What You Need to Know about Moving in Calgary - Moving to Calgary

It is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, thanks in large part to being at the forefront of the Canadian oil industry. Today, you will find a large number of industries within the city, not just oil and agriculture, which makes it a popular destination for people across the country.

If you are moving to Calgary, whether from another area of ​​Alberta or from further afield, there are some things you should know. We'll break it all down in our Calgary movement guide.

Calgary is local focused

One of the most interesting things in Calgary that distinguishes city and culture from Canadian US cities. It is the fact that many people are focused on the locality. Big brands often take a back seat to local businesses.f

There is many, many support programs offered to help aspiring entrepreneurs to make their dreams come true. So, if you're a budding entrepreneur, Calgary is a great place to be. However, if you are a big brand buyer, be prepared for some differences.

Mountain sports are a great moment here

Calgary may not be in the mountains, but they are only an hour away by car. What that means is that you will find a horde of shops and services related to mountain sports, as well as the culture that goes hand in hand with activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking and other similar activities. Everything is related to the western culture that still thrives here.

Moving is as good as it gets

Most of the big cities in the world are hit when it comes to commuting and traffic congestion. Interestingly, on a scale that classifies the worst congestion in the world, Calgary arrives around 200; the first place is the worst possible congestion. The city has the least amount of congestion and traffic from Canadian cities, too. This is possible by several different things.

First, there is a massive network of paved roads for walking and biking in and around the city. People often take them to work, to buy, and more. The city also has a well-developed public transportation system that includes trains and buses. Of course, there are many streets and surface roads to take you where you need to go if you are driving.

That said, if you decide to drive yourself and head to the city center, get ready for the reality that is the Calgary parking lot. There is very little of that, and what is available is only offered for a high premium. Yes, you will pay for parking anywhere in the center, unless you live there, in which case you will be very, very grateful for the parking available in your home.

The right neighborhood makes the difference

With more than one million people living within its boundaries, the city of Calgary is home to a wide variety of neighborhoods. All those neighborhoods correspond to the four quadrants of the city: northwest, southwest, northeast and southeast. The northwest quadrant is home to the University of Calgary and, as such, has a very university atmosphere. The residents here are a mix of students, parents of students and young professionals who work.

The southwest quadrant is similar and is home to Mount Royal University. For those who do not have children (couples of single and without children), the center of the city could be the best option. Inglewood and other neighborhoods here resurface and offer proximity to work, as well as unique homes.

The southeast quadrant of the city is the industrial and commercial center: factories, warehouses and the like. The northeast quadrant is dominated by the Calgary airport and commercial operations, but the cost of living is lower here (the same occurs in the southeast quadrant).

The Stampede is Greater, Greater, Thing

The Calgary stampede happens every year, and it is an important event. It includes a festival, a rodeo and an exhibition that attracts thousands of people to the city. It runs during the first half of July. If you are new to the city, then you should definitely take a look. Prepare for the very high prices of food and drink, crowds, but lots of fun. There is a non-stop party atmosphere for a full two-week period. Either you'll love Stampede or you'll hate it. There does not seem to be any middle ground. If you end up loving it, great, it will happen again next year and the following year. If you hate it, this could be a good time to plan your annual vacation out of town.

Prepare for the winters

If you are from a part more to the south of Canada, you must prepare for the winters here. It regularly reaches 30 below in the city during the depths of winter, and can easily fall lower than that. Winter clothes will be one of the best investments you can make. That said, winter is one of the best seasons to experience the nearby Rocky Mountains, as well as some of the cityscapes. Then, get dressed warm but be prepared to go out and see the sights.

Gets the right moving company?

Calgary has some unique aspects that make it vital for you to work with a moving companies in Calgary with experience. Our recommendation is to compare not only price estimates, but history, service records, reputation and more. You can do all that easily with MoveIt.ca.

At the end

Ultimately, Calgary is an amazing place to call home, but it may take a while to get used to it, especially if you're in the south.

Prepare for the snow at any time of year and watch the locals to know how to dress, where to go and how to handle events like Stampede.

In the end, we believe you will love Calgary as much as we will.