Moving to Calgary? Everything You Need to Know Before Relocating

by First Response Realty

Thinking About Moving to Calgary? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’re considering a move to Calgary, you’re probably wondering what life here is really like. From housing prices and job opportunities to neighbourhoods and lifestyle, Calgary offers a unique balance of big-city amenities and outdoor adventure.

Located just east of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. People are drawn here for the strong economy, affordable housing compared to other major cities, and the incredible lifestyle that comes with living so close to nature.

Simply put, Calgary isn’t just a place to live — it’s a place where people can truly thrive.

Why So Many People Are Choosing Calgary

Calgary continues to attract people from across Canada for several key reasons.

Lower Cost of Living

Compared to cities like Toronto or Vancouver, Calgary is significantly more affordable. Residents enjoy a high quality of life without the extremely high housing costs seen in other major markets.

Strong Job Opportunities

Calgary has a diverse economy with opportunities across many industries, including:

Energy
Technology
Healthcare
Finance
Agriculture

This variety makes Calgary a great place to start or grow a career.

Sunshine All Year

Calgary is actually the sunniest major city in Canada, with more than 330 sunny days per year. Even during the winter months, bright sunshine is common.

Outdoor Lifestyle

Living in Calgary means easy access to nature. The city is full of parks, rivers, and pathways, and the Rocky Mountains are only about an hour away, making weekend hikes, skiing, and mountain getaways incredibly easy.

Culture and Events

There is always something happening in Calgary. The city hosts world-famous events like:

Calgary Stampede
Sled Island music festival
Numerous food, art, and cultural festivals throughout the year

Calgary also has a vibrant arts scene with museums, galleries, and music venues across the city.

Cost of Living in Calgary

One of the biggest reasons people relocate to Calgary is affordability.

While prices have increased over the past few years, Calgary remains one of the more affordable large cities in Canada.

Housing Prices

The average home price in Calgary sits around $615,000, which is significantly lower than many cities in British Columbia and Ontario.

For comparison:

Vancouver average home price: ~ $1.25M
Victoria average home price: ~ $967K

This makes home ownership much more attainable for many buyers.

Calgary also offers a wide range of housing options, including:

Downtown condos
Family homes in suburban communities
Acreage properties outside the city
Luxury homes along the river or near parks

Rental Costs

Renting in Calgary is also relatively affordable compared to other major cities. A typical two-bedroom apartment averages just under $2,000 per month, depending on the location and building amenities.

Everyday Expenses

Beyond housing, daily expenses in Calgary tend to be lower than many large Canadian cities. Groceries, transportation, and other basic costs are generally manageable.

Overall, many residents find that a monthly budget of around $3,000 can support a comfortable lifestyle for an individual, especially when combined with Calgary’s competitive salaries.

Job Market in Calgary

Calgary has long been known as a major business hub in Western Canada.

Energy Sector

The city remains a global center for the energy industry, with many major corporate headquarters located downtown. Careers in this sector include:

Engineering
Project management
Finance
Environmental roles
Supply chain management

Growing Industries

While energy remains important, Calgary’s economy is diversifying quickly. Several industries are experiencing strong growth, including:

Technology
Healthcare
Agriculture innovation
Financial services

Educational institutions like SAIT and the University of Calgary also play a key role in developing new talent for these industries.

Things to Do in Calgary

Moving to a new city isn’t just about work — it’s also about enjoying where you live. Calgary offers plenty of entertainment, culture, and outdoor activities.

Arts, Culture, and Nightlife

Calgary has a thriving cultural scene. Popular attractions include Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, as well as numerous galleries, museums, and performance venues.

The city also has a growing food scene, with restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Calgary is an excellent city for families. Some popular attractions include:

Calgary Zoo
TELUS Spark Science Centre
Heritage Park Historical Village
Calaway Park amusement park

These destinations offer entertainment and educational experiences for kids of all ages.

Outdoor Activities

Outdoor recreation is a huge part of life in Calgary.

Residents regularly enjoy activities such as:

Walking or biking along the Bow River pathways
Hiking in Nose Hill Park
Golfing at one of the many city courses
Kayaking or paddleboarding on the river

And of course, the Rocky Mountains offer world-class skiing, hiking, and breathtaking scenery just a short drive away.

Getting Around Calgary

Calgary has a well-developed transportation system that makes commuting relatively easy.

Public Transit

Calgary Transit operates a reliable system that includes:

The CTrain light rail system with two main lines
An extensive bus network connecting neighbourhoods across the city

Certain sections of the downtown CTrain are even free to ride, making it convenient for commuters.

The +15 Skywalk System

One unique feature of downtown Calgary is the +15 skywalk network, which connects buildings with elevated indoor walkways.

With over 16 km of connected pathways, it allows people to move around downtown comfortably, especially during the winter months.

Calgary Neighbourhoods

One of Calgary’s greatest strengths is its wide variety of neighbourhoods.

Downtown Living

For those who enjoy an urban lifestyle, downtown Calgary offers:

Condos and apartments
Walkable amenities
Restaurants and nightlife
Easy access to transit

Suburban Communities

Many families prefer Calgary’s suburban communities, which offer:

Larger homes
Quiet streets
Parks and green spaces
Strong community feel

Neighbourhoods like Mahogany, North Glenmore, and others provide a great balance of city convenience and peaceful living.

Calgary’s Unique Climate

Calgary’s climate is known for its variability, but there are some interesting features that residents love.

Chinook Winds

Chinook winds are warm winds that can dramatically raise temperatures in the winter — sometimes by 20°C in just a few hours. These warm spells often bring welcome relief during colder months.

Four Distinct Seasons

Winters can be cold, but Calgary’s spring, summer, and fall seasons are generally beautiful and ideal for outdoor activities.

And with over 330 days of sunshine per year, Calgary residents enjoy plenty of bright skies year-round.

Schools and Education

Calgary offers excellent education options across all levels.

Public and Catholic Schools

Two main school boards serve the city:

Calgary Board of Education (CBE)
Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD)

Both offer a wide range of programs, including French immersion and specialized learning opportunities.

Post-Secondary Education

Calgary is also home to several respected institutions, including:

University of Calgary
Mount Royal University
SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology)
Bow Valley College

Is Calgary the Right Move for You?

Calgary offers an incredible mix of affordability, career opportunities, and lifestyle. With access to world-class outdoor recreation, vibrant communities, and strong economic growth, it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing to call this city home.

Whether you’re looking for a downtown condo, a family home in the suburbs, or a place close to the mountains, Calgary has something for everyone.

📞 Thinking about moving to Calgary?
I’d love to help you explore your options and find the right home.

Rebecca & Kurtis Garrett
First Response Realty
403-969-9222
rebecca@firstresponserealty.ca

GET MORE INFORMATION

+1(403) 969-9222

rebecca@firstresponserealty.ca