Moving to Calgary? What to Expect in 2025 | Relocation Guide

Thinking about making a move to Calgary? You’re not alone—and you’re in for something great. Whether you're relocating for work, lifestyle, affordability, or that stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop, Calgary delivers a refreshing blend of urban sophistication and rugged natural beauty.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before moving to Calgary: neighborhoods, affordability, lifestyle, weather (yes, let’s talk Chinooks), schools, employment, transit, and local quirks that make Calgary unlike anywhere else in Canada.

Let’s dive into why Calgary might be your next best move—and what to expect when you get here.

📍 First Things First: Why Are So Many People Moving to Calgary?

Calgary is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada. In fact, Calgary welcomed more newcomers than any other Canadian city in 2023 and 2024—and for good reason.

Top reasons people are making the move:

• Lower cost of living compared to Toronto and Vancouver

• A booming job market, especially in tech, energy, and finance

• Access to the mountains—Banff is just 90 minutes away!

• Friendly, safe neighborhoods with growing communities

• More space for your dollar—especially if you’re upsizing from a condo

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a growing family, or a remote worker craving more breathing room, Calgary checks a lot of boxes.

🏙️ Calgary’s Neighbourhood Vibe Check

Calgary is organized into four quadrants: NW, SW, NE, and SE. Each quadrant offers something a little different.

Northwest Calgary

• Think established communities, beautiful ravines, and top-rated schools.

• Great for: Families, professionals, and those who want quick mountain access.

• Neighbourhoods to know: Tuscany, Scenic Acres, Varsity, Brentwood

Southwest Calgary

• Home to some of the city’s most sought-after real estate.

• Great for: Upscale living, parks, and proximity to downtown.

• Neighbourhoods to know: Aspen Woods, Signal Hill, Altadore, Glenbrook

Northeast Calgary

• Known for its diversity, affordability, and access to the airport.

• Great for: First-time buyers, new Canadians, and value seekers.

• Neighbourhoods to know: Saddle Ridge, Martindale, Taradale

Southeast Calgary

• A blend of master-planned communities and lake living.

• Great for: Families, commuters, and lifestyle buyers.

• Neighbourhoods to know: Mahogany, Auburn Bay, McKenzie Towne

🏡 What Can You Afford in Calgary?

One of Calgary’s biggest selling points? The housing market.

🏘️ Average Home Prices (2025 Q2):

Property Type - Average Price - Compared to GTA

Detached Home - $710,000 - ~$500K+ cheaper

Semi-Detached - $630,000 - ~$400K+ cheaper

Townhome - $475,000 - ~$300K+ cheaper

Condo Apartment - $315,000 - ~$250K+ cheaper

Translation: You can upsize your lifestyle without upsizing your mortgage.

🏔️ Mountains, Parks & Natural Beauty

Living in Calgary means the Rockies are your weekend playground. But even in the city, nature is everywhere.

🌿 Local Outdoor Highlights:

• Fish Creek Provincial Park: One of the largest urban parks in North America.

• Nose Hill Park: Prairie views, wildlife sightings, and endless trails.

• Bow River Pathway: Walk, bike, or run for miles along the river.

• Weekend Getaways: Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise—all under 2 hours away.

Calgarians don’t just "go outside”—they live outside. If you’re coming from Toronto or Vancouver, you’ll notice people dress for the weather and embrace it, year-round.

🌤️ What’s the Weather Like?

Brace yourself: Calgary’s weather is a rollercoaster. But in a good way.

• Chinooks: Warm winds in winter that can melt snow in hours. A Calgary phenomenon.

• Sunshine: Over 330 sunny days per year—more than anywhere else in Canada.

• Winter: Yes, it gets cold—but it’s dry cold, not bone-chilling wet cold.

Expect snow, sun, wind, and 10-degree weather swings—all in one week. Pack layers.

🧑‍💼 Jobs & Economy

Calgary’s economy has shifted from being oil-and-gas heavy to a growing tech and innovation hub.

