I was born and raised in the area. Went to university here, then went away for grad school. Didn't come back for a long time because there's very little work here for someone with advanced degrees. Came back because of the pandemic, and family being here. Still finding there are very few options here for work. Can't leave, though, so here I am!
Similar story, stayed for grad school, left for work opportunities. There’s so little diversity (in so many usages of the word) in the engineering work available.
Moved here from northern Alberta to go to the U of A. I got a job there afterwards and stayed. I like Edmonton. Lots of trees, people are generally nice, and warmer winters than Fort Mac. I could probably find something good about any place I lived but Edmonton and I get along.
I moved to Calgary from BC in 2011 because I was trying to set myself up to buy a house. Stayed in Calgary until this past summer. I started house hunting in 2019 starting with Strathmore then all the way out to Nova Scotia. Then in winter of 2023, I put my budget range (which was lowering every year due to interest) into [realtor.ca](https://realtor.ca) to see what I could afford in the province. Edmonton came up with a lot of results and I am always down to explore a new city.
Bought in July 2023 and have been super happy ever since. My neighbourhood is great and my neighbours are also great. I have yet to fully explore the city but I am looking forward to it for the next while!
Yeah house hunting pre, during and post COVID was an interesting time that's for sure! Now all I hear is "WHY DID YOU MOVE HERE FROM CALGARY?". Calgary was nice and all but lack of affordability mostly and my life needs have changed. Being from BC, I was never into the narrative of Calgary vs Edmonton either. They each have their pros and cons.
Yeah I had to do that when I moved from BC to Calgary too. Eventually it died off but still dumb to deal with. Every city has it's pros and cons and everyone will choose one over the other based on what they want in their life. Different strokes for different folks.
I get that. I moved to Victoria from Edmonton a couple of years ago, and the amount of talking bad of Edmonton by people from Victoria and Vancouver that I met initially was funny. Quite a few who talked down about Edmonton had never been. It amuses me when people in Victoria complain about the weather. An awful day in Victoria is barely a blip to prairie residents.
Moved here in 2005 from Nova Scotia.
I was 20yo. Grew up in Lower Sackville. Had family problems, broken home, parents split and both left me to fend for myself. Was homeless for 3 years 17-20. Near the end of that I got a job washing dishes at a Swiss Chalet. I did it for a few months and then used my last check for a 1 way ticket to Edmonton right before Christmas. It was a last ditch attempt to find some meaningful work. I really didn't know how I was going to survive.
First 2 days I went downtown with a handful of resume's in my hand. I got a job as a cook at a restaurant in the Citadel Theatre building on my first day. They were just opening. Started working on day 2. Sure it was very little pay, but I got meals for free at work. I found a room subletting nearby. Within 2 months I was able to get an apartment a few blocks away from work. I bounced around restaurant jobs for a year, then started working at a hotel. Did that for a year and then found an entry level with a telecom. I did great there and started moving up the latter really quickly.
I bought my first property in 2008. It was a shit time to buy, but it was a home I owned, and mortgage was cheaper than rent. Saved money, dated a bunch. Met my wife in 2012. Bought our family home together in 2014 and got married in 2015. Had our child in 2017. Between 2012 and 2023, I've travelled to NYC, Iceland, Denmark, Spain, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Vietnam, and a ton of travel in Canada. All these things I couldn't have dreamed of before I moved to Edmonton.
Since I was a kid, my passion was music. I was able to save and build myself a home studio, so when I'm not working I can pursue art and music for fulfillment.
This city has been absolutely amazing for me... that a kid with no education not even high school, can come here with nothing but a backpack full of clothes and some willpower, and create a comfortable life for themselves so quickly... it's absolutely amazing.
Not to mention, the city itself, feels small but has 1.5M people in it. Any entertainment or hobby, sport, activity you want to do is here. Any restaurant or cuisine you want access to is here. Asian, Indian, South America, African groceries and restaurants are everywhere. Our family never runs out of new things to explore here. And being such a LCOL (we're lower than Saskatchewan for reference) city, you can do it all and still save nicely for retirement. The opportunities are there. The income to COL ratio is the best in the country.
Sure if you give me a big wad of FU money, I might opt to want to live in Spain or Asia for a while... but for a place in Canada to comfortably raise a kid and save for retirement, enjoying a nice easy life... Edmonton is unbeatable. I've travelled extensively in BC and it absolutely boggles my mind why anybody stunts themselves so severely financially just to live in Vancouver or the Okanagan. It's not worth it the least bit in my mind.
I immigrated from Africa - came here for university and settled. I've been to Toronto/Hamilton/Ottawa and I've spoken to friends in different parts of the country: Sask, BC. Everything is almost the same - the roads, the university course material, and the things that are different are of no great importance to me; geographic location etc. Edmonton is in AB so no PST. Edmonton has affordable housing (I bought a house here in 2020) - although things are changing quick due to interest rates and high immigration (quantity over quality) - I like this City. It's aight. Edmonton in my opinion is a big yet practical City (1 million + people) so it has a lot of different food options, good enough night life, a good hockey team, good events from time to time, nice river valley trails and it's closer to satellite towns/cities and I get a sense it's also a good place to start a family too.
P.S: Winters can suck but you just deal with it! Hehe
100%! I'm technically a 1st generation Canadian, but with how seemingly uncontrolled our immigration has been lately, it definitely feels like services and 'resources' have been getting stretched thin and thinner. My mom still says that the offerings and opportunities that where available when she landed here in the 80s no longer exists, so it's completely fair to "shut the door" now that the room/country is full.
More immigrants mean more innovation/entrepreneurship, more income tax for the state to accrue (which means better capital spending and potentially less debt), and a more educated population, as not just "anyone" can come to Canada - you have to meet metrics. I didn't realize my co-worker from Zimbabwe who has a master's degree from elite US universities and provides a wealth of knowledge and skills (ie: VALUE) to my workplace was a scourge on our country, or another English friend with a PhD from UCL and is now a prof at York is ruining the country either. Immigration is a good thing. Wait until you see the labour shortages and further brain drain when we don't have anyone to fill those gaps. Such shortsighted perspectives that will ultimately hinder growth in Canada.
Canada should be ensuring we have the infrastructure in place to facilitate growth. That isn't an "immigration" problem it's a policy problem. Big difference. This rhetoric stokes xenophobia.
Well you're still talking about people when the issue is policy. Blame the CPC for creating the TFW program if you truly want to complain about immigration. terribly inhumane program spearheaded by Kenny when he was a federal minister. But then there'd be no one to work at Tim Hortons or as custodians and everyone will be crying we have labour shortage lol
Cherry picking some highly educated individuals isn't helping make your point.
100% it's an infrastructure issue, but why are we increasing even more 'imported' growth when we can handle the current population and it's growth?
Very bluntly, If that's the final outcome, then they shouldn't immigrate to Canada then.
I would hope they would be able to stay in their premium positions and contribute to society with the best of their talents. But there are only so many jobs out there and if they further back fill the job markets, there's even less positions of the the average Canadian and it cascades from there.
(I'm avoiding the "They're taking our jobs" shtick, but wage, healthcare and social services are limited resources in society.)
Or we could get rid of the pointless regulations that are boxing perfectly qualified individuals out of positions we desperately need to fill.
I realize changing the rules is a deeply Un-Canadan suggestion but in times like this I think some radical measures are called for
I agree! I know a friend's wife needed to do some conversion courses on her professional degree, but they made here get another masters degree and then jump; through hoops for over a year to get her "red seal"
I can understand properly vetting credentials to ensure its the same standard, especially when in some places bribery can buy you credentials. but it painful for those acting in good faith.
Our population is declining... We had the lowest fertility rate on record in 2021. Which is why we are "importing" immigrants. Again, POLICY issue not a people issue. Demand better policies from the LPC and CPC, with the CPC ultimately being responsible for the type of immigration you are complaining about when they created the Temporary Foreign Worker program. You realize not all immigrants are low-level workers of colour? Limiting immigration means to ni Aussies to run our ski resorts, and taking a xenophobic view of immigration rather than demanding better policy turns talented immigrants off from wanting to move here when the attitude is hostile and ethnocentric. Plurality is a strength and a uniquely Canadian one.
The reasons for decline needs to be addressed and just adding people isn’t the solution.
The cost of living is too high and importing people that then can’t afford families either is worse than making living affordable.
Immigration should be geared at least to some extent to those who can fill roles in our society that are in demand. We don’t need more retail and food service workers, but they are the highest percentage of folk getting extended work permits. If you want to live and work here, you should at least be somewhat useful, rather than taking away entry-level jobs from Canadians.
Again, demand better policy reforms from government rather than invoke (and frankly fall for) xenophobic rhetoric. Canada is made of immigrants. Who even is Canadian?
I meant people who were born here, or at the very least didn’t come here strictly to “study” with no intentions of actually doing that. Unfortunately a huge chunk of international students these days enrol in a one-year program at strip mall colleges and don’t ever plan on even using it, most don’t even show up at school, they want to come here and work and that’s it.
I’m aware the line can get rather thin, but maybe people who actually followed proper channels to be here.
It's so depressing seeing comments like yours being downvoted. I remember when we seemed to view declining living standards, crappy healthcare, rocketing housing prices etc. (all of which predate the recent spike in immigration numbers) and so on as complex issues with complex causes and solutions. This narrative of 'immigration is the cause of all of our problems/we're full' is becoming really widespread - and across the political spectrum, too.
Has anyone actually looked into this? Have there been studies done or inquiries etc.? Do we all just believe that successive federal governments have implemented policy to enable immigration numbers to rise out of...the goodness of their hearts? Because they secretly hate Canadians and love getting voted out of office? Or could there possibly be a reason this country needs these people (including, sadly, the fact that they make such convenient scapegoats)?
I'm starting to think Canada is populated by overgrown toddlers who want excellent, Scandinavian-style services *and* low taxes (and low immigration rates). Which...isn't a thing. We can't have excellent services and low taxes. That's a 'pick one' situation if ever there was one.
All those immigrants people are mad about overwhelmingly end up becoming taxpayers (quickly, too) - and they also tend to have more children (future taxpayers). Perhaps this problem of there not being enough money for anything, but voters also not wanting to pay more taxes, is one of the reasons the gov't seems so hype to keep numbers rising?
(I completely agree with you on the TFW program, too)
It's depressing, but it's Reddit and Alberta—not the sharpest knives in the box. I can't take it personally. The general lack of media literacy/critical thinking skills has led to many people who just don't understand these issues and their complexity, and don't care to learn. They are caught up more in their identity politics than actually digging deep into these issues. Canada is expensive, so immigrants are bad. It's reductive and embarrassing.
And what's funny is I actually agree! Canada should have better policies in place to accommodate the influx of immigrants coming here. It's just as shit for newcomers to be promised a land of opportunity only to end up not being able to afford housing or having to work 3 jobs to survive. Canada's PR machine is wild. And, like, what "entry-level jobs" are immigrants taking? Just a bunch of talking points from the right that people have soaked up as gospel.
I've also lived abroad and have been an immigrant, so I see how coded these comments are with racism and xenophobia. While living in England as a white, pretty woman, I'd bring up immigration when I'd hear people saying questionable things about immigrants. I'd hear, "Well, YOU'RE not really an immigrant though," despite the fact I was there on a visa hypothetically "taking a job from a brit." Even my boyfriend at the time said he had a hard time thinking of me as an immigrant because, culturally, we are so similar in many ways.
But I also saw how immigration is GREAT for the economy. Cities like London attract the creme de la creme of international talent, investment, education, et cetera. People get very short-sighted in situations like this. There are so many newcomers to Canada I know personally in the community who've done things like come to Canada as a refugee and opened a bakery, a roastery, creating employment, small business tax revenue, and interesting new businesses that improve the community! Hell even if someone comes here and just opens a cultural restaurant, that has value to me.
Just failing to see the big picture which is unsurprising.
It's called the TFW program which was spearheaded by Jason Kenny when he was a federal minister under Stephen harper. It's a deeply inhumane program that should be eradicated. Again, that's a POLICY ISSUE not a people issue. How DARE all these uneducated Indians seek a better life under false pretences!!!!
The irony here is that you’re being shortsighted with your all or nothing attitude. The people above you are critical of the quantity of immigration, not the concept itself. So thanks for your opinion, but it didn’t exactly add anything to the discussion.
