Moving Guides

Whether you're a resident looking for a weekend getaway or you're considering moving to the Calgary area, Calgary's suburbs have much to offer. Each of these towns near Calgary has its own unique charm and offerings that cater to various lifestyles. From picturesque landscapes to vibrant communities, there's something for everyone within reach.

Quick Overview of Towns Near Calgary

• Chestermere: ~23 km east of downtown Calgary; population ~31,700. Lake community.
• Cochrane: ~37 km northwest of downtown; population ~39,400. Mountain views and outdoor activities make it popular for day trips.
• Okotoks: ~43 km south of downtown; population ~33,500. The river valley winding through gives this suburb plenty of green space.
• Airdrie: ~37 km

When comparing Calgary and Toronto, key differences emerge. These differences include everyday essentials like rent, commute times, and overall climate. Both cities boast vibrant cultural scenes, outdoor activities, and quality education and healthcare systems. Before moving to Calgary or planting your roots in Toronto, discover the nuances of living in both cities. 

Calgary vs. Toronto: Quick Tips

• Calgary offers more affordable housing options and lower living costs compared to Toronto.
• Toronto provides a more extensive public transport system with slightly higher average salaries.
• Calgary boasts a shorter average commute time and a lower unemployment rate.
• Toronto features a more diverse cultural scene and a higher GDP.
• Calgary

Calgary, Alberta, is a city of stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, and a lifestyle that blends urban sophistication with natural beauty. There's something unique and special to discover in each of Calgary's top neighbourhoods. From the tree-lined avenues of Elboya to the trendy vibe of Altadore, the city is a mosaic of diverse living experiences. Sunnyside's eclectic shops and proximity to the Bow River make it a favourite for creatives and outdoor enthusiasts, while Hillhurst strikes a perfect balance of historic charm and modern amenities. Whether you're planning on moving to Calgary, choosing a new neighbourhood, or simply exploring Cowtown, exploring the city's best neighbourhoods is a vital first step.

Highlights of Top Calgary

Would you rather live in Ontario or Alberta? In this provincial showdown, we cut through the fluff and provide data-driven insights into the cost of living, taxation, job opportunities, and broader lifestyle considerations.

While Ontario is the most populous province, home to the nation's capital and largest city, Alberta remains one of the cheapest provinces for homebuyers despite its ever-growing economy. Read on to settle the Alberta vs. Ontario debate once and for all.

Quick Comparison of Alberta & Ontario

• Cost of Living: Alberta generally offers a lower overall cost of living, driven by cheaper housing, lower taxes, and more affordable utilities than Ontario.
• Taxes: Alberta has one of the most favourable tax environments in Canada,

People love living in Calgary, and more are moving here every day. For current and prospective residents, building a custom dream home is the pinnacle of homeownership and something they work towards for decades.

But the experience (and your future home) depend heavily on who you choose to work with. Start by exploring some of Calgary's best home builders. While they all have experience and track records of customer satisfaction, they each have unique offerings, specialties, and styles.

Here's a deep dive into the top home builders in Calgary. The best Calgary builder for you may not be on this list, but getting a baseline of what to look for, what to expect, and how to approach your search will be priceless.

The Justin Havre Real Estate Team

Considering moving to Calgary? Understandably, you’ll want to know what awaits you in this sun-soaked city nestled against the glorious Rockies. From the reality of housing costs and job market prospects to the pulse of daily life in Calgary’s best neighbourhoods, prospective residents can check all their boxes before moving. Calgary isn’t merely a new address—it’s a place where you can thrive.

Why Live in Calgary?

• Lower Cost of Living: Calgary is significantly more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver, offering a high quality of life without excessive costs.
• Strong Job Market: A wide range of opportunities in energy, tech, healthcare, agriculture, and finance.
• Rich Cultural Scene: Home to Studio Bell, art galleries, museums, and music

Looking for Calgary's most exclusive neighbourhoods? You're not alone. With Calgary named Canada's top real estate market to watch in 2025, luxury home prices have jumped dramatically. Some neighbourhoods now have average home prices over $3.6 million.

This guide breaks down the most expensive neighbourhoods in Calgary based on 2024-2025 sales data. You'll see current prices, what makes each area special, and which ones are worth your attention if you're serious about luxury living in Calgary.

Quick Look at Calgary's Richest Neighbourhoods

• Upper Mount Royal leads at $3.6M median: Historic charm meets city views
• Bel-Aire averages $2.9M: Privacy and golf course access without the fees
• Roxboro homes average around $2M: Best value for

If you're living in or moving to Alberta and looking to save money on housing, several cities offer much lower costs than Calgary or Edmonton. Places like Red Deer and Lethbridge give you cheap living without cutting back on the quality of life. 

These smaller cities have good job markets and strong communities that make them worth checking out. If you prefer big city proximity, the greater Calgary area has affordable options.

No matter what you're looking for, there's an affordable Alberta community for you.

Top Affordable Places to Live in Alberta

Average home prices in Alberta's most affordable towns:

• Red Deer - $390,000
• Cold Lake - $325,000
• Lethbridge - $470,000
• Wetaskiwin - $250,000
• Medicine Hat - $340,000
• Brooks -

With its stunning mountains and plains, strong job market, and dynamic cities, living in Alberta can be a dream come true. But you might wonder about the price tag of living here. 

Calgary and Edmonton offer promising careers but have higher housing costs than smaller towns. Those smaller towns, however, might not have the jobs or retail and dining options you want. Your budget needs to cover more than just rent; things like groceries, getting around, and keeping the lights on add up fast. 

Let's break down what it costs to live in Alberta.

Quick Facts About Alberta's Cost of Living

• Estimates for the average cost of living in Alberta for a single person range from $2,600–$3,500 per month
• One-bedroom apartments in Calgary cost an

With its stunning natural beauty and proximity to the Canadian Rockies, Calgary offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Among its many treasures are the numerous lakes that dot the landscape, each offering a unique experience for visitors and residents alike.

From kayaking and paddleboarding to swimming and fishing, there's something for everyone. After providing the setting for many of the fun things to do in Calgary, the lakes transform into a magical tapestry of colors at sunset, creating an unforgettable experience.

A Quick Look at Calgary-Area Lakes

• Sikome Lake: Family-friendly artificial lake with a sandy beach, lifeguards, playgrounds, and concessions in Fish Creek Provincial Park.
• Chestermere Lake: Large natural lake