Hi - my wife, three kids, two dogs and I moved to Calgary a few months ago. We are currently renting a home in inner city Calgary down near Elbow Park. We are starting to think about where we might settle and are seriously considering a move closer to the mountains (it is why we moved here after all).

We have been looking at Cochrane, Bragg Creek, etc and have even toyed with the idea of Canmore. My job requires me to travel most weeks so in some ways that gives us a bit more freedom, i.e. I won't have to commute in/out of Calgary downtown everyday. My wife is a Doctor and we have been told that she won't struggle to get a job anywhere...

So, any ideas? Do people actually call Canmore their home or is it just a vacation/weekend destination? Canmore is beautiful and probably our first choice but not if we end up feeling too isolated. Do they have decent infrastructure such as schools, etc? What are Bragg Creek and Cochrane like? Are these places decent for kids? Are there any other places that are good to live along the Trans Canada Highway corridor? Just trying to get insight from those that live in these places...any help would be appreciated ;-)

Thanks!

There are many people who live year round in Canmore - some even commute to Calgary every day. It's a great community, surprising number of Brits. In the process of building a new multiplex. Good sports opportunities for youth and adults - skiing, hockey and both recreational and competitive soccer program. Lots of places to walk/hike/climb. More choice of housing than Bragg Creek, and not as windy as Cochrane (though Cochrane is a really nice place to live also).

Hey guys,
You are welcome to come to non windy Cochrane any time for a cuppa and a chat! Its a fabulous place to bring up a family, great schools, walking paths, fabulous community spirit.
PM me if you would like to pop round sometime.
Lu

You really are a gem Lucy!

Canmore has 12,000 full-time residents...... We all hate the place!

The commute is easy, despite what many will tell you, and lots of us do it every day...... The airport run is easier now with Stoney trail nearly fully free-flow.

There are two main medical clinics in town - Ridgeview and Canmore Associate - A hospital, and many back-country medical support companies, ski-hills, heli-ski co's, etc.... So plenty of options for your wife.


The main downside of Canmore is that you'll have to downsize for your money.... you pay for the lifestyle and location... My 2-bed town-home would probably buy me a 4-bed detached south of Calgary!

I personally love the trade-off.....

Bragg Creek, Canmore and Cochrane are all great places. We live in Cochrane but regularly visit Bragg Creek and Canmore. I think each would have it's own appeal for varying reasons.

We love it here where we are. My kids are almost 6 and 10 and it has everything here that we need for them; good schools and lots of good recreational opportunities. We recently had a new Urgent Care medical centre open in town too.

We chose Cochrane as it's nearer to Calgary for my husband's job but close enough to the mountains for regular trips out.

Also, the cost of housing was more favourable to us here; with a growing family (and dogs too), here we could afford a good size property here.

Hi,
You mentioned your wife being a doctor. Is she a specialist or a family physician. I know family physicians can get a job anywhere even in a 'town' with a population of 1000. But as a specialist, you will want to be close to the city for jobs.

In terms of towns close to the city.....have you considered Airdrie?
I know most people on here are not fans of Airdrie but it seems a nice place and the houses are not as expensive as Canmore :-)