Hi everyone. I've just registered here and hope it's going to be a useful resource. I have been offered a job in Calgary and am in the process of sorting out work permit etc..waiting for the LMO etc.
I don't know the city (yes it's a bit of a jmp into the unknown) and wondered if anyone can give me thoughts on good areas to live in. I shall be working downtown, I'm single and would like somewhere I guess a little arty/trendy. An area with similar aged people (in their 30's) would be great.
Any advice gratefully received.
J

Beltline, Mission, Kennsington, Bridgelands (just four areas to start with)

Hi J,

Welcome to BE. Congratulations on getting the job offer and hope the rest of the process goes smoothly. Butch's suggestions seem pretty sound to us.

Not sure from your post if you have ever actually been out here. If you haven't, then you have our admiration for taking such a brave step - tho', in our opinion, Calgary is a decent city. We're based in Okotoks, which lies a little south of Calgary. If you want a bit of light relief from all the form filling and so on, have a peek at our blog (see link in sig line below) as it gives a taste of life out this way as we experience it, tho', perhaps, it's not representative of the downtown, arty/trendy experience you're after!

By the way, whereabouts in Leeds are you? I (Eamonn) lived out in Morley for a while some years back and used to enjoy Leeds very much.

Kind regards,

Eamonn & Janet.

Hi Eamon and Janet
Thanks for the link, I will definitely have a look. Yes a very big step...never been to Canada, but the opportunity came along and I figured, what the hell!
Jules

Butch, that's great I shall have a look on a few rental websites in those areas...do a bit of forward thinking. Thanks
Jules

E and J
I have just had a wee read of your first blog and I'm now even more excited by the prospect. I forgot to say that I live in Meanwood. Leeds is great but I have been here for a very long time and now look for adventures new. So I guess I'm just very fortunate to have a job offer at precisely the right time.
Jules

Hi Jules,

Meanwood...seem to recall having a beer or two up that way.

Glad the blog was of interest. Maybe also helps to demystify Calgary and area for you. Feel free to Private Message us on here or email us (addres on the blog) if there's anything we can help with.

Kind regards,

Eamonn & Janet.

Rach
Thanks very much for your post! I'm looking to rent to start with as the market is crap in the UK and I'm hopefully going to rent my house out here to start with. I am going to come over hopefully at the end of Sept to see what's what and take it from there.

Congrats on the new addition to your family!

Jules
X

Rachel many of us THAT LIVE here have contacts too.
In what way do you feel your contacts are any better?

Hi Senechus

We live in Kensington and love the fact that we can walk to work or when cold get a bus or the C-train. Likewise easy access after a night out downtown - C-trains run until late and a cab fare will be around $7-10. Would not recommend a single guy living in the 'burbs. No transport and cabs expensive.

There are also some very nice apartments in the downtown area itself but they maybe quite expensive to rent. Eau Claire is a really nice spot.

Good luck with everything, I am sure you will have a ball in Calgary.

Jancal
Thanks alot...that's another person recommeding Kensington...sounds like my kind of place! As it happens I am coming over on a "fact finding" trip mid to late September and will be sure to spend some time there to see for myself!
Jules

Hi Jules,

Feel free to look us up if you want to have a beer when you get over on your fact finding trip. Just send us a Private Message and we'll give you contact details you can use.

When are you hoping to get things finalised with your job offer and actually get yourself over here properly?

Kind regards,

Eamonn & Janet.

Butch Cassidy,

I don't think I ever mentioned that my contacts were any better than yours! I know people who have lived in Calgary for 20 plus years and have experience in the rental market...just trying to help Jules out, thats all!

LOL,

Thats odd cos so do I. Do you think they could be the same people?

if you play soccer, you should join a soccer team. There is an active league system here and you'll meet some great people. Easy way of getting a social network.
Been here two weeks and met loads of locals that way.