Calgary is a beautiful and vibrant city located in the western province of Alberta, Canada. Known for its scenic landscapes, friendly locals, and vibrant culture, Calgary has become a popular destination for people looking to relocate to a new city. However, choosing the right community to live in can be a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with the city. In this blog post, we will provide you with some tips on how to choose a Calgary community when moving to the city.
1. Consider Your Budget
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a Calgary community is your budget. Different communities in Calgary have different housing prices, and you need to determine how much you're willing to spend on housing. If you're on a tight budget, you may want to consider communities like Forest Lawn, Dover, or Penbrooke Meadows. However, if you have a larger budget, communities like Mount Royal, Elbow Park, and Britannia are some of the most affluent areas in the city.
2.Consider Commute Time
Another important factor to consider is the commute time to work or school. Calgary is a large city, and traffic can be a nightmare during rush hour. If you're working downtown, you may want to consider living in a community with easy access to public transportation, like the C-Train or bus routes.
3. Distance to your place of work
Thank you for bringing that to my attention. Yes, distance to your place of work is an important factor to consider when choosing a Calgary community. Your daily commute can have a significant impact on your quality of life, so it's essential to consider how far you're willing to travel to get to work.
When looking for a community, consider the proximity to your workplace and the transportation options available. Living closer to your workplace may mean you can walk or bike to work, which can save you time and money. If you have to rely on public transportation, look for communities with good access to bus or train routes that can take you directly to your workplace.
Keep in mind that commuting during rush hour can be challenging in Calgary, so you may want to choose a community that allows you to avoid the busiest traffic routes. Consider the time it takes to get to and from work and how it will impact your daily routine.
4. Schools in Calgary
Calgary is home to a diverse range of schools, including public, separate, and private schools, as well as French immersion programs. If you have children or are planning to start a family, finding a community with good schools is likely a top priority for you. Here are some things to consider when looking at schools in Calgary:
School Districts: Calgary has two main school districts, the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD). The CBE operates 245 schools, while the CCSD has 106 schools. Each district has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to research both and determine which is the best fit for your family.
School Ratings: Websites like the Fraser Institute and the Alberta Education School Reports provide detailed information on school rankings, including academic performance, teacher quality, and student demographics. These ratings can be a helpful starting point when evaluating schools in Calgary.
5. Proximity to Shopping
Proximity to shopping is an important factor to consider when choosing a Calgary community. Access to grocery stores, shopping centers, and other retail locations can make your daily life more convenient and enjoyable. Here are some things to consider when evaluating the shopping options in a Calgary community:
Grocery Stores: Look for communities with easy access to grocery stores. Many communities in Calgary have major grocery chains like Safeway, Superstore, and Co-op. Some neighborhoods even have local farmers' markets, which can provide fresh and locally-sourced produce.
Shopping Centers: Calgary has several major shopping centers, including Chinook Centre, Market Mall, and CrossIron Mills. These centers offer a wide range of shopping and entertainment options, including department stores, specialty shops, restaurants, and cinemas.
Local Shops: Many Calgary communities have local shopping districts that offer unique and specialized products. Look for communities with a variety of local shops, including bookstores, gift shops, and specialty food stores.
Transportation: Consider how you will get to the shopping locations in your community. Look for communities with good public transportation options, such as bus or train routes, that can take you directly to the shopping areas. If you prefer to drive, look for communities with easy access to major highways and roads.
6. Older vs New homes
When choosing a Calgary community, you may be wondering whether you should prioritize proximity to older or newer homes. Here are some things to consider when making this decision:
Historical Character: If you value historical character and charm, you may want to consider communities with older homes. Many of Calgary's older communities, such as Inglewood, Mission, and Bridgeland, have a rich history and unique architecture that may appeal to you.
Maintenance and Renovations: Older homes may require more maintenance and renovations than newer homes. If you're not interested in the upkeep of an older home, you may prefer to look for a community with newer homes.
Price: The price of older homes can vary depending on the community and condition of the property. In general, older homes may be more affordable than newer homes in the same community. However, if the home has been well-maintained or renovated, it may be more expensive than a newer home.
Amenities: Newer homes may come with modern amenities and features that older homes do not have. For example, newer homes may have updated kitchens and bathrooms, larger closets, and energy-efficient appliances. If these features are important to
7. Proximity to Lifestyle
Proximity to lifestyle is an important factor to consider when choosing a Calgary community.
Your lifestyle should also play a role in determining which community you choose to live in. For example, if you're a young professional who enjoys the nightlife, you may want to consider living in the downtown core or areas like Mission or Beltline. On the other hand, if you're a family with young children, you may prefer to live in a community like Bridgeland, Tuscany, or Silver Springs that has good schools, parks, and community centers.Here are some things to consider when evaluating the lifestyle options in a Calgary community:
Outdoor Activities: If you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or skiing, look for communities that offer easy access to parks, trails, and recreational areas. Calgary is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, so there are plenty of communities that offer outdoor activities for all skill levels.
Cultural Activities: Calgary is home to a vibrant arts and cultural scene, with many communities offering access to theaters, museums, and galleries. Look for communities that have a strong arts and culture presence if you enjoy attending live performances, art exhibitions, or other cultural events.
Food and Drink: Calgary has a diverse food and drink scene, with many communities offering access to local restaurants, cafes, and bars. Look for communities that offer a range of food and drink options if you enjoy dining out or trying new cuisines.
Fitness and Wellness: If fitness and wellness are important to you, look for communities with access to gyms, yoga
8. Proximity to Density
Proximity to density is an important factor to consider when choosing a Calgary community. Density refers to the number of people living in a given area and can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Here are some things to consider when evaluating the density of a Calgary community:
Traffic: High-density areas can experience heavy traffic congestion, which can make commuting and running errands more difficult. Look for communities with good transportation infrastructure, such as bike lanes, public transit, or easy access to major highways, to help mitigate traffic issues.
Noise: High-density areas can be noisy, particularly if you live near busy streets or commercial areas. If you're sensitive to noise, look for communities that offer a quieter, more residential atmosphere.
Amenities: High-density areas often have more amenities within walking distance, such as restaurants, shops, and parks. If you value convenience and accessibility, a high-density community may be a good choice for you.
Space: High-density areas typically have less outdoor space, such as parks and green spaces, than low-density areas. If access to outdoor space is important to you, you may want to prioritize communities with larger parks or green spaces.
9. Proximity to Entertainment & Nightlife
Proximity to entertainment and nightlife is an important factor to consider when choosing a Calgary community. If you enjoy going out to restaurants, bars, or other entertainment venues, you may want to choose a community that offers easy access to these types of activities. Here are some things to consider when evaluating the entertainment and nightlife options in a Calgary community:
Restaurants: Look for communities with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and food trucks. Calgary is known for its diverse food scene, with options ranging from upscale dining to casual fast food.
Bars and Nightclubs: If you enjoy going out for drinks or dancing, look for communities that offer access to bars and nightclubs. Calgary has a vibrant nightlife scene, with options ranging from trendy cocktail bars to lively nightclubs.
Music and Theatre: Calgary is home to several music and theatre venues, including the Arts Commons, the Jubilee Auditorium, and the Calgary Folk Music Festival. Look for communities that offer easy access to these venues if you enjoy live performances.
Festivals and Events: Calgary hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Calgary Stampede, the Calgary International Film Festival, and the Folk Fest. Look for communities that offer easy access to these events if you enjoy participating in community activities.