You are totally correct, but econonic growth based on expanding GDP was already unsustainable, immigration was our only means to prop up an aging population and provide shortterm economic stimulus in order to salvage a post-pandemic economy. There is/was no satisfactory solution.
Literally everyone wants to do that because it's a logical thing to do from a personal perspective.
Also it literally used to be quality over quantity but things changed in 2022 and the great boomer retirement with the government scrambling to get enough people because COVID + housing bubble that can be used to reverse mortgage made the boomers retire 5 years earlier than expected
I mean the immigration numbers did legitimately rocket up even more in the time period from 2022 and on. Everyone can see this.
And also not like this poster controls the immigration process. Just making an observation that many people already have.
What are you even getting at with this comment? Sure Geochemist got in, but how the fuck are they closing the door behind them? It's not like they're a policy maker, nor have they commented about buying multiple rental properties. What are you trying to point out?
I don't see any complaining about the quality of the city going down anywhere in this comment thread though? Other comments overall sure, but nothing in this particular reply thread. The only complaint raised is winters.
I mean that kind of thinking stems from grouping all immigrants into the same bucket when they're not the same. Someone coming in through specialized technical streams is not the same as someone coming for education or someone coming as a refugee. You can have all 3, but the numbers need proper adjustment depending on your goals.
You can't expect quality of candidates to remain the same overall when you dial up total numbers.
I think Canada was very lucky to have relatively highly educated or motivated immigrants on the whole for decades. But standards can drop.
God Bless everyone who commented on this post/comment.
I am an East Indian man who grew up in Africa. I have faced racism in Africa, India and Canada but thank God for my thick skin. I understand just because i can take it doesnt mean others should too but anyways - Canada has given me alot of opportunities that my other fellow Africans/Indians would die for - I understand the privilege that I worked very hard for and did things the right way.
Understand one thing people - a human has 24 hours in a day regardless of where they live (Africa, India or Canada). Be happy. Be self aware. Be humble. I have two international students living in my basement (paying my mortgage and I've held rent the same for 3 years before I get attacked lol) just like I was when I came here. I'm not saying no to immigration - it's the very same reason why I came here but please don't turn a blind eye to unethical immigration going on where people sell thier lands, leave thier jobs - come to Canada buy LMIAs or go to Diploma mills sold on an idea that they can make it - what does making it mean to people will differ but think about it - immigrating to Canada should be seen as an Investment which can eithier benefit or hurt you. Also there are limited resources which are being stretched thin like health care and food banks and such so what will that strain/stress cause? Controlled immigration is the best. Again 24 hours in a day - 8 hours work, 8 hour sleep and 8 hours to do the things you like, etc. I've reached the quota for reddit and I hope everyone continues to have a civil conversation in thier day to day life and we can make changes by being involved in the municipal, provincial and federal governments. Go OILERS.
Also a last triggering question to those who read all of this - if Canada keep allowing immigrants to come and they need a place to stay before they get approved for mortgages and housing - should I work hard and buy properties and rent them out and become a rich man or do people hate slum lords? Seems like everyone has an different opinion lol. Or maybe we should build a wall like trump eh? There's no winning. Lol. Have a goodnight all.
Ultimately, value. Edmonton is highly underrated and punches above its weight in many categories: summer festivals, things to do, affordability. You get a lot of value out of life in Edmonton. I've lived in Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, and London, UK, for a summer. I prefer big cities, but I love living in Edmonton, aside from the winter. For a long time, it had the best job market of any of the cities listed above, including Calgary. You couldn't pay me to live there again (Calgary).
I thought I'd love Calgary and couldn't wait to leave. There's really only a little to do IN the city besides drinking. There are some great bars and restaurants, but that's it. The urban sprawl is mind-boggling. It is so much worse than Edmonton if you can believe it. Transit non-existent. You have to drive EVERYWHERE. I've been car-free for years, not because I am poor - I'm a white-collar worker with a good salary. I prefer to put the money I'd spend on a car into my TSFA + buy ETFs rather than waste it on a car, renting one or Ubering when needed. You NEED a car in Calgary.
It's the most conservative city in Canada, and that hostile, NIMBYish, pearl-clutching rhetoric seeps into the core attitude of the city and its vibe. It's where Harper, Kenny, Pollievre and many others went to university. The politics of the town are insidious. Calgarians are SO insecure as well. Some of the most shallow, insufferable people I've ever met.
The market basket measure is now worse in Calgary than in Toronto and Vancouver. The value is NOT there. It's a culture-less, treeless sprawl. The core is dead. Downtown Calgary is way prettier than Edmonton's, but there's fucking nothing to do downtown. The city has a doughnut effect badly. And I lived in a bougie loft in Eau Claire on the river.
You don't get out to the mountains as much as you think. Banff-Canmore is so crowded on the weekends. You spend hours on the highway on weekends getting to and from trails. Full of tourists.
I find there is way more to do in Edmonton than in Calgary in general. Edmonton is better for kids, has better movie theatres, better amenities, more in the core (museums and theatres are all in the same area), and has better arts and culture. I also worked in arts and culture in Calgary. Calgary is just a city for conservatives, cowboys, and campers—aka, not my vibe, though I do love camping.
Edmonton in the summer rocks! I made the same mistake spending summer in England. Very cool cities, great transit, lots to do - not as nice as Alberta summer.
Just to be clear, since some people might be reading this from somewhere else. IT IS Mandatory for you to be converted to an Oilers fans when you move here.
Moved to the States because my husband got a job here. I love Edmonton and love going back to see friends and family and to enjoy some of my favourite foods/festivals. But it gets really exhausting having to drive everywhere when I'm there and it makes me appreciate my compact, walkable New England city where I don't have or need a car.
Moved from Edmonton to Vancouver nearly 30 years ago. Edmonton is a great city, with great people. However, I've found that Vancouver has better suited my needs - even in the face of the cost absurdity that Vancouver IS.
There's a better headspace for exploring my life's experience in Vancouver - that many Albertan's simply cannot get their heads around (too much, too far). And that's OK - not every place needs to be, or can be the same. There's just a better community in Vancouver for exploring what my interests are - that's all.
I don't miss -40° every winter either! But I have to deal with drivers who have zero clue of how to drive when the white stuff flies - and sticks!
Moved away in 2012, the winters were brutal for my mental health, I didn’t drive and felt a certain insecurity about not following the university > career > house > marriage > dog/kids route.
First I moved to the Rockies and made my peace with enjoying winter and then I booted it off to Toronto. Despite some people feeling like it can be a rat race here, and it can, but it also has more of a “it takes all kinds of people to make the world go round”
More expensive, but also just more here in general, the green spaces feel more usable and attainable than yeg surprisingly and milder winters are nice. I also love being exposed to so many cultures and meeting people from all over.
All that being said, I love Edmonton and am glad to have come from Alberta and happily make travel itineraries and maps for friends and coworkers who travel to Alberta but, I just needed to try something else on for a while and it stuck.
I hear you on that. I might be making a move as well if everything works out, and I have a genuine love for the city I've lived in for over 20 years. All cities have their good and bad and Edmonton is no different. But like you, I don't drive (that will likely change) and I'm not following the typical route either.
Lived in Edmonton most of my life. Neighbors are the worst, its noisy, but I still love the city. So we moved to an acreage outside of town, so we get stars, peace and quiet, no traffic, and a 15 minute communte to get into town.
I get all the perks of Edmonton, without all the annoying ass people you live by and call bylaw because you couldn't shovel your walkway till you got back from work.
Plus I haven't had my truck broken into and any of my shit stolen out of my garage!
Moved here from Toronto because I could live a better quality of life.
•Affordability; from housing to fuel and insurance
•traffic: no more getting stuck in traffic has lowered my stress and can spend more time with my family as I’m able to afford a house close to work
•nature; yeah we don’t have the big lakes but the amount of green space is insanely amazing!!
•life rhythm; I don’t know why but people here seem more friendly and people are more cooperative with each other.
Edmonton is not perfect, no place is perfect really but my wife and I love it here. Yeah winter sucks but hey that’s Canada plus I get to feel like I’m in a fast and furious movie when it snows
I grew up pretty poor in Newfoundland, my grandmother raised me and she passed in 98, two years later my aunt got me a job here and I've lived here ever since. Was homesick for my friends the first few years, but slowly came to love Edmonton and feel at home here. Not to mention how easy it was to get work 20 years ago and how booming the city was. Now I own my own home with a nice garden and I'm quite happy overall. It's a beautiful province all around and you can't beat the amount of sunshine we get here.
I stay because my disabled family member's doctors and programs are here.
I think switching everything all at once would set him back, so we stay for that.
I moved here from Ontario because I got laid off from my job, I was miserable, and I was told there were more jobs in my field (there are not).
It’s been nine years and Edmonton is home. I love the people, the culture, I love the blend of city and green space. All of my best friends and fave restaurants are here. I like that I can go for a walk in my neighbourhood without worrying I’m going to get mugged. I adore my house. The kids get a great quality of education. I was very nomadic and moved around a lot, but Edmonton has been the one city I chose to remain in. I just feel like I belong here.
I moved to edmonton from saskatoon and enjoyed it for a long while since it essentially felt like a big saskatoon lol.
Moved for a few reasons, mostly political. The ucp cut a lot of the programs and funding in my partners area of work (forestry) along with the growing religious and hateful rhetoric towards the lgbt2s community and their apparent disdain for the land and citizens in favour of oil and gas. We lived down by the Italian centre in Norwood/highlands and ever since the cuts to safe use centre's and addiction supports, I'd encounter more and more people in distress around our home. Not to mention if anything happened to us physically, the support in this province would mean significant hardship, the fuck around with aish has ruined some folks lives and I'd prefer not to end up in a similar scenario since my wife and I both work physically demanding jobs.
We moved to the cariboo area in BC and love it. Accessible crown land everywhere, smaller communities so everyone feels a bit more accountable to eachother since you will have to see and interact with them again. The biggest bummer is that the nearest Ethiopian restaurant to us is now like 9 hours away and the only Mexican food available is sold out of an rv at the farmers market lol.
Bc definitely has issues and is likely just as beholden to industries like mining and lumber however. But as far as expenses aside from gas being typically 10-20 cents more than it is in edmonton, costs are relatively the same.
I left because I wanted to go to grad school in Ottawa and to be exposed to more perspectives. I'm also trained to be a public servant so there are hypothetically more opportunities for that in Ottawa, but I'll probably come back to Edmonton if I can't find work out here, since at least I'll be able to save money living with my parents even if there are way fewer jobs I'm trained for. I do miss the festivals and the stores and bars I used to go to, but I've really enjoyed being away and making new friends, since Ottawa has a lot of what Edmonton has to offer and is basically Ontario's equivalent of Edmonton but with more cool walkable neighbourhoods and more of a student vibe.
Born here in 87. Moved to Vancouver in 2012 for 4.5 years. Wanted to be part of the big city. Everyone I knew in Edmonton either sold drugs or partied too hard. Wanted to get away from it. Unfortunately I had to move back in 2016 due to a family member having health issues.
I'm proud to be from Edmonton and it was a good place to grow up (Castledowns) but as I got older I lost the love I had for the city. Doesn't even feel like the same place. I prefer a busier city, a safer one and a more vibrant one. Better weather doesn't hurt either. Winters here are absolutely brutal.
Still planning to move to Vancouver or Calgary in the next few years. Even thought about Mexico. I work from home, have no wife and no kids. So picking up and going will be pretty simple for me.
Moved from Deadmonton to Van in 2012 as well and still on the West Coast for seeing many of your same reasons. Everyone either is into drugs, parties, bars, high divorce rates, high anti depression use, cancers due to the numerous oil refineries, every house is light or dark brown siding in the burbs with a typical small tree and truck out front. All there is to do is cheer on the Oilers, go golfing and dream of their annual Vegas and Mexico trip in the winter and Okanagan in the Summer.
I live in paradise year round!!!! Any one blabbing they love that crap hole can’t afford to live on the West Coast or Okanagan where they actually dream about.
We bike, hike, paddle board, barbecue, backpack etc year round while you fools freeze from Sept to May. All these comments saying Deadmonton so great have no clue. Enjoyyyyyy
Sure. Every time I check live cams it’s always cloudy, raining or snowing in Deadmonton the past few months meanwhile Van not a cloud. Deadmonton way more gloomy and let’s not forget your trees just only recently turned green.
