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Moving to Calgary, AB? - 22 Reasons Why You'll Love it!Posted by Joe Samson on Tuesday, June 14th, 2016 at 4:43pm.

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There are many emotions experienced when moving to a new city, from the excitement of being in a new home to the wonder ofwhat the area is going to be like. Fortunately if you’re planning on relocating to Calgary, AB, these emotions can be met withpeace of mind knowing that you're moving to an area that offers a lot of promise to residents and affordable homes for sale inCalgary. Of course that doesn't mean moving can't be tough and met with challenges about leaving friends and family, but whenyou look at the big picture, this can turn out being a great decision.

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Calgary offers incredible opportunities for individuals just as well as families. In addition to be visually stunning, it has anumber of amenities that make it a place that people want to stay once they move here. If you're still a little nervous aboutyour move, keep reading to find out the specifics of what makes Calgary one of the top cities to live in the country. It's genuinely aplace that you will fall in love with for a long list of reasons, allowing you to reflect back on your decision to move here with asmile and pat on the back.

What is it like living in Calgary?

Calgary is a vibrant and energetic place to live, with a youthful andprosperous economy that makes it a joyful place to live. However, before itachieved this reputation, it started out as a small police post in 1882. Thecity wasn't actually incorporated until 1893, which was followed by rapidgrowth. This was especially true in the 1970's when it became a hub forenergy resources such as the Canadian oil industry. In fact, over 85% ofCanadian energy companies made their headquarters here due to theexpanding economy and incredible growth.

While those energy industries still maintain a major presence in the citytoday, they are now accompanied by many others, including: financial,manufacturing, technology, logistics, film/creative, and more. Thesebusinesses have greatly contributed to the expansion of the economy and theappeal it provides to residential and commercial investors. Offering evenmore promise is the fact that trusted analysts have predicted that thisprosperity will continue for at least 8-10 years as the city expands.

Although exponential growth from a diversified economy is a big reasonwhy Calgary is so loved, the low tax rates is one that's not to be forgotten.Alberta as a whole enjoys having 10% provincial corporate tax rates, whichare the lowest in Canada. Calgary is not subjected to PST (provincial sales tax) or municipal sales tax. And unlike all otherprovinces in Canada, which work on a sliding income scale, Alberta has a flat personal income tax rate of 10%.

If you're wondering about the weather, Calgary is known for having blue skies and sun almost every day of the year. These sunnydays are beautifully complimented by the four distinct seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter. For those who love the snow inparticular, the average annual snowfall is just around 135cm. For those who love the warmth of the spring and summer, the drywinds that blow off the Rocky Mountains (known by locals as "Chinooks") can raise temperatures more than 20c in just a fewhours. While this feels good in the summer, it could also mean wearing shorts in January, making the weather exciting and downright enjoyable all year round.

Community Life

 Although the prevalence of big businesses and energy industries has continued to grow, Calgary hasn'tforgotten its small-town roots. You will still get the feeling of a small town when you walk through it,especially in each of the communities that make the city as a whole so desirable. People who live herehave the unique ability to create a diverse and welcoming cultural environment that is constantlyadapting to the influx of young residents that move here. In fact, there are over 120 languages

spoken in Calgary and many of the foreign born citizens who speak them have warmly brought their religions, food, traditions, andideas into the city. Overall that has contributed to a vibrant, diverse, and unique culture that has defined the identity of Calgary.

The majority of people in Calgary are those who live here and work hereevery day. However, it's not uncommon for festivals and yearly events ofCalgary to bring visitors in from all over the world. The annual Stampede isone example of an event that brings cowboys and cowgirls to the city duringthe month of July. This action-packed festival features a world-famousrodeo, nightly shows with country singers, and evening entertainment forpeople of all ages to enjoy. Sure not everyone in Calgary enjoys this type of"cowboy culture" or even takes part in it, but they are tolerant and generallywelcoming, just as they are with most other events that celebrate diversity.

Something most people notice when they move to Calgary is that peoplehere are genuinely friendly. In general the communities are warm, theresidents are accepting, and people are willing to celebrate diversity and unique cultures. Part of the reasoning for this is the factthat such a large percent of residents are young, as Calgary has the lowest average age in the country thanks to baby boomers.

