Calgary for families
Jun 1st 2012, 12:54 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 6
Calgary for families
Hi, we have been offered two options by my husband's employers, Houston and Calgary. I have been left to decide what's best for the family (me, hubby and 2 four year olds).
Don't know where to start but a general view from expats from UK to Calgary would be a great help. For example how are the schools, what districts are best, do we have to pay for school, does the extreme weather hard to entertain kids in winter....and anything else you want to throw into the mix! Thanks so much for your time. X
Don't know where to start but a general view from expats from UK to Calgary would be a great help. For example how are the schools, what districts are best, do we have to pay for school, does the extreme weather hard to entertain kids in winter....and anything else you want to throw into the mix! Thanks so much for your time. X
Jun 1st 2012, 12:59 pm
#2
Every day's a school day
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Was Calgary back in Edmonton again !!
Posts: 2,667
Re: Calgary for families
Houston.
Jun 1st 2012, 1:01 pm
#3
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 6
Re: Calgary for families
Jeez, that's not the most helpful response I've ever seen! Anyone got a bit more time to help me out here in a more constructive manner?
Jun 1st 2012, 1:15 pm
#4
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: Cochrane, Alberta
Posts: 7,861
Re: Calgary for families
Is it a long term prospect, or a temporary stay-for-a-few-years type of move?
I don't know Houston so cannot compare them.
Lots of families live quite successfully in Calgary.
The winter can be long, but people seem to keep busy - with two four-year olds (and a fair income) you could get them into all kinds of sporting/ourdoorsy activities. The summer months are very pleasant - I'd say May to end September is quite lovely. And quite opposite to Houston, I believe, there is no humidity here - and I mean NO humidity - it is a very dry, arid climate. Snow is our rain, apart from June.
No, you don't have to pay for school (unless you really want to) but there are a few minimal fees of say $100 for books, etc, and things like the school bus. There are likely to be a couple of school trips each year too which will require a few more dollars. There is rarely a school uniform.
Calgary itself is not the most attractive city IMHO - the downtown core is glossy and glassy and nice by day, and pretty empty by night - I know nothing of Houston except the oil-boom references. With two young kids I suspect you may not be seeking clubs and bars too much anyway!
Music and theatre is OK, and large bands/acts and Broadway-on-Tour type of stuff comes here.
There are miles of suburbs which can blend into a big swathe of boxy neighbourhoods. But within each one, there is park space, pathways, community stuff and once you close your front door, you could be anywhere.
I think you need two cars - others may disagree, and if your husband's job allows him to easily commute using Transit, you could get away with one.
There is this lovely mountainous horizon from great chunks of the city - if you can get yourself one of those views or close to it, do so. It's pretty!
Calgary is about a three hour drive from the US border, it has a decent international airport (though flights to actually get somewhere, as with most areas of Canada, can seem prohibitive sometimes).
I think it's a very liveable city. We live about 30 mins northwest of the city in a small town. I really like it here. If I was to choose Calgary city itself and I had a good budget, I'd move further towards the centre.
I don't know Houston so cannot compare them.
Lots of families live quite successfully in Calgary.
The winter can be long, but people seem to keep busy - with two four-year olds (and a fair income) you could get them into all kinds of sporting/ourdoorsy activities. The summer months are very pleasant - I'd say May to end September is quite lovely. And quite opposite to Houston, I believe, there is no humidity here - and I mean NO humidity - it is a very dry, arid climate. Snow is our rain, apart from June.
No, you don't have to pay for school (unless you really want to) but there are a few minimal fees of say $100 for books, etc, and things like the school bus. There are likely to be a couple of school trips each year too which will require a few more dollars. There is rarely a school uniform.
Calgary itself is not the most attractive city IMHO - the downtown core is glossy and glassy and nice by day, and pretty empty by night - I know nothing of Houston except the oil-boom references. With two young kids I suspect you may not be seeking clubs and bars too much anyway!
Music and theatre is OK, and large bands/acts and Broadway-on-Tour type of stuff comes here.There are miles of suburbs which can blend into a big swathe of boxy neighbourhoods. But within each one, there is park space, pathways, community stuff and once you close your front door, you could be anywhere.
I think you need two cars - others may disagree, and if your husband's job allows him to easily commute using Transit, you could get away with one.
There is this lovely mountainous horizon from great chunks of the city - if you can get yourself one of those views or close to it, do so. It's pretty!
Calgary is about a three hour drive from the US border, it has a decent international airport (though flights to actually get somewhere, as with most areas of Canada, can seem prohibitive sometimes).
I think it's a very liveable city. We live about 30 mins northwest of the city in a small town. I really like it here. If I was to choose Calgary city itself and I had a good budget, I'd move further towards the centre.
Jun 1st 2012, 1:30 pm
#5
Every day's a school day
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: Was Calgary back in Edmonton again !!
Posts: 2,667
Re: Calgary for families
Is it a long term prospect, or a temporary stay-for-a-few-years type of move?