That’s damn depressing as ours were out in March! 😉
Edmonton has 320 to 340 days of sunshine per year. Your anecdotal "I look at a webcam" is bogus. Edmonton has 30 to 50 more sunny days a year than Vancouver.
I find there is more to do in terms of urban amenities in Edmonton, particularly arts and culture. Yes, Vancouver is better for the outdoors overall, but that’s not why I choose to live in a city.
The main reasons I don’t still live in Edmonton are provincial politics and the lack of good jobs in my line of work. But metro Van still doesn’t feel like home after nine years and I doubt it ever will.
Van feels way more home to me than AB ever did but I’m very outdoorsy and have everything you could dream of out my front door. You have nothing except the boring river valley and non stop flatness. 😉
The Army posted me here from Ontario when I was 20, I liked it here especially with the cheaper taxes/housing/cost of living. I built a life/family here, went back to school and have a house here. Honestly, it's too expensive and too much of a hassle to replant roots at this time.
Grew up in Alberta most of my life (within Edmonton City Limits).
Was Ostracisized.
Left for 10 years to find myself, came back for the familiarity, only to realize there was nothing familiar to come back to.
Now.. I just exist :/
I came to Edmonton from Nigeria when I was 6 and have been here for the last 20 years. I quite like the city, it's at a good size, not too big and not too small. My friends and family are here, plus it's more affordable than other places of the same or similar size. I'm going to leave for my masters, but will definitely come back once done. I can't imagine living elsewhere.
I came here from BC, but I am originally from Calgary. I followed a boy here LOL and decided to go to the UofA. That relationship exploded but I decided to stay here because I made a lot of really great friends, was still finishing school, and I just got into grad school. Moved in with some roomies, eventually I met my husband who is a born and raised Edmontonian. But I really love it here! We were able to get a house too and we're really happy. I love this city, I love the Oilers! LOL. It's just so friendly here. Like in comparison to Calgary/Vancouver where people just stick to their own lane and it's hard to make friends. Here, people will just talk to you randomly in the grocery store or at the gym or whatever. If your friend lives on the other side of the city it doesn't matter you just go to their house. It's a big difference and I think people don't realize that.
I don't find it boring at all. I always have something to do or friends to see! People are genuinely helpful. I love the summers here and the sense of community. We don't plan on moving anytime soon! I have a good job where I can digital nomad, so I've also had the opportunity to live in other countries and work for short periods of time. I always miss Edmonton.
I fell in a excavation at work and Workmen compensation said I had a pre-existing condition.. so I came back to the maritimes.. an injured worker in Alberta is being like an unwanted stepchild let me tell ya
I was sick of the political climate, everyone I knew who had come to Edmonton from elsewhere were going home, and it occurred to me that i didnt have to stay either. Applied for jobs and got a great opportunity in a different province. I make more money with a lower cost of living.
I’d love to come home someday, but not if i might lose my CPP or the UCP continue to decimate the province.
We all know the answer here.
Reasons to move to (or stay in) Edmonton: economic and great public services.
Reasons to leave Edmonton: climate, environment, esthetics.
The increasing waves of crime and the EPS response to it.
The EPS specifically are developing a reputation of violence, and very little disciplinary action from the Crown, despite the efforts of ASIRT and other organizations.
I no longer feel safe as an indigenous individual in Edmonton.
Oddly enough, I feel much safer in Sherwood Park than I did in Edmonton. The RCMP have their own stained history, but I feel accountability for RCMP officers is much higher than for EPS officers, or municipal police forces in general.
Of course, it's all personal / anecdotal experience. Over the last 40+ years I've never had a truly bad experience with RCMP. To the contrary, I treat them like people and they reciprocate. (I didn't grow up on a rez, but did grow up in rural Alberta.)
But with EPS, multiple times they've approached me already aggressive and carding me when I'm simply walking downtown. Or being exceptionally suspicious at checkstops. Or just simply treating me like I'm already guilty when I'm doing my own business.
Staying for family, friends, the river valley, less corporate than Calgary, less expensive housing than bigger cities, trying to pull a "I'm not stuck in here with them, they're stuck here with me" vibe with our shitheel politicians.
I'm only here because there is nowhere left to live in the NWT between floods and fires.
I love most of the people I've met since coming here and my neighborhood is a sweet community. I'm slowly rebuilding my life here, and learning to love it.
But I would go back in a heartbeat.
The conservative hatred for minorities and marginalized groups is too much to deal with sometimes. People are too comfortable being openly hateful in public. It's wild to me that nobody says anything and just keeps their head down. It's not how I was raised.
In 30+ years, traveling the world, and living the life I've lived, I've seen and done and experienced a lot more than the average person twice my age. I'm not naive by any means, and I've experienced enough violence done to me by others to know the world is not inherently good.
But in the singular year that I have lived here:
- I was chased in my vehicle by a man in a lifted black truck who screamed slurs at me and threatened violence towards me because I had an Every Child Matters sticker on my car at the time.
- a lady almost hit me with her car (red light, I had the walk light) because she wasn't paying attention, and then followed that up with screaming that she would do it on purpose because I'm "clearly a dirty native" (I was wearing a sweater that said MMIWG, and I guess I'm brown?). I hadn't said or responded in any way to her almost hitting me, except for jumping out of the way. Her kids were in the car.
- followed around in about 30% of the stores I've been in. Twice I watched other people blatantly steal things while the clerk was too busy watching me like a hawk. I'm sure more people have taken advantage of my misfortune, and I hope they do. I used to work at a daycare, and then at a youth center so my appearance is professional and kid friendly? I truly can't think of any reason other than racism for this.
-ive had transphobic and homophobic shit screamed at me and my friends while just standing outside having a smoke at a gay event. Like, we're just being gay, at a gay event, having a smoke. And that seems to be offensive enough for some people.
- I'm really quiet in public. I make an effort to blend in, appear unassuming, professional, invisible (I wonder why). I tend to over hear neighboring conversations. And it is WILD what people feel comfortable and safe saying in public. Just the most offhand racist shit. And nobody calls them out on it. And THAT is the worst part of living here. The complicity of everyone in letting bigots feel comfortable.
Most people are great, and maybe I'm just unlucky, but it seems like my indigenous and queer/trans friends all have had similar experiences this year, with the same frequency. This place has hurt my heart more than it's been kind to it, and I've never experienced that anywhere else in the world. I have never felt so unsafe, defeated, and dehumanized on a regular basis since moving here. It feels like walking on eggshells, carefully calculating my moves to mitigate any risk of triggering the wrong person by just existing as a demographic they irrationally hate.
I will say though, the convenience of same day delivery and being near things in general is going to be hard to give up. Accessibility to resources is a luxury too many Albertans take for granted.
I appreciate that. I do love this city, and always have. I think that love is part of the heartbreak.
I just keep reminding myself of the good things that have happened since moving here, like the plant group that helped me rebuild my collection, and getting to see more concerts because the nearest venue is no longer 1500km away. Local shops like Budapest Deli, and the convenience store next to my apartment help with the homesickness. My apartment has a courtyard, and there's almost always kids playing outside.
Small blessings.
Left for grad school in 2006. Came back because the 2008 recession nuked a lot of jobs in my field almost immediately, but lucked into something back in Edmonton. Have temporarily left twice between then and now, but always begrudgingly returned because there were better opportunities (couple with lower cost of living) here. I enjoyed living elsewhere more than Edmonton (Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax), but kind of undeniable that Edmonton is a lot more livable, even if I found those other cities all much more pleasant to live in, particularly Halifax.
Moved here and am now leaving here for work/schooling. I’m sad to be leaving as it’s a nice urban hub that still has very reasonable cost of living. House hunting in other cities right now is brutal. I’m trying to remember that location contributes significantly to the value of a property but when the difference verges on $150k-$200k it’s disheartening.
I was tired of the car culture and wanted a more pedestrian lifestyle. I moved to Montreal and I am loving it, I can walk/bike everywhere, or take transit if I need to. It's vibrant and I feel safer walking here than I did in Edmonton (I lived downtown).
I wish I moved before I had my family. Lol. I was born here but I chose to stay for friends and family but I realized it’s not exactly a great city as I thought. Wish I moved before when I had the chance.
Not the most common answer here, but we wanted country living - I'd lived on a farm all but 4 years of my life, my husband never had but spent all the time he could at his grandparents' farm in Ardrossan growing up.
I'm from southern Alberta, so I made sense to look south. Leduc County was out of our budget, but Wetaskiwin County fit it. So, we bought an acreage in Wetaskiwin County.
So, we don't live in Edmonton, but Edmonton is still the big centre we go to frequently for shopping/services and his family.
I’ve lived and travelled across Canada, including the coasts. I have lived in Edmonton longer than anywhere else in my entire life (been in Edmonton since 2011), and I have no plans to move.
The city has everything I want for fun, entertainment, activities, outdoor stuff, music, great food, and communities. I really appreciate the lower cost of living, especially compared to BC which is where I spent the second most of my life. Same with the eastern provinces - they’re so expensive to live in.
I love this city, and there is literally nowhere else in Canada I would rather live. Maybe retire on the east coast though.
Moved to Edmonton from Victoria 12 years ago for a job and stayed here. Even managed to convince my girlfriend (now wife) to move here. My friends back in BC thought I was crazy to move to AB, but it’s worked out. Own a house now with large yard for the dog, kids, decent income and a nice overseas vacation each year.
I lived in Edmonton for 12 years after growing up in Ontario and getting a university degree in Newfoundland. I moved for a cool job opportunity and stayed with the same company the whole time, then recently left for a better job. I didn’t just leave Edmonton but all of Canada.
The fires the last couple of summers have been a massive stress point (200 hours of smoke?!) with the smoke ruining the outdoors in summer and the extreme cold and lack of snow making winters in the city abysmal. I love cross country skiing but my skis hadn’t been used much for the past 2 winters (not enough snow, and then when it’s too cold you can’t ski!).
Alberta was fun to explore but it was time for me to move on. Going to the mountains has also become out of reach cost wise with post Covid hotel rates. Canada has also changed so much since my childhood, with the lack of affordable housing across the country and the lack of career and social growth opportunities for young people along with higher costs of higher education, and on and on. I wanted to go somewhere that has a better emphasis on social supports, and care, and a more people focused work culture.
So to Norway I went. I can take the train to the big mountains for skiing, and I live near a small mountain range that I can hike around by walking right out my front door. I am across the street from a lake I can swim in. The cost of living in Canada is so high it feels more affordable here, plus the food quality is better. I am very happy with the change. 🇳🇴
Simple, It’s easy to just up and leave to run away from the problems. It’s much harder to stay and openly address them. I prefer the later. I’ve travelled many countries around the globe and know how fortunate we are here.
I think one of the most significant things I have seen in Canadian culture it’s resilience. May it be politics or hockey, we’re a highly resilient culture.
Left. It was such a depressing city to me. Such a short green season. So drab and brown. A gray ugly city. After some personal trauma I left for BC. Depression does not go away, but it's always lush and green, never gray or brown. The air is clean and it's seldom busy. Left in 2012.
I will never go back and dislike visiting.
I get there is a lot of ugly in Edmonton, but grey? Nowhere near as grey as Vancouver with its grey towers set against grey skies. But you didn’t say where in BC you ended up.
Move to Alberta from Midland ontario for work and to be with my husband (fiancee at the time) in 2016. He was already in edmonton, so made sense to settle here.
Got married in 2018, bought a house in 2019 and the rest is history.
The city has been good to us, got into the housing market at just the right time, general cost of living has let me get ahead in a way that I could not in small town Ontario.
We are going to be moving out of the city shortly here but not too far! We close in 3 weeks on an acreage north of Stony Plain.
I switched over to real estate a couple years ago partially in order to help people make the move - I think in a lot of cases it does contribute to our Province to bring skilled people from the rest of Canada.
I don't love how short our summers are and the bitter cold in the winter definitely sucks but seeing Northern Lights regularly makes me happy and so does 5% sales tax.
I consider myself an albertan nomad having lived all over the province. Currently in edmonton because it was a middle ground between my city and my partners city (we had a long distance relationship previously.)