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Another reason behind this acceptance and warmth is the fact that most residents have a strong sense of community and take pridein the neighbourhoods they choose to live in. They know that they are part of one of the cleanest cities in the entire world, evenboasting about the fact that it's rat-free (which is a feature only shared with the Arctic and Antarctica).

People of Calgary

It's easy to see that Calgary can be a place that's a lot of fun, thanks in large part to the diverse peoplethat make it so unique. It's a refreshing change from cities that tend to be stuck in their ways becausethey don't share the desire to adapt to their changing residents. This is why so many people are glad tocall Calgary home and look forward to the unique festivals and events that contribute to the acceptingand lively atmosphere. It's definitely not the "gun-wielding cowboys of the west" city like so many

think, as the variety of ethnicities and progressive thinking of communities have made it genuinely modern. In fact, Calgaryelected a Muslim mayor in 2010 and has been noted to have one of the most multi-cultural populations in Canada.

If you're moving to Calgary, you will find that you are welcomed into the city and community in a way that's completely differentfrom anywhere else. Residents here greet their neighbours with open arms, and it's not uncommon to see perfect strangershelping new residents get acquainted with the city as well. Although you might think one way about Calgarians and this city,you'll change your mind once you arrive. Don't be surprised to find friendly neighbours, a youthful population, beautiful scenery,fun events, and communities that work together to offer residents great lifestyles.

There's a reason that Calgary has been given the nickname of the "most American" city in Canada. It's young (with 41% of peoplebeing ages 20-44), accepting, and FUN! It's also a place where you can find all different cultures in one spot so there are endlessnew activities, foods, and events to try out. 

Calgary Employment Opportunities

If you don't already have a job lined up but are moving to Calgary, don't worry. You shouldn't have toomuch difficulty finding a job, especially when compared to other cities in the country. After all, Calgaryis home to oil reserves, many corporate headquarters, and energy industries. There are alsoopportunities in agriculture, technology, construction, engineering, television, and many other industriesfor you to find. With so many options out there, it's easy to see why there was a point in time when fast

food companies simply couldn't find workers to hire.

The standard of living in Calgary is high and people are able to find jobs at a much faster rate than they would in other areas. Infact, Calgary's employment rate is one of the best in the country, including for immigrants moving to Canada. This is especiallytrue for industries that have recently experienced labour shortages and need workers to fill positions quickly. This is common in theoil filed although other energy-related sectors are always looking to hire new workers. These industries are vital to the economyhere and employ a large percentage of the residents in the city.

If you're new to Alberta then you might be surprised to learn that it has oil sands that provide huge production opportunities. Infact, these are only second to the oil giant of Saudi Arabia, making Calgary a hub for anyone who is in the oil field. Being such animportant resource, there are always people who need to be hired to help keep the industry running at top speed. The wealth fromthis industry is a huge contributor to the wealth of the city as a whole and one of the reasons it has the strongest economy in all ofCanada.

To make Calgary even better, it was recently named the 5th "Best City to Live in the WORLD" from 2010-2014 by the trustedEconomist Intelligent Unit. Although there are many reasons why it has earned this title, the magazine looked at the factors ofeducation, infrastructure, stability, health care, and safety in particular. Adding onto the list of accolades, Calgary is also one ofthe nation's safest major cities, offering residents a lifestyle that they wouldn't find in other parts of the country. 

The Economy of Calgary

The economy in Calgary is always expanding due to being the leader in the oil and gas industries. Toput this in perspective, Canada owns the third largest oil reserve in the world, 97% of it being inAlberta. However, it's important not to forget that this city also has the second highest concentration ofcorporate head offices in the country. These offices are home to a wide range of businesses that include

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health, manufacturing, industrial, energy, environmental, and many others.All of these different types of businesses have set the stage for a flourishingeconomy where jobs are abundant and there are opportunities for all types ofworkers, including those just entering the work force.

Entrepreneurs come here to make it and there are start-ups everywhere youlook because of that "can-do" spirit. Residents have a desire to succeed andto make their dreams of owning a business a reality. However, are youwondering if the only resources are petroleum and agriculture? While thesedo play major roles with the economy of Calgary, especially since there aremore than 100 years of oil reserves left in the sands, they aren't the onlyenergy resources. Solar, wind, and biomass, are all alternatives that arepromoting diversity for energy resources. With diversification havingbecome priority in recent years, green technologies like these are crucial for getting rid of coal mines and reducing power usage. 

