Why Vancouver & Toronto Are Moving To Calgary

Lifestyle and Commuting: Toronto vs. Calgary

When comparing the lifestyles of Toronto and Calgary, one of the most significant differences lies in the daily commute and overall living environment. Toronto, being a bustling metropolis, often requires families to live in the suburbs due to the high cost of downtown living. This results in lengthy commutes, often plagued by heavy traffic. For instance, a mere 12 km drive can astonishingly take up to two hours. On the other hand, Calgary offers a more relaxed atmosphere where even suburban living is relatively close to the city center. Here, families can enjoy proximity to schools and leisure activities without the dread of traffic jams.

Calgary's Unique Advantages:

• Proximity to Nature: Living in Calgary means you are just a short drive away from stunning natural landscapes like the Canadian Rockies, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Sunshine and Climate: Calgary boasts the most sunshine of any major Canadian city, which can be a significant mood booster during the long, cold winters. Unlike the humid cold experienced in other cities, Calgary's dry cold is more bearable, especially for those with curly hair!

Cultural Vibrancy and Diversity

Calgary's reputation as a multicultural hub is well-deserved. With over 113 languages spoken and a constant influx of immigrants, the city celebrates a rich tapestry of cultures. Every weekend, residents can enjoy an array of cultural festivities, reflecting the city's inclusive spirit. This diversity has transformed Calgary from its stereotyped image as a "redneck city" to a vibrant, cosmopolitan center bustling with entrepreneurs and various industries beyond its traditional oil and gas sector.

Economic Opportunities in Calgary

Calgary is not just about beautiful landscapes and cultural diversity; it also offers robust job opportunities across various sectors:

• Tech Industry: Calgary has joined the tech corridor that includes Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland, attracting significant tech companies and startups.
• Manufacturing and Logistics: Companies like Deavin Aircraft and Amazon have set up operations in Calgary, indicating a growing industrial sector.
• Film Industry: The film industry in Calgary is booming, with major productions like HBO's "The Last of Us" being filmed in the city.

These industries provide a wide range of employment opportunities, making Calgary an attractive place for professionals from various fields.

Educational Excellence

When it comes to education, Calgary stands out with its diverse offerings:

• Public and Separate Schools: Both systems offer a variety of programs, including AP classes and specialized schools for science, languages, and the arts.
• Charter and Private Schools: Families in Calgary also have the option of charter and private schools, catering to different educational needs and preferences.

This educational diversity ensures that families can find suitable schooling options that align with their children's talents and aspirations.

Housing Affordability: Calgary vs. Toronto and Vancouver

One of the most compelling reasons to consider moving to Calgary is the significant difference in housing costs compared to Toronto and Vancouver . Here's a detailed breakdown of the pricing differences as of April 2024:

Housing Price Comparison:

• Vancouver:
• Detached homes: $1,239,800
• Townhouses: $1,127,200
• Apartment condos: $776,000
• Toronto (GTA and Golden Horseshoe):
• Detached homes: $1,567,000
• Semi-detached: $1,139,929
• Townhouses: $949,839
• Condo apartments: $728,067
• Calgary:
• Detached homes: $749,000
• Semi-detached: $668,000
• Townhouses: $481,000
• Condo apartments: $346,000

These figures highlight the stark differences in housing costs, with Calgary offering much more affordable options compared to its larger counterparts. For instance, the price for a detached home in Calgary is nearly half that of Toronto and significantly less than Vancouver.

The Financial Benefits of Moving to Calgary

The cost differences provide potential savings of hundreds of thousands to over a million dollars, depending on the type of property. This financial advantage can significantly impact one's quality of life, allowing for greater disposable income and investment opportunities. For example:

• Moving from Vancouver to Calgary could save you approximately $1,290,800 on a detached home.
• From Toronto to Calgary, the savings on a detached home are around $767,000.

These savings illustrate why many are choosing Calgary over more expensive cities, especially when considering the high quality of life and lower cost of living.

Conclusion: Why Calgary is an Attractive Option

Calgary not only offers a more affordable living environment but also provides a high quality of life with its proximity to nature, vibrant cultural scene, and diverse economic opportunities. Whether you're a professional looking for a thriving job market or a family