Whether you are moving for a job, transferring with your family, or thinking of visiting it is important to have full knowledge about the place that you are moving to.
Alberta is the sixth-largest province of Canada, located towards the western part of the country. There are quite a few prominent cities in the province of Alberta, Grande Prairie is one of them. This article will give you a detailed description of the pros and cons of Grande Prairie, Alberta.
The city of Grande Prairie is located on the northwestern side of Alberta and is known for its rich landscape of rocky mountains, an abundance of lakes, and great glaciers.
Grande Prairie is the seventh-largest city in the province and is rapidly growing. The city is almost 6,230 km² in size with a population of 63,166.
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Pros
1. Great outdoor entertainment areas
Grande Prairie is known for its scenic beauty. It has beautiful landscapes that not only provide entertainment to the residents but also attract tourists.
The city has several outdoor entertainment options. Muskoseepi Park is made up of nearly 1100 acres of parkland and offers multiple entertainment amenities such as a biking track, play area, dog park, amphitheater, skate park, and sports facilities.
The Pipestone Creek is a waterway that is filled with fossils and offers numerous attractions as well. In the winter months, there are many opportunities for snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding. All these outdoor activities and features offer entertainment to the residents and tourists alike.
2. Good healthcare
Healthcare is an important feature to consider when moving to another city. Everyone wants to provide their loved ones with the best healthcare options and rest assured in times of medical emergencies. Fortunately, Grande Prairie has the best healthcare that Canada can provide.
The city has great regional hospitals that are equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and capable professionals. The local government also takes a keen interest in developing the city’s healthcare facilities.
3. Real Estate
Real Estate is an important consideration if you are looking to settle in a particular city and build a house. It is also a good investment option.
Grande Prairie has one of the most booming real estate markets in the province. Grande Prairie has some renowned real estate agents and brokers that will make the process much easier for you. Moreover, the city also offers great options for renting.
4. Public transport
Public transport is an important feature to consider as not everyone has a car or can afford to buy one. Using public transport to travel is very popular in Grande Prairie, therefore the city has a good network. Regular buses travel through an extensive route throughout the city.
The transit service starts at 6 am on the weekdays and 9 am on the weekends. The public transport options also cater to a diverse array of people such as school children, older people, and people with disabilities ensuring that all its residents have a safe and comfortable journey.
5. Education
Education has been a point of focus for the provincial government of Alberta as a result of which all the cities and towns in the province have a good and stable education system. Grande Prairie, has many public schools as well as some local universities for higher education.
Cons
1. High crime rates
Unfortunately, Grande Prairie has seen increased crime rates when compared with other major cities in Canada.
The province of Alberta generally has increased crime rates than the national average. According to statistics, there are 5488 crimes per every 100,000 people.
Moreover, the city also has high drug usage. The provincial government of Alberta is working hard to tackle the high crime rate by introducing a large quantity of police personnel and higher penalties for crimes.
2. Income tax
When living in Grande Prairie, you will have to abide by the tax laws of the province of Alberta.
These laws are more geared towards the middle class and relatively richer portion of the population which may be a concern for some. There are higher income taxes in the province as compared to other areas in Canada.
3. No diverse culture
Grande Prairie, is one of the more conservative towns in the country which may end up being an issue for some people.
There is generally a lack of diversity in terms of people and cultures in the city as a result of which the residents may be a little unaccommodating to newcomers.
There have also been cases of racial aggression. The nightlife and social environment of the city are also not as vibrant and exciting as other major cities in the area.
4. Higher cost of living
The cost of living in Grande Prairie is quite high. The city is more expensive than some of the bigger cities in the province such as Edmonton and Calgary.
The cost for amenities such as fuel, transportations, rent, and other utilities add up. The total cost of living in Grande Prairie is 21% more than in other cities.
While the wages offered in the city are also higher than in other areas the cost of living doesn’t leave much for savings
5. Cold weather
Since the city is located at a higher altitude towards the northern side of the province it does experience extremely cold weather. In the winter months, the temperature can get well below freezing.
This not only makes performing everyday tasks difficult but also reduces any opportunities for outdoor activities for which the city is famous.
The snowy season lasts for almost six months of the year and starts from October and stays until March.
Is Grande Prairie a good place to live?
Every location has its perks and disadvantages. While the bad weather, high crime rates, and income taxes can be considered a disadvantage of Grande Prairie, there are many great features of the city as well.
The amazing scenery and options for outdoor activities are like none other. The city has the best healthcare, education systems, and public transport to its credit.
All these factors add up to make Grande Prairie a great living place and to spend the holidays.