Calgary Real Estate & Rentals

 Calgary is an excellent place to live because it boasts the highest percentage of ownership in the entirecountry. Much of this is due to the strong economy, especially with the abundance of jobs available. Ifyou're thinking about buying real estate in Calgary, then it's important to have reasonable expectationswhen it comes to pricing.

Homes inside of the city and surrounding Calgary are priced based on anumber of factors but mostly real estate values are driven by location. Ifyou're looking to live in the downtown core, expect to find condos that startin the $200,000's and extend up into the multi-millions. If you're looking fora single-family home or a townhouse around inner city, then prices will bestart around $450,000, but expect to do renovations if you want updatedfinishes.

If you're looking outside of the core, you'll find that the prices are greatlyvaried depending on the area. For example the homes for sale in WestCalgary tend to be the most expensive because of the sizes of lots. Thesouthern and northern sides are ideal for homeowners who are looking forturnkey properties that are fairly priced starting around $400k. For thoselooking for something smaller, there are apartments, condos, and townhouses located throughout the city as well. However, newconstruction homes are typically available on the outskirts communities of Calgary.

If you are looking to rent or are a buyer who wants to know what rentals go for, the prices are pretty consistent in the city exceptfor the downtown area. Most people can find 1 bedroom apartments priced from $750 to $110 and 2 bedrooms for $900 to $1200.Basement suites tend to be the most affordable at around $500 to $750 while houses are the most expensive ranging from $1200 to$1500+. If you're looking for the cheapest place to rent, it's the northeast side of the city.

No sales tax is an added advantage of buying in Calgary and a huge reason why it's one of the most modestly-priced majorcities in the country. If you're thinking about relocating to Calgary, then you are likely to find a home that you absolutely love.The city is unique, there are many different home styles, and the communities offer incredible amenities. 

Popular Home Searches in Calgary

South Calgary Homes SE Calgary Homes West Calgary Homes City Centre Calgary HomesCondominiums Townhouses Luxury Homes NEW ListingsNEW Construction Homes Open Houses Homes Surrounding Calgary Northwest CalgaryEvergreen Silverado Chaparral Cranston

Transportation in Calgary

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 It's easy to get around Calgary by driving,however, public transportation is still a viableoption for those who do not wish to get behindthe wheel for every outing. While buses andshuttles make up a large part of thistransportation, the LRT (light rail transit) is oneof the best forms of public transit. Otherwiseknown as the C-Train, this is constantly growingand expanding, with stops all over the different

communities of this city. It's even free to ride in downtown, encouragingthose who work in the area to keep their cars at home. If you plan on takingpublic transit often, then it's recommended to move next to an LRT linewithin your community. This will shorten your commute time and make iteasier to get to the stop when the weather isn't nice.

If you're planning on driving, the nearly-completed Ring Road can help shorten your commute while making it easier to getaround. Another thing you will find if you decide to drive is that the roads in Calgary are very well maintained. However, this isdue to the fact that there is a lot of construction during the summer, which can mean traffic jams that extend your commute. This iswhen it will come in handy to be near a public transit line that will eliminate the need of driving. If you're nervous about walkingafter getting off of the train or a bus, don't! Calgarians are known to be very courteous to pedestrians and wait for them to cross theroad before they continue driving.

For anyone planning on walking, Calgary is incredibly pedestrian-friendly. While drivers are courteous to those who are crossingthe road, the streets are also very easy to navigate. As you walk out from the middle of the city the street numbers will increase,making it easy to find where you're going. However, it's important to know which quadrant you're going to so you can navigatebased on NW, NE, SW, and SE. If you don't know which quadrant you're going to, you will likely end up at the right address but inthe wrong section of the city.

To make walking in Calgary even more appealing, the +15 Skyway Network in downtown provides elevated indoor pedestrianwalkways. In addition to being heated during the winter, they allow for easy travel between buildings without any worry ofvehicles. For those who work in this area, the Skyway network helps make getting around a lot easier and virtually eliminates theneed for a vehicle.

Food & Best Restaurants in Calgary

 Food lovers... welcome to Calgary! The citywhere you can find an abundance of amazingrestaurants for a wide variety of cuisines. Thereare thousands of restaurants in the city, with themajority being local spots that you won't find

anywhere else. You'll never run out of delicious food to try, whether you'relooking for authentic Italian, spicy Indian, or a classic sub. Making thesespots even better is the fact that the service is always friendly, keeping intune with the welcoming vibe you'll get when you move here.

