Moving out to Calgary from a rural area can be thrilling: but there are a lot of changes you’ll have to give yourself time to get used to.
From the huge shift in population density to the noise and incredible limitless selections for everything from food to entertainment: there’s nothing quite like Calgary.
If you’re not sure what to expect, here are some things to keep in mind.
A Kilometer Takes Longer To Drive
When you’re planning to go somewhere in a rural area, a kilometer won’t take more than a couple of minutes. However, in some areas of Calgary, that kilometer can take far longer depending on the number of lights, the traffic, and the turns needed.
A good rule of thumb is to map out where you’ll be going via Google Maps and try to get a good estimate of the time that way. This will allow you to have a clear view of how much time will be needed and save you from being late to meetings or appointments.
Housing Is Going to be More Expensive
This may be obvious to some, but many underestimate just how much living in a major city can cost. Calgary homes for sale are some of the most expensive in the city, so you’ll have to save up a lot of money for a downpayment and make sure you have a job that pays well enough to handle the monthly house payment.
You can rent for a while to save up, but renting in Calgary is also expensive, so it might not be as easy to save up as you’d assume.
Prepare for a Lot of Noise
If you’re from a rural area: chances are you’re used to little to no road noise. This can be a wonderful thing, but forgetting that this isn’t available in most cities can leave you in a world of surprise. Unfortunately, the average city has an abundance of noise pollution: and Calgary is no different.
Although there are city ordinances to keep the volume down at night, there’s everything from sirens, car horns, blaring music, and other noise that can fill the air during the day. This may take some time to get used to if you need complete silence to get some sleep, but you can find earplugs for relatively cheap.
You Can Still Get Away If You Need To
A fantastic way to ensure that you get used to the city at your own pace is to get away when you need to. Fortunately, Calgary isn’t too far from Banff, a national park that gives you a chance to enjoy serene mountain views and silence. So don’t be afraid to take this break when you need it!
Getting used to Calgary is worth it if you consider all of the fabulous things the city has to offer. From fantastic dining and fun to the endless new experiences the city offers: you can find something amazing while living here once you learn to give the city a chance!
