What are the best cities to live in Alberta?

Are you considering a move to Alberta, Canada? You're not alone! Alberta is among Canada's fastest-growing provinces. In 2022, over 55,000 more people moved into Alberta than left. It marked the highest annual growth since the country began collecting this data in the 1970s.

There's much to love about Alberta, but what city should you move into? In this guide, we'll cover 10 of the best cities in the province.

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A brief overview

It's not hard to see why so many people are moving to Alberta. Located in the west, Alberta is part of the Canadian Prairies and the Rocky Mountains. As a result, natural beauty is abundant. It's home to many national parks, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.

But, for residents, Alberta also offers many employment opportunities. As Canada's energy capital, the job market is strong. Furthermore, workers in Alberta enjoy higher-than-average wages. Pair that with affordable real estate and rich culture; this province has it all!

Here are 10 of the best Alberta cities you should consider moving into.

Edmonton

Let's start with Alberta's capital, Edmonton.

Edmonton is the province's second most populous city. It's a beautiful mix of small-town closeness with the convenience of amenities you'd find in much larger cities. There are tons of fun things to do and many communities you can be a part of.

Toward the downtown area and city center, you have great entertainment venues and urban facilities. Notably, the West Edmonton Mall, among North America's largest, stands as a shopper's paradise and a family-friendly destination with its twelve world-class attractions. Furthermore, Edmonton earns its reputation as Canada’s Festival City, hosting more than 50 annual festivals, adding to the city's vibrant cultural scene.

Edmonton also has amazing greenspaces like the North Saskatchewan River Valley and its extensive park systems.

Edmonton has several great neighborhoods to fit the needs of all families. From suburban dwellings to condos close to everything, this city has it all.

Calgary

Calgary is Alberta's biggest and most populated city. The city is the province's economic hub, offering employment opportunities in several industries. It's a great place to work, play, and live.

Nicknamed “Stampede City,” Calgary is a bustling city with something for everyone, from the world-famous Calgary Stampede rodeo and events to its incredible food scene.

Calgary has a surprisingly low cost of living, including affordable real estate, thanks to Alberta's absence of a land transfer tax and low sales tax. Plus, you can find neighborhoods to accommodate any lifestyle.

Calgary is widely known as one of Canada’s sunniest cities, with over 330 days of sun. This abundance of sunshine allows residents to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.

Calgary has many vibrant communities, excellent entertainment venues, top-rated schools, and more. Amenities include environmentally friendly green buildings, renewable energy sources, and a solid public transit system.

Airdrie

If you want to be close to a big city while still enjoying small-town living, Airdrie has what you're looking for. Airdrie has a population of less than 70,000. Its location north of Calgary presents many employment opportunities.

Residents also enjoy a closeness to nature. It's an angler's dream due to the many lakes and reservoirs. Airdrie also has the unique distinction of having the highest elevation of any city in Canada!

Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie is another small city. The population is less than 65,000. But its beauty continues to attract people moving to Alberta. You'll find the city in northwest Alberta as part of the Peace River region.

This city is beautiful. The natural landscape is an amazing backdrop for the many outdoor activities available. It's also an inspiration for artists, with many well-known artists coming from the area.

As a whole, Grande Prairie is a low-key city for quiet living. It has impressive amenities without the hustle and bustle of big-city life.

Lethbridge

Lethbridge is a beautiful city situated in the shadow of the Rockies! It's only a short drive from the Canadian Rocky Mountains, giving residents easy access to amazing outdoor fun. It's a hotspot for skiing and hiking enthusiasts. There are many breathtaking sights, too. Not only do you have the Rockies, but Lethbridge is home to the longest and highest railway trestle bridge in the world.

The real estate market in Lethbridge is strong. The cost of living is lower than in other cities in Alberta, and the strong economy provides access to great jobs.

St. Albert

St. Albert has a unique reputation for being one of the healthiest cities in Alberta. The city has over 1,100 acres of green space and more than 85 kilometers of trails. Active lifestyles are common in St. Albert and you can spend a lifetime discovering all the city's beautiful sites.

Beyond the distinct lifestyle and dynamic culture, many consider St. Albert a fantastic place for families. It's about 20 kilometers outside of Edmonton. As a result, you have access to great education and jobs while still enjoying the benefits of a smaller city.

Medicine Hat

Don't let the unorthodox name fool you. Medicine Hat is an amazing city to live in. It's in Southeast Alberta and sits on the South Saskatchewan River. Like St. Albert, Medicine Hat has a reputation for offering a healthier lifestyle to residents. It houses over 115 kilometers of paved and unpaved paths to explore.

Medicine Hat shares an unbroken connection with nature, which you'll see in its infrastructure and culture.

Red Deer

Red Deer has a prime location in Alberta. It sits between Calgary and Edmonton, providing easy access to both cities. Red Deer itself is a medium-sized city with a population of over 100,000. It's well-developed, containing all the amenities you'd need to live comfortably. But like other cities in Alberta, it also has the benefit of stunning surroundings and proximity to Canada's natural beauty.

Red Deer is a diverse city full of life. It also has more affordable real estate, a lower cost of living, and a strong job market.

Leduc

Leduc is a small city of less than 30,000 people. It's located immediately south of Edmonton, next door to the Edmonton International Airport. Leduc offers a quaint and quiet alternative to the bustling city. Because it's not too far from the capital, Leduc has easy access to great employment opportunities in and around the area.

Culturally, Leduc is known for its diversity. The multicultural communities are welcoming, and there are many fantastic things to do. From big events to quieter outdoor activities that bring you closer to nature, Leduc has a lot to offer.

Spruce Grove

Next up, we have Spruce Grove. This small city is west of Edmonton, offering a quieter lifestyle for those who want to get away from larger cities while still being close enough to enjoy their amenities. Of course, Spruce Grove has plenty of great things to do.

The mix of industries provides a strong economic standing. As a result, community amenities and attractions are plentiful. The culture of Spruce Grove is also dynamic, with many events and celebrations occurring throughout the year. The cost of living is also low, and the real estate market is far more affordable than other places in Canada.

Factors to consider when relocating or moving to a new city

When moving to a new city, it's important to consider your lifestyle and career needs. The beauty of Alberta is that most cities embrace nature. All the cities we covered have great access to outdoor amenities. However, some promote active lifestyles more than others. Some cities also provide a healthy mix of urban and rural living.

Alberta has a strong job market overall. Those who work in finance or tech may benefit from being close to larger cities like Edmonton or Calgary. But, people who want jobs in forestry, mining, or oil and gas can find amazing career opportunities in smaller cities.

This province is growing quickly, but it remains one of the more affordable places to live in Canada. Before you move, think about the life you want to live, how you want your career to evolve, and what type of surroundings you see yourself raising a family. Housing costs are higher in bigger cities, but Alberta's diversity gives you plenty of options to choose the life you want.

Learn more about Canadian real estate with Nobul

When you're ready to take the first steps in your Albertan homebuying journey, head over to Nobul. Nobul is a platform that lets you connect with real estate agents in Alberta and beyond. Find agents who understand the market and fit your needs. They'll help you find the perfect home in your ideal city.

With Nobul, you can see listings, view agent profiles, read client testimonials, and more. We take the hassle out of finding real estate experts, making it easier than ever to find someone who can help you get into your dream home. Sign up to Nobul today to learn more!