Thinking about relocating to Calgary?

Amazing choice.
We have mountains, sunshine, insanely friendly people… and weather that could easily win an Oscar for “Most Dramatic Performance.”

But before you land at YYC and start Googling “best winter boots,” let’s go through the 3 things nobody tells you before you move here.

❄️ 1️⃣ The Weather Will Truly Lie to You

Calgary weather is a whole personality.

You’ll wake up to sunshine.
Two hours later — blizzard.
Then it melts…
Then it snows again…
Then a chinook shows up and suddenly it’s patio season.

All in the same day.

Welcome to the city where you dress in layers, keep sunglasses and mittens in the same drawer, and learn to appreciate a good chinook arch like it’s art.

But here’s the secret:
Once you get used to the unpredictability, you’ll actually love it — and the sunshine here is unmatched.

🚗 2️⃣ You Will Form Strong Opinions About Stoney Trail

No one moves to Calgary expecting to develop emotional attachment to a ring road…
…and yet.

Within 30 days you’ll fully understand:

• Where construction is

• Which interchange is “the good one”

• Why the NW section is different from the SE section

• And how to shave 8 minutes off your commute using a route only locals know

Talking about Stoney Trail is practically a love language here.
And yes — everyone truly does have a favourite side of the ring road.

🌆 3️⃣ Calgary Feels Big… Until It Doesn’t

Calgary is a major Canadian city — nearly 1.7 million people — with endless restaurants, job opportunities, festivals, and amenities.

But the moment you start meeting people?
You’ll discover this weird and wonderful small-town energy:
“Wait… you know them? They know my cousin’s coworker’s sister’s dog walker!”

It’s a city where:

• People smile at strangers

• Neighbours help each other shovel snow

• You run into the same barista at a Farmer’s Market

• And your friend’s friend probably lives two communities over

It’s friendly, warm, interconnected — and shockingly easy to settle into.

🏔️ Why People Love Moving to Calgary

Here’s what newcomers rave about:
✨ Affordable homes compared to BC & Ontario
✨ Safe, clean, family-friendly neighbourhoods
✨ Gorgeous parks and pathways
✨ Real winter + real sunshine
✨ Quick mountain access (you’re in Banff in 1 hr)
✨ Diverse communities for every lifestyle
✨ A booming job market and strong economy

Calgary hits the sweet spot between city energy and comfortable living — without the big-city overwhelm.

📍 The Neighbourhoods Surprise People Too

Most newcomers expect: “Downtown… suburbs… that’s it.”

What they don’t expect is how different each area feels.

• NW Calgary → Mountains close, great coffee, Costco chaos

• SW Calgary → Quiet, established, beautiful + $$$

• SE Calgary → Newer builds, lake communities, family vibes

• NE Calgary → Culturally rich, affordable, convenience is king

• Acreages → Your horses will thank you

There really is something for everyone.

💬 Final Thoughts: Calgary Is Easy to Love

Between the friendly people, the sunshine, the convenience, and the incredible access to nature, Calgary quickly feels like home — even if you weren’t expecting it to.

The weather may test you…
Stoney Trail may confuse you…
But the lifestyle?
It wins people over every single time.

📩 Get My Calgary Relocation Starter Guide

I created a simple, practical, actually-useful guide with:
✔ Best neighbourhoods for different lifestyles
✔ Average home prices
✔ Commute times
✔ Cost of living breakdown
✔ Schools + amenities
✔ What to expect in your first year

DM “RELOCATE” and I’ll send it to you personally.

❓ FAQ

Q: Is Calgary expensive?
A: Compared to Vancouver or Toronto? Absolutely not. Housing is dramatically more affordable.

Q: Do I really need winter tires?
A: YES. Don’t argue with me on this one. 😂

Q: Is Calgary good for families?
A: One of the best cities in Canada — schools, parks, communities, everything.

Q: Which areas are best for newcomers?
A: It depends on your lifestyle. That’s exactly what my relocation guide walks through.

📚 Related Reading

• 💡 Why Everyone’s Moving to Calgary in 2025 — And Not Just for the Oil Jobs

• 🏡 Top 5 Calgary Neighbourhoods Everyone’s Talking About in 2025

• 🚗 Costco, Coffee & Commuting: What It’s Really Like Living in Northwest Calgary

About Kristen Edmunds

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.

Could your move to Alberta earn you an extra $5,000? Let’s break it down.

What Is It?

