Living in Calgary: 13 Reasons Why Calgary is a Great Place to Live!
- October 6, 2024
- By Cody Battershill
Calgary is a Great Place to Live, Here's Why
Why has Calgary consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the world? While the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Most Livable Cities survey says our city is one of the best, there is much more to Calgary that makes it a great place to live.
Calgary is an excellent place to live because of its strong job market, beautiful natural scenery, vibrant restaurant scene, high quality of life, cultural diversity, and proximity to the mountains. It’s no wonder so many Canadians and foreigners choose to move to Calgary, a burgeoning city that seamlessly combines modern urban living in charming neighbourhoods with the endless recreational opportunities offered by Western Canada’s prairie and mountain landscapes.
Below are 13 reasons why Calgary is a great place to live and why you should consider the city your future home!
Why Live in Calgary: Top 13 Reasons
1. Resilient economy - Calgary's economy often outperforms other Canadian cities because of its resilient industries, such as energy and finance.
2. Beautiful natural scenery - Calgary's location amid the rolling foothills and close to the mountains makes it a go-to living destination.
3. Rich cultural diversity - Home to more than 240 different ethnicities, residents get to enjoy many cultural activities and events year-round.
4. Ample sports and recreation - Home to many professional sports teams, including the Flames and Stampeders.
5 . High quality of life - Calgary's consistent ranking on the world's Most Livable Cities index speaks volumes about the high quality of life many residents enjoy.
6. More affordable real estate - Comparatively versus other major Canadian cities, Calgary real estate is much more affordable.
7. Family-friendly city - Calgary has a relatively young population with an average age of 38 and has many family-oriented infrastructure to support families as they grow.
8. Entrepreneurial spirit - Growing tech, energy, artificial intelligence, geomatics, and eLearning sectors have made YYC a destination for many career-seekers in related industries.
9. Growing cultural and restaurant scene - International brands are making their way to Calgary, reflecting on its international status and growing cultural scene.
10. Sunny weather and chinooks - Calgary is one of the sunniest major cities in Canada, and experiences mid-winter Chinooks.
11. Ample healthcare - With several state-of-the-art hospitals, Calgary provides residents with ample healthcare opportunities.
12. Strong education system - Calgary's diverse selection of public, private and immersion schools provide many options for families.
13. Adequate public transportation - A growing C-Train and dedicated bus service makes it convenient to get around.
#1. Strong job market
Telus Tower
Calgary has a diverse economy with a strong energy, finance, and technological sectors. As a result, residents often have many long-term, well-paying job opportunities to take advantage of especially in the city’s main industries, but there is also a growing demand for service, contractor, healthcare, and film industry workers.
Calgary’s unemployment rate is typically lower than the national average, making it a great place to find work (which, if it weren’t for a surge in recent migration, would likely remain true). The city is home to many large companies and head offices, contributing to a typically strong job market and making it a major business activity hub. Also, because of its location, Calgary is a major transportation hub of Western Canada, while the information technologies (IT) sector is also seeing rapid growth.
Calgary’s job scene, propped up by its main industries – is a huge reason why the city is a great place to live and work, especially if you value long-term careers with good job security.
#2. Breathtaking natural scenery
Banff, Alberta
Stunning natural landscapes surround Calgary, such as the foothills and mountains to the west and the hoodoos of Drumheller Valley to the east. You’ll find more beautiful mountains to the south as they project southeastward and into the United States.
Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise are typically the most popular destinations for Calgarians. They offer unforgettable opportunities to enjoy all the mountains have to offer, including hiking, biking, and canoeing, not to mention winter activities like skiing and ice skating.
In-City Parks and Recreation
But apart from its nearby landscapes, Calgary itself is home to many outdoor recreational areas. Fish Creek Provincial Park, for example, is one of the largest urban parks in Canada at 13.5 square kilometres, with endless trails, pathways, and even a man-made lake (Sikome Lake) to enjoy summer water activities with the family.
The Bow River runs through the city and is a year-round mainstay for outdoor leisure and recreation. Its paved river pathways connect the city from the northwest to the southeast, and along its embankments, you'll find many annual activities and events, mostly in the spring and summer.
If you enjoy nature and being outdoors, you'll love living in Calgary!
#3. Rich cultural diversity
Chinatown
Calgary is a culturally diverse city with a thriving restaurant, arts, and entertainment scene. It is home to many festivals like the Calgary Stampede, celebrating the city’s rich heritage and multi-cultural population.
Calgary’s thriving multiculturalism has led to the establishment of many different restaurants, serving cuisines originating from Southeast Asia to Africa to Europe to North America. In the heart of the city, Chinatown offers an eclectic mix of amenities, including some of the best Chinese and hotpot restaurants in Calgary.\
Festivals & Museums
YYC also has many museums, galleries and theatres to explore, including the Glenbow Museum - one of the largest museums in Western Canada - with a wide range of exhibits and programs on art, culture, and history. The National Music Centre, a prominent cultural venue with interactive exhibits and significant music artifacts, is another key attraction.
