Thinking About Moving to Edmonton: 10 Things to Consider
Alberta has been experiencing economic growth and diversification, leading the nation with plenty of job opportunities available in a range of industries. With the countries highest wages and lowest taxes, workers keep more of their earnings, and businesses enjoy a thriving environment, making it an attractive place to live.
If you’re considering making the move to Edmonton from Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver or somewhere else, this blog is for you! We’ll share the biggest job opportunities currently available and give you a snapshot of what it’s like to live in Edmonton.
1. WHAT ARE THE MOST IN DEMAND JOBS IN EDMONTON?
Edmonton’s economy is driven by a mix of industries, including oil and gas, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. With the city’s strategic location in the center of the province, it has become a transportation and logistics hub for Western Canada, creating jobs in warehousing, distribution, and transportation. Additionally, the city’s thriving startup scene has created many opportunities in the technology and innovation sectors.
The biggest job opportunities in Edmonton lie in the healthcare, education, and technology industries. With the city’s growing population, healthcare has become a top priority, and job growth in the sector is expected to continue. The education sector is also thriving, with the University of Alberta and other institutions such as NAIT offering a range of employment opportunities. Finally, the technology industry in Edmonton is rapidly growing and ranks in the top three cities globally for innovation in artificial intelligence.
2. Does edmononton have good healthcare?
Edmonton is known to have a strong healthcare system. The city is home to several world-class hospitals, including the University of Alberta Hospital, the Royal Alexandra Hospital, and the Stollery Children’s Hospital. These hospitals offer a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, specialized surgeries, and advanced treatments for various illnesses.
In addition to hospitals, Edmonton also has many primary care clinics and community health centers that provide comprehensive care to residents. The city has a strong network of health professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, who are well-trained and committed to providing high-quality care.
Preliminary planning began in summer 2021 for a new hospital in South Edmonton on a 320 acre site that will provide between 350 to 500 inpatient beds and a comprehensive mix of health care services, integrating acute care and emergency services.
3. what is the climate like in Edmonton, alberta?
Edmonton has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. The city experiences significant seasonal variations in temperature, with average daily high temperatures ranging from -9°C (16°F) in January to 23°C (73°F) in July.
Winters in Edmonton can feel long and cold, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C (-4°F) and occasional periods of extreme cold when temperatures can drop to -30°C (-22°F) or lower. Snowfall is common during the winter months, and the city typically receives around 120 cm (47 inches) of snow annually.
Summers in Edmonton are warm and sunny, with temperatures frequently reaching the mid-20s°C (70s°F) during the day. However, the city can also experience occasional heatwaves with temperatures reaching into the high 30s°C (90s°F).
Overall, Edmonton’s climate is characterized by distinct seasonal changes and significant temperature variations throughout the year. The days are short in the winter and very long in the summer (as little as 7 hours of daylight in the winter and up to 17 hours in the summer). Edmonton averages more hours of sunshine than any other major city in Canada.
Edmonton offers plenty of things to see and do, food to eat, and modes of transportation that make it an excellent place to live. Whether you want to shop at one of the largest malls in North America, explore river valley parks, visit art galleries, museums, or experience the city’s vibrant music scene, Edmonton has something for everyone.
4. the top 7 Things to Do in Edmonton
- Catch a show at The Citadel Theatre. This is one of the largest theatres in Canada, showcasing Canadian and international professional productions, as well as home to the Foote Theatre School.
- Explore the city’s river valley parks, which offer over 160 kilometers of trails for hiking, biking, and walking.
- Visit the Art Gallery of Alberta, which showcases a variety of contemporary and historical art.
- Check out the Alberta Legislature Building and take a tour of the historic building.
- Experience the city’s vibrant music scene, with live performances at venues like the Winspear Centre and the Starlite Room.
- Visit Rogers Place. This state-of-the-art arena is the home of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Visitors can take a guided tour or catch a game to see the team in action.
- Visit Commonwealth Stadium. This stadium is the home of the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Visitors can take a tour of the stadium or catch a game to experience the exciting atmosphere of Canadian football.
5. the top 5 attractions in Edmonton
- Visit the West Edmonton Mall, one of the largest malls in North America, which includes an amusement park, water park, and other attractions.
