Alberta is consistently ranked in the top 5 provinces to live in Canada, no doubt due to the oil and gas industry here, but regardless, people flock to Alberta for all kinds of reasons. Edmonton and Calgary are the provinces’ biggest cities and the most popular places for people to settle into. Edmonton real estate and Calgary real estate are in demand; the mountains are just a few hours from Edmonton and less than an hour from Calgary, which is one of the great selling points of living here! We have helped many people buy and sell homes in both Calgary and Edmonton, so if you want to move to Alberta, this is the article for you! Here are a few things to know about living in one of Canada’s most popular provinces.
Alberta has a lower cost of living.
One of Alberta’s main traits is that it is very affordable compared to other provinces. Rent and house prices are much lower than you will find in Vancouver or Ontario, for example, and we are also the only province without a provincial sales tax, making things like groceries are much cheaper. The average cost of rent for a 2-bedroom condo in Alberta is around $1,553, whereas in BC, it’s around $2,609, and in Ontario around $2,561. Public transportation in Alberta is another area cheaper than somewhere like Ontario; residents spend approximately $90/month on public transit in Edmonton and $100 in Calgary, whereas in Toronto, for example, they spend closer to $140/month. Additionally, Albertans only pay around 5-10% in personal income tax, depending on their income bracket.
Edmonton and Calgary Real Estate.
The most desirable neighbourhoods in Edmonton and Calgary change as trends change. Depending on what you want in terms of lifestyle, location, and cost, you might prefer the suburbs or an older neighbourhood with character. Whatever your preference is, both cities have plenty of options and price points! The beauty of Edmonton real estate and Calgary real estate is that there really is something for everyone, and we have helped tons of clients buy homes they love in both cities! We have an article covering some of Edmonton’s most coveted neighbourhoods and also our Calgary neighbourhood recommendations if you want to dive deeper!
The weather can be harsh.
Alberta is notoriously cold in the wintertime; -40 degrees Celcius cold, some days. Of course, that is extreme and not daily, but it does get seriously frigid here. You have to be prepared for the winter months, meaning having the intention to invest in winter gear (jackets, boots, hats, mittens, snow pants, etc.), snow blowers and shovels, depending on your driveway/walks, and if you don’t have a garage, your car will need to be plugged in on those extremely cold days and nights. It’s worth mentioning that Alberta is a dry cold, meaning it’s typically quite sunny even on freezing days, and there isn’t that damp-cold feeling that somewhere like Vancouver has. However, spring, summer, and fall are typical to other provinces; we enjoy the same beautiful days that other Western regions have!
Things to do in Alberta.
Alberta has no shortage of things to do in your personal time; in fact, many people travel here from all over to participate in our festivals and sights to see. Here are a few of our favourites:
Festivals
Whether it’s food, music, or art, Alberta is home to amazing annual festivals and events. In Edmonton, you will find Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Fringe Fest, Heritage Days, K-Days, and much more. In Calgary, you will find the Calgary Folk Music Festival, Calgary Stampede, Calgary International Blues Festival, and Taste of Calgary. Of course, we are just naming a few, but you get the idea!
Sports
You can get into a few different sports teams here in Alberta, between hockey, football and baseball. Most popular are our two NHL teams: the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames, home to Connor McDavid (Oilers) and Jonathan Huberdeau (Flames). The battle of Alberta is always a hot topic, and it’s fun to get involved in the team spirit! We also have the Canadian Football League, with 2 Alberta teams: the Edmonton Elks and the Calgary Stampeders. The Edmonton Riverhawks are a collegiate summer baseball team representing Alberta in the Western league if baseball is more your speed.
National Parks
Arguably the most dazzling feature of Alberta is our National Parks, specifically Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. Just west of Calgary, Banff is located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and has some of Canada’s most beautiful views. Known for its lakes, terrain, rivers, and glaciers, Banff is not to be missed. Similarly, Jasper National Park is northwest of Calgary and is known for its remarkable wildlife and expansive trails. Beautiful lakes surround Jasper, with visitors worldwide making the trip to see the sights right here in Alberta.
Finding the right REALTOR® in Alberta.
There are more than 10,000 real estate agents in Alberta, which means you will be inundated with REALTORS® wanting to work with you. Whether you are interested in Edmonton real estate or Calgary real estate, you should work with a real estate professional who has your best interest at heart. The truth is that you are the one buying the home, not your agent; it’s your money and your commitment, so you should be confident when the time comes to choose the right home for you and your family.
At Realty Unleashed, our goal from day one has always been to earn our clients’ business every step of the way. We want to ensure that the process is as smooth as possible for you. The right time to buy is, first and foremost, when you are ready. Your real estate professional should always ensure that you understand the documents you’re signing, what kind of offer you are putting in, and they should negotiate fiercely on your behalf. If you are looking for a REALTOR® in Edmonton or Calgary who will guide you through the home-buying process, we’d love to hear from you! Please fill out the contact form below, and someone from our team will get back to you!