Annual activities like GlobalFest, International Beerfest, Comic & Entertainment Expo, Sled Island and several other festivals are on almost every week in the city, all more reasons why Calgary is such a great place to live!
#4. Ample sports and recreation
Saddledome & Stampede Grounds
Whether you're a soccer, football or hockey fan, you'll find plenty of opportunities to catch a sports game in Calgary. The city is home to many recreational facilities and professional/amateur sports teams, including:
- Calgary Flames (NHL hockey)
- Calgary Stampeders (CFL football)
- Cavalry FC (CPL soccer)
Outdoor Activities and Leisure
Additionally, YYC has one of the most extensive urban paved pathway systems in North America that function as excellent bike paths, running and walking trails. These pathways extend from north to south and venture off into almost every community along the way, making the Bow and Elbow river pathways central to outdoor leisure and recreation year-round in Calgary.
Calgary's abundance of golf courses – some with breathtaking panoramic mountain views – make it easy to stay active and healthy while living in Calgary. Many are found amid the foothills to the west in mountain-esque communities like Bragg Creek, providing the best backdrops to a game of golf on an 18-hole course.
Apart from the Rocky Mountains, the Bragg Creek region just west of Calgary is home to some of the best trail and off-trail biking/hiking paths near the city.
#5. High quality of life
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Calgary consistently ranks as one of the top cities in Canada for quality of life. Low crime rates, drinkable tap water, accessible healthcare, overall cleanliness and a strong sense of community are just a few factors that make Calgary a great place to live.
Alberta’s tax structure means you won’t pay PST or HST on goods and services, saving you money as you go about your day-to-day life. Paying just 5% GST on all goods and services means you’ll have more disposable income, which in today’s day and age where everything is expensive, is good news.
According to a recent poll, Calgary is also one of the best places to raise children in Canada (8th place), largely due to its exceptional access to healthcare and recreational facilities.
Overall, Calgary is a great place to live for families from many backgrounds, making it ideal for moving and beginning anew.
#6. More affordable real estate
Showhomes in Hotchkiss
Calgary is a much more affordable place to live when compared to other cities across Canada. This is especially true for buying property, which costs significantly less on a comparative basis than in Vancouver or Toronto, for example.
According to RE/MAX's most recent fall housing outlook, the average benchmark price for various Canadian cities (2024) was as follows:
- Calgary - $602,653
- Niagara - $697,775
- Kelowna - $816,159
- Mississauga - $1,070,943
- Toronto – $1,115,799
- Greater Vancouver - $1,309,596
Additionally, Alberta doesn't have a PST or HST, and there is no ‘land transfer tax' on real estate transactions like in other provinces. Instead, associated fees with buying/selling real estate are much smaller compared to other parts of the country, making Calgary an excellent place to live, work, and play.
#7. Family-friendly city
Family-Friendly RiverWalk
Another reason Calgary is a great place to live is because it is very family-friendly! The city's public, private and religious school systems offer families various educational opportunities.
At the same time, neighbourhoods often have active central community centres that help to create a family-friendly atmosphere and host weekly, sometimes daily events such as holiday celebrations and yoga sessions.
Calgary's extensive paved pathway system connects families in different nearby communities with one another. At the same time, the city's relatively sunny weather year-round makes for a great time at the nearby playground or park.
Calgary has many family-friendly activities and events such as the Calgary Zoo, RiverWalk and the SPARK Science Centre. Families won't have difficulty finding fun and engaging things to do in almost any part of the city.
#8. Entrepreneurial spirit
Downtown Skyline
Calgary is a city that encourages and supports entrepreneurship. Small business owners benefit from its entrepreneur-friendly climate, promoted by organizations like the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.
Home to over 100 corporate head offices (2021), the most per capita of any Canadian city, Calgary is also where you'll find more than 700 startups. Alberta's low corporate income tax rate – at 8% - is also the lowest in Canada, making the province appealing for companies looking to save money.
Entrepreneurs require lightning-fast internet connections in this day and age. Calgary's 5G-ready telecoms with carrier-agnostic dark fibre networks ensure you're always connected to the web.
#9. Growing cultural scene
Stephen Avenue
Calgary's restaurant scene has grown drastically in recent years, with many new restaurants, cafes and eateries popping up all over the city – including established international brands like Paris Baguette, Krispy Kreme, and Chick-fil-A.
Urbanization plans by the City of Calgary are creating more accessible streetside retail spaces in new mixed-use developments such as East Village, Eau Claire and the University District. At the same time, renovations to Stephen Avenue are expanding opportunities for top-notch restaurants to open their doors in a walkable and high-activity location.
Calgary's generally strong economy contributes to developing many Class A retail spaces around the city where you'll find some of the best restaurants, pubs and bars. The city is also home to farmers' markets where you can find fresh, locally sourced food such as the Calgary Farmers' Market West and South locations.
Foodies will undoubtedly love the expanding restaurant scene in the city, making Calgary a great place to live in Canada.
#10. Sunny weather and Chinooks
Chinook Arch
Despite Calgary’s reputation for cold winters, which seem to have been rare over the past few years, the city enjoys warm and sunny summers.
