Moving Guides

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

Alberta has become a top choice for Canadians seeking affordability, career opportunities, and a high quality of life. The best places to live in Alberta rival those of any other province, and smaller communities range from towns on the plains to stunning Rocky Mountain villages.

With no provincial sales tax, housing prices significantly lower than in cities like Toronto or Vancouver, and a robust job market spanning industries from energy to technology, Alberta offers a compelling package.

10 Reasons to Love Living in Alberta

• Strong Job Market: Alberta offers abundant employment opportunities in oil and gas, healthcare, agriculture, tech, retail, and transportation, with a minimum wage of $15/hour.
• Lower Cost of Living: Housing prices

Thinking about moving to Alberta, but not sure where you can afford to live? Let's look at the province's wealthiest cities and how it stacks up with the housing costs.

Calgary's most expensive neighbourhoods, including Hillhurst and Altadore, grew with the influx of oil and gas money. But Calgary is far from the only wealthy spot in Alberta. Places like Fort McMurray and Canmore have their own appeal—and their own price tags.

Alberta’s Richest Cities: A Quick Look

• Calgary median income hits ~$115,000, making it one of the richest cities in Canada
• Edmonton offers big city living with ~$95,000 median income and affordable homes in the $400s–$500s
• Fort McMurray has the highest paychecks in Alberta (median income ~$150,000+) thanks to

If you’re looking for the right place to call home in Alberta, you don't just need to decide between Calgary and Edmonton. While the two biggest cities are certainly among the best places to live in the province, it has much more to offer, from small mountain towns to mid-sized cities and more.

This guide breaks down the top 9 cities and towns across the province. We cover what matters most: jobs, housing costs, things to do, and community feel. Alberta offers great options, whether you want big-city bustle or small-town living.

Best Places to Live in Alberta: Quick Guide

• Calgary offers the most jobs and highest pay, especially in oil and gas and growing tech sectors, plus easy access to the Rockies for weekend adventures
• Edmonton has

If you're looking for a fun getaway or a new home, these small towns in Alberta pack big adventure and charm. From massive pumpkins to dinosaur bones, each spot offers something special. Find your perfect escape right here in Alberta's backyard.

Save These Top 10 Small Towns for Your Alberta Road Trip

• Smoky Lake hosts a giant pumpkin fair every October.
• Banff is the iconic mountain town where adventure meets culture.
• Peace River is a hidden gem rich in history and birdlife.
• Jasper offers mountain adventures in all seasons.
• Slave Lake provides quiet getaways with beautiful scenery.
• Canmore blends outdoor fun with urban comforts.
• Bragg Creek serves up big outdoor fun just outside Calgary.
• Waterton Park gives you peaceful