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Calgary bumpies
Hi I don't usually post here, but I am looking for some information.
There is a good possibility we will be re-locating to Calgary in the next 6 months and am trying to prepare myself as much as possible. Does anyone know of any good house rental sites? And I am hearing that car insurance is MUCH cheaper than in BC anyone have any idea how much cheaper. And any tips would be great. I have never been to Calagry so any insider info would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
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Re: Calgary bumpies
rofl.....If you were sooner I have a house on the rental market!!
Try rentfaster.ca. Kijiji is okay, but I'm finding from both the landlord and tenant side rentfaster is better. Big question is, where would you be working? There are some areas I would recommend against, and lots of good options. I personally commute to Calgary everyday from just outside the city - I lived in Calgary for 15 years, and I prefer the bedroom communties. Quiet, but close enough for shopping!
I've heard that our insurance is lower, but not sure by how much. We pay about $1200 a year, PLPD for a mini van and a Mini Cooper, but DH and I are both over 35 (ugh, did I just say that). You should be able to get an online quote, try the TD website. I know for a fact it's far cheaper than Ontario, my parents just moved back, and they were paying double.
Tell us what kind of things you like to do (hobbies/spare time/etc), do you prefer to be in a good neighborhood, or close to work, or both? Are you urban or rural or somewhere in between. Do you work or SAH? Do you drive? Are you into any sports or outdoor activies? Details - let us know about what you're looking for and I bet we can pin down what would fit.
Well DH is in the process of applying with the Calgary PD. So I guess he could be working from anywhere within Calgary, and I am will be SAH. One of the big reasons I am putting Calgary on the places I want to live list is so I can be a SAHM....something not really attainable in the lower mainland.
So wait you pay $1200 for 2 cars!? I am paying over $2000 for our SUV. And thats with the disability discount I get.
I would prefer we are in a good, family friendly neighbourhood. I want my kids to be able to ride bikes outside and have other moms close by as we dont have family in AB. But close enough to some major thinsg like the zoo. Right now we have an annual pass to the aquarium that rarely gets used because it's an hour away. i want to be in a place that makes it easy to get out, although i suspect the lack of rain will help with that! We love going on walks, and being outside when we can.
Thanks so much for the help...will def be checking out that website! We decided to rent for now and will buy once we get to know the area better.
Good luck to your DH, fingers crossed he gets in. I have friends on the PD, and family in the RCMP in the area, great bunch!
I hear you about the kids being outside, unless the weather is extreme, ours are outside a lot. And yes, cheap insurance, but we also live in a bedroom community and that does make a difference, but not by much (maybe $100?). We were only paying $800 when we lived in Calgary, but that was with older vehicles, no collision, and a few years ago.
I'm thinking you might want to look into the SW then, like Cedarbrae, Woodbine, Woodlands, Braeside, Canyon Meadows, and Midnapore/Sundance. Maybe Evergreen too. They are all close off main roads, the demographic is for families, they are close to Fish Creek park (tons of bike paths and space!), Southland Leisure center (has an indoor spray park and wave pool, great for toddlers and up), and Heritage Park (I spend a lot of time there). The zoo is only 20 minutes in non rush hour traffic. Oh, and there is an indoor play place if you're into that.
In the north, I'd look in Evanston, Citadel, Hanson Ranch, kind of in that area. Close to the university is either uni kids or seniors, and some of the newer communities going west aren't great for families, some haven't caught up to the amenities and schools yet. The NW communities I mentioned have a leisure center too, and paths, not tons else, but definately other moms.
Definately rent and get to know the city. You may even be a fan of Airdrie or Okotoks, both are huge on the family demographics.
And, a quick list of communities that your DH is likely to spend a lot of time in, Bridlewood, Southwood, Acadia, Forest Lawn, Applewood, Abbeydale, Marlborough, downtown! You may not be comfortable in communities east of Deerfoot Trail, north of Glenmore, and south of McKnight. They can be a bit rough.
Also to consider is the deep SE, like McKenzie Lake/Towne, Douglasdale/Glen, Copperfield, New Brighton. Slightly further to some of the attractions, but not bad.
Thanks for the info! So helpful.
We actually "found" Airdrie yesterday and it looks like a great place for us! I am going to check out some of the SW communities you mentioned though. I have a friend who lives in the NW (Royal Oak) but since she is new to Calagry as well didn't have as much information for me. Dh def likes the smaller town feel, and up and coming communities. I like the idea of having options, either going outside, out to a playplace if it isnt nice, the zoo, the pool etc. Plus the more mom groups the better as I think that will help me get to know people and transition faster.
Royal Oak is in the same general area of Evanston and those other NW ones I mentioned. Definately not the small town feel though, I can't picture a few of those with kids that actually play outside. Two thumbs up on Airdrie, both it and Okotoks have quite a large young population, lots of mom groups, lots of activities, definately up and coming communties with new growth - but with a community feeling. I prefer those two over Cochrane and Strathmore, especially since Okotoks and Airdrie are on Hwy 2, and can easily zip in and out of Calgary quickly for the big attractions.
I have friends in both that would sell you on either, but I would do some more research and see what fits. If I think of any other sites that might give you more info, I'll post them.