Hi we're thinking that the Calgary area may be a good one for us and wondered what suburbs are good areas to live in? Weve got 3 young children, currently in Kent on the outskirts of London and here have the best of both worlds being in a town very near the countryside but 30 mins commute to London. we dont want to be too isolated but dont want to be in the middle of the city either. Any suggestions to get us started on a bit of residential research? thanks

Moved with my two young children (3and1) in October. we are renting in Midnapore, which we like especially the lake access.

Suggested Areas, Midnapore,Sundance,Chapparrel, Mackenzie Lake and Towne, New Brighton, Somerset Bridlewood, Cranston,

When you research these areas you will tell I live in the south!!

Wouldnt disagree with any of Kokanee's suggestions but woul throw in Auburn Bay too. Maybe look up lisadd on Expats. Lisa and family (hubby and 3 young children) will be moving out this way from Kent in early March and might be able to share some of her/their experiences with you.
http://britishexpats.com/forum/member.php?u=96896

Eamonn & Janet.

Hey kokanee,

we are a couple moving hopefully in the next few months, and we will be staying in midnapore too, love the area and the lake access is amazing for the kids!!! can't wait to get there!!!!

daveshan

Hello

We are moving from Kent to Calgary on March 5th, we have 3 children.

We have found a lovely rental in Alburn bay which i a nice new area with a lake.

If you need to ask me anything ask away or you can send me a PM

Thanks

Lisa dd

There are no bad areas in the whole of Calgary, particularly in comparison with what you are used to.

The City is split into 4 quadrants. Most would say avoid the NE quadrant but, in essence, you won't fair too badly if you choose any of the communities. Other than that, you will really have to come here to have a look around yourself to enable you to see what feels right for you.

We are in the NW - started off in Varsity which was a really nice community with a good school and are now in Country Hills - again feels nice and friendly.

We arrived here in July 08 and are renting in Royal Oak, in the North West of Calgary. We found the NW to have everything we needed, only 15 mins by car from the center of Calgary, but far enough out to be quiet and peaceful.

We are only 10 mins from the Canada Olympic Park and you are in the Rocky Mountains in under an hour.

We've just recently arrived in Okotoks with 2 children and after doing research have realised we made the right decision. We absolutely love it here are the kids settled very quickly. Its a real family community and you most definitely wouldn't be isolated.

Welcome to BE newlylandedbrit and also, welcome to Okotoks neighbour!

Eamonn & Janet.

Welcome newlylandedbrit

Like Eamonn we are in Okotoks (well OH is - we come in just over a week). Would love to know how you are finding it all. Do your children go to school?

Tilla66
I know you PM'd me re diabetes but am happy to discuss Okotoks from my experiences (as they happen) in the next couple of weeks.

The Ross Family

Calgary is essentially one giant suburb.

Okotoks is a nice place, we looked there before settling on the NW, however, one thing I would consider, do you know where in Calgary you will be working?

I work beside the University, and my commute ( depending on traffic) is anything from 15 mins to 1/2 an hour, it will take you at least 1 hour from Okotoks, ( on a good day). We had a few days bad snow in Nov/ Dec and my commute took me over 1 hour. Guys I know from Okotoks were taking 2 hours +. Its not something you think about in the summer months, but remember, winter can be from October to April. ( So I am told)

I would second the previous comment about linking where you live to your commute as this can vary greatly depending on your start and finish points!

If you don't have a job fixed just yet then try to find somewhere with good bus links, road links and if possible c-train access and it will make your life easier later on.

On behalf of the North West possee, take a look at: Tuscany, Royal Oak, Arbour Lake (newer communities), then further in such as Scenic Acres, Silver Springs, Dalhousie, Edgemont, Hawkwood. (although I'm sure I've left some nice places out!) - basically communities either side of Crowchild Trail really.

As someone else has said, most of Calgary is suburban so its down to personal choice and getting a feel for the areas you like best.

We are originally from SE London/Kent border (Orpington) and pretty much most of the communities above fit our bill.

Good luck
Flossie

Hi

Thanks for the reply and we are also in Orpington,kent near Chelsfield Lane, dare I say small world?

Hows the weather there,its raining here.

thanks

tilla