Calgary Living: 10 Reasons to Move to Canada's Thriving Heartland

If you are considering moving to Calgary, also known as the "Heart of the New West," you may want to "Be a Part of the Energy" and learn more about the reasons why relocating to Calgary could be right for you. 

Relocating can be stressful, but there are resources you can use to become more comfortable with your move. If you are planning on buying Calgary real estate, it is best to contact an experienced Relocation Specialist and REALTOR® for detailed introduction to properties that will fit your wants, needs, and lifestyle best. Here are 10 reasons why Calgary might be the perfect place for you.

#1 - Young & Educated

Calgary's population is one of the youngest and most educated out of all major cities in Canada, with 70.2 per cent of the population between ages 15 to 64 according to Census 2016 results. As of February 2021, the average age in Calgary was 37.6 years. This youthfulness brings vibrant energy to all aspects of the city's business and social scenes. Calgary is home to two major post-secondary institutions, Mount Royal University and the University of Calgary, which serve more than 50,000 students annually in along with several smaller colleges found throughout the city.

#2 - Head Offices & Jobs

Calgary is home to 118, or approximately 1 in 7, of Canada's 800 largest corporate headquarters, making it one of the highest amount of head offices in Canada per capita. As Canada's hub  for energy, roughly 84 of the 118 head offices in the city (nearly three-quarters) are part of the energy industry. Today, Calgary is rapidly expanding its industry portfolio to branch out from just energy and is now home to several world-class internet technology companies. This high concentration of head offices per capita provides many employment opportunities across a wide range of specializations.

#3 - Sun Shine!!

Calgary is the sunniest major city in all of Canada, receiving an average of about 2,300 to 2,400 hours of sunshine through spring, summer, fall, and winter. Sunny days can have an uplifting effect on your psyche, even if it's just for a few hours on a winter day.

#4 - Chinooks.

Calgary is blessed with the occurrence of Chinooks during the fall and winter seasons, which can transform a cold and frosty day into a pleasantly warm one in just a matter of hours. This unique weather phenomenon is highly appreciated by the locals who enjoy the benefits of the sudden thawing of snow and the disappearance of freezing temperatures.

What makes Chinook weather even more delightful is that it can persist for several days, providing a much-needed relief from the biting cold. These warm winds originate from the Pacific Ocean, travel eastward, and cool down as they pass over the Rocky Mountains. As the cooled air descends down the mountain slopes and spreads over the prairies, it quickly warms up, resulting in a substantial rise in temperature.

The Chinook winds are renowned for their remarkable ability to transform the weather dramatically and quickly, much to the delight of Calgarians. The sudden change in temperature can create an almost surreal experience, as people shed their winter coats and step outside to enjoy the warmth and sunshine. The Chinook weather is a welcomed break from the harsh winter climate and a reminder that Calgary is truly a unique and special place.

#5 - Job Opportunities

Alberta has consistently been one of the leaders in the North American job market since the turn of the century in terms of employment opportunities and growth. The completion of the TransCanada Pipeline in the late 1950s helped to advance Calgary into becoming the worldwide energy hub it is today. Alberta is home to 95 per cent of Canada's oil reserves, which ranks third in the world for total recoverable oil reserves and first in the world for democratic and investable oil reserves. The energy industry stimulates nearly all aspects of the city's economy; when oil prices are high and conditions are right, everyone benefits. Apart from Energy, Calgary is home to many key industries experiencing substantial growth over the last several years, including Aerospace & Logistics, Agribusiness, Financial Services, Life Sciences, Technology, Interactive Digital Media, and Creative Industries

#6- Calgary's Diverse Festival Scene

In 1912, with the help of local businessmen known as the "Big Four," Guy Weadick managed to establish the very first Calgary Stampede & Exhibition. Today, it has grown to become one of the largest outdoor rodeos in the world, attracting more than 1 million visitors every year.

Calgary is also home to several other world-renowned festivals. The Folk Music Festival, held in downtown Prince’s Island Park, is another famous event that has been recognized as one of the seven musical wonders of the planet by the Globe and Mail.

in addition to the Stampede and the Folk Music Festival, there are several other festivals that bring life to Calgary's streets every year. These include the Lilac Festival, Calgary International Beerfest, Calgary European Film Festival, High Performance Rodeo, Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo, Sled Island Music & Arts Festival, Calgary International Blues Festival, Chasing Summer, Taste of Calgary, Country Thunder, and GlobalFest.

With a cultural scene that has grown immensely, there's a new event happening every weekend throughout the year in Calgary.

#7 - Proximity to the Rocky Mountains

One of the biggest draws of living in Calgary is its proximity to the Rocky Mountains. The mountains are just a short drive away and offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and camping.

Some of the best mountain destinations near Calgary include Banff National Park, Canmore, Lake Louise, and Kananaskis Country.

#8 - Low Crime Rates

Calgary is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Canada and North America. According to the Calgary Police Service, crime rates in the city have been declining over the past several years.

The city has a well-trained police force that is committed to keeping the community safe. Additionally, Calgary has a strong sense of community and residents often look out for one another.

#9 - Strong Economy

Calgary has one of the strongest economies in Canada. The city is home to many thriving industries, including energy, technology, and finance.

In recent years, Calgary has been diversifying its economy to reduce its reliance on the energy sector. This has led to the growth of other industries, such as aerospace, logistics, and creative industries.

#10 - Access to Healthcare

Calgary has an excellent healthcare system that provides residents with access to high-quality medical care. The city is home to several world-class hospitals and medical facilities, including the Foothills Medical Centre and the Alberta Children's Hospital.

Additionally, the city has a strong network of healthcare providers, including family doctors, specialists, and alternative health practitioners.

Bonus - Welcoming Community

Finally, Calgary is known for its welcoming and friendly community. The city is home to people from all over the world and has a strong tradition of hospitality and inclusiveness.

Whether you're moving to Calgary for work, school, or just for a change of scenery, you'll find that the city has a lot to offer. With its strong economy, excellent healthcare and education systems, and beautiful natural surroundings, Calgary is a great place to call home.