Alberta is the best place to be if you’re seeking to build a career in energy. But beyond a growing industrial economy, Alberta is a good place to live.
In this article, we will discuss some pros and cons to consider before living in Alberta. Stay glued if this sounds like what you’ve been looking for.
Let’s begin!
Life in Alberta
Alberta has an abundance of scenery — towering mountains, frigid lakes, vast forests, rolling foothills, and fertile grasslands. With 245 rivers and over 600 lakes, life in Alberta, Canada is mostly cold.
According to the World Population Review, Alberta has a population of 4,442,879. Alberta is the sixth largest of the 10 Canadian provinces, with a landmass of 661,848 square km, and the fourth most populous.
Most Albertans are involved in oil mining and production. Since Alberta has the third-largest crude oil reserves in Canada, it’s a top attraction location for oil traders and international investors.
You’ll also find many farmers in Alberta. Farms in Alberta alone export agricultural goods worth about $10 billion annually.
Did you Know?
Alberta calls its legislature “The Leg.”
Summary of Pros and Cons of Living in Alberta
Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of living in Alberta, but first, a table!
| Pros of Living in Alberta | Cons of Living in Alberta |
| Albertans are Friendly | Glacial Weather |
| Alberta has a Vibrant Culture | No Nightlife |
| Perfect Scenery | Crime Rate is High |
| Alberta is Rich in Wildlife | Bad Transportation Facility |
| English is the Predominant Language | Bad Roads |
Advantages of Living in Alberta, Canada
What does Alberta have to offer you? So much! Let’s take a look at the advantages of living in Alberta, Canada.
Albertans are Friendly
Since moving to Alberta would mean entering some unfamiliarity, this pro is an encouragement. You don’t have to worry about rude people on the sidewalks, insensitive neighbors, or thoughtless drivers. Albertans are fantastic people!
Vibrant Culture
Since Alberta has a lot of immigrants, its culture has taken a unique shape, especially in the main cities of Edmonton and Calgary. Throughout Alberta province, you can find lavish culture, music, arts, and cuisine from all over the world.
Edmonton is also known for hosting the Edmonton Fringe Festival, the second largest festival in the world. Calgary is also famous for the Calgary Stampede — an annual summer festival that features rodeo games and bull-roping.
Perfect Scenery
Alberta is blessed with nature’s beauty — rock mountains, vast forests, and a desirable environment. If you’re visiting for the first time, your heart can easily be stolen, especially when it’s unsuspecting. Here are the 12 most beautiful places you’ll love to visit in Alberta
- Lake Louise
- Town of Banff
- Maligne Canyon
- Maligne Lake
- Moraine Lake/Larch Valley
- Two Jack Lake
- Athabasca Falls
- Sunwapta Falls
- Lake Minnewanka
- Johnston Canyon
- Peyto Lake
- Icefields Parkway
Alberta is Rich in Wildlife
If you intend to thrive in animal husbandry, Alberta is the place to be. There are about 580 species of wildlife, whether protected or endangered. The big seven all-stars give Alberta a strong heritage — moose, wolf, grizzly bear, elk, bighorn sheep, cougar, and bison.
English is the Predominant Language
Having to learn another language the moment you get to a new city can be challenging. Though Alberta has multicultural roots, English remains the predominant language of communication. This helps new immigrants feel comfortable while settling in.
The Luxury of Public Holidays
The least a hard worker can get is a benevolent day of rest from all the work. Alberta gives you that luxury! With many public holidays, workers look forward to taking some time off work to rest and spend time with family.
The Abundance of Recreational Sites
What’s a new city without recreation? Alberta has 75 provincial parks and 5 national parks of which 3 are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. How nice!
Thriving Economy
With impressive economic growth, Alberta’s economy is expanding even more. The energy industry is the core driver and employer in the Alberta province. However, besides oil and gas, forestry generates over $6 billion in the economy annually.
