Thinking of moving to Calgary?

Maybe it’s a job offer, a significant other or simply time for a change that has you thinking about moving to Calgary. Whatever your motivation, these are a few of the reasons why the Heart of the New West should be your next move.

Welcome to YYC, the city of oil and gas that invented the Caesar and carries a longstanding rivalry with the Edmonton Oilers. It’s also true that most CFL fans cheer for the Saskatchewan side, but here’s what you didn’t know.

Moving to Calgary:

The grass is greener

Last year The New York Times added Calgary to its list of 52 Places To Go in 2014, describing the iconic sights, like Santiago Calatrava’s Peace Bridge and the Jaume Plensa’s Wonderland – the 39-ft. tall head that sits in front of the Bow Tower. In 2015, Calgary was also rated as one of the most livable cities, not just in Canada, but also in the world – along with Melbourne, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Buyers’ market

It’s true that two other Canadian cities placed on this year’s list of most livable cities, but did you know the Canadian Real Estate Association reports the average home in British Columbia sold for $605,258 in September 2015 while Ontario’s average home went for $458,453? Compared to Calgary’s $381,758 it’s easy to see what city gives you the most bang for your buck.

Good habits

Calgary is an active city with a penchant for health and wellness – that’s quickly evident in the bounty of workout studios and cold pressed juice companies. The pathways are filled with runners, walkers and cyclists at all hours of the day and in 2015, the City of Calgary embraced a greener attitude towards transportation when the downtown cycle track was added for citizens on two wheels.

Get outside

Locals love the outdoors thanks in large part to the seasonal Chinooks – a warm air system that turns the coldest day in January into patio weather. From Prince’s Island Park, St. Patrick’s Island, Stanley Park and Fish Creek Park, green spaces along the rivers are popular spots to spend the lunch hour, meet friends and enjoy weekend BBQs.

Postcard perfect

Having the Rockies so close is another major perk. The picturesque townsites of Banff and Canmore offer a quick escape from the city and world-class downhill sports can be enjoyed at nearby Lake Louise and Sunshine Ski Resort. In the summer months, Kananaskis offers campers and hikers arguably some of the most stunning views in the world.

Culture?

Stampede City is more than 10 days of cowboys and chuck wagons. Under Mayor Naheed Nenshi, voted World’s Best Mayor in 2014, the city has experienced a cultural renaissance. Sled Island and Folk Fest bring record attendances while the ever-popular Beakerhead and High Performance Rodeo creates 10 days of citywide spectacles. Beyond music and arts, Calgary has also grown quite the culinary reputation, including the fact that enRoute just named Pigeonhole the Best New Restaurant in Canada.

If you’re still not convinced, it might also help to know there’s no provincial sales tax, liquor is privatized and Uber just launched last month – a few more fantastic reasons to call Calgary home.