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Located in the western Canadian province of Alberta, just 45 minutes from the Rocky Mountains, sits a beautiful city by the name of Calgary. Here in Calgary, residents enjoy more days of sunshine than any other Canadian city. For those moving to Calgary, keep some of these things in mind:
What To Do
With the Rocky Mountains to the east and many national parks a short drive away, those who enjoy the outdoors will have plenty to do. Staying true to its western roots, residents can enjoy an outdoor horse show at the Calgary Stampede or take a walk along the Bow River.
For foodies and night-life fanatics, there is an abundance of restaurants, bars and clubs. Even as an oil and cowboy town, the nightlife in Calgary is plentiful. Stay downtown for evening drinks and continue the party at the bars and clubs that dot the area. Other neighborhoods such as Kensington and 17th Ave SW also offer unique cafes, lounges and bars. Here are some spots we suggest to check out: Barley Mill, Flames Central, The Drum and Monkey. For live-music and theater lovers, try Ranchman’s, The Palomino, Epcor and Lunchbox Theatre.
Weather
Calgary’s climate is considered dry humid continental. It see the warmest winters of all the major prairie cities. The cold seasons starts in mid-November and lasts until mid-March with temperatures averaging with a low of low of 9°F and high of 27°F. The winters in Calgary are often broken up by warm Chinook winds that blow in from over the Rocky Mountains. These winds have been known to raise the temperature significantly. The warm season lasts from mid June to early September with an average high of 73°F and low of 47°F.
Where to Live
The oil boom has attracted many new residents in the city of Calgary. Before moving to Calgary, decide which neighborhood to live. This depends on the lifestyle of the individual or family. Calgary is divided into four quadrants: Northwest, Southwest, Southeast and Northeast. Like more sprawling cities, the newer suburbs may be more desirable for families. For young professionals, getting a home in the city may be better. Keep in mind, the closer the home is to downtown, the more expensive and the less room. When opting for a smaller home, consider renting a storage unit. Below are some recommended neighborhoods in each quadrant:
- Southwest- Bankview, Killarney, Mount Royal
- Northwest- Sunnyside, Tuscany, Edgemont, Country Hills
- Northeast- Bridgeland
- Southeast- McKenzie Lake, Midnapore, Inglewood
Did we miss anything? Let us know if the comment section below.
