energy companies are headquartered in the city, accounting for more than 70% of the total head office count, providing ample job opportunities for a wide range of specializations. Today, Calgary is rapidly expanding its industry portfolio to branch out from just energy and is now home to several world-class internet technology companies.

While the oil and gas sector plays a huge role in the city’s economy, times are changing and industries are growing. New jobs in the tech, manufacturing, financial, retail and other sectors are providing both locals and migrants relocating to Calgary with a growing diversity of jobs and career opportunities.

Alberta’s public sector is also a major employer; job search resources are available if you’re planning to move to Calgary and need some help finding employment. Other resources to use include:

• Calgary Jobs – Indeed
• Calgary Jobs – LinkedIn

#6 – Calgary Attractions & Landmarks

Calgary is a lively city with year-round activities, events, and attractions for all to enjoy, which is all the more reason for you to relocate. Whether you’re in for a night out on the town with your friends or perhaps want to spend some quality family time with the kids, it’s all fun to do with the activities, events, and facilities found in the city, including:

Prince’s Island Park – Enjoy the sights and sounds of lush vegetation, wild animal life and the Bow River amid Prince’s Island Park, found adjacent to Eau Claire and a block north of the downtown business core. Prince’s Island Park is host to several annual festivals and events while being a major hotspot for outdoor leisure and recreation year-round.

St. Patrick’s Island – The Calgary Zoo is now part of a fully developed island with multiple bridges, public art, children’s playgrounds, a tobogganing hill, nature walkways, picnic and fishing coves and lookout points in every which direction.

East Village – Since the early 2010s, East Village has been all the hype in the city centre and is where you’ll find the New Central Library and National Music Centre. The mixed-use neighbourhood is a vibrant community now known as one of the city’s festival and event hubs and is a go-to place to live for many downtown workers.

Stephen Avenue – 8th Avenue SW is the equivalent to Calgary of what Robson Street is to Vancouver. This pedestrian street is closed off to traffic after hours and is lined with many restaurants, shops and nightlife venues, some of which are the best you’ll find in Calgary.

17th Avenue SW – 17th Avenue SW is one of the most vibrant and eclectic streetscapes you’ll find in Calgary. Find hundreds of different restaurants, shops and services along the street, which stretches for miles from the west to east of the Beltline, ending at the Saddledome.

Business Improvement Areas – Kensington, Marda Loop, Atlantic Avenue, 4th Street SW, 17th Avenue SW and a few other areas of Calgary fall into this category. A Business Improvement Area (formerly known as Business Revitalization Zones) are some of the most energetic parts of town and are where you’ll find countless streetside businesses ready to serve you.

Bow and Elbow Rivers – Calgary’s rivers are anchors of the community and provide locals with leisure and recreation opportunities year-round. Paved pathways span from the city’s northwest to south and southeast areas which are part of one of the longest networks of such you’ll find in North America.

Stampede Grounds – Calgary’s Stampede Grounds are where you’ll find the annual Stampede, the BMO Centre, Big Four Building, Saddledome (home of the Flames) all nestled up beside the Elbow River. Some of the best annual activities and events are held down at the grounds.

Chinatown – This little gem is home to authentic restaurants, grocers and other Chinese amenities that contribute immensely to the multiculturalism Calgary is known for. Find some of the best Chinese restaurants, as well as cultural activities and events in Chinatown.

Canada Olympic Park – C.O.P. is the perfect place to hit the ski hill if you can’t make it out to the mountains. C.O.P. features two high-speed lifts, a snowboard park and T-bar for beginners looking to learn. Meanwhile, its facilities have been completely redeveloped and now feature multiple hockey rinks, event rooms and so much more.

National Music Centre – The National Music Centre in the downtown East Village community has put Calgary on the musical map not only in Canada, but in North America as well! This state-of-the-art facility provides residences for developing artists while exposing home grown talent to the international music community and will be a beginning for many successful musicians. If you’re an aspiring musician or artist, this may be a place for you to hone and develop your skills with the necessary tools to do so!

#7 – Calgary Has World-Class Festivals

Back in 1912, Guy Weadick managed to set up the very first Calgary Stampede & Exhibition with the help of local businessmen known as the “Big Four.” To date, the event has become one of the largest outdoor rodeos in the world with more than 1 million visitors every year! The Stampede is just one of many world-renowned festivals that take place in Calgary. The Folk Music Festival, hosted by Prince’s Island Park in downtown, is another famous event and has been named one of the seven musical wonders of the planet by the Globe and Mail in the past.

Other festivals that liven up our streets each year include:

• Lilac Festival
• International Beerfest
• European Film Festival
• High Performance Rodeo
• Comic & Entertainment Expo
• Sled Island Music & Arts Festival
• International Blues Festival
• Chasing Summer
• Taste of Calgary
• Country Thunder
• GlobalFest

Learn More:

• Calgary Restaurants
• Calgary Activities & Events
• The Best in Calgary

Are You Moving to Calgary?

Moving to another city or province can be a stressful endeavour, especially if you aren’t familiar with your end destination. Don’t sweat it; there are people and resources you can use to become more comfortable with your move!

If you are planning on buying Calgary real estate as part of your move, it’s best to contact an experienced Relocation Specialist and REALTOR® for a city tour and detailed introduction to properties that will fit your wants, needs and lifestyle best!  Contact us anytime at 403.370.4008 to get started in the right direction!