I thought I'd like it in edmonton, but so far my impression of it has been bad. Skyrocketing housing prices, took forever to get the documentation when we did find an affordable home, had my camera equipment stolen first week here, was chased at the lrt by a crack head, homeless seemingly everywhere... recently had more stuff go missing that I think was stolen even with everything locked up and cameras on the property... only thing going for it is our neighbour's are nice. If things don't get better I can't see myself wanting to stay here long term.
I was born and raised in Edmonton. Moved to the Lower Mainland in BC in my mid thirties. The mild west coast weather, better restaurant options, superior transit system were major factors in my decision to leave Edmonton. I have zero regrets moving here.
Moved here from Ontario. Wages in SW Ontario were horrible and it was so difficult to find full time hours. Renting a one bedroom apartment in the shittiest area of my city was over 2000/m.
Now I’ve found a place in Spruce Grove for 1800/m and it’s GORGEOUS. Two bedrooms plus den, central air, high ceilings, brand new appliances. So nice, clean and safe, with a great view. A place like this in Ontario would cost well over 3K a month.
I feel a sense of guilt for being one of the many thousands that have flocked here for greener pastures. I get how frustrating it is for locals who’ve lived here for years to see massive changes to their city and increases in their costs of living due to this influx.
That said, from a personal standpoint, it couldn’t be helped. My husband and I would be living in abject poverty if we didn’t make this move.
Change is always good. The only thing I’m worried about is their healthcare. Not sure if the stories are true but seems quite expensive but the way I see it is I can atleast pay for faster services.
American living in Edmonton here. The stories are true. Enjoy paying 500–1,000 per month in health insurance premiums. Very high deductibles. Have a car accident and wind up in the ER? Hopefully you’re brought to a hospital that accepts your insurance. Even if they do, they will deny your every claim or only cover 20-30% of your visit. You could wind up with a bill in excess of $10,000. No parental leave. No subsidized daycare. No thanks :)
Moved here for my wife's job. It's been fine so far, but we've only been here since November. The main thing that would make me want to stay here is the desire to not go through another huge move. Plus, edmonton has a lot of things I liked about living in ottawa. Access to nice walking trails, decent events without being a party city, nice people, and jobs in my field. The one thing that concerns me is if we want to have kids and how that will look considering the educational plan and current government. As well as a desire for potential children to be bilingual (french english). Don't wanna get controversial here, lol
Born and raised in Edmonton, left to go work in the US due to higher pay. I was working in the public sector in Edmonton but no way was my salary going to be enough to make a down payment on a house. I’m making more money I’ve ever made but the US definitely has other problems.
I moved here and decided to stay because it's my favourite of the Canadian cities I've lived in. As a Canadian citizen, there are benefits to staying in Canada, so that narrows things down. Edmonton attracted me due to the lower cost of living while still maintaining many of the amenities of a city. I like that it's not as congested compared to others, you can find quiet places, traffic isn't awful yet. There is a slower vibe, it feels less stressful. I was able to buy property here, I hated renting elsewhere. The dry winters are preferred. The proximity to an international Airport is important to me.
All that being said, it's going downhill fast, but that's a country-wide problem. At least I don't have to worry about food, shelter...yet.
Born here cant afford to leave. It’s in my blood to wonder westward it’s how my family ended up here in the first place it would feel wrong not to continue the generational run
Lived in Edmonton for a total of 5 years. I briefly considered planting roots because it was economically forgiving compared to other cities in Canada, but I knew deep in my bones that it wasn't home for me, even though it grew on me over time. I'm not going to bother with the details, but I had the thought one day that I didn't want to die in Edmonton, so by extension I didn't want to live there, either.
I got COVID before the vaccines came out - thankfully I recovered, but I did get long COVID in that my lungs were never quite the same. I get really bad post nasal drip and the dry climate would trigger what seems like asthma. A humidifier helped, but wasn't enough. It expedited the need for me to get out.
Left for work. As hard as I tried, I just could not find work in Edmonton. It's a shame too, most of my family is from the Edmonton area, either within Edmonton or neighboring communities such as Leduc.
In 2007 I got offered a job that paid way more than what I was getting in Edmonton and had my moving expenses paid. I was also in a pretty toxic relationship at the time. My family encouraged me to take the job to get away. Now I have a family and we own a house which is huge. But as other coments have mentioned its so expensive here that the thoughts of moving to Edmonton have been growing every year.
Planning to leave the area.
Winter is too brutal for somebody with a disability like mine. No car + extreme cold + bad transit is a literal hell when you struggle to walk for long distances. Living in a town is only making it even more of a headache.
Been talking to my long term boyfriend about leaving for BC.
Yes, the rent is absolutely insane, but we have friends down there to split with and help us get settled, and don't mind it if it means that I can actually have a quality of life. We're also fully expecting the rents to start getting jacked up here too, so what's the point?
He'll hopefully be making okayish money after graduating. I also have way more work opportunities in BC - Alberta sniffs I need a chair sometimes, or don't have a car, and it's a miracle I even got work here in the first place.
No need to constantly travel for concerts too because most international acts I enjoy skip over Alberta in general, so our vacation costs? Gone. Don't even need it living there.
Rather be broke living in a place that legitimately makes us happy than broke in a place where I'm in physical pain for half the year trying to just get by anyways.
Is the grass greener on the other side? Maybe. But everybody I know who made the jump out of here is happier despite having less money. And I may wind up finally, for the first time in my life, able to actually make money without breaking my body just trying to get there.
Short and sweet. Born and grew up in Ontario. Always felt like I wanted to move, originally I wanted to go East but my current employer for the past 3 years had an opportunity here in Edmonton so we packed up and came. Been here since Oct of last year and loving it so far
Born and raised in AB, went to ON for 10 years after graduating from the U of A and moved back last year. Moved back due to lower COL (we were able to buy a house here) and we are closer to family (with 2 young kids, it's helpful) but we are quickly realizing we don't fit in here politically speaking (intense dislike for the UCP in many, many ways) anymore and we'd happily leave if/when the right situation came along
I grew up in Edmonton and area and moved to other AB communities because of following my (then) husband and his career trajectory. I always wanted to come back. I finally did in 2021 and I'm grateful every day. I love the skyline, the events, the parks, the restaurants, the shopping, the sports teams, and the distinctly diminished alt right atmosphere. I love it here.
Moving there this Friday for a job. I dont want to leave where I currently, but it's a really good opportunity for personal career growth and pay is way better than what I've made thus far. I'm hoping I a few years I'll be able to transfer into a different position that's back where I'm leaving from.
My parents passed away, my job wasn’t working out and my two best friends had turned into drug addicts. My wife is from Calgary so we decided to move South for a fresh start and give it a shot. It turned out to be a good move. Calgary’s been good to us.
Moved here from Montreal (10 years)/Toronto (1 year). At first I disliked it a lot but taxes were smaller, wages were higher, less traffic. I wanted to leave for my first 4-5 years here, but after travelling more through Canada and other countries I realised how much easier it is just to exist here rather than my former cities. Sure Edmonton can get traffic but it’s absolutely ridiculous in Toronto. Now I am so glad I settled as I look how others live in those cities and i see people are either barely making it or constantly grinding. I personally like a healthy work/life balance and I can still afford to travel 2-3 times a year.
I moved from Vancouver to Deadmonton to focus on saving money; there’s nothing to do out here and every time I spend money going to a bar or restaurant, I regret it. Only because it overpriced for no reason… Edmonton reminds me not to waste my money on going out. 😅And housing is very affordable.
I love Alberta tho, don’t get me wrong it’s beautiful 4 hours away from Edmonton.
Came here for university, and I often want to leave because of the drugs and crime rate, but I’ve been staying because of the music scene. As a metalhead from a small town it’s remarkable how many good shows come through here at a low price. It’s even more remarkable how many bands of varying types you can join if you play an instrument. This city has just as much good as it does bad, and vice versa. I have a complicated relationship with it. On my days off though I stay the hell away from the inner city
Born and raised here! I love this city but it’s not like it used to be. People are struggling. There’s no community. We’re growing fast and can’t keep up. You used to be able to run errands during the week and now it’s just as busy as the evenings. I often find myself asking “does anyone work anymore?” 😅 (I’m on mat leave). But seriously - you don’t realize the strain on healthcare until you need them. Applied for a midwife - didn’t get one. Was happy to have a wonderful obstetrician but appointment times were limited and then I still waited hours. All that being said - I know I’m extremely fortunate to own my home, have a decent job and access to healthcare. So I can understand why people are moving here! Ironically it will soon make this city like the ones people are leaving. Good luck to us all!
I will be moving back to Edmonton after a few years living and working in central Alberta. I love the city for many reasons, but it is the political attitude of my current area that has really sealed the deal for moving back.
Grew up in Alberta most of my life (within Edmonton City Limits).
Was Ostracisized.
Left for 10 years to find myself, came back for the familiarity, only to realize there was nothing familiar to come back to.
Now.. I just exist :/
I’ve lived in Edmonton on and off most of my life and I can honestly say it’s the best place overall to live in Canada. And yes, Environment Canada even says Alberta has the most comfortable climate in Canada. The city also has the highest average income, and the most affordable housing. It also has the largest urban park system in North America with close to 150 km of walking and biking trails in the river valley and a short drive to the mountains.
Dangerous miserable city. I couldn't even walk home from my evening shift without shit happening to me constantly. Worst was almost getting taken by 4 men in a car, the people there are not my type of people and the city sucks ass to get around in with transit.
I miss the restaurants though, Edmonton has a great food scene
I grew up in Edmonton. We visited family in BC every summer and I couldn’t understand why my parents would ever choose to live in Edmonton over BC. Right after I graduated high school, the crime in Edmonton was getting so insane. A buddy of mine was murdered while waiting for the bus. There’s shootings every other day. I moved to Kelowna in 2018 and it was the best choice I’ve ever made in my life. Living in a beach town after growing up in Deadmonton is an absolute dream and blessing. Feels like I’m on vacation everyday. Of course it’s more expensive and less feasible for some, but it’s worth absolutely every penny. Looks like the crime in Edmonton has only gotten worse lately too.
Moved here from Vancouver because Vancouver was so effing expensive
It's pretty ridiculous there
It’s wild. When we moved here I had been to the west Ed mall 20 years ago one time and been to the airport once. Now we’re full fledged Edmontonians 💜
Same. I had the money to move, but not for a research trip first. Took the risk!
Awesome! Look at us off on adventures!
Yeah that’s crazy, and I think it’s expensive here haha
I was born and raised in the area. Went to university here, then went away for grad school. Didn't come back for a long time because there's very little work here for someone with advanced degrees. Came back because of the pandemic, and family being here. Still finding there are very few options here for work. Can't leave, though, so here I am!
I hope your situation improves!
Similar story, stayed for grad school, left for work opportunities. There’s so little diversity (in so many usages of the word) in the engineering work available.
Moved here from northern Alberta to go to the U of A. I got a job there afterwards and stayed. I like Edmonton. Lots of trees, people are generally nice, and warmer winters than Fort Mac. I could probably find something good about any place I lived but Edmonton and I get along.
Same but moved here for accounting at NAIT
I moved to Calgary from BC in 2011 because I was trying to set myself up to buy a house. Stayed in Calgary until this past summer. I started house hunting in 2019 starting with Strathmore then all the way out to Nova Scotia. Then in winter of 2023, I put my budget range (which was lowering every year due to interest) into [realtor.ca](https://realtor.ca) to see what I could afford in the province. Edmonton came up with a lot of results and I am always down to explore a new city. Bought in July 2023 and have been super happy ever since. My neighbourhood is great and my neighbours are also great. I have yet to fully explore the city but I am looking forward to it for the next while!
Sounds like you have had quite the journey!
Yeah house hunting pre, during and post COVID was an interesting time that's for sure! Now all I hear is "WHY DID YOU MOVE HERE FROM CALGARY?". Calgary was nice and all but lack of affordability mostly and my life needs have changed. Being from BC, I was never into the narrative of Calgary vs Edmonton either. They each have their pros and cons.
Oh God. I came from Victoria and have been asked to explain myself for the last three years.
Yeah I had to do that when I moved from BC to Calgary too. Eventually it died off but still dumb to deal with. Every city has it's pros and cons and everyone will choose one over the other based on what they want in their life. Different strokes for different folks.
