10 Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Calgary, Alberta

Posted on September 13, 2024 by Diane Richardson

Posted in 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Calgary, Alberta, Calgary

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Calgary, Alberta: Your Complete Guide to Life in the Heart of Western Canada

Calgary, Alberta, is one of Canada’s most vibrant cities, offering a mix of urban amenities, outdoor recreation, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re considering moving to Calgary or just curious about life in this bustling city, this guide will answer 10 frequently asked questions about living in Calgary. Plus, insights from Diane Richardson, a seasoned realtor, will help you navigate Calgary’s dynamic real estate market.

1. Where is Calgary located?

Calgary is located in southern Alberta, approximately 80 kilometers east of the Rocky Mountains and just north of the Canada–U.S. border. It is one of the major urban centers in Western Canada and is known for its thriving economy, outdoor activities, and access to stunning natural landscapes like Banff National Park and the Bow River. Calgary is also well-connected with major highways and the Calgary International Airport.

2. What is my home in Calgary worth?

The value of homes in Calgary depends on several factors, including location, size, property type, and market trends. Neighborhoods closer to downtown or with river or mountain views tend to have higher values, while suburban communities offer more affordable housing options. Diane Richardson can provide a free Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help you understand your home's current market value and guide you in making informed decisions about buying or selling.

Contact Diane Richardson for a free CMA:

Email: diane@mypadcalgary.com
Phone: 403.397.3706

3. Is Calgary a good place to live?

Yes, Calgary is an excellent place to live for many reasons:

Economic Opportunities: Calgary is home to a strong job market, particularly in industries such as oil and gas, technology, and finance.
Outdoor Recreation: With its proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Calgary offers unparalleled access to outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and camping.
Cultural Attractions: Calgary is rich in cultural offerings, including museums, art galleries, live music venues, and the world-famous Calgary Stampede.
Family-Friendly: With top-tier schools, parks, and community centers, Calgary is a great place for families to thrive.
Diverse Neighborhoods: Whether you prefer urban living or suburban tranquility, Calgary has neighborhoods to suit every lifestyle.

4. How far is Calgary from the Rocky Mountains?

Calgary is located about an hour's drive from the Rocky Mountains, with towns like Banff and Canmore easily accessible for day trips or weekend getaways. This proximity to the mountains makes Calgary a dream for outdoor enthusiasts, offering easy access to world-class skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.

5. What activities are available in Calgary?

Calgary is full of activities for residents of all ages, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. Some popular activities include:

Hiking and Biking: The Bow River Pathway and Fish Creek Provincial Park offer scenic trails right within the city.
Winter Sports: Calgary is known for its nearby ski resorts, such as Nakiska and Sunshine Village.
Cultural Events: Calgary hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Calgary Folk Music Festival and the Calgary International Film Festival.
Sports: Calgary has a strong sports culture, with teams like the Calgary Flames (NHL) and the Calgary Stampeders (CFL) attracting avid fans.

6. Are there schools in Calgary?

Yes, Calgary is home to a wide variety of schools, from public and Catholic school systems to private schools and post-secondary institutions like the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University. The city has an excellent reputation for its educational offerings, making it an ideal place for families with children.

7. How is the real estate market in Calgary?

Calgary's real estate market offers a diverse range of properties, from downtown condos to suburban family homes and luxury estates. The market has experienced fluctuations in recent years due to economic conditions, but Calgary continues to attract buyers due to its strong economy (pdf), job market, and quality of life. Diane Richardson can help you navigate Calgary’s real estate market, whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or investing in property. CREB Housing Forecast 2024 (pdf)

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8. Is Calgary growing?

Yes, Calgary has been experiencing consistent growth, driven by its strong economy and appeal as a desirable place to live. The population continues to rise, with new residential developments and communities expanding both within the city and in the surrounding suburbs. Calgary’s growth is supported by a robust infrastructure, including transit, healthcare, and educational facilities.

9. What are the property taxes like in Calgary?

Property taxes in Calgary are based on the assessed value of your home and are generally comparable to other large Canadian cities. Tax rates vary depending on the type and location of the property. Diane Richardson can help you understand how property taxes will affect your home purchase or sale.

10. Does Calgary have parks and green spaces?

Yes, Calgary is known for its abundance of parks and green spaces. Some of the most popular include:

Prince's Island Park: A beautiful park in downtown Calgary along the Bow River, perfect for picnics, walking, and events.
Fish Creek Provincial Park: One of North America’s largest urban parks, offering hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching.
Nose Hill Park: A massive natural space with stunning views of the city and mountains, popular for hiking and dog walking.
Bowness Park: A family-friendly park with picnic areas, a lagoon for boating, and a skating rink in winter.

Why Work with Diane Richardson?

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Calgary, working with an experienced realtor like Diane Richardson is essential. With over 15 years of experience in the Calgary real estate market, Diane has the expertise and local knowledge to guide you through the process. From home valuations to finding your dream property, Diane can help make your real estate journey a success.

Contact Diane Richardson today:

Email: diane@mypadcalgary.com
Phone: 403.397.3706

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Calgary luxury home market booming Increase in upper-end condo, single-family sales

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Diane Richardson

Posted in Calgary, Calgary Homeowner,Calgary Homes for sale

Calgary Luxury home market booming Increase in upper-end condo, single-family sales

mtoneguzzi@calgaryherald.com

DECEMBER 9, 2011

CALGARY — Calgary’s luxury home market has seen a spike in demand this year with sales in the upper-end approaching the record levels of 2007.

Brendan Hughes, a realtor with RE/MAX Real Estate (Central) in Calgary, said sales in the upper-end market are a sign of a good economy in the city.

“It’s vibrant and it’s growing. Jobs are being created. People are moving here,” said Hughes.

According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, so far this year from January to November there have been 25 MLS condo sales over $1 million compared with 19 for the same period in 2010.

Year-to-date, there have been 406 single-family sales at that price point, up from 326 a year ago.

The record number of luxury home sales in the Calgary market took place in 2007 with 431 single-family sales over $1 million and 30 condo sales in that price bracket.

Sano Stante, president of the Calgary Real Estate Board, said there is a lot of confidence in the local real estate market these days.

He said many oilpatch executives are showing confidence because of what they see coming up for the future with projects in the energy sector.

“Those are the people that are buying these properties. So there’s confidence in that realm,” said Stante.

“There’s a fair bit of inventory out there available in that upper range as well. The people who are buying them now are being selective in the upper-end, in the luxury market. There’s a lot of good product to choose from and they’re selecting only the best deals. So homes in the luxury range have to be priced right to sell in a reasonable amount of time.”

According to CREB, the top sale prices for single-family homes in Calgary this year have been $4.525 million in Rideau Park, $3.995 million in Elbow Park-Glencoe and $3.8 million in Aspen Woods.

Top selling condos this year have been $4.1 million in Eau Claire, $2.935 million in Eau Claire and $2.05 million in Victoria Park.

Hughes said one factor in the demand for upper-end product is executives who have been relocated to Calgary.

“They like the high-end condo market,” said Hughes. “We’re also seeing these young professionals — the investment bankers, the lawyers, whatever they might be doing — they work really hard ... They’re looking at that high end.

“And then there’s that investment side of it too. Some people shudder when you mention a million-dollar condo but compared to a lot of other markets what you get here for $1 million, $2 million, is a lot more than you’re getting in some of the other markets. And people see that.”

Hughes said there are people who are also buying these upper-end condos and renting them out to executives in the oilpatch.

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