Moving to Calgary? Here are Some Interesting Things to Know

Moving to a new city is always both exciting and challenging. Some of the challenges can be eliminated with preparation. Learning about your new city and some things you should know before you move will help you make a smooth transition and settle into your new digs easily.

If you are planning a move to Calgary, specifically, there are a few little things that will definitely help you as you prepare. Here are a few interesting things to know as you plan your move to Calgary:

Things to Do

There is so much to see and do when you live in Calgary, especially if you love the outdoors. Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is located conveniently close to several great skiing, hiking, and camping destinations.

If you prefer to stay in the city, you can head to Canada Olympic Park to do your skiing, snowboarding, and tubing right in the city. There are also many parks and trails in Calgary if you love running or biking. Calgary is also home to some exciting (and even famous) festivals, like the Calgary International Film Festival, Calgary Folk Music Festival, and the Calgary Stampede.

Finances

Financial concerns are another consideration when moving to a new city. On the plus side, there is no provincial sales tax in Alberta, so if you live in Calgary, you will only need to pay the federal Goods and Services Tax.

However, some things to consider are the unemployment rate, which is high compared to other Canadian cities. It would be best to secure a job in the area before you move. In addition, housing is expensive. It is affordable compared to Toronto or Vancouver, but higher than other cities. You will need to take a look at Calgary homes for sale to see what is available in your price range.

Other Logistical Considerations

Some other things to consider as you move to a new city are practical considerations. For example, Calgary has a great public transportation system, which is not only reliable, but also environmentally friendly and affordable. So if you are planning to use public transportation to get to work, Calgary has a good infrastructure for your commute.

Calgary is also considered a very clean city with clean water, low air pollution, and great recycling programs, which is a bonus if these things are important to you. Calgary is also conveniently located, and is only a few hour drive from several destinations, including Edmonton and the United States border.

The city of Calgary really has a lot going for it. As you plan your move, consider all the pros and cons of living in Calgary and make your plans accordingly.

With pros like amazing outdoor recreation opportunities, being a clean city, and great public transportation and cons like a high unemployment rate and expensive housing, you will need to take all these factors into consideration. You may just find that the pros outweigh the cons, and Calgary is the city for you.