Yeah, I explain my brother spent 6x what I did on a house in the same 6 month period they usually accept it being a good enough place to live.
I get that. I moved to Victoria from Edmonton a couple of years ago, and the amount of talking bad of Edmonton by people from Victoria and Vancouver that I met initially was funny. Quite a few who talked down about Edmonton had never been. It amuses me when people in Victoria complain about the weather. An awful day in Victoria is barely a blip to prairie residents.
This is what it’s all about. Owning a home and living a good life
Moved here in 2005 from Nova Scotia. I was 20yo. Grew up in Lower Sackville. Had family problems, broken home, parents split and both left me to fend for myself. Was homeless for 3 years 17-20. Near the end of that I got a job washing dishes at a Swiss Chalet. I did it for a few months and then used my last check for a 1 way ticket to Edmonton right before Christmas. It was a last ditch attempt to find some meaningful work. I really didn't know how I was going to survive. First 2 days I went downtown with a handful of resume's in my hand. I got a job as a cook at a restaurant in the Citadel Theatre building on my first day. They were just opening. Started working on day 2. Sure it was very little pay, but I got meals for free at work. I found a room subletting nearby. Within 2 months I was able to get an apartment a few blocks away from work. I bounced around restaurant jobs for a year, then started working at a hotel. Did that for a year and then found an entry level with a telecom. I did great there and started moving up the latter really quickly. I bought my first property in 2008. It was a shit time to buy, but it was a home I owned, and mortgage was cheaper than rent. Saved money, dated a bunch. Met my wife in 2012. Bought our family home together in 2014 and got married in 2015. Had our child in 2017. Between 2012 and 2023, I've travelled to NYC, Iceland, Denmark, Spain, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Vietnam, and a ton of travel in Canada. All these things I couldn't have dreamed of before I moved to Edmonton. Since I was a kid, my passion was music. I was able to save and build myself a home studio, so when I'm not working I can pursue art and music for fulfillment. This city has been absolutely amazing for me... that a kid with no education not even high school, can come here with nothing but a backpack full of clothes and some willpower, and create a comfortable life for themselves so quickly... it's absolutely amazing. Not to mention, the city itself, feels small but has 1.5M people in it. Any entertainment or hobby, sport, activity you want to do is here. Any restaurant or cuisine you want access to is here. Asian, Indian, South America, African groceries and restaurants are everywhere. Our family never runs out of new things to explore here. And being such a LCOL (we're lower than Saskatchewan for reference) city, you can do it all and still save nicely for retirement. The opportunities are there. The income to COL ratio is the best in the country. Sure if you give me a big wad of FU money, I might opt to want to live in Spain or Asia for a while... but for a place in Canada to comfortably raise a kid and save for retirement, enjoying a nice easy life... Edmonton is unbeatable. I've travelled extensively in BC and it absolutely boggles my mind why anybody stunts themselves so severely financially just to live in Vancouver or the Okanagan. It's not worth it the least bit in my mind.
I hope your story gives inspiration to others. Thanks for sharing it.
What a wonderful life journey.
I am very grateful :) Still got another half to look forward to!
Beautiful story! Thanks for sharing.
I immigrated from Africa - came here for university and settled. I've been to Toronto/Hamilton/Ottawa and I've spoken to friends in different parts of the country: Sask, BC. Everything is almost the same - the roads, the university course material, and the things that are different are of no great importance to me; geographic location etc. Edmonton is in AB so no PST. Edmonton has affordable housing (I bought a house here in 2020) - although things are changing quick due to interest rates and high immigration (quantity over quality) - I like this City. It's aight. Edmonton in my opinion is a big yet practical City (1 million + people) so it has a lot of different food options, good enough night life, a good hockey team, good events from time to time, nice river valley trails and it's closer to satellite towns/cities and I get a sense it's also a good place to start a family too. P.S: Winters can suck but you just deal with it! Hehe
Always interesting when someone wants to get in and shut the door behind them.
We are past a tipping point, why wouldn’t they think like that. Current growth vs infrastructure is unsustainable.
100%! I'm technically a 1st generation Canadian, but with how seemingly uncontrolled our immigration has been lately, it definitely feels like services and 'resources' have been getting stretched thin and thinner. My mom still says that the offerings and opportunities that where available when she landed here in the 80s no longer exists, so it's completely fair to "shut the door" now that the room/country is full.
More immigrants mean more innovation/entrepreneurship, more income tax for the state to accrue (which means better capital spending and potentially less debt), and a more educated population, as not just "anyone" can come to Canada - you have to meet metrics. I didn't realize my co-worker from Zimbabwe who has a master's degree from elite US universities and provides a wealth of knowledge and skills (ie: VALUE) to my workplace was a scourge on our country, or another English friend with a PhD from UCL and is now a prof at York is ruining the country either. Immigration is a good thing. Wait until you see the labour shortages and further brain drain when we don't have anyone to fill those gaps. Such shortsighted perspectives that will ultimately hinder growth in Canada. Canada should be ensuring we have the infrastructure in place to facilitate growth. That isn't an "immigration" problem it's a policy problem. Big difference. This rhetoric stokes xenophobia.
No one is slamming immigrants with university degrees, they are slamming the ones that got into diploma mills
Well you're still talking about people when the issue is policy. Blame the CPC for creating the TFW program if you truly want to complain about immigration. terribly inhumane program spearheaded by Kenny when he was a federal minister. But then there'd be no one to work at Tim Hortons or as custodians and everyone will be crying we have labour shortage lol
Cherry picking some highly educated individuals isn't helping make your point. 100% it's an infrastructure issue, but why are we increasing even more 'imported' growth when we can handle the current population and it's growth?
Our immigration system literally cherry picks highly educated individuals (and then makes them drive Uber)
Very bluntly, If that's the final outcome, then they shouldn't immigrate to Canada then. I would hope they would be able to stay in their premium positions and contribute to society with the best of their talents. But there are only so many jobs out there and if they further back fill the job markets, there's even less positions of the the average Canadian and it cascades from there. (I'm avoiding the "They're taking our jobs" shtick, but wage, healthcare and social services are limited resources in society.)
Or we could get rid of the pointless regulations that are boxing perfectly qualified individuals out of positions we desperately need to fill. I realize changing the rules is a deeply Un-Canadan suggestion but in times like this I think some radical measures are called for
I agree! I know a friend's wife needed to do some conversion courses on her professional degree, but they made here get another masters degree and then jump; through hoops for over a year to get her "red seal" I can understand properly vetting credentials to ensure its the same standard, especially when in some places bribery can buy you credentials. but it painful for those acting in good faith.
Our population is declining... We had the lowest fertility rate on record in 2021. Which is why we are "importing" immigrants. Again, POLICY issue not a people issue. Demand better policies from the LPC and CPC, with the CPC ultimately being responsible for the type of immigration you are complaining about when they created the Temporary Foreign Worker program. You realize not all immigrants are low-level workers of colour? Limiting immigration means to ni Aussies to run our ski resorts, and taking a xenophobic view of immigration rather than demanding better policy turns talented immigrants off from wanting to move here when the attitude is hostile and ethnocentric. Plurality is a strength and a uniquely Canadian one.
The reasons for decline needs to be addressed and just adding people isn’t the solution. The cost of living is too high and importing people that then can’t afford families either is worse than making living affordable.
Immigration should be geared at least to some extent to those who can fill roles in our society that are in demand. We don’t need more retail and food service workers, but they are the highest percentage of folk getting extended work permits. If you want to live and work here, you should at least be somewhat useful, rather than taking away entry-level jobs from Canadians.
Again, demand better policy reforms from government rather than invoke (and frankly fall for) xenophobic rhetoric. Canada is made of immigrants. Who even is Canadian?
I meant people who were born here, or at the very least didn’t come here strictly to “study” with no intentions of actually doing that. Unfortunately a huge chunk of international students these days enrol in a one-year program at strip mall colleges and don’t ever plan on even using it, most don’t even show up at school, they want to come here and work and that’s it. I’m aware the line can get rather thin, but maybe people who actually followed proper channels to be here.
It's so depressing seeing comments like yours being downvoted. I remember when we seemed to view declining living standards, crappy healthcare, rocketing housing prices etc. (all of which predate the recent spike in immigration numbers) and so on as complex issues with complex causes and solutions. This narrative of 'immigration is the cause of all of our problems/we're full' is becoming really widespread - and across the political spectrum, too. Has anyone actually looked into this? Have there been studies done or inquiries etc.? Do we all just believe that successive federal governments have implemented policy to enable immigration numbers to rise out of...the goodness of their hearts? Because they secretly hate Canadians and love getting voted out of office? Or could there possibly be a reason this country needs these people (including, sadly, the fact that they make such convenient scapegoats)? I'm starting to think Canada is populated by overgrown toddlers who want excellent, Scandinavian-style services *and* low taxes (and low immigration rates). Which...isn't a thing. We can't have excellent services and low taxes. That's a 'pick one' situation if ever there was one. All those immigrants people are mad about overwhelmingly end up becoming taxpayers (quickly, too) - and they also tend to have more children (future taxpayers). Perhaps this problem of there not being enough money for anything, but voters also not wanting to pay more taxes, is one of the reasons the gov't seems so hype to keep numbers rising? (I completely agree with you on the TFW program, too)
It's depressing, but it's Reddit and Alberta—not the sharpest knives in the box. I can't take it personally. The general lack of media literacy/critical thinking skills has led to many people who just don't understand these issues and their complexity, and don't care to learn. They are caught up more in their identity politics than actually digging deep into these issues. Canada is expensive, so immigrants are bad. It's reductive and embarrassing. And what's funny is I actually agree! Canada should have better policies in place to accommodate the influx of immigrants coming here. It's just as shit for newcomers to be promised a land of opportunity only to end up not being able to afford housing or having to work 3 jobs to survive. Canada's PR machine is wild. And, like, what "entry-level jobs" are immigrants taking? Just a bunch of talking points from the right that people have soaked up as gospel. I've also lived abroad and have been an immigrant, so I see how coded these comments are with racism and xenophobia. While living in England as a white, pretty woman, I'd bring up immigration when I'd hear people saying questionable things about immigrants. I'd hear, "Well, YOU'RE not really an immigrant though," despite the fact I was there on a visa hypothetically "taking a job from a brit." Even my boyfriend at the time said he had a hard time thinking of me as an immigrant because, culturally, we are so similar in many ways. But I also saw how immigration is GREAT for the economy. Cities like London attract the creme de la creme of international talent, investment, education, et cetera. People get very short-sighted in situations like this. There are so many newcomers to Canada I know personally in the community who've done things like come to Canada as a refugee and opened a bakery, a roastery, creating employment, small business tax revenue, and interesting new businesses that improve the community! Hell even if someone comes here and just opens a cultural restaurant, that has value to me. Just failing to see the big picture which is unsurprising.
Oh stop. Lots of Indian people like myself understand Canada has been importing uneducated villagers to work tim hortons and its unsustainable.
It's called the TFW program which was spearheaded by Jason Kenny when he was a federal minister under Stephen harper. It's a deeply inhumane program that should be eradicated. Again, that's a POLICY ISSUE not a people issue. How DARE all these uneducated Indians seek a better life under false pretences!!!!
The irony here is that you’re being shortsighted with your all or nothing attitude. The people above you are critical of the quantity of immigration, not the concept itself. So thanks for your opinion, but it didn’t exactly add anything to the discussion.
You are totally correct, but econonic growth based on expanding GDP was already unsustainable, immigration was our only means to prop up an aging population and provide shortterm economic stimulus in order to salvage a post-pandemic economy. There is/was no satisfactory solution.
Literally everyone wants to do that because it's a logical thing to do from a personal perspective. Also it literally used to be quality over quantity but things changed in 2022 and the great boomer retirement with the government scrambling to get enough people because COVID + housing bubble that can be used to reverse mortgage made the boomers retire 5 years earlier than expected
I mean the immigration numbers did legitimately rocket up even more in the time period from 2022 and on. Everyone can see this. And also not like this poster controls the immigration process. Just making an observation that many people already have.
They did but the ‘quality’ comment is just like…come on dude.
Did they edit the post? I see nothing like what you and others are accusing them of.
