Buying A Calgary Home
Located in the southern part of Alberta, Calgary is currently the largest city in the province with a fast growing population. Calgary is renowned both as a winter sports destination as well as for its wide variety of ecotourism opportunities. Since the city is at the transition point between the Canadian Rockies and the Canadian Prairies, it has much to offer those seeking a wide variety of diverse experiences. Calgary is quickly gaining a reputation as a multi-cultural and diverse city boasting one of the largest Chinatown's in the country along with a Little Italy and an International Avenue. As most Calgarians have embraced suburban life fully, many of these communities have begun evolving their own forms of nightlife and their own cultural venues. Calgary is a prosperous city that offers plenty of opportunity and a great potential for growth and personal success.
Key Features Of Calgary Real Estate
- Great place for winter sports
- Lots of ecotourism opportunities
- Thriving and diverse economy
- Booming property market
- Plenty of good job opportunities
- Some of the lowest personal taxes in Canada
- Fastest growing city in the country
Demographics of Calgary
With many people relocating to Calgary, Canada, During a 2006 census the population of the city proper was pegged at 988 193 people. During the same census, the Greater Calgary area showed a population of 1 079 310 citizens making it the fifth largest Census Metropolitan Area in the country.
Lifestyle In Calgary
As the city is relatively young and growing it is a wonderful place for families and young people. There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied along with ample attractions to see. The city is also renowned for its many festivals that are held throughout the year, such as the Calgary Stampede. It is home to several celebrated sports teams and athletes and presents a clean and friendly environment for raising a family or simply for visiting. There are also plenty of career opportunities. However, the people of Calgary have not yet lost that sense of equilibrium that balances work and private life, meaning that although you will work hard, you can also expect to spend quality time with family and friends.
Economy Of Calgary
Calgary has one of the fastest growing economies in Canada. Although in the past is relied heavily on the profits from petroleum to bolster its revenue, after experiencing falling gas prices in the 1980's, it realized that it must diverse its economy in order to constantly remain competitive. It has thus succeeded at expanding its economy by developing its agricultural, tourist and high tech industries.
Transportation In Calgary
Like most Canadian cities Calgary has a very well developed transportation system including buses, trains, bike paths and walkways. In fact, Calgary has the most extensive urban walkways in North America. It is also easily accessible from air or rail.
History of Calgary
Before being settled by Europeans, Calgary was inhabited by the Pre-Clovis people with evidence of their presence in the area going back 11,000 years. In 1789 David Thompson who was sent to map the place was the first European to visit the area. He was followed much later on by the first settler to the area in 1873 - John Glenn. In 1902 oil was discovered in the city but it was not until huge reserves of oil were discovered in 1947 that it became a significant industry.
Property Market - Buy a house in Calgary
Given the huge boom that the city is currently experiencing Calgary is seeing a tremendous surge in its property market. With new settlers moving from other parts of the country to Calgary and searching homes for sale there, and with new immigrants moving to Canada and buying homes in Canada, new housing starts have been through the roof for the last several years and resale prices have continued to increase significantly every year. With the city seeing the fastest growth of any other Canadian city, the short to mid term outlook for the Calgary property market is exceptionally positive.
Average House Price: $420 807 (April 2007)
