Photo by Daven Froberg
Calgary is one of the best places to live in Canada. It has a strong and diverse economy, a vibrant cultural life, close proximity to the mountains, tons to do outdoors in all kinds of weather, and it’s one of the most affordable big cities in the country.
Calgary is one of the top 10 most livable cities in the world, making it a strong candidate for the best-kept secret in Canada. It’s a diverse city where you can find opportunities, fun, and adventure without breaking the bank trying to find a place to live.
Because Calgary is one of the top destinations for new Canadians, Canadians from other provinces, and Albertans looking for new opportunities, this guide is designed to help you find a great place to live in the city on the Bow.
#1 Search Online for a Home to Rent
In some parts of the world, renting is synonymous with apartment or condo living. It means living in a high- or mid-rise building with neighbours above, below, and on either side. That’s not always the case in Alberta.
You can find entire homes for rent in Calgary, including townhouses, semi-detached, and detached houses, in addition to apartments and condos.
Renting an entire home can make a lot of sense, especially for families or couples who have dual incomes and are willing to pay for the extra space.
When you’re looking for a house for rent, search online with the ability to set price filters and other terms that you need to know, such as:
- Pet-friendly rentals
- Furnished vs. unfurnished homes
- Parking availability
- Number of bedrooms or bathrooms
- Utilities
- Appliances
- And more
#2 Transportation: Car or Transit
Canada is generally a pretty public transit-friendly nation, and while the Calgary transit system doesn’t post the same kind of ridership numbers that you would find in Vancouver or Montreal, it offers a pretty robust system. Calgary transit is based on the light rail system, with 45 stations on two lines and a fare-free zone downtown. The system also features a number of bus routes, and transit ridership is increasing faster than expected.
All of this is to say you can get around Calgary perfectly well without a car, for the most part. If you want to live without a car, make sure you research transit lines in Calgary and find a place to live nearby. Otherwise, you might need to invest in a vehicle.
#3 Get Ready for Winter
Depending on where you’re moving from, you may need to take a few extra steps to get ready for the winter. Even Canadians moving to Calgary from British Columbia or Southern Ontario may need to amp up their winter gear, as Calgary is known for regularly experiencing -30 degree weather in the winter. If you’re moving to Calgary and want to enjoy all the city has to offer all year round, it might be time to finally invest in a pair of long johns and warm winter boots.
Once you’ve got the gear to dress warmly, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Calgary is a lively place, even in the winter, and you’ll soon learn to embrace the great outdoors, no matter what season it is.
This content is a joint venture between our publication and our partner. We do not endorse any product or service in the article.