The cost of a good meal in Calgary will vary based on the entree and type ofrestaurant you visit. However, the average cost of a meal will run youaround $12-$17. If you're looking for the cheapest option, then a food courtis the spot where you'll get the most for your money. Fast food will be evencheaper, but a few dollars more is worth it to get the quality food from localrestaurants. If you're a bargain hunger, you can even find $1 loaves of bread at Superstore and $1 doughnuts at Tim Hortons,making it easy to grab something fast on the go. Unfortunately if you're in the mood for something fancier, like steak, you'll needto expect high prices. Steak and even veggies are priced quite high at the moment.

In the mood for a beer? You've come to the right place. Calgary residents tend to drink beer like people in other cities drink coffee!Of course there are good coffee places (Tim Hortons can't be beat), the bars here are well worth checking out if you want an adultbeverage. Brasserie Kensington and Oak Tree Tavern are two examples of popular options, each offering amazing bar food inaddition to beers from all over the world. Want a burger instead? Check out Peter's Drive-in to see where all the locals get the besthamburgers.

There really are endless options when it comes to great bars, restaurants, and coffee shops in Calgary. If you're looking for somesolid suggestions, then it's recommended to check out Avenue Calgary Magazine. They've collected data from all over the city tocreate an in-depth guide to dining in Calgary. You can check out another great food guide for Calgary here. With both of theseresources on your side, you'll be eating the best food in the city in no time!

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Best Schools in Calgary

 Calgary is a city that's passionate abouteducation. After all, it is home to the largestpercent of individuals in Canada who havereceived a post-secondary education! It was evennamed the third "most educated city in Canada"

by Maclean's Magazine. Fortunately this means for anyone moving herethere are many educational opportunities to choose from. Each school is setto the highest of standings, especially the universities and colleges. A degreefrom any of the many that are available will be recognized throughoutCanada as well as the rest of the world.

MountMount Royal University and the University of Calgary are two ofCalgary's schools that stand out in particular for their excellent programsand high educational standards. However, there are many other schools tochoose from, offering something for everyone who is looking for the rightprogram for them.

If you're moving here and in need of schools for younger children, the public education system in Calgary is excellent and held toincredibly high standards. There are also a large number of private and separate schools available to choose from that are knownworld-wide for the quality education they provide. This can make it a lot less stressful to move to a new place like Calgary, simplyknowing that school isn't something you will have to worry about.

Want to know where the very best schools in Calgary are before you move? Check out this link to read what MoneySenseMagazine has to say here. Are you interest in school ratings in Calgary instead? Save yourself time and visit the website of the TheFraser Institute for rankings by school.

Ski Resorts Near Calgary & Banff

 Calgary is home to some of the best ski resortsin all of Canada, making it a wonderful place tolive for any ski-enthusiasts. It's just a short tripaway from the Rocky Mountains in particular,which offers world-class hills and skiing people

of all skill levels. There's a reason the 1988 Winter Olympics were held inCalgary; it's beautiful and the nearby ski hills have been expertly crafted.

Whether you're interested in the stunning resorts in the Rocky Mountains orthose that are a couple of hours away, you have many to choose from. Someworth considering include:

Castle Mountain

Doesn't it just sound majestic? This ski resort is located in the Rocky Mountains 270km from Calgary. It's absolutely worth the tripto get here, as the long and steep runs are incredible for those who love to ski. The snowfall also reaches around 9 metres annually,making it an excellent place for lots of powder. There are 78 ski trails with options for beginners, intermediates, advanced, andexperts. It's one of the resorts that has a lot of old-school charm, friendly folks, and great food to complement the experience.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Located near Lake Louise about a two hour drive from Calgary, Alberta in the Banff National Park is this popular ski resort. It'svery easy to access and has breathtaking views with a setting that can't be beat. It's common to see ski events hosted here, meaningit can get quite busy and crowded.

Nakiska Mountain Resort

Located only 60 minutes from the heart of the city and tucked in the Canadian Rockies, Nakiska is a quaint ski resort that onceheld the privilege of hosting the '88 Olympic Alpine Events. Today it's still well-maintained, but is generally best for families and

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intermediate skiers (there are no options for experts). Anyone can have fun on the slopes here for a day without having to worryabout a long drive back home.