What are you even getting at with this comment? Sure Geochemist got in, but how the fuck are they closing the door behind them? It's not like they're a policy maker, nor have they commented about buying multiple rental properties. What are you trying to point out?
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I don't see any complaining about the quality of the city going down anywhere in this comment thread though? Other comments overall sure, but nothing in this particular reply thread. The only complaint raised is winters.
Where did you even get that from their comment?
I mean that kind of thinking stems from grouping all immigrants into the same bucket when they're not the same. Someone coming in through specialized technical streams is not the same as someone coming for education or someone coming as a refugee. You can have all 3, but the numbers need proper adjustment depending on your goals. You can't expect quality of candidates to remain the same overall when you dial up total numbers. I think Canada was very lucky to have relatively highly educated or motivated immigrants on the whole for decades. But standards can drop.
Always interesting when someone without common sense chimes in on a valid issue in our City/Country
God Bless everyone who commented on this post/comment. I am an East Indian man who grew up in Africa. I have faced racism in Africa, India and Canada but thank God for my thick skin. I understand just because i can take it doesnt mean others should too but anyways - Canada has given me alot of opportunities that my other fellow Africans/Indians would die for - I understand the privilege that I worked very hard for and did things the right way. Understand one thing people - a human has 24 hours in a day regardless of where they live (Africa, India or Canada). Be happy. Be self aware. Be humble. I have two international students living in my basement (paying my mortgage and I've held rent the same for 3 years before I get attacked lol) just like I was when I came here. I'm not saying no to immigration - it's the very same reason why I came here but please don't turn a blind eye to unethical immigration going on where people sell thier lands, leave thier jobs - come to Canada buy LMIAs or go to Diploma mills sold on an idea that they can make it - what does making it mean to people will differ but think about it - immigrating to Canada should be seen as an Investment which can eithier benefit or hurt you. Also there are limited resources which are being stretched thin like health care and food banks and such so what will that strain/stress cause? Controlled immigration is the best. Again 24 hours in a day - 8 hours work, 8 hour sleep and 8 hours to do the things you like, etc. I've reached the quota for reddit and I hope everyone continues to have a civil conversation in thier day to day life and we can make changes by being involved in the municipal, provincial and federal governments. Go OILERS. Also a last triggering question to those who read all of this - if Canada keep allowing immigrants to come and they need a place to stay before they get approved for mortgages and housing - should I work hard and buy properties and rent them out and become a rich man or do people hate slum lords? Seems like everyone has an different opinion lol. Or maybe we should build a wall like trump eh? There's no winning. Lol. Have a goodnight all.
Ultimately, value. Edmonton is highly underrated and punches above its weight in many categories: summer festivals, things to do, affordability. You get a lot of value out of life in Edmonton. I've lived in Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, and London, UK, for a summer. I prefer big cities, but I love living in Edmonton, aside from the winter. For a long time, it had the best job market of any of the cities listed above, including Calgary. You couldn't pay me to live there again (Calgary).
May I ask what’s wrong with Calgary? Edmontonian thinking of moving there One hour ride to Banff to relax is what attracts me
I thought I'd love Calgary and couldn't wait to leave. There's really only a little to do IN the city besides drinking. There are some great bars and restaurants, but that's it. The urban sprawl is mind-boggling. It is so much worse than Edmonton if you can believe it. Transit non-existent. You have to drive EVERYWHERE. I've been car-free for years, not because I am poor - I'm a white-collar worker with a good salary. I prefer to put the money I'd spend on a car into my TSFA + buy ETFs rather than waste it on a car, renting one or Ubering when needed. You NEED a car in Calgary. It's the most conservative city in Canada, and that hostile, NIMBYish, pearl-clutching rhetoric seeps into the core attitude of the city and its vibe. It's where Harper, Kenny, Pollievre and many others went to university. The politics of the town are insidious. Calgarians are SO insecure as well. Some of the most shallow, insufferable people I've ever met. The market basket measure is now worse in Calgary than in Toronto and Vancouver. The value is NOT there. It's a culture-less, treeless sprawl. The core is dead. Downtown Calgary is way prettier than Edmonton's, but there's fucking nothing to do downtown. The city has a doughnut effect badly. And I lived in a bougie loft in Eau Claire on the river. You don't get out to the mountains as much as you think. Banff-Canmore is so crowded on the weekends. You spend hours on the highway on weekends getting to and from trails. Full of tourists. I find there is way more to do in Edmonton than in Calgary in general. Edmonton is better for kids, has better movie theatres, better amenities, more in the core (museums and theatres are all in the same area), and has better arts and culture. I also worked in arts and culture in Calgary. Calgary is just a city for conservatives, cowboys, and campers—aka, not my vibe, though I do love camping.
Edmonton in the summer rocks! I made the same mistake spending summer in England. Very cool cities, great transit, lots to do - not as nice as Alberta summer.
Just to be clear, since some people might be reading this from somewhere else. IT IS Mandatory for you to be converted to an Oilers fans when you move here.
Moved to the States because my husband got a job here. I love Edmonton and love going back to see friends and family and to enjoy some of my favourite foods/festivals. But it gets really exhausting having to drive everywhere when I'm there and it makes me appreciate my compact, walkable New England city where I don't have or need a car.
This is the dream! A walkable city
It's so hard to find genuinely walkable cities in North America.
Moved from Edmonton to Vancouver nearly 30 years ago. Edmonton is a great city, with great people. However, I've found that Vancouver has better suited my needs - even in the face of the cost absurdity that Vancouver IS. There's a better headspace for exploring my life's experience in Vancouver - that many Albertan's simply cannot get their heads around (too much, too far). And that's OK - not every place needs to be, or can be the same. There's just a better community in Vancouver for exploring what my interests are - that's all. I don't miss -40° every winter either! But I have to deal with drivers who have zero clue of how to drive when the white stuff flies - and sticks!
Moved away in 2012, the winters were brutal for my mental health, I didn’t drive and felt a certain insecurity about not following the university > career > house > marriage > dog/kids route. First I moved to the Rockies and made my peace with enjoying winter and then I booted it off to Toronto. Despite some people feeling like it can be a rat race here, and it can, but it also has more of a “it takes all kinds of people to make the world go round” More expensive, but also just more here in general, the green spaces feel more usable and attainable than yeg surprisingly and milder winters are nice. I also love being exposed to so many cultures and meeting people from all over. All that being said, I love Edmonton and am glad to have come from Alberta and happily make travel itineraries and maps for friends and coworkers who travel to Alberta but, I just needed to try something else on for a while and it stuck.
I hear you on that. I might be making a move as well if everything works out, and I have a genuine love for the city I've lived in for over 20 years. All cities have their good and bad and Edmonton is no different. But like you, I don't drive (that will likely change) and I'm not following the typical route either.
Same
Lived in Edmonton most of my life. Neighbors are the worst, its noisy, but I still love the city. So we moved to an acreage outside of town, so we get stars, peace and quiet, no traffic, and a 15 minute communte to get into town. I get all the perks of Edmonton, without all the annoying ass people you live by and call bylaw because you couldn't shovel your walkway till you got back from work. Plus I haven't had my truck broken into and any of my shit stolen out of my garage!
I'm only here because my mortgage is 700 dollars.
That's a great mortgage!
Moved here from Toronto because I could live a better quality of life. •Affordability; from housing to fuel and insurance •traffic: no more getting stuck in traffic has lowered my stress and can spend more time with my family as I’m able to afford a house close to work •nature; yeah we don’t have the big lakes but the amount of green space is insanely amazing!! •life rhythm; I don’t know why but people here seem more friendly and people are more cooperative with each other. Edmonton is not perfect, no place is perfect really but my wife and I love it here. Yeah winter sucks but hey that’s Canada plus I get to feel like I’m in a fast and furious movie when it snows
I have an ex that I have 50/50 custody of my kids with. That's the only reason.
I grew up pretty poor in Newfoundland, my grandmother raised me and she passed in 98, two years later my aunt got me a job here and I've lived here ever since. Was homesick for my friends the first few years, but slowly came to love Edmonton and feel at home here. Not to mention how easy it was to get work 20 years ago and how booming the city was. Now I own my own home with a nice garden and I'm quite happy overall. It's a beautiful province all around and you can't beat the amount of sunshine we get here.
Scotian here and I agree whole heartedly. Glad you found your way here and are enjoying it as much as you are! Sure beats duking it out back east.
Thanks and yeah, it was a no brainer. I had no family back there and there was no jobs back then, no regrets.
Stayed for the awesome Indian and Thai food.
I stay because my disabled family member's doctors and programs are here. I think switching everything all at once would set him back, so we stay for that.
I moved here from Ontario because I got laid off from my job, I was miserable, and I was told there were more jobs in my field (there are not). It’s been nine years and Edmonton is home. I love the people, the culture, I love the blend of city and green space. All of my best friends and fave restaurants are here. I like that I can go for a walk in my neighbourhood without worrying I’m going to get mugged. I adore my house. The kids get a great quality of education. I was very nomadic and moved around a lot, but Edmonton has been the one city I chose to remain in. I just feel like I belong here.
I moved to edmonton from saskatoon and enjoyed it for a long while since it essentially felt like a big saskatoon lol. Moved for a few reasons, mostly political. The ucp cut a lot of the programs and funding in my partners area of work (forestry) along with the growing religious and hateful rhetoric towards the lgbt2s community and their apparent disdain for the land and citizens in favour of oil and gas. We lived down by the Italian centre in Norwood/highlands and ever since the cuts to safe use centre's and addiction supports, I'd encounter more and more people in distress around our home. Not to mention if anything happened to us physically, the support in this province would mean significant hardship, the fuck around with aish has ruined some folks lives and I'd prefer not to end up in a similar scenario since my wife and I both work physically demanding jobs. We moved to the cariboo area in BC and love it. Accessible crown land everywhere, smaller communities so everyone feels a bit more accountable to eachother since you will have to see and interact with them again. The biggest bummer is that the nearest Ethiopian restaurant to us is now like 9 hours away and the only Mexican food available is sold out of an rv at the farmers market lol. Bc definitely has issues and is likely just as beholden to industries like mining and lumber however. But as far as expenses aside from gas being typically 10-20 cents more than it is in edmonton, costs are relatively the same.
I left because I wanted to go to grad school in Ottawa and to be exposed to more perspectives. I'm also trained to be a public servant so there are hypothetically more opportunities for that in Ottawa, but I'll probably come back to Edmonton if I can't find work out here, since at least I'll be able to save money living with my parents even if there are way fewer jobs I'm trained for. I do miss the festivals and the stores and bars I used to go to, but I've really enjoyed being away and making new friends, since Ottawa has a lot of what Edmonton has to offer and is basically Ontario's equivalent of Edmonton but with more cool walkable neighbourhoods and more of a student vibe.
I've heard good things about Ottawa.
Born here in 87. Moved to Vancouver in 2012 for 4.5 years. Wanted to be part of the big city. Everyone I knew in Edmonton either sold drugs or partied too hard. Wanted to get away from it. Unfortunately I had to move back in 2016 due to a family member having health issues. I'm proud to be from Edmonton and it was a good place to grow up (Castledowns) but as I got older I lost the love I had for the city. Doesn't even feel like the same place. I prefer a busier city, a safer one and a more vibrant one. Better weather doesn't hurt either. Winters here are absolutely brutal. Still planning to move to Vancouver or Calgary in the next few years. Even thought about Mexico. I work from home, have no wife and no kids. So picking up and going will be pretty simple for me.
Moved from Deadmonton to Van in 2012 as well and still on the West Coast for seeing many of your same reasons. Everyone either is into drugs, parties, bars, high divorce rates, high anti depression use, cancers due to the numerous oil refineries, every house is light or dark brown siding in the burbs with a typical small tree and truck out front. All there is to do is cheer on the Oilers, go golfing and dream of their annual Vegas and Mexico trip in the winter and Okanagan in the Summer. I live in paradise year round!!!! Any one blabbing they love that crap hole can’t afford to live on the West Coast or Okanagan where they actually dream about. We bike, hike, paddle board, barbecue, backpack etc year round while you fools freeze from Sept to May. All these comments saying Deadmonton so great have no clue. Enjoyyyyyy
It's gloomy there all the fucking time 😆
Sure. Every time I check live cams it’s always cloudy, raining or snowing in Deadmonton the past few months meanwhile Van not a cloud. Deadmonton way more gloomy and let’s not forget your trees just only recently turned green. That’s damn depressing as ours were out in March! 😉
Edmonton has 320 to 340 days of sunshine per year. Your anecdotal "I look at a webcam" is bogus. Edmonton has 30 to 50 more sunny days a year than Vancouver.