🔍 Key Sectors:

• Technology & Startups

• Energy (traditional and renewable)

• Financial Services

• Construction & Trades

• Healthcare

• Logistics & Transportation

Top Employers: Amazon, Benevity, Suncor, TELUS, University of Calgary, Alberta Health Services

Remote work is also booming here. With faster internet infrastructure and affordable housing, Calgary has become a hotspot for remote workers relocating from more expensive cities.

🚌 Getting Around: Transit & Driving

Calgary’s road network is well laid out, and commuting isn’t as stressful as it is in cities like Toronto.

🚗 By Car:

• You’ll need one in most neighbourhoods, unless you live downtown.

• Calgary’s major roads (like Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail) make cross-city drives faster than you'd expect.

🚉 Transit:

• Calgary Transit includes CTrain (light rail) + buses.

• Efficient for downtown commuters and students.

Bonus: Free CTrain rides downtown on the 7th Avenue corridor.

🎓 Schools, Education & Universities

If you’re moving with kids, good news—Calgary has excellent public, Catholic, and private school options.

🏫 Top-Rated Schools:

• Elementary: Dr. Roberta Bondar, Banff Trail, Sunalta School

• High Schools: Western Canada High, Sir Winston Churchill

• Private: Webber Academy, Rundle College, Calgary Academy

🎓 Higher Education:

• University of Calgary (UCalgary): Research-heavy, tech-forward

• SAIT: Top-tier trades and applied learning

• Mount Royal University: Business, health, and arts

🛍️ Shopping, Restaurants & Local Life

Calgary’s food scene has exploded in recent years. From fine dining to food trucks, there’s no shortage of places to eat and shop.

🍽️ Must-Try Food Spots:

• UNA Pizza – Elevated thin crust

• River Café – Farm-to-table with a view

• Native Tongues Taqueria – Trendy and delicious

• The Beltliner – Classic diner, elevated

🛍️ Shopping Districts:

• 17th Avenue – Calgary’s version of Queen West

• Stephen Avenue – Walkable, historic core

• Chinook Centre – High-end shopping

• Market Mall – Great for families

Farmers’ markets are a big deal too—check out Calgary Farmers’ Market and Crossroads.

🎉 Festivals & Fun

Calgary knows how to throw a party. The city is home to world-class festivals and quirky community events.

🐎 Annual Highlights:

• Calgary Stampede – The “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”

• GlobalFest – Multicultural + fireworks showcase

• Lilac Festival – Kickoff to summer on 4th Street

• Sled Island – Indie music lovers, this one’s for you

From patio season to winter light festivals, there’s always something going on.

🛬 Moving From Another Province? Here’s What to Expect

Relocating from Ontario or BC? You’re not just changing cities—you’re changing pace.

⚖️ Ontario vs Calgary:

Category - Calgary - Toronto

Average Commute - ~25 min - ~45–60 min

Detached Home Price - ~$710K - ~$1.4M+

Monthly Condo Fee - ~$300–400 - ~$600–1,000+

Land Transfer Tax - Just provincial (lower) - Provincial + Municipal (high)

Lifestyle - Outdoorsy, friendly, laid back - Fast-paced, dense, expensive

Pro Tip: Calgary’s property taxes are higher, but you’ll save significantly on purchase price, land transfer tax, and carrying costs.

🧳 So, Should You Make the Move?

If you're craving more space, a stronger work-life balance, and the kind of community where neighbors say hi and mountain views are your daily backdrop—Calgary is calling.

You’ll need to adapt to the weather, embrace a bit of cowboy culture, and get used to sunny days that come with snow. But once you're here? It clicks.

💬 Final Thoughts

Calgary is where urban living meets big skies, and where opportunity meets affordability. Whether you're buying your first home, upsizing with your family, or looking for a lifestyle shift that doesn't require sacrificing your career—Calgary is a move worth making.

If you're considering relocating, let’s chat. I can connect you with trusted Calgary-based agents, mortgage pros, and local experts who can help make your move smooth, strategic, and successful.