Sunshine Village

If you're an expert skier or someone who enjoys steep and rocky terrain, then Sunshine Village is an ideal choice. The exposedterrain and steep trails make it both exciting and a challenge. It's definitely one of the better mountains in Banff, making it a placeworth checking out when you're in the area!

Canada Olympic Park

Used for professional training as well as recreational purposes, the Canada Olympic Park is an excellent choice for all types ofskiers. To make the park even more challenging, they recently added the "black diamond run" for those who are more advanced.What's unique about Canada Olympic Park is the details, such as the magic carpet that transports people around the park so theydon't have to walk. They also have night skiing and an Under Armour Super Pipe for snowboarders to take advantage of! 

 

Rocky Mountains - Calgary & Banff

 Less than 90 minutes away from Calgary is thestunning Banff National Park and RockyMountains. Although this park may have startedas a small hot springs reserve in 1885, today it isan astounding 6,641 square kilometres of

gorgeous outdoor space. From this park you can see unobstructed views ofthe incredible Canadian Rockies. If you're adventurous, these are excellentfor climbing, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, snowshoeing, or doing a widevariety of other outdoor activities.

Other features of Banff that you don't want to miss out on include: thesparkling waters of Lake Louise, flower fields of Sunshine Meadows, andthe jagged peaks of the Icefields Parkway. One of the best parts aboutcoming here is the fact that there is so much to do. There are even bird-watching groups that come out here along with guided tours. If you want to learn more about this park and the mountains thatsurround it, visit the official website at: (banffnationalpark.com). 

60 Seconds Of Skiing In Banff & Lake Louise

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Calgary Recreation & Sports

 There's a sport to do for every month in Calgary, including the winter and summer seasons. Lacrosse,field hockey, volleyball, basketball, netball, Australian football, and cricket are only a small selection ofsports that are played regularly across the city. If you enjoy being involved in activities, you will surelybe able to find something that you're interested in, especially if you're willing to try a new spot.

What's special about Calgary is the fact that it's home to many sport camps for children and teens, many of them starting from theage of 3. There are also teams for children of all ages, including: baseball, hockey, football, soccer, and baseball. If you're an adultand love these sports as well; don't worry. There are many teams for adults as well!

With the Rocky Mountains so close by, it's easy to see why they are used for adventure trips and a wide variety of outdooractivities. However, if you want to stay within the city limits, you can find facilities and outdoor areas for recreational hockey,cross-country skiing, swimming, kayaking and even rock climbing. Are you more interested in watching sports? There are manyprofessional and amateur sports teams that you can watch all throughout the year, including at the World Pro Rodeo Centre.

Calgary FlamesAnyone who loves hockey is going to enjoy seeing the Calgary Flames play a game at the Scotiabank Saddledome. If they score agoal, you'll see actual flames shoot up, causing the entire audience to erupt in cheer. There's nothing like a Flames game in Calgary.

Calgary StampedersThe Calgary Stampeders are a professional football team that you can watchregularly at McMahon Stadium. One of the best parts about seeing themscore is seeing the touchdown horse named Quick Six run down thesidelines! There's also tailgating and a lot of fun post-game activities toenjoy with other fans outside.

Calgary RoughnecksIf you enjoy lacrosse you'll have fun watching these games all across thecity of Calgary. This city is home to some of the most hard-core fans outthere, making it easy to find others who share your love of this sport.

Olympic Oval – SkatingThe Olympic Oval is a world-class skating facility where you can takepublic skate lessons or just enjoy watching shows with professional skaters.The oval ice surface is over 450 metres, making it large enough for big classes and expert skaters.

Fly Fishing in the BowThe Bow River winds throughout Calgary and provides excellent fishing opportunities for those who love the thrill of the catch. It'sbest known for trout fishing but there are many other fish you can find all along this beautiful river.

Floating on the Elbow RiverThere's nothing quite as relaxing as lying out on the Elbow River in an inflatable boat, especially with the stunning views of thecity just beyond the trees. This is a popular place to find people from all over the city during the summer, but make sure to play itsafe and wear a life vest when you're on the water.

Skateboarding at Shaw MIllenium ParkAs the largest skate park in North America, Shaw Millennium Park will not disappoint anyone who loves to skate. There are roll-on rails, bowls, half-pipes, ledges, a fun box, stairs, and wall rides all located throughout this 88,000 sq ft concrete facility. There'seven a 30' full-pipe that skaters can use to refine their skills or just try something new. No matter what skill level you are, there'ssomething you'll find to love at this park.