The “Alberta is Calling: Moving Bonus” is a one-time, non-taxable, refundable tax credit of $5,000, intended to assist skilled workers who relocated to Alberta between May 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024. It helps offset relocation costs and supports workforce growth in key industries.
Alberta.ca

Note: The program is limited to 2,000 applicants, processed first-come, first-served, and may stop early if funding runs out—even before the scheduled close date of March 15, 2026 at 4 p.m. MT.
Alberta.ca

Who Qualifies?

To receive the bonus, you must:

• Be 18 years or older, and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Have moved to Alberta between May 1 and Dec 31, 2024

• Be a resident and tax resident of Alberta by December 31, 2024, with a 2024 CRA Notice of Assessment

• Live in Alberta for at least 12 consecutive months post-move

• Be employed full-time (minimum 30 hrs/week or 130 hrs/month) or self-employed in a skilled and eligible occupation
  Alberta.ca

How to Apply

1. Wait until May 1, 2025, when applications open

2. Sign up for a verified Alberta.ca account

3. Prepare documentation:

   • Proof of move date

   • CRA Notice of Assessment

   • Proof of employment or self-employment in an eligible field

4. Submit your application through the official portal

5. Keep an eye on email for approval, then you receive the bonus via direct deposit or cheque
   Alberta.ca

Final Thoughts & Tips

• This isn’t a funded grant—it’s a tax credit applied after eligibility is verified

• The bonus isn’t taxable

• Unlike other programs, even self-employed individuals can qualify with proper documentation

• Prepare early — this bonus is both cash-limited and time-sensitive

FAQ

• Is this the same as a relocation grant?
  No—it’s a refundable tax credit, not a grant. You apply post-move.

• Can I still apply if I moved after Dec 31, 2024?
  No, unfortunately that disqualifies you. The window has already closed for eligibility.

• How long will applications remain open?
  Officially until March 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted—whichever comes first.

Related Reading

• Zoning 101 for Acreage Buyers in Alberta

• Hidden Costs of Relocating to Alberta

• Buying Acreage in Winter vs Summer: Big Differences

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.

What you need to know before making the move

Relocating to Alberta can feel like a fresh start — stunning landscapes, a booming job market, and a generally lower cost of living compared to many other provinces. But while the province offers plenty of perks, it’s not without its surprises.

To help you budget wisely, here are some of the hidden costs you might not expect when moving to Alberta.

1. Property Taxes & Municipal Fees

Alberta doesn’t have a provincial sales tax, which is a big win for many newcomers. However, property taxes here can vary widely between municipalities. In some areas, these rates are higher than what people anticipate — especially in smaller towns with limited tax bases.

Pro Tip: Check the municipal tax rate for the exact area you’re moving to, and factor in local utility fees that may be added to your property tax bill.

2. Winter Prep & Home Maintenance

If you’re moving from a milder climate, Alberta winters can be a shock — not just for you, but for your budget. Snow removal services, extra heating costs, and winterizing your home all add up.

Examples of winter expenses:

• Furnace maintenance and filter changes

• Heated driveway systems (optional, but a luxury some invest in)

• Insulating pipes to prevent freezing

• Snow blowers or professional plowing

3. Vehicle Registration & Insurance Changes

When you move to Alberta, you’ll need to register your vehicle here — and that means paying registration fees and possibly getting an out-of-province vehicle inspection.

Insurance rates can also change, depending on your driving record and the area you move to. For example, rural areas may see lower rates than busy city centres, but your mileage may vary.

4. Lifestyle & Cost-of-Living Adjustments

You may save money on certain things in Alberta, but you could also find yourself spending more in other areas — especially if you’re embracing the province’s outdoor lifestyle.

Think:

• Ski passes and winter sports gear

• Hiking and camping equipment

• Seasonal wardrobe changes (winter coats, boots, gloves, etc.)

5. Professional & Legal Fees

Relocating isn’t just about moving your belongings — it often means navigating paperwork, legal requirements, and possible professional consultations.
You might need:

• Real estate legal fees

• Moving company charges

• Short-term rental costs while you find a home

Final Thoughts

Alberta is a fantastic place to call home, but going in with a clear understanding of all the costs will save you stress and financial headaches. By budgeting for these hidden expenses ahead of time, you can focus on what really matters — enjoying your new life in one of Canada’s most beautiful provinces.

📌 Related Reading:

• Buying Acreage in Winter vs Summer: Big Differences

• Top 5 Mistakes That Cost Calgary Sellers Money

• Zoning 101 for Acreage Buyers in Alberta

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.