Alberta is a famous province in Canada and has a number of great cities. The province lies in the western part of Canada and has a beautiful landscape of rocky mountains, prairies, and thick coniferous forests. The province is boarded British Columbia on the western side, Saskatchewan on the eastern side, the Northwest Territories (NWT) towards the north, and the United States towards the south.
Alberta is the sixth-largest province of Canada with a vast area of 660,000 km2. In terms of population, it is densely populated with a total number of 4,067,175 people. Below is a list of the best places to live in Alberta Canada.
1. Calgary
Calgary is the largest city in the province of Alberta. It covers an area of 825.3 kmĀ² with a total population of almost 1.336 million. It is one of the best places to live in Alberta and has been voted the most livable city in North America by the Economist Intelligence Unit for two consecutive years. Calgary is one of the cleanest cities in Canada. The local government and residents make sure to keep the city clean and green. Despite being a big city, Calgary has a low cost of living. When compared to other big cities in the region the cost of living in Calgary is almost 10% less. This is facilitated by the fact that the government of Alberta does not impose provincial taxes so its residents can save up.
If you are moving with family and are concerned about the quality and availability of amenities in the city then you should not concern yourself anymore. Calgary has great options for outdoor activities and entertainment such as walks, treks, and biking which the whole family can enjoy. The city has excellent healthcare facilities with great family doctors as well as the option for cheap housing. Overall Calgary is one of the best cities in Canada. Its urban charm coupled with scenic beauty makes it one of the most exciting places to live.
2. Canmore
The city of Canmore is located almost 50 miles from Calgary. The city started when Queen Victoria offered a coal mining charter, and a mine was opened. Also, the city lies within Bow Valley right on the edge of Banff National Park. Due to its proximity to a number of natural landmarks, Canmore is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Canada. Canmore is a small town with a total area of 69.43 km2 and a population of barely 13,992 but that is what makes it so charming. The slow-paced community life seeped within natural beauty is a treat for residents. Living in Canmore feels like you are on a vacation all year round.
The presence of rocky mountains and large lakes means that the town offers a lot of outdoor activities. You can go trekking, boating, and biking easily. If nothing else you can take a peaceful walk around the town or through its many trails. The city’s proximity to Calgary means that you can enjoy all the perks of big city convenience. Canmore has a low unemployment rate and huge investment opportunities in real estate.
3. Grande Prairie
Grande Prairie is the seventh-largest city in the province of Alberta. It has a booming population of 63,166 people with a total area of 6,230 km2. However, it has been among the fastest-growing cities in Canada up until 2006 due to an influx of residents. The city has many mountains and an abundance of lakes all of which add to its overall scenic beauty. It is one of the best places in Alberta to live and to start a family because it provides all the comforts and facilities needed to start a family. The city has the best healthcare in Canada today. It is home to some big regional hospitals and has state-of-the-art medical technology. The city has also progressed in terms of education and provides a comprehensive public transportation system to its residents.
4. St Albert
St Albert is a flourishing city that has frequently been ranked as the most livable city in all of Canada. It is located close to the capital of Alberta, Edmonton. The city has a total area of 48.45 km2 and a population of 65,589 people. The Sturgeon River runs through the city. St Albert provides its residents with the best facilities, a close-knit community, and a family-friendly environment. One of the best aspects of the city is its safety.
St Alberts has a really low crime rate. People generally consider it to be a safe environment for families. The city provides access to the best healthcare services with a number of hospitals and clinics. We can consider St Alberts one of the healthiest cities in Canada as a result. The city also has good quality public education system and a diverse real estate market. Despite being a smaller town St Alberts is known for its thriving nightlife, bustling downtown, and entertainment opportunities.
5. Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat is located towards the southeast of Alberta. The city has a rich history and started as a small railway town connecting to the bigger cities in the province. Once the city started to expand there were more commercial opportunities available as well as the mining of natural gas. Medicine Hat has a total area of 112.04 km2 and a population of 63,260.
The city is great for younger couples or new families because it has a really low cost of living. The low tax of Alberta and lower cost of amenities such as food and gas make this city a great place to save up. Medicine Hat many affordable housing options. It is possible to buy a house in the city for as low as $300,000. There are good schooling options from kindergarten all the way to college. Medicine Hat also has really low crime rates and a strong law enforcement system.
Hopefully, the above-mentioned list will give you a clearer idea of what it’s like living in these cities. Furthermore, why we consider them to be the best places to live in Alberta, Canada.