- The Muttart Conservatory, which features botanical gardens and plant collections from around the world.
- The Royal Alberta Museum, which has exhibits on Alberta’s natural history, human history, and culture.
- The North Saskatchewan River, which winds through the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Fort Edmonton Park: It is a living history museum that recreates the history of Edmonton from the 1840s to the 1920s. It includes four distinct eras, with historical buildings, costumed interpreters, and interactive exhibits.
6. edmonton’s top 5 must-try signature foods
- Alberta Beef – Edmonton is known for its beef, and there are many restaurants that serve delicious cuts of meat. Some of the popular places to try Alberta beef include The Hardware Grill, The Butternut Tree, and RGE RD.
- Ukrainian Perogies – Edmonton has a large Ukrainian population, and perogies are a popular dish. Some of the popular places to try perogies in Edmonton include Uncle Ed’s Ukrainian Restaurant, Taste of Ukraine, and Yo Baba Foods.
- Donairs – A donair is a popular Canadian dish that consists of spiced meat cooked on a spit, wrapped in a pita with tomatoes, onions, and a sweet sauce. Some of the popular places to try donairs in Edmonton include Swiss Donair, Istanbul Kebab House, and Tasty Tom’s.
- Bannock – Bannock is a traditional Indigenous bread that is often served with savory or sweet toppings. Some of the popular places to try bannock in Edmonton include the Indigenous-owned restaurant, Tiramisu Bistro, and the Indigenous-inspired cafe, The Nook Cafe, The Homefire Grill, and Tee Pee Treats Indigenous Cuisine.
- Poutine – This classic Canadian dish consists of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Some of the popular places to try poutine in Edmonton include The Next Act Pub, La Poutine, and The Local Omnivore.
7. WHAT type of TRANSPORTATION IS MOST USED IN EDMONTON?
In terms of traffic, like any major city, Edmonton can experience heavy traffic during peak hours. Commuting times can vary depending on where you’re going and how you’re getting there. However, the city’s traffic is generally considered to be less congested than other major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
- Public transit: The city has a comprehensive public transit system operated by Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), which includes buses and a light rail transit (LRT) system. The LRT has two lines that cover different parts of the city and connects to major transportation hubs like the Edmonton International Airport.
- Driving: Edmonton has a network of highways and major roads that make it easy to get around by car. However, traffic can be heavy during rush hour, especially on major routes like the Anthony Henday Drive.
- Cycling: The city has an extensive network of bike lanes and paths that make it easy to get around on two wheels. Edmonton also has a bike-sharing program called “Pogo” that allows residents and visitors to rent bikes.
- Walking: Edmonton is a pedestrian-friendly city, with many neighborhoods having sidewalks and crosswalks to help people get around on foot.
- E-bike and E-Scooters: Bird Canada and Lime offer ride-sharing services. Simply download their mobile app to locate and unlock the e-scooter or e-bike and off you go!
8. how many post secondary intitutions are there in edmonton?
There are 213 schools that make up the Edmonton Public Schools, 91 under the jurisdiction of Edmonton Catholic Schools and a number of private schools. In addition there are several post-secondary institutions. Here is a list of the major ones:
There are also several other smaller institutions and specialized schools in Edmonton.
Photo Credit: Mack Male
9. Is Edmonton a good place to raise a family?
Edmonton is consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world, with a high standard of living, excellent education and healthcare, and a low crime rate. It is also culturally diverse with a vibrant and varied arts and culture scene. There is a strong history of Indigenous culture, which is celebrated through numerous festivals and events throughout the year, such as the annual Edmonton Indigenous Peoples Festival. A few other amazing festivals include; the Edmonton International Fringe Festival (the largest and oldest fringe festival in North America), the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, and the Edmonton Pride Festival.
There is a lot to offer families, but it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences before making a decision to move here. It’s a great idea to visit the city, talk to locals, visit different communities, and consider our top 10 list to help you make your final decision.
10. Is housing affordable in edmonton?
The housing market in Edmonton is still relatively affordable compared to other major cities in Canada. Currently home prices are stable amid generally balanced conditions between buyers and sellers. This means that potential homebuyers have a wide range of options to choose from, including single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. Additionally, the affordable prices also make it easier for