Low Unemployment Rate
With an economy booming as that of Alberta, unemployment is definitely far from its walls. According to Statistics Canada’s Labor Force Survey in July 2022, the current unemployment rate is 4.8%.
Low Taxes
In all of Canada, Albertans pay the lowest personal taxes. All thanks to a thriving economy! That’s not all. Single rate tax is low. Spousal exemption is very high. General sales tax doesn’t exist. Gasoline tax rate is also the lowest. Above all, property taxes are low.
Affordable Housing Rates
Even with the high rate of migration to Alberta, the province still maintains one of the most affordable housing markets. Housing costs are even set to decline in the coming years, given the pace at which home builders erect new structures.
Renowned Education System
Alberta universities are particularly known for world-leading research. In fact, the Alberta education system from kindergarten to college, remains top-notch.
If you eventually choose to live in Alberta, you can be sure your children will have a lot of schooling options, most of which are funded by tax. If you’re migrating from a francophone country, Alberta also has schools that teach in French.
With 26 publicly funded college institutions, residents spend little or nothing on education.
Downsides of Living in Alberta, Canada
Every great thing comes with its own downsides. Here are some disadvantages to expect in Alberta
Glacial Weather
While it gets sunny in the summer, Alberta is extremely cold in the winter. Between January and February, you can experience temperatures from – 5℃ to – 15℃. If you love skiing, you’ll enjoy the snow there, but if you always like to stay warm, winter in Alberta may pose a challenge.
No Nightlife
In comparison with other cities like Toronto, Los Angeles, or Vancouver, Alberta has a non-existent nightlife. Even if you find somewhere to hang out at night, it’ll rarely go past 10 pm.
Crime Rate is High
Drug-related crimes are the highest in Alberta. In 2021, Lethbridge ranked #1 on Crime Severity Index (CSI), Canada. The provincial average in all of Alberta was 101.4, while the national average was 73.7.
Bad Transportation Facility
Getting a car is a real priority in Alberta, and that’s because transportation in the province sucks. No rail system goes intercity. All you get is just one primary system that links towns and cities.
In small towns, there’s no bus system at all. This is an important consideration to make before moving to Alberta.
Bad Roads
Beyond bad transportation, Alberta is plagued with bad roads. It’s always under construction! For a province with such a thriving economy, the situation is disturbing. It gets worse in the winter when the roads are almost uncrossable.
Finally
Since the pros of living in Alberta greatly outweigh the cons, one can tell that Alberta is a good place to live. However, it’s still your decision to make, especially if you hate the cold! I hope this article gives you all the clarity you need to navigate. Happy decision-making!
Recommended Article- Pros and Cons of Living in Edmonton
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Alberta
Where are the safest cities to live in Alberta?
According to Area Vibes, you may want to consider the following places with high livability scores
- Foothills
- Rocky View County
- Okotoks
- Chestermere
- Beaumont
- Sturgeon County
- Cochrane
- Airdrie
- Grande Prairie County
- St. Albert
- Parkland County
- Cypress County
Where are the most dangerous places to live in Alberta?
With the rise in property crime rate in Alberta, these 6 cities stood out as the most dangerous cities to live in 2022
- Bonnyville
- Onoway
- St Paul
- Wetaskiwin
- Crossfield
- Ponoka
Is it better to live in British Columbia (BC) or Alberta?
It depends on the factors you’re considering. Alberta has a much lower cost of living. You can save more in Alberta and still have a good life going on for yourself. Moreover, there are more working opportunities in Alberta. So generally, Alberta is a better option.
What province has the coldest winters?
Nunavut is the coldest province in Canada. In fact, Eureka, Nunavut has an average temperature of – 19℃ per year. If you intend to visit, then you must go prepared.
What province in Canada has the best healthcare?
This is where British Columbia (BC) takes the brown. After Sweden and Switzerland, BC is next in line with an A scorecard! If anything, this is why BC may be preferable to Alberta for some residents.
