Top 10 Things You Should Know When Moving To Alberta
Alberta is a stunning Canadian province with beautiful natural scenery, modern cities, and quaint towns. With close-knit community values, high incomes, and excellent education systems, there is no doubt Alberta is one of the best places to live in Canada. But like any new location, you should always do some research and learn about any steps you should take before moving.
10 August 2022/General
Top 10 Things You Should Know When Moving To Alberta
To make your move as easy as possible, here is everything you should know before moving to Alberta, Canada’s western province known for its diverse landscapes and strong economy.
1. Choosing Your Ideal Alberta Location Based on Lifestyle Needs
Of course, the first step to moving to Alberta is to decide where you should live. The following are some of the top cities in the province, each offering distinct advantages for different lifestyles.
Calgary – Calgary is the biggest city in Alberta, with a population of 1.3 million. The stunning metropolis views and large economy make it an excellent place for young couples looking for an exciting lifestyle. The city features a vibrant downtown core, extensive pathway system, and proximity to the Rocky Mountains.
Edmonton – As the capital of Alberta, Edmonton is a lively, exciting city with plenty of activities. When living in Edmonton, you can experience the culture, history, and natural beauty all at once. It is also known as the festival city, so keep an eye out for any interesting festivals throughout the year, including the renowned Edmonton Folk Music Festival and Fringe Theatre Festival.
St. Albert – St. Albert is the perfect place for families since it has excellent schools and is considered one of the safest cities in Canada. The picturesque city is located along the beautiful sturgeon river. It has many fun outdoor activities such as ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding, making it ideal for families who enjoy recreational opportunities in all seasons.
2. Understanding Alberta’s Affordable Cost of Living Compared to Other Provinces
The cost of living is relatively low compared to other provinces in Canada, with the average 1-bedroom apartment costing about $1,050 a month. Most families in Alberta also earn higher incomes; the average family income is $91,000 after tax. Alberta also does not have a Provincial Sales Tax in Alberta, making the overall sales tax 5% instead of 15% like in other provinces. This tax advantage contributes significantly to the province’s affordability and higher disposable income for residents.
3. How to Use Alberta’s Public Transportation Network Effectively
Alberta has a large network of safe and accessible public transportation, making it easy to travel between the cities. The transportation system consists of buses like the Greyhound and trains such as the Edmonton Transit Service. You should also be on the lookout for a high-speed rail coming soon between Calgary and Edmonton, which will significantly reduce travel time between Alberta’s two largest cities.
4. Apartment Hunting Solutions and Storage Considerations for New Residents
Finding your perfect apartment can be difficult, but luckily, many rental platforms service cities in Alberta. Check out platforms such as Apartment Love, RentCafe, and Kijiji for your apartment finding needs. You can also filter your search by selecting the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and pricing to find your perfect apartment. If you’re downsizing or between homes, consider residential storage units for your extra belongings during the transition, which can provide flexible, climate-controlled space while you settle into your new Alberta home.
5. Understanding Alberta Lease Agreement Options and Tenant Rights
When leasing an apartment in Alberta, there are two options, periodic tenancy, and fixed-term tenancy. With periodic tenancy, you can live in your apartment and pay by the month. There isn’t a set end date for your lease. A fixed-term lease has a set date, such as 6, 9, or 12 months. Both types of leases have their pros and cons, with periodic tenancy offering flexibility and fixed-term providing stability and predictable housing costs.
6. Home Buying Advantages in Alberta’s Affordable Housing Market
The cost of housing prices have sky rocketed across Canada, especially throughout British Columbia. There is no wonder as to why so many British Columbians are moving to Alberta to purchase a home. Alberta offers affordable living and housing allowing Albertans to have a better quality of life. The province’s relatively low property taxes and absence of land transfer tax further enhance the financial benefits of home ownership in Alberta.
7. How to Set Up Essential Utility Services in Your New Alberta Home
There are a few different electric companies in Alberta, but the major two are ENMAX and ATCO. Find out what companies service your area and get a quote from each one. When choosing a gas company, you should consider ATCO Gas and AtlasGas since they are the two biggest gas companies in the area. Getting proper moving supplies for your relocation can also help ensure a smooth transition to your new utility services. Alberta’s deregulated electricity and natural gas markets allow you to shop around for the best rates and service plans.
8. Selecting the Right Communication Services for Internet and Mobile
There are plenty of internet providers to choose from, including TELUS and Shaw. You can also use other services such as VMedia or Can Com. Don’t be afraid to shop around for the best price when selecting a cell phone carrier. Companies such as Bell, TELUS, Virgin Mobile, and Koodo Mobile all work in Alberta. Many providers offer bundle discounts when you combine internet, television, and mobile phone services, which can significantly reduce your monthly communication expenses.
9. Essential Documentation and Government Services for New Alberta Residents
As soon as you arrive in Alberta, you should try to get all the documents you need. For instance, you should apply for your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. You can apply for Alberta’s free healthcare by bringing your application to a local registry agent office with supporting documents. You should also apply for your Driver’s license and change all your bank accounts and official documents, so they support your new address. Following a complete moving checklist will help organize your document transition process. New residents must register for Alberta healthcare within three months of arrival to ensure continuous medical coverage.
10. Reliable Storage Solutions During Your Transition to Alberta
Moving to a new province requires a lot of logistical planning and often we are required to put things into storage while we get settled or even to deal with a lack of storage at our new home. U•STORE•IT offers various storage options is the leading self-storage facility in Alberta. Our state-of-the-art facilities allow our customers to handle their storage indoors. So, if you are new to the province and are not used to our winters, worry not, we will keep you warm and comfortable. U•STORE•IT is your trusted partner for all your self storage solutions, offering flexible unit sizes and climate-controlled options to protect your belongings during Alberta’s temperature extremes.
Key Takeaways about Moving to Alberta
- Alberta offers several major cities to live in including Calgary with 1.3 million residents, Edmonton known as the festival city, and St. Albert with excellent family-friendly amenities along the Sturgeon River.
- The cost of living in Alberta remains relatively low compared to other Canadian provinces, with an average 1-bedroom apartment costing approximately $1,050 monthly and families earning an average income of $91,000 after tax.
- Alberta features an extensive network of public transportation options including the Greyhound bus service and Edmonton Transit Service trains, making travel between cities accessible and convenient.
- When searching for housing, prospective residents can use platforms like Apartment Love, RentCafe, and Kijiji to filter properties by bedrooms, bathrooms, and price ranges to find suitable accommodations.
- Leasing options in Alberta consist of periodic tenancy without a set end date and fixed-term tenancy with specific durations like 6, 9, or 12 months, each offering different advantages depending on your situation.
- Alberta provides more affordable housing options compared to provinces like British Columbia, allowing residents to enjoy a better quality of life through residential storage solutions during transition periods.
- Major utility providers in Alberta include ENMAX and ATCO for electricity services, while ATCO Gas and AtlasGas serve as the primary natural gas companies throughout the province.
- Internet and cellular service options include providers like TELUS, Shaw, VMedia, Bell, Virgin Mobile, and Koodo Mobile, giving residents multiple choices to compare for the best pricing.
- New residents should immediately apply for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, update their driver’s license, and change their address on bank accounts and official documents upon arrival.
- U•STORE•IT offers state-of-the-art indoor self-storage facilities across Alberta, providing climate-controlled environments that protect belongings during the transitional moving period and help address storage limitations in new homes.