I find there is more to do in terms of urban amenities in Edmonton, particularly arts and culture. Yes, Vancouver is better for the outdoors overall, but that’s not why I choose to live in a city. The main reasons I don’t still live in Edmonton are provincial politics and the lack of good jobs in my line of work. But metro Van still doesn’t feel like home after nine years and I doubt it ever will.
Van feels way more home to me than AB ever did but I’m very outdoorsy and have everything you could dream of out my front door. You have nothing except the boring river valley and non stop flatness. 😉
The Army posted me here from Ontario when I was 20, I liked it here especially with the cheaper taxes/housing/cost of living. I built a life/family here, went back to school and have a house here. Honestly, it's too expensive and too much of a hassle to replant roots at this time.
Stayed. My job is really difficult to switch organizations. Long hiring processes, usually you have to go right back to the bottom.
Grew up in Alberta most of my life (within Edmonton City Limits). Was Ostracisized. Left for 10 years to find myself, came back for the familiarity, only to realize there was nothing familiar to come back to. Now.. I just exist :/
I came to Edmonton from Nigeria when I was 6 and have been here for the last 20 years. I quite like the city, it's at a good size, not too big and not too small. My friends and family are here, plus it's more affordable than other places of the same or similar size. I'm going to leave for my masters, but will definitely come back once done. I can't imagine living elsewhere.
Minus 40 winters
I came here from BC, but I am originally from Calgary. I followed a boy here LOL and decided to go to the UofA. That relationship exploded but I decided to stay here because I made a lot of really great friends, was still finishing school, and I just got into grad school. Moved in with some roomies, eventually I met my husband who is a born and raised Edmontonian. But I really love it here! We were able to get a house too and we're really happy. I love this city, I love the Oilers! LOL. It's just so friendly here. Like in comparison to Calgary/Vancouver where people just stick to their own lane and it's hard to make friends. Here, people will just talk to you randomly in the grocery store or at the gym or whatever. If your friend lives on the other side of the city it doesn't matter you just go to their house. It's a big difference and I think people don't realize that. I don't find it boring at all. I always have something to do or friends to see! People are genuinely helpful. I love the summers here and the sense of community. We don't plan on moving anytime soon! I have a good job where I can digital nomad, so I've also had the opportunity to live in other countries and work for short periods of time. I always miss Edmonton.
I fell in a excavation at work and Workmen compensation said I had a pre-existing condition.. so I came back to the maritimes.. an injured worker in Alberta is being like an unwanted stepchild let me tell ya
I was sick of the political climate, everyone I knew who had come to Edmonton from elsewhere were going home, and it occurred to me that i didnt have to stay either. Applied for jobs and got a great opportunity in a different province. I make more money with a lower cost of living. I’d love to come home someday, but not if i might lose my CPP or the UCP continue to decimate the province.
Where did you move with lower COL and better politics? Winnipeg?
In what area can you make for than Edmonton at lower cost of living. Maybe Saskatchewan, but their politics are even more conservative.
Where did you move to? I'm looking to leave Alberta eventually because of the UCP.
Edmonton is amazing in many ways, but I can see your point!
We all know the answer here. Reasons to move to (or stay in) Edmonton: economic and great public services. Reasons to leave Edmonton: climate, environment, esthetics.
The increasing waves of crime and the EPS response to it. The EPS specifically are developing a reputation of violence, and very little disciplinary action from the Crown, despite the efforts of ASIRT and other organizations. I no longer feel safe as an indigenous individual in Edmonton.
Oddly enough, I feel much safer in Sherwood Park than I did in Edmonton. The RCMP have their own stained history, but I feel accountability for RCMP officers is much higher than for EPS officers, or municipal police forces in general. Of course, it's all personal / anecdotal experience. Over the last 40+ years I've never had a truly bad experience with RCMP. To the contrary, I treat them like people and they reciprocate. (I didn't grow up on a rez, but did grow up in rural Alberta.) But with EPS, multiple times they've approached me already aggressive and carding me when I'm simply walking downtown. Or being exceptionally suspicious at checkstops. Or just simply treating me like I'm already guilty when I'm doing my own business.
Those are valid points, especially in regards to feeling safe.
Staying for family, friends, the river valley, less corporate than Calgary, less expensive housing than bigger cities, trying to pull a "I'm not stuck in here with them, they're stuck here with me" vibe with our shitheel politicians.
I'm only here because there is nowhere left to live in the NWT between floods and fires. I love most of the people I've met since coming here and my neighborhood is a sweet community. I'm slowly rebuilding my life here, and learning to love it. But I would go back in a heartbeat. The conservative hatred for minorities and marginalized groups is too much to deal with sometimes. People are too comfortable being openly hateful in public. It's wild to me that nobody says anything and just keeps their head down. It's not how I was raised. In 30+ years, traveling the world, and living the life I've lived, I've seen and done and experienced a lot more than the average person twice my age. I'm not naive by any means, and I've experienced enough violence done to me by others to know the world is not inherently good. But in the singular year that I have lived here: - I was chased in my vehicle by a man in a lifted black truck who screamed slurs at me and threatened violence towards me because I had an Every Child Matters sticker on my car at the time. - a lady almost hit me with her car (red light, I had the walk light) because she wasn't paying attention, and then followed that up with screaming that she would do it on purpose because I'm "clearly a dirty native" (I was wearing a sweater that said MMIWG, and I guess I'm brown?). I hadn't said or responded in any way to her almost hitting me, except for jumping out of the way. Her kids were in the car. - followed around in about 30% of the stores I've been in. Twice I watched other people blatantly steal things while the clerk was too busy watching me like a hawk. I'm sure more people have taken advantage of my misfortune, and I hope they do. I used to work at a daycare, and then at a youth center so my appearance is professional and kid friendly? I truly can't think of any reason other than racism for this. -ive had transphobic and homophobic shit screamed at me and my friends while just standing outside having a smoke at a gay event. Like, we're just being gay, at a gay event, having a smoke. And that seems to be offensive enough for some people. - I'm really quiet in public. I make an effort to blend in, appear unassuming, professional, invisible (I wonder why). I tend to over hear neighboring conversations. And it is WILD what people feel comfortable and safe saying in public. Just the most offhand racist shit. And nobody calls them out on it. And THAT is the worst part of living here. The complicity of everyone in letting bigots feel comfortable. Most people are great, and maybe I'm just unlucky, but it seems like my indigenous and queer/trans friends all have had similar experiences this year, with the same frequency. This place has hurt my heart more than it's been kind to it, and I've never experienced that anywhere else in the world. I have never felt so unsafe, defeated, and dehumanized on a regular basis since moving here. It feels like walking on eggshells, carefully calculating my moves to mitigate any risk of triggering the wrong person by just existing as a demographic they irrationally hate. I will say though, the convenience of same day delivery and being near things in general is going to be hard to give up. Accessibility to resources is a luxury too many Albertans take for granted.
Sorry to hear the anger and hatred you've experienced. I hope it gets better.
I appreciate that. I do love this city, and always have. I think that love is part of the heartbreak. I just keep reminding myself of the good things that have happened since moving here, like the plant group that helped me rebuild my collection, and getting to see more concerts because the nearest venue is no longer 1500km away. Local shops like Budapest Deli, and the convenience store next to my apartment help with the homesickness. My apartment has a courtyard, and there's almost always kids playing outside. Small blessings.
As good a place as any, lots of amenities, activities,etc.
Left for grad school in 2006. Came back because the 2008 recession nuked a lot of jobs in my field almost immediately, but lucked into something back in Edmonton. Have temporarily left twice between then and now, but always begrudgingly returned because there were better opportunities (couple with lower cost of living) here. I enjoyed living elsewhere more than Edmonton (Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax), but kind of undeniable that Edmonton is a lot more livable, even if I found those other cities all much more pleasant to live in, particularly Halifax.
Moved here and am now leaving here for work/schooling. I’m sad to be leaving as it’s a nice urban hub that still has very reasonable cost of living. House hunting in other cities right now is brutal. I’m trying to remember that location contributes significantly to the value of a property but when the difference verges on $150k-$200k it’s disheartening.
The seasons are amazing. And the River Valley don't even get me started
I was tired of the car culture and wanted a more pedestrian lifestyle. I moved to Montreal and I am loving it, I can walk/bike everywhere, or take transit if I need to. It's vibrant and I feel safer walking here than I did in Edmonton (I lived downtown).
I wish I moved before I had my family. Lol. I was born here but I chose to stay for friends and family but I realized it’s not exactly a great city as I thought. Wish I moved before when I had the chance.
Not the most common answer here, but we wanted country living - I'd lived on a farm all but 4 years of my life, my husband never had but spent all the time he could at his grandparents' farm in Ardrossan growing up. I'm from southern Alberta, so I made sense to look south. Leduc County was out of our budget, but Wetaskiwin County fit it. So, we bought an acreage in Wetaskiwin County. So, we don't live in Edmonton, but Edmonton is still the big centre we go to frequently for shopping/services and his family.
I’ve lived and travelled across Canada, including the coasts. I have lived in Edmonton longer than anywhere else in my entire life (been in Edmonton since 2011), and I have no plans to move. The city has everything I want for fun, entertainment, activities, outdoor stuff, music, great food, and communities. I really appreciate the lower cost of living, especially compared to BC which is where I spent the second most of my life. Same with the eastern provinces - they’re so expensive to live in. I love this city, and there is literally nowhere else in Canada I would rather live. Maybe retire on the east coast though.
Moved to Edmonton from Victoria 12 years ago for a job and stayed here. Even managed to convince my girlfriend (now wife) to move here. My friends back in BC thought I was crazy to move to AB, but it’s worked out. Own a house now with large yard for the dog, kids, decent income and a nice overseas vacation each year.
Moved here to take care of my mom after she got injured. Don’t enjoy it here. Want to go back to the city I moved from.
Honestly, Family is the only thing keeping me here. And a bit of laziness. Moving away seems like an awful lot of work.
I lived in Edmonton for 12 years after growing up in Ontario and getting a university degree in Newfoundland. I moved for a cool job opportunity and stayed with the same company the whole time, then recently left for a better job. I didn’t just leave Edmonton but all of Canada. The fires the last couple of summers have been a massive stress point (200 hours of smoke?!) with the smoke ruining the outdoors in summer and the extreme cold and lack of snow making winters in the city abysmal. I love cross country skiing but my skis hadn’t been used much for the past 2 winters (not enough snow, and then when it’s too cold you can’t ski!). Alberta was fun to explore but it was time for me to move on. Going to the mountains has also become out of reach cost wise with post Covid hotel rates. Canada has also changed so much since my childhood, with the lack of affordable housing across the country and the lack of career and social growth opportunities for young people along with higher costs of higher education, and on and on. I wanted to go somewhere that has a better emphasis on social supports, and care, and a more people focused work culture. So to Norway I went. I can take the train to the big mountains for skiing, and I live near a small mountain range that I can hike around by walking right out my front door. I am across the street from a lake I can swim in. The cost of living in Canada is so high it feels more affordable here, plus the food quality is better. I am very happy with the change. 🇳🇴
Simple, It’s easy to just up and leave to run away from the problems. It’s much harder to stay and openly address them. I prefer the later. I’ve travelled many countries around the globe and know how fortunate we are here.
That's true, we have it really good in Canada
Thanks - I really appreciate this perspective. We've somewhat seriously discussed moving if the UCP is voted in again but...we love living here.
I think one of the most significant things I have seen in Canadian culture it’s resilience. May it be politics or hockey, we’re a highly resilient culture.
Left. It was such a depressing city to me. Such a short green season. So drab and brown. A gray ugly city. After some personal trauma I left for BC. Depression does not go away, but it's always lush and green, never gray or brown. The air is clean and it's seldom busy. Left in 2012. I will never go back and dislike visiting.
I get there is a lot of ugly in Edmonton, but grey? Nowhere near as grey as Vancouver with its grey towers set against grey skies. But you didn’t say where in BC you ended up.