I don't know Houston so cannot compare them.
Lots of families live quite successfully in Calgary.
The winter can be long, but people seem to keep busy - with two four-year olds (and a fair income) you could get them into all kinds of sporting/ourdoorsy activities. The summer months are very pleasant - I'd say May to end September is quite lovely. And quite opposite to Houston, I believe, there is no humidity here - and I mean NO humidity - it is a very dry, arid climate. Snow is our rain, apart from June.
No, you don't have to pay for school (unless you really want to) but there are a few minimal fees of say $100 for books, etc, and things like the school bus. There are likely to be a couple of school trips each year too which will require a few more dollars. There is rarely a school uniform.
Calgary itself is not the most attractive city IMHO - the downtown core is glossy and glassy and nice by day, and pretty empty by night - I know nothing of Houston except the oil-boom references. With two young kids I suspect you may not be seeking clubs and bars too much anyway! Music and theatre is OK, and large bands/acts and Broadway-on-Tour type of stuff comes here.
There are miles of suburbs which can blend into a big swathe of boxy neighbourhoods. But within each one, there is park space, pathways, community stuff and once you close your front door, you could be anywhere.
I think you need two cars - others may disagree, and if your husband's job allows him to easily commute using Transit, you could get away with one.
There is this lovely mountainous horizon from great chunks of the city - if you can get yourself one of those views or close to it, do so. It's pretty!
Calgary is about a three hour drive from the US border, it has a decent international airport (though flights to actually get somewhere, as with most areas of Canada, can seem prohibitive sometimes).
I think it's a very liveable city. We live about 30 mins northwest of the city in a small town. I really like it here. If I was to choose Calgary city itself and I had a good budget, I'd move further towards the centre.
I don't know Houston so cannot compare them.
Lots of families live quite successfully in Calgary.
The winter can be long, but people seem to keep busy - with two four-year olds (and a fair income) you could get them into all kinds of sporting/ourdoorsy activities. The summer months are very pleasant - I'd say May to end September is quite lovely. And quite opposite to Houston, I believe, there is no humidity here - and I mean NO humidity - it is a very dry, arid climate. Snow is our rain, apart from June.
No, you don't have to pay for school (unless you really want to) but there are a few minimal fees of say $100 for books, etc, and things like the school bus. There are likely to be a couple of school trips each year too which will require a few more dollars. There is rarely a school uniform.
Calgary itself is not the most attractive city IMHO - the downtown core is glossy and glassy and nice by day, and pretty empty by night - I know nothing of Houston except the oil-boom references. With two young kids I suspect you may not be seeking clubs and bars too much anyway!
Music and theatre is OK, and large bands/acts and Broadway-on-Tour type of stuff comes here.There are miles of suburbs which can blend into a big swathe of boxy neighbourhoods. But within each one, there is park space, pathways, community stuff and once you close your front door, you could be anywhere.
I think you need two cars - others may disagree, and if your husband's job allows him to easily commute using Transit, you could get away with one.
There is this lovely mountainous horizon from great chunks of the city - if you can get yourself one of those views or close to it, do so. It's pretty!
Calgary is about a three hour drive from the US border, it has a decent international airport (though flights to actually get somewhere, as with most areas of Canada, can seem prohibitive sometimes).
I think it's a very liveable city. We live about 30 mins northwest of the city in a small town. I really like it here. If I was to choose Calgary city itself and I had a good budget, I'd move further towards the centre.
Jun 1st 2012, 3:29 pm
#7
Happy Bunnies
Joined: May 2004
Location: NW Calgary
Posts: 1,371
Re: Calgary for families
In terms of stuff to do for kids, here are a few links you can check out to see if its the kind of activities you are looking for:
http://www.familyfuncalgary.com/ (calendar of events)
http://calgarypubliclibrary.com/locations (lots of free programs for kids but they fill up fast)
http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Recreatio...ct=/recreation (City of Calgary Recreation - also some private centres like Cardel Place and Trico Centre and also the YMCA too).
http://www.calgaryschild.com/ (the local kid friendly magazine).
http://www.calgaryplaygroundreview.com/ (I think this is a great blog that reviews potential places for kids to play all over Calgary)
A lot of people I know get various season passes for Calgary Zoo, Science Centre, Heritage Park and Calaway Park to keep the kids entertained.
There are also plenty of gym, art, swimming, etc, paid-for programs for kids too!.
Also
Hope this helps a bit!
Cheers
Flossie
http://www.familyfuncalgary.com/ (calendar of events)
http://calgarypubliclibrary.com/locations (lots of free programs for kids but they fill up fast)
http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Recreatio...ct=/recreation (City of Calgary Recreation - also some private centres like Cardel Place and Trico Centre and also the YMCA too).
http://www.calgaryschild.com/ (the local kid friendly magazine).
http://www.calgaryplaygroundreview.com/ (I think this is a great blog that reviews potential places for kids to play all over Calgary)
A lot of people I know get various season passes for Calgary Zoo, Science Centre, Heritage Park and Calaway Park to keep the kids entertained.
