Whether you're new to the city, province or country, Calgary is a desirable Canadian location to call home. This city of over one and a half million people is large in population and geographics, but each neighbourhood boasts a unique sense of community.
Besides being a popular destination for rodeos, concerts and filming, Calgary is known for its extensive pathway system, bustling food scene and almost-year-round sunny skies. Plus, the population has continuously grown year after year at a rate of 1.7-3.5 per cent annually, demonstrating that more and more people are flocking to this thriving Canadian city.
Cost of Living
Overall, your money will go farther in Calgary than other major Canadian cities. On average, rent in Calgary is 33.65 per cent lower than Toronto and 38.95 per cent lower than Vancouver. One-bedroom apartments tend to range from $1,000-1,200, depending on where you're located in the city, while 3-bedrooms range from $1,700-2,300. Keep scrolling to find Avenue Living Communities properties that you can rent in desirable neighbourhoods.
Work in Calgary
Often referred to as the land of opportunity, Calgary has ranked numerous times as a desirable place to live and work. The unemployment rate generally falls around the 6.5-8 per cent mark. The labour force is widely spread but largely made up of those working in healthcare, professional services, construction, retail, education, accommodation and others. Common occupations fall under sales and service, business and finance, management, trades and transport, science, education, law and government.
Recreation
Rain, snow or shine, Calgary has a lot to offer when it comes to indoor and outdoor recreation. Find swimming pools, athletic parks, outdoor courts and green spaces around every corner. Calgary also has an extensive network of regional pathways and trails covering over 1,000 kilometres within city limits for you to explore. The Glenmore Reservoir, Bow River and Fish Creek Park are major attractions for those looking to explore the city's outdoor scene, whether by foot, bike or boat.
If you choose to venture out of the city, the Rocky Mountains are less than an hour from Calgary's west side. Here you can hike, bike, camp, kayak — you name it — with arguably one of the world's most beautiful backdrops.
Schools
Being a city as large as it is, Calgary is home to countless schools for all ages. The Calgary Board of Education has 249 public school facilities, and 6 charter schools ranging from kindergarten up to high school, in addition to a smattering of private schools for those looking for a more focused approach.
Calgary is also known for its post-secondary education scene with a number of recognized establishments. The University of Calgary, Mount Royal University and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology are among the most well-known. Other notable schools are Bow Valley College, Alberta College of Art and Design, CDI College, Ambrose University and St. Mary's University.
Weather
Calgary is a city with four true seasons throughout the year. Summers are generally hot and dry, with temperatures between 18 to 30 degrees Celsius, while winters are snowy, with temperatures ranging from 0 to -30. Spring and autumn are milder seasons but offer their own unique beauty with lush green landscapes in the spring and multi-coloured leaves in the fall. Calgary also ranks as the sunniest large Canadian city with over 333 days of sun each year, making it a desirable destination for those who love sunshine and clear blue skies.
Demographics
Calgary actually has the youngest population of a major Canadian city. The median age is 37.6 and over 70 per cent of the population is between the ages of 15 and 64. Calgary also ranks third for major Canadian cities with visible minorities. The city is made up of 67 per cent white, 30 per cent visible minorities, and 2.7 per cent aboriginal.
Neighbourhoods
Calgary is home to almost 200 neighbourhoods, so there's a lot to consider for a newcomer when choosing your new community.
So if you're a mountain fiend and like access to major roads, Victoria Gardens is located just off the number 1 highway so you can scoot in and out of the city as you please.
For those who like to be close to the action, Meredith Road Apartments can be found in the trendy community of Bridgeland, complete with restaurants, shopping and nearby access to downtown.
Or perhaps you're ready for downtown living. The Winston, The Barnhart, Belmont House and so many more Avenue Living properties will have you living in the heart of Calgary's downtown scene, whether you want to stroll 17th Avenue, be close to your office or enjoy the heartbeat of the city from the inside.
If you're ready to make Calgary your new home, view all of our city-wide rentals here.