Calgarians are lucky to have Chinooks throughout the winter. This weather phenomenon brings about a pressure change in the atmosphere, creating a scenario for above-zero weather in the midst of winter, providing locals with a much-needed reprieve from winter weather several times a year, sometimes lasting weeks on end.
Calgary is also one of the sunniest cities in Canada, averaging more than 300 days of sunshine annually. Its geographical advantage, combined with a blend of urban and outdoor experiences, makes the weather enjoyable for most and has even led to some innovations in the solar industry in southern Alberta.
#11. Ample healthcare and amenities
Rocky View Hospital on Glenmore Reservoir
Calgary is home to well-developed public infrastructure and boasts a top-of-its-class healthcare system. Facilities like Foothills, Peter Lougheed, South Campus, Rocky View, and the soon-to-open Calgary Cancer Centre provide comprehensive healthcare services, making it convenient to find the care you need.
Beyond healthcare, Calgary offers a wealth of amenities that enhance your quality of life. The CORE Shopping Centre, located in the heart of downtown Calgary, is one of the city’s largest shopping destinations, featuring over 160 stores and services. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, everyday essentials, or a bite to eat, you’ll find it all in this bustling retail hub.
The city is also home to numerous community centers, libraries, and recreational facilities. These venues offer a wide range of activities and services, from fitness classes and sports leagues to cultural events and educational programs. Some of our favourite city recreation centres include:
- MNP Sports & Community Centre
- Westside Recreation Centre
- Village Square Leisure Centre
- Vivo for Healthier Generations
- Southland Leisure Centre
With so many amenities at your fingertips, living in Calgary makes it easy to stay active, engaged, and entertained.
#12. Strong education system
Rocky Mountains
Calgary’s strong education system is another reason why the city is a great place to live. The Calgary Catholic School District, one of the largest in the city, operates over 100 schools with a focus on faith-based education.
In addition to public and private schools, Calgary is home to several renowned post-secondary institutions, including the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Mount Royal University, and the University of Calgary.
Community is at the heart of Calgary’s identity, with numerous programs and initiatives designed to unite people. The Calgary Public Library offers various services, from literacy programs to community events, ensuring that residents of all ages can access valuable resources. Calgary Community Associations, often located central in any neighbourhood, also play a vital role in organizing youth sports, cultural activities, and annual events that foster a strong sense of connection between families.
With a robust education system and a wealth of community programs, Calgary provides an enriching environment for families and individuals alike.
#13. Adequate public transportation
C-Train Station
Calgary is a big city by land area, so having a car is helpful when getting to and from point A and B. However, it also has an adequate public transportation system which allows for residents in nearly any part of the city to get to where they need to go.
Post-secondary students attending the University of Calgary, for example, have transportation hubs like Dalhousie Station and the University C-Train Station to facilitate getting to and from the institution. Students at Mount Royal, despite living in the north, have direct bus lines that connect to the City Centre where they can transfer and head south to classes at campus.
Calgary isn’t like Paris, where you’ll find a complete subterranean subway system connecting you to every which community in a jiffy. However, it does have an adequate and continually developing public transportation system utilizing buses and rail that help get people to school, work, and to visit their loved ones, then back again.
5 Common Questions about Living in Calgary, Alberta
What is the weather like in Calgary throughout the year?
Calgary's four seasons have distinct weather patterns. Winters can be cold, with temperatures dropping below -30°C (rare in recent years), but Chinook winds can warm up a winter's day to 5°C, sometimes lasting weeks.
Summers are pleasant and can reach temperatures above 30°C. Calgary is also one of the sunniest cities in Canada, with over 300 days of sunshine annually.
Is Calgary an affordable city to live in compared to other major Canadian cities?
Yes, Calgary is relatively affordable compared to cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Housing costs, in particular, are significantly lower than all major Canadian urban centres.
Additionally, Alberta does not have a provincial sales tax, which helps reduce the overall cost of living and keeps more money in your pocket as a result.
What are the employment opportunities like in Calgary?
Calgary has a robust job market, particularly in the oil and gas, agriculture, and technology sectors. The city is also seeing growth in industries like finance, information technologies, and the creative arts.
While there can be fluctuations due to an ever evolving country and economy, employment opportunities are often just as diverse as the people who call Calgary home.
How is the quality of life in Calgary?
Calgary consistently ranks highly in quality of life due to its clean environment, low crime rates, and high standard of healthcare and education.
There are numerous recreational opportunities, both outdoor and cultural, which contribute to a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
What public transportation options are available in Calgary?
Calgary's public transportation system includes buses and the C-Train light-rail network, making it relatively convenient to travel throughout the city.
The system is efficient and widely used, providing a viable alternative to driving for many residents.
Why Should You Live in Calgary?
For all the reasons above, Calgary is a great place to live for individuals from many walks of life. From a high quality of life to ample outdoor recreational opportunities to being culturally diverse with over 240 different ethnicities, living in Calgary is a great option for those looking to call somewhere home.
If you have questions about Calgary real estate or are thinking about relocating to the city, please contact Cody Battershill and the Calgaryism Real Estate team of Realtors® anytime and we will be happy to discuss your relocation goals with you!