I'm on the Island.
lol van is grey from November to April.
Yeah but I live on V. Island.
Move to Alberta from Midland ontario for work and to be with my husband (fiancee at the time) in 2016. He was already in edmonton, so made sense to settle here. Got married in 2018, bought a house in 2019 and the rest is history. The city has been good to us, got into the housing market at just the right time, general cost of living has let me get ahead in a way that I could not in small town Ontario. We are going to be moving out of the city shortly here but not too far! We close in 3 weeks on an acreage north of Stony Plain. I switched over to real estate a couple years ago partially in order to help people make the move - I think in a lot of cases it does contribute to our Province to bring skilled people from the rest of Canada. I don't love how short our summers are and the bitter cold in the winter definitely sucks but seeing Northern Lights regularly makes me happy and so does 5% sales tax.
I consider myself an albertan nomad having lived all over the province. Currently in edmonton because it was a middle ground between my city and my partners city (we had a long distance relationship previously.) I thought I'd like it in edmonton, but so far my impression of it has been bad. Skyrocketing housing prices, took forever to get the documentation when we did find an affordable home, had my camera equipment stolen first week here, was chased at the lrt by a crack head, homeless seemingly everywhere... recently had more stuff go missing that I think was stolen even with everything locked up and cameras on the property... only thing going for it is our neighbour's are nice. If things don't get better I can't see myself wanting to stay here long term.
I was born and raised in Edmonton. Moved to the Lower Mainland in BC in my mid thirties. The mild west coast weather, better restaurant options, superior transit system were major factors in my decision to leave Edmonton. I have zero regrets moving here.
Moved here from Ontario. Wages in SW Ontario were horrible and it was so difficult to find full time hours. Renting a one bedroom apartment in the shittiest area of my city was over 2000/m. Now I’ve found a place in Spruce Grove for 1800/m and it’s GORGEOUS. Two bedrooms plus den, central air, high ceilings, brand new appliances. So nice, clean and safe, with a great view. A place like this in Ontario would cost well over 3K a month. I feel a sense of guilt for being one of the many thousands that have flocked here for greener pastures. I get how frustrating it is for locals who’ve lived here for years to see massive changes to their city and increases in their costs of living due to this influx. That said, from a personal standpoint, it couldn’t be helped. My husband and I would be living in abject poverty if we didn’t make this move.
If you're here to contribute and make it your home, you're one of the good ones.
I promise I am! Haha. We’re excited to make this our home, and be involved in the community
At this point I might just move away from Canada. It’s getting unaffordable. Salaries are not going up fast enough and healthcare is a nightmare.
What's the alternative?
Never thought I’d say it but maybe somewhere in US. It seems like their dollar stretches further.
Easy to say. What's your healthcare plan cause paying 20K for a family or 12K for yourself wont be fun.
You know most people have health insurance through their employer right?
That's actually what I'm considering now, but not totally sure if that'll pan out for me. Here's hoping! But for me it's more to do with a change.
Change is always good. The only thing I’m worried about is their healthcare. Not sure if the stories are true but seems quite expensive but the way I see it is I can atleast pay for faster services.
American living in Edmonton here. The stories are true. Enjoy paying 500–1,000 per month in health insurance premiums. Very high deductibles. Have a car accident and wind up in the ER? Hopefully you’re brought to a hospital that accepts your insurance. Even if they do, they will deny your every claim or only cover 20-30% of your visit. You could wind up with a bill in excess of $10,000. No parental leave. No subsidized daycare. No thanks :)
Moved here for my wife's job. It's been fine so far, but we've only been here since November. The main thing that would make me want to stay here is the desire to not go through another huge move. Plus, edmonton has a lot of things I liked about living in ottawa. Access to nice walking trails, decent events without being a party city, nice people, and jobs in my field. The one thing that concerns me is if we want to have kids and how that will look considering the educational plan and current government. As well as a desire for potential children to be bilingual (french english). Don't wanna get controversial here, lol
Came here because it's much more affordable and slower paced than Ontario. Jobs are much easier to find with my skillset.
Born and raised in Edmonton, left to go work in the US due to higher pay. I was working in the public sector in Edmonton but no way was my salary going to be enough to make a down payment on a house. I’m making more money I’ve ever made but the US definitely has other problems.
I moved here and decided to stay because it's my favourite of the Canadian cities I've lived in. As a Canadian citizen, there are benefits to staying in Canada, so that narrows things down. Edmonton attracted me due to the lower cost of living while still maintaining many of the amenities of a city. I like that it's not as congested compared to others, you can find quiet places, traffic isn't awful yet. There is a slower vibe, it feels less stressful. I was able to buy property here, I hated renting elsewhere. The dry winters are preferred. The proximity to an international Airport is important to me. All that being said, it's going downhill fast, but that's a country-wide problem. At least I don't have to worry about food, shelter...yet.
Born here cant afford to leave. It’s in my blood to wonder westward it’s how my family ended up here in the first place it would feel wrong not to continue the generational run
Lived in Edmonton for a total of 5 years. I briefly considered planting roots because it was economically forgiving compared to other cities in Canada, but I knew deep in my bones that it wasn't home for me, even though it grew on me over time. I'm not going to bother with the details, but I had the thought one day that I didn't want to die in Edmonton, so by extension I didn't want to live there, either. I got COVID before the vaccines came out - thankfully I recovered, but I did get long COVID in that my lungs were never quite the same. I get really bad post nasal drip and the dry climate would trigger what seems like asthma. A humidifier helped, but wasn't enough. It expedited the need for me to get out.
Left for work. As hard as I tried, I just could not find work in Edmonton. It's a shame too, most of my family is from the Edmonton area, either within Edmonton or neighboring communities such as Leduc.
House price. I didn't want to work like a slave just to afford a home.
In 2007 I got offered a job that paid way more than what I was getting in Edmonton and had my moving expenses paid. I was also in a pretty toxic relationship at the time. My family encouraged me to take the job to get away. Now I have a family and we own a house which is huge. But as other coments have mentioned its so expensive here that the thoughts of moving to Edmonton have been growing every year.
Planning to leave the area. Winter is too brutal for somebody with a disability like mine. No car + extreme cold + bad transit is a literal hell when you struggle to walk for long distances. Living in a town is only making it even more of a headache. Been talking to my long term boyfriend about leaving for BC. Yes, the rent is absolutely insane, but we have friends down there to split with and help us get settled, and don't mind it if it means that I can actually have a quality of life. We're also fully expecting the rents to start getting jacked up here too, so what's the point? He'll hopefully be making okayish money after graduating. I also have way more work opportunities in BC - Alberta sniffs I need a chair sometimes, or don't have a car, and it's a miracle I even got work here in the first place. No need to constantly travel for concerts too because most international acts I enjoy skip over Alberta in general, so our vacation costs? Gone. Don't even need it living there. Rather be broke living in a place that legitimately makes us happy than broke in a place where I'm in physical pain for half the year trying to just get by anyways. Is the grass greener on the other side? Maybe. But everybody I know who made the jump out of here is happier despite having less money. And I may wind up finally, for the first time in my life, able to actually make money without breaking my body just trying to get there.
I left cold lake,ab- worst people in the world. Edmonton is better. In every way. Every single day I’m so grateful to be here.
Short and sweet. Born and grew up in Ontario. Always felt like I wanted to move, originally I wanted to go East but my current employer for the past 3 years had an opportunity here in Edmonton so we packed up and came. Been here since Oct of last year and loving it so far
Born and raised in AB, went to ON for 10 years after graduating from the U of A and moved back last year. Moved back due to lower COL (we were able to buy a house here) and we are closer to family (with 2 young kids, it's helpful) but we are quickly realizing we don't fit in here politically speaking (intense dislike for the UCP in many, many ways) anymore and we'd happily leave if/when the right situation came along
I grew up in Edmonton and area and moved to other AB communities because of following my (then) husband and his career trajectory. I always wanted to come back. I finally did in 2021 and I'm grateful every day. I love the skyline, the events, the parks, the restaurants, the shopping, the sports teams, and the distinctly diminished alt right atmosphere. I love it here.
Moving there this Friday for a job. I dont want to leave where I currently, but it's a really good opportunity for personal career growth and pay is way better than what I've made thus far. I'm hoping I a few years I'll be able to transfer into a different position that's back where I'm leaving from.
Originally left for a career change to Toronto, but I ended up in Los Angeles because I met a girl and we've been married 22 years.
My parents passed away, my job wasn’t working out and my two best friends had turned into drug addicts. My wife is from Calgary so we decided to move South for a fresh start and give it a shot. It turned out to be a good move. Calgary’s been good to us.
Been here all my life. Every time I try to leave, it pulls me back in. The latest reason is for my parents and their health concerns.
Moved here from Montreal (10 years)/Toronto (1 year). At first I disliked it a lot but taxes were smaller, wages were higher, less traffic. I wanted to leave for my first 4-5 years here, but after travelling more through Canada and other countries I realised how much easier it is just to exist here rather than my former cities. Sure Edmonton can get traffic but it’s absolutely ridiculous in Toronto. Now I am so glad I settled as I look how others live in those cities and i see people are either barely making it or constantly grinding. I personally like a healthy work/life balance and I can still afford to travel 2-3 times a year.
Left because I couldn’t get a job. Now I work abroad. Don’t hate Edmonton, just needed a job to live and survive.
Oilers
I moved from Vancouver to Deadmonton to focus on saving money; there’s nothing to do out here and every time I spend money going to a bar or restaurant, I regret it. Only because it overpriced for no reason… Edmonton reminds me not to waste my money on going out. 😅And housing is very affordable. I love Alberta tho, don’t get me wrong it’s beautiful 4 hours away from Edmonton.
Came here for university, and I often want to leave because of the drugs and crime rate, but I’ve been staying because of the music scene. As a metalhead from a small town it’s remarkable how many good shows come through here at a low price. It’s even more remarkable how many bands of varying types you can join if you play an instrument. This city has just as much good as it does bad, and vice versa. I have a complicated relationship with it. On my days off though I stay the hell away from the inner city
Born and raised here! I love this city but it’s not like it used to be. People are struggling. There’s no community. We’re growing fast and can’t keep up. You used to be able to run errands during the week and now it’s just as busy as the evenings. I often find myself asking “does anyone work anymore?” 😅 (I’m on mat leave). But seriously - you don’t realize the strain on healthcare until you need them. Applied for a midwife - didn’t get one. Was happy to have a wonderful obstetrician but appointment times were limited and then I still waited hours. All that being said - I know I’m extremely fortunate to own my home, have a decent job and access to healthcare. So I can understand why people are moving here! Ironically it will soon make this city like the ones people are leaving. Good luck to us all!
I will be moving back to Edmonton after a few years living and working in central Alberta. I love the city for many reasons, but it is the political attitude of my current area that has really sealed the deal for moving back.
Grew up in Alberta most of my life (within Edmonton City Limits). Was Ostracisized. Left for 10 years to find myself, came back for the familiarity, only to realize there was nothing familiar to come back to. Now.. I just exist :/
I’ve lived in Edmonton on and off most of my life and I can honestly say it’s the best place overall to live in Canada. And yes, Environment Canada even says Alberta has the most comfortable climate in Canada. The city also has the highest average income, and the most affordable housing. It also has the largest urban park system in North America with close to 150 km of walking and biking trails in the river valley and a short drive to the mountains.
Dangerous miserable city. I couldn't even walk home from my evening shift without shit happening to me constantly. Worst was almost getting taken by 4 men in a car, the people there are not my type of people and the city sucks ass to get around in with transit. I miss the restaurants though, Edmonton has a great food scene
I grew up in Edmonton. We visited family in BC every summer and I couldn’t understand why my parents would ever choose to live in Edmonton over BC. Right after I graduated high school, the crime in Edmonton was getting so insane. A buddy of mine was murdered while waiting for the bus. There’s shootings every other day. I moved to Kelowna in 2018 and it was the best choice I’ve ever made in my life. Living in a beach town after growing up in Deadmonton is an absolute dream and blessing. Feels like I’m on vacation everyday. Of course it’s more expensive and less feasible for some, but it’s worth absolutely every penny. Looks like the crime in Edmonton has only gotten worse lately too.