Calgary Polo ClubThe Calgary Polo Club, which was established in 1890, sprawls across 200 acres that has 8 grass playing fields, horse boarding, anoutdoor arena, an exercise track, and so much more. Whether you want to watch one of the fast-paced tournaments or learn to playpolo for yourself, this is the place to do it.

Calgary Climbing CentreThere are two impressive climbing gyms inside of this centre where you can scale, dangle, and ascend to new heights. If you wantto work your way up to outdoor climbing, this centre offers excursions in the Rocky Mountains where you can test your abilitiesand enjoy a group climbing experience.

Hot Air Balloon RideHot air balloon rides are some of the best ways to take in the skyline of this beautiful city. It's an experience unlike anything else,and with professionals who offer these rides throughout the year, you will have many opportunities to go.

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Mountain Biking at Canada Olympic Park (Winsport)There are 25km of trails at WinSport that offer beautiful views, challenging trails, and a lot of fun for those who love to mountainbike. Fortunately there's a chairlift that takes you back to the top of the hill so you can save your energy for the ride.

Biking, Walking & RunningThe Pathway System in Calgary is one of the most incredible features that residents use on a daily basis. It's made up of over500km of pathways that connect throughout communities and along the boundaries for those who want to walk, jog, bicycle, orrun. It's even used for commuting due to the fact that trails are vehicle-free.

Sail, Kayak, Canoe & Bike at Glenmore ReservoirThe Glenmore Reservoir is a popular place for gorgeous views as well as incredible outdoor space for all types of activities. Youcan barbecue, kayak, sail, swim, or even bike, run, and walk along the trail system that winds around it. If you visit the GlenmoreReservoir just once you'll likely want to go time and time again because it's such an amazing resource, especially during thesummer.

SoccerThere are many soccer fields located throughout Calgary to accommodate those who love the sport. There are also two soccerdomes in the southeast and northwest sectors of Calgary where you can play indoors to escape the cold or snow.

Spruce MeadowsCalgary is home to one of the best equestrian facilities in Canada and North America as a whole. If you enjoy watching jumpersshow their skills, then Spruce Meadows is the place to go. The grounds are also stunning, so it's a great place to spend an afternoonafter you watch an equestrian show. There are also events held here all throughout the year, making it a fun spot for families inCalgary.

Calgary Nightlife & Entertainmnet

 If you plan on going out for a night on the town,Calgary will not disappoint. When moving here,you will find that there are a number of things todo for entertainment and fun. This begins withthe downtown area, which is home to a lot of

great bars, shows, and nightclubs. What's even better is that you can walkfrom one place to another or use public transit, so there's no need to drive.Downtown is also a popular spot for big events and free concerts, so it'slikely you'll run into something exciting going on if you make this yourdestination for a night out. If you want to learn more about the nightlifescene, then take a look at this excellent guide here.

If you're looking for something different, like shopping or sipping a hotlatte on a street side patio, 17th Avenue is a great spot to check out. Thisstreet features 400 different businesses including: bars, restaurants, boutiques, and retail shops. It's the perfect place to goshopping, go to dinner, then grab a cocktail or cup of coffee. It's also part of the 17th Ave Retail & Entertainment District, which ishome to a wide variety of shows and plays. It's also close to Stampede Park, which has shops, restaurants, lounges, cafes, andmuch more. 

Calgary Events & Festivals

 There are seemingly endless festivals and large events held in Calgary during the spring, summer, andeven winter! Some of the most popular that you should check out upon moving here include:

Sun and Salsa Festival!

Hosted in the community of Kensington, this festival is exactly what the name says: sunshine and salsa! You'll find salsa fromsome of the best companies in the area, with all of them competing to win the top prize. In addition to this, there are merchants thatset up booths so you can purchase lots of fun items and delicious food. Making this even more fun is the fashion show that's heldduring the event, which features clothing from the area's top retailers. This is perfectly complemented by live bands, musical acts,dancing, and other entertainment that changes every year.

Globalfest

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Globalfest has been an August tradition for Calgarians since it was started in 2003. Organized by the Calgary Fireworks FestivalSociety, this features incredible fireworks shows that last for hours. In fact, there are different teams that make the fireworks showsso each is unique, beautiful, and elaborate.

Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede is an annual event that's held during the summer.Named "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth", this celebrates thecowboy lifestyle and rodeo in Canada. It features entertainment,country western bands, amusement park rides, delicious food, and a lotof other fun activities. One of the best parts about this is to get involved bydressing up! It's the one time of year when you'll see Calgarians dressed incasual country wear, such as cowboy hats and plaid shirts. While mostpeople don't dress all-out, it's still a lot of fun to be part of something sounique.

This event has become such a popular annual tradition that even most ofdowntown Calgary closes down to join in on the excitement! You'll evenhear country music playing at most stores a week or two before it happens,getting residents excited about what's to come. However, if this isn'tsomething you're interested in, there are other cultural events that go on, including: theatre, the Dragon Boat Festival, the FolkFestival, and Shakespeare in the Park. There are also a lot of small community events that make this weekend fun for people of allages.

Calgary folk Music Festival

This is a 4-day festival that happens every July on the beautiful Prince's Island Park. It features celebrities, local bands, andperformances on eleven different stages. There are tens of thousands of people who come to watch these performances, normallyover 50,000 in total! Even if you're not a folk music fan it's worth it to check this out once because of the food, friendly people, andthe views from the island. 

Weather in Calgary

 Calgary is known for having a lot of sun andbeautiful blue skies due to it being at an altitude.This unique climate makes it truly a beautifulplace to live, especially if you appreciate havingas many sunny days as you can.

When it comes to daily weather, it can be unique in the fact that it changesquite rapidly. This is why the saying goes "If you don't like the weather,wait five minutes!". It's common for sudden thunderstorms or rainstorms tooccur just as common as it is to experience cold snaps in the summer. It'seven common for the weather in the winter to warm up to t-shirttemperatures because of the Chinooks, which are warm winds that blow offthe mountains. On any given day the temperatures can go from +20 to -20,making it difficult to predict what any given day will be like.

Will it snow on Christmas? There's really a 50% chance of snow, depending on how the weather has been throughout the rest of theyear. However, snow regularly comes by Halloween, so chances of a white holiday are pretty decent. However, one thing you canbe certain of during the winter is that it will be cold. In fact, it normally reaches -30c and even colder sometimes, which might takesome people moving here a little bit of getting used to! 

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Summer is normally around +20 to +30 but don't expect to see these temperatures in the spring. In April it's normally still snowing,same for May as well. Of course every year can be different, but it's pretty common to not see warm temperatures until well intoJune. For more information about the weather in Calgary go to The Weather Network (source for average temperature chart)

Calgary Golf Courses

 Are you a golf enthusiast? If you are, then you will LOVE Calgary! There are a number of stunninggolf courses in Calgary that range from public to private, so you have options for any type of coursethat you prefer. With this city being ranked by Golf Advisor as one of the top 10 for golf in the country,you won't be disappointed with any that you choose. There are actually over 47 different options,meaning you can take your time to visit them all! There's a reason people come to Calgary from all over

the world to play golf, and once you experience one of our courses, it will be easy to see why. 

Things to Do in Calgary

 With the stunning nature that surrounds Calgary,there are endless natural resources to enjoy.Banff National Park in particular is 125kmnorthwest of the city and offers beautiful viewsof the Rockies and tons of outdoor space. Nearly

5 million people visit here every year, as it has so much to offer all types ofnature lovers. If you're looking for something closer, Bragg Creek is just30km west of Calgary and and is a great place to hike, ride horses, raft,canoe, walk the dog, mountain bike, or do a wide variety of other outdooractivities. A short 45km west of this is Kananaskis, which offers everythingfrom horseback riding and biking trails to ice climbing and cross-countryskiing. On your way there you can find a Provincial shooting range for evenmore options for things to do.

All throughout the city there are beautiful parks that are perfect spots forpicnics or just afternoons doing activities. These offer convenience, especially for residents in communities that are walkable.Most of these neighbourhoods connect to the Pathway System, which is North America's Largest Network of Pathways. It'sover 700km long and goes through parks, natural areas, communities, and alongside rivers. These paths are vehicle-free, sothey are perfect for pedestrians. Public parks are also situated throughout the city and can be used for a wide variety of activitiesduring the spring, summer, and winter.