There are also plenty of gym, art, swimming, etc, paid-for programs for kids too!.
Also
Hope this helps a bit!
Cheers
Flossie
Jun 1st 2012, 10:21 pm
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: S. California
Posts: 254
Re: Calgary for families
Are you leaning towards Calgary or are you trying to get information about each place?
Calgary is cold in the winter and Houston is hot in the summer. You will come across many people who can't understand how people can stand the cold or the heat so don't underestimate either.
I assume your husband will be moving with a work permit. If you come to Canada you will also be able to get a work permit. But moving to the US you will have to wait for employer to sponsor the green card. I know it is unlikely you want to work but there is a big difference in choosing not to work and not being allowed to work.
Houston is a bigger and more diverse city than Calgary. In both you will find good schools and places to live. The cost of living is much lower in Houston.
Is this a temporary move or are you likely to stay? If temporary you may want to consider where you children will be in school in the UK when you return and find out if Calgary or Houston schooling will bring them up to that. Alberta has a different cut off date for age and parents are flexible with that.
Your husband is leaving the choice to you. Will his job be exactly the same in either place? Will he have more contact with colleagues or superiors in one than the other? How much travelling will he have to do and will it be easier from Houston or Calgary?
Choosing between 2 cities is not easy but if come up with the list of items you as a family and a worker have to consider then it is easier to get information to see what ticks your boxes.
Calgary is cold in the winter and Houston is hot in the summer. You will come across many people who can't understand how people can stand the cold or the heat so don't underestimate either.
I assume your husband will be moving with a work permit. If you come to Canada you will also be able to get a work permit. But moving to the US you will have to wait for employer to sponsor the green card. I know it is unlikely you want to work but there is a big difference in choosing not to work and not being allowed to work.
Houston is a bigger and more diverse city than Calgary. In both you will find good schools and places to live. The cost of living is much lower in Houston.
Is this a temporary move or are you likely to stay? If temporary you may want to consider where you children will be in school in the UK when you return and find out if Calgary or Houston schooling will bring them up to that. Alberta has a different cut off date for age and parents are flexible with that.
Your husband is leaving the choice to you. Will his job be exactly the same in either place? Will he have more contact with colleagues or superiors in one than the other? How much travelling will he have to do and will it be easier from Houston or Calgary?
Choosing between 2 cities is not easy but if come up with the list of items you as a family and a worker have to consider then it is easier to get information to see what ticks your boxes.
Jun 1st 2012, 10:42 pm
#9
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 6
Re: Calgary for families
Thanks for all those constructive helpful hints and tips. In answer to a few queries, we are going for a fixed contract term of minimum two years. Husband an oil exec so I am guessing his management grade there will place us in comfortable middle class type group much the same as here in the UK (I use this as shorthand for you to see what might suit us, not to sound smug). I don't intend to seek work in either location as kids still too young and after they start school I'd like a break! 
I've been to Houston many times on business back when I was gainfully employed and liked it but didn't see any of the family 'burbs. I prefer heat and sunshine so for that alone Houston is winning for me. However I owe it to the rest of the family to explore all our options. We will have two cars, husband will not have to leave Calgary for work and has a job to come to. Company will help us with relocation package but that doesn't help with school and district selection etc, that's generally left to the wives to organise.
Thanks again and keep it coming, it's a great help xx
I've been to Houston many times on business back when I was gainfully employed and liked it but didn't see any of the family 'burbs. I prefer heat and sunshine so for that alone Houston is winning for me. However I owe it to the rest of the family to explore all our options. We will have two cars, husband will not have to leave Calgary for work and has a job to come to. Company will help us with relocation package but that doesn't help with school and district selection etc, that's generally left to the wives to organise.
Thanks again and keep it coming, it's a great help xx
Jun 2nd 2012, 1:21 am
#10
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,746
Re: Calgary for families
I've never been to Houston so can't comment but I live in Calgary and absolutely love it.
Calgary to me is just a city - it's the mountains that we fell in love with.
We think Calgary is very family orientated - there is so much to do here. At this point I can't imagine ever wanting to live anywhere else but then as no-doubt someone will point out I still have my rose tints on. I have a stunning view of the mountains from my house so when I get homesick I just go to the window.
I hate hot weather and love cold so Alberta is an obvious choice for me and hubby as he is the same.
One thing I would say is that my son's local school is full so he is bussed out to another. Check that out before deciding on an area...
Calgary to me is just a city - it's the mountains that we fell in love with.
We think Calgary is very family orientated - there is so much to do here. At this point I can't imagine ever wanting to live anywhere else but then as no-doubt someone will point out I still have my rose tints on. I have a stunning view of the mountains from my house so when I get homesick I just go to the window.
I hate hot weather and love cold so Alberta is an obvious choice for me and hubby as he is the same.
One thing I would say is that my son's local school is full so he is bussed out to another. Check that out before deciding on an area...
