If you're looking for a place to live that is affordable and has plenty of opportunity, you should consider moving to Edmonton, Alberta. The cost of homes in Edmonton is much more affordable than other major cities in Canada, and the job market is booming. There are plenty of great neighborhoods to choose from, and the city is constantly expanding and improving its infrastructure. If you're ready for a new adventure, Edmonton is the perfect place to call home! Here are 10 reasons you will LOVE this city!

1. Jobs, jobs, jobs! The unemployment rate in Edmonton is lower than the national average, and there are plenty of opportunities for young adults to find work.
2. The cost of living is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in Canada.
3. If you love the outdoors, you'll be happy to know that Edmonton is home to more than 7,400 acres of parkland!
4. There's no shortage of things to do in this city - from catching a game at Rogers Place to exploring the Alberta Legislature Building, there's something for everyone.
5. The people who live here are friendly and welcoming - you're sure to feel right at home in no time!
6. Winter might be cold, but that just means you can enjoy all the winter activities this city has to offer, like ice skating and downhill skiing.
7. And when the warmer months roll around, there are plenty of festivals and events to keep you entertained all summer long.
8. Want to get away from it all? Edmonton is located close to some stunning natural attractions like Jasper National Park and Banff National Park
9. This city is also a great place for foodies! With a thriving restaurant scene, you'll never go hungry here..
10. Last but not least, moving to Edmonton will give you the chance to experience everything this amazing province has to offer! From its rich history and culture To its beautiful landscapes , there's so much waiting for you here.. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and make the move today!

While the economic outlook across Canada looks pretty bleak as, according to Chrystia Freeland, Federal Finance Minister said Wednesday that

"Difficult days ahead as Canada's economy shows signs of weakness". 

While that may be true for Canada as a whole, Alberta is poised to maintain stability despite the national challenges. ATB Financial deputy chief economist Rob Roach said recently that:

We’re still going to experience those rough waters here in Alberta, but because we’re doing a little bit better — commodity prices and other positive things — we’ll be able to weather that storm a little bit better than other places. Energy, commodities and agriculture will be the “main drivers” of Alberta’s economic growth”.

People of all demographics are flocking to Alberta for economic stability and opportunities not seen or projected in other parts of the country.  Still need more reasons to move to Edmonton?  Here are our Top 10 Reasons to Move to Edmonton:

1. The cost of living is affordable

If you’re sick of the high cost of living in major Canadian cities, then moving to Edmonton may be the right choice for you. The average rent for a one bedroom apartment in Edmonton is only $935 CAD, while the same type of apartment in Toronto costs an average of $2,260 CAD.

2. The economy is strong. 

Boosted by strong commodity prices, Alberta's economy is forecast to grow 5.0%  in 2022 and 3.0% next year and will be one of the top performers in the country this year.

3. There are plenty of jobs available. 

Alberta’s unemployment rate has ticked down every month since October 2021 and fell to the lowest level in seven years in July. 

4. You can enjoy a high quality of life without spending a lot of money. 

Living in Edmonton is more affordable, than other provinces. Edmonton offers higher incomes and lower cost of living due to no provincial sales tax, no health care premiums, and low average rental prices.

5. The city is growing quickly and there are lots of new opportunities opening up all the time. 

Alberta added 40,253 residents in the second quarter of 2022, boosted by accelerating interprovincial migration gains and continued strength in immigration.

6. Edmonton is a great place to raise a family. 

With its low crime rates and abundance of green space, Edmonton is regularly ranked as one of the best places to live in Canada. As well, Edmonton is home to some of the best post-secondary institutions in Canada. Amongst many specialized post-secondary institutions, three highly rated schools, MacEwan University, NAIT, and the University of Alberta, obtain admissions from around the world.  

7. There are plenty of cultural activities and events happening throughout the year. 

Edmonton is home to a thriving arts and culture scene. The city is home to numerous museums, art galleries, and performance venues. There are also many festivals and events held throughout the year, including the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and the Fringe Theatre Festival.

8. The people in Edmonton are friendly and welcoming. 

Most people who move to Edmonton are impressed by the friendliness of Edmontonians.

9.It’s easy to get around the city – there are lots of transportation options available.

There are plenty of ways to get around the city. You can take the bus, the train, or a taxi. Or, if you want to explore on your own, you can always rent a bicycle or walk. Whatever means of transportation you choose, you'll be able to get where you need to go easily.

10. Edmonton offers endless possibilities for outdoor recreation – from skiing or snowboarding in the winter months, to hiking or biking during the summertime!

From hiking and camping in the beautiful river valley, to cycling and picnicking in one of the many parks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With numerous trails and recreational areas to explore, Edmonton is the perfect place to get outside and enjoy the fresh air!

If you’re on the fence about whether or not to move, we hope that this list has helped tip you in favor of Edmonton. With its affordable housing, great job market, and wonderful community spirit, there are plenty of reasons to call Edmonton home. Are you convinced? If so, get in touch with us – we can help make your move a smooth one.

Moving to Edmonton comes with its own unique set of challenges: How do you find a place to live?  What neighbourhood should you choose? This series aims to help you not only help you find your perfect home, but help you find your ideal neighbourhood!

So you are moving to Edmonton?! Whether you’re relocating for a job, to go to school, to pursue a passion, or simply for a new adventure, you’re far from alone, according to Avenue Living:

"Living in Edmonton provides great value for money with lower monthly rent than Calgary, another major city in Alberta. While, oil and gas is the key industry, there are other great working opportunities in education, police services, health & medical, and government"

In this series we will identify the best areas, according to us, that you should consider when you are moving to Edmonton - first up: Riverdale!

Riverdale - Edmonton's Garden Community

History

 The area which would later be called Riverdale was the first industrial suburb of Fort Edmonton and is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. Even today, in 2022, it is one of three neighbourhoods nestled among the River Valley in Edmonton.

Once it was home to the Cree, a First Nations people. The search for gold in the 1860s saw early European visitors, and they were followed in the next 30 years by settlers who established wheat fields, steamboat landings, ferries, lumber and grist mills, coal mines and a brickyard. Workers first lived on site, but soon spread beyond the bunkhouses. Everyone called this area Fraser Flats, after the owner of the lumber mill.
Clay, water and abundant trees for fuel made this river flat a perfect place to make brick. The needs of a growing town and the enterprising spirit of James Brown Little combined in 1893 to found a century-long dynasty of brick makers. Said to be “the most consistently high-quality brick of its time,” the Little product helped build early 20th century Edmonton. J.B. and his descendants established many long-standing social traditions of the district and sponsored hockey and baseball teams for years. Today the brickyard has been developed into residential house, but J.B.’s brick house still stands and is home to Little Brick, a trendy café enjoyed by Riverdalians and river-valley visitors alike.
In 1905 the area was subdivided and a land boom quickly saw the present residential shape take form. Determined and hard-working neighbours knit together a highly-textured social fabric that continues to this day: some families are sixth-generation.  - Riverdale Community League

What does Riverdale offer?

Besides the immense River Valley network where the average central Edmontontian can be found cycling, running, hiking, or boating - Riverdale offers so much more, and these are our top destinations:

1. Dawson Park
2. Dog Patch Restaurant
3. Little Brick Cafe
4. Tawatinâ Footbridge
5. Edmontons Funicular

If you are considering a move to Riverdale or have questions, contact me - we can grab a coffee or go for a walk and check out all the best spots!