If you're looking for something different to do, then Calaway Park is a spot worth checking out. It's located on the outskirts ofCalgary and is a seasonal amusement park. There are also a number of incredible malls, cinemas, and theatres located allthroughout the city for additional entertainment options. Check out Globe Guide's "Best Things to Do in Calgary" here.

Generous Calgarians

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 Albertans are incredibly generous and ratedamong the most giving in all of Canada, whichcan be seen in these statistics. Within Calgaryspecifically, residents give the most per capita tothe United Way. Residents here are willing togive as much as they have to help theirneighbours and make a difference in others lives.

One example of this is when the great flood of Calgary occurred in 2013.During this time residents did everything they could to help those who hadbeen affected, which brought the city closer together as a whole. Anotherexample was the Fort MacMurray Fire in 2016, which brought out the bestin Calgarians who wanted to help the nearly 100,000 people who were affected by it. 

FREE Alberta Health Services

 Health care in Calgary is excellent, with a large number of high tech and world-class facilities beingsituated within it. What's even better is that health care in Alberta is free and you don't even have topay a monthly premium for it. However, it's important to keep in mind that if you make over $50,000,health care premiums will now affect you. The amount will depend on how much you make, but willrange from $200 to $1000 per year. 

No PST & Low Taxes in Calgary, AB

 Although free (or very affordable) health care makes Calgary a wonderful place to live, the low taxesare another huge benefit for those who live here. Calgary as well as Alberta has the distinction ofhaving the lowest personal and corporate tax rates in the country. This is in part due to the fact thatthere is NO PROVINCIAL SALES TAX in Alberta and the structure of taxation is different fromall other provinces in Canada. For example, all other provinces in the country use a progressive rate

schedule for personal income taxes. In Alberta, there's a flat 10% tax rate regardless of income level.

Safe Neighbourhoods in Calgary

 Anyone who lives in Calgary will tell you that it's a very safe and comfortable place to live. In fact, itwas once named one of the safest major Canadian city's by Maclean's Magazine. Whether you arelooking to start out on your own or you're raising a family, this is definitely a wonderful place. Calgary'scrime rate is very low, especially when compared to other major cities in Canada. The crime rate haseven lowered as the city has expanded due to the efforts of fire, emergency medical services, and

police. 

The City of Calgary and its residents continuously contribute towards making Calgary a safe place to live. By organizing lotterydraws to fund Calgary's STARS Air Ambulance helps to keep  this important service up in the air. 

Calgary Arts & Heritage

 Art is a major part of the culture in Calgary, starting with the beautiful statues and architecture thatmake this city so unique. You can see influences from local artists and other cultures all over the cityand in various communities.

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Another way to take in the arts is to visit the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium (opened in 1957), which is a performing artsfacility. With thousands of seats available, this is where large audiences can bee Broadway musics, theatrical productions, and localshows put on by community centres. The twin facility, which is located in Edmonton, is home to the Alberta Ballet Company, theKiwanis Music Festival, and the beloved Calgary Opera.

Architecture in Calgary

 The architecture in Calgary is stunning from anywhere you look, especiallyin the downtown area. There are numerous skyscrapers that have beenthoughtfully designed with innovative details and unique exteriors. Some ofthese were even constructed during the skyscraper boom in the late 1950s,making them true pieces of Calgary's history. The rest of the buildings are a

mix of residential and office towers that generally extend at least 40 floors high.

Two of the best structures to check out in particular are the Scotiabank Saddledome and Calgary Tower,as they are some of the most unique in all of the country. The Peace Bridge is another famous piece ofarchitecture, which was designed by designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Calgary'sBankers Hall Towers are twins that you should visit as well, especially because they are the tallest twintowers in Canada. Last but not least, don't forget to check out The Bow (which is Encana headquarters),as it's the tallest office tower in Canada.

 

Final Thoughts on Relocating to Calgary

Now that you've read all about the features of Calgary, it's easy to see why it's such a genuinely fantastic place to live and work.There are endless things to do, so you'll never get bored or run out of new things to try. And because the people here are sofriendly, you're likely to make a lot of new friends and like all of the neighbours that you live by. The close-knit spirit of eachcommunity makes it all that much better, with everyone feeling like they are a part of something special.

If you have questions about your move to Calgary, which is understandable for anyone, then give us a call at 403-271-0600 or sendus a message! With their incredible knowledge of the area you'll find that they can give you personal and professional advice likenobody else. We can even help you find a perfect place to live so you look forward to your move even more!