Pro's and cons of living in Calgary?

Question

I would like to move there from the UK - what is good and bad about it and what kind of salary would I need to keep afloat in Calgary?

Answer 1

Don't come here.

Try Vancouver.

Answer 2

1  We don't get down to -40C.   We do hit -30C on a really bad day but those are very rare.

#2  Our winters don't often start in October.   The ski hills don't open till December.  We do have a snow once in a while in October but it never lasts long and is never that cold.  

There are LOTS of condos (apartments) available right now.   There is an over abundance of them so the prices are falling quickly.   Jobs are easy to find, especially if you work in a trade (welding, carpentry, etc).  

Answer 3

I emigrated from the Uk 4 years ago and there are so many pro's compared to the UK, not sure where you are from in the UK. There is so much space here, although Calgary is a city it does not feel like a UK city as its spread out. There are so many parks and green spaces within it. Also access to the mountains is so near like the ski resorts of Banff and Lake Louise so summer and winter sports. There is way less crime than the UK and its safer too. There are so many traffic light though (roundabouts are only just being built) that it takes ages to get anywhere on the roads!. Its still a booming city - house prices climbed pretty steeply a few years back and probably average just above 200K (pounds). Climate is dry, get electric shocks from everything!. Summer are way hotter and less rainy than UK, Winters can be cold - very but due to the Chinook winds the cold spells of -40 only last a few weeks then climb back up. Its a dry cold too so sounds colder than it would do in a damp climate. Minimum wage is $8.40 an hr but most jobs start at least $10 (like working in a fast food place). A good liveable wage is probably about $18 an hour, but it all depends on if you've got any money to bring over. Also the immigration process is quite long at the moment i think so get your application in quickly if you meet the requirements and score needed.    

Answer 4

I moved here from Southern California a few years ago and I absolutely love Calgary.

When I first got here the rent was fairly inexpensive (compared to where I'm from) but it's now pretty expensive to live here.

The winters are cold, but it lacks the humidity that So. Cal has, so the cold winters are actually bearable.

There is a very good music scene, plenty of entertainment to keep you busy on a week night.

Answer 5

If you are moving from the UK be prepared for long cold winters (early Oct. to end of April) and short summers (mid June to August). Cost of living is very high in comparison to other cities due to it's oil based economy and lack of affordable housing. Wages are not that enticing unless you are somehow connected to the petrochemical industry and have a well established job.

The pros are the proximity to the Rockies as well as the province of BC. Chinooks are a bonus if you enjoy gale force winds in the middle of winter but they do eat up the snow in a hurry.  

Answer 6

calgary is a good town.  Cold and long winters (oct-late april) but they have warm spells (chinooks) during which breaks things up.  about 1.5 hour drive from banff and the mountains. .

growth is phenomenal.  Good housing isnt cheap or plentiful.   Lots of entry jobs at $12-$14/hour are tho as many many places hiring.  good enough for a single person to live on until something better develops but that'd be a tough stretch with a family.

for more jobs with your skill check out http://www.monster.ca

for immigration details to canada  http://www.cic.gc.ca/