Alberta or BC?

Question

my husband got a job offer with a good companie he got the same job offer, in Victoria and Calgary , now we have to decide where to move.
which city is better to live Victoria or Calgary?

Answer 1

Personally I would take Victoria, but Calgary is a great place to live as well, and doesn't have as bad of winters as much of the rest of Canada, as the Chinook Winds regularly go through warming things up and melting the snow. Victoria, of course, gets little to no snow, just rain.

The concern about Victoria is, that in order to leave the Island, you have to take a ferry, and it is quite expensive, plus wait times can be in the hours.

Whichever you choose, I am sure you will love it!

Answer 2

I've lived in both places.

But first: are you Green or are you Conservative? That's the major cultural difference. I don't know where you're coming from, but it's Alberta which is conservative.

The weather in Victoria is unbeatable in Canada; however, with global warming, Calgary is not so bad these days.

When you land in Victoria, you'll be blown away by the smell of flowers and clean air. You'll think it's not even real. In Calgary, you'll be amazed at how many gophers you can see in the fields along the highway.

Calgary is booming and full of money. It's a great place, but you need to be able to tolerate a lot of yahoos.

As for the rain in Victoria, I strongly suggest you look that statistic up. All those who say it rains a lot in Victoria are probably thinking about Vancouver. It rains half as much in Victoria as it does in Vancouver. They have different climates.

Answer 3

Both are pricey. Victoria has a much milder year-round climate, being on the Pacific Ocean so close to Vancouver. Victoria is still considered more of a retirement city. Calgary has much more to offer in lifestyle/sports for younger people 20-50, and has a lower average age range. Consider what you like to do when NOT at work. Both cities have great websites to inform you of lifestyle available.

Answer 4

Cost of living is about the same nowadays but in Victoria you will find it very boring if you are an active person. 50% of residets are retirees and 30% are tourists! The bars are full of navy types or old folks. It is lovely weather for most part but, as it is on the open sea, always very windy. Employment sucks - either government jobs or nothing for most people and, as government is major employer in city, morale is generally poor. If you want to do anything special or go to good shopping in Vancouver, you need to drive 45 minutes to the ferry and pay $120. for a car and two people to take a 4 hour tour to the big city. If weather turns bad, ferry will be cancelled and you're stuck. Calgary is vibrant. More to do than there is time. Yes it snows but the chinook winds have it melted within 48 hours. Skiing is 45 minutes away. Loads of lakes , both natural and man-made close by and in a 3 hour drive West you can be in fabulous country in rolling hills or drive 3 hours south to the US. Drive 10 hours and you can be in Vancouver (Nirvana). Film industry is growing in Calgary, oil money makes it only province in Canada with no sales tax. People are incredibly friendly, ethnic diversity ,makes almost any type of food or shopping readily at hand. Big money brings high-end shopping, cheap flites to Vegas daily. Hands down you will do better economically, recreationally, mentally, physically in Calgary. Every July there is a huge "Stampede" celebration in Calgary as a nod to the heritage. EVERYONE dresses in western gear and it's a blast! People still call the city "Cowtown" due to this wild week but that's a misnomer for the past 20 years. The downtown core is modern and glitzy, the art/theatre scene is amazing, suburban malls are HUGE and offer everything, homes are getting bigger and bigger with million dollar homes getting built faster than $200,000 ones for the past two years. Expect to pay about $350,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house in average suburb in Calgary. Education standard ranks highest in country if you have kids and the university rocks! If you are under 50, go to Calgary!

Answer 5

Awwww Everyone's saying such bad things about Calgary. It's a great place to live. I love it here. Winters can be a bit cold but at least we don't get rain all the time like they do in Victoria. Like the one guy said it really depends on your lifestyle to what city you choose. Victoria has a very laid back attitude, where a Calgary is a fast paced, hard working town. I think either City's would be great to live in. Good luck and I think no matter where you choose to live you'll enjoy it.

Answer 6

Photolofts Piefkeholes are big liars! we do not have cowboys everywhere, thats a sterotype. Also you dont have to dodge pies! haha the only time of the year where ull see alot is during the stampede!! the stampede is the bestest ever! so much fun and so much to do. the only time when u ever see stuff that is western the stampede
my mom grew up in Victoria and moved to Calgary. she prefers Calgary much better
Calgary is a really nice and polite city. we are almost 2 hours away from the beautiful mountains and I personally think you should DEFENTILY move to Calgary
it is very clean and i will guarentee that you will like it. also there is a new smoke free bar, restuant bylaw that is very refreshing....

I live in Calgary and i adore it!!!!!!<3

Answer 7

It depends on what you like weather wise. If you want snow, and to be close to the mountains then Calgary is the place to be. If you like rain and being by the sea, then Victoria is the place to be. I lived in Vancouver for three years now and I personally like it better than Calgary where I lived for two years.

Answer 8

Like company has a "Y", Victoria is the best choice, you don't have to dodge the cow pies in the street. The thing to know though is the cost of living is higher in Victoria as well as real estate. The winters are shorter and milder and you can't replace the ocean with any substitute. You must be coming from the east so either one is a win. Cheers!

Answer 9

Victoria, no contest. Much, much, much, much more open minded. Calgary is extreme conservative. It was too much for me when I was there. I guess it depends on your values and mentality. Albertans are very friendly and nice though. I really liked my stay in Alberta, but there were fundamental issues I couldn't bear with and Victoria was a lot closer to me.(mentality wise)

Answer 10

Which one pays better?
Victoria is more a retirement place, with a lot of un-written rule. The city looks like a well-kept garden. You don't see anyone walking with a dog. That's one of the draw back if you've got a pet.

Calgary is more vibrant in many ways. Pepole are very friendly.

Anyway, at the end it all depends of your life style and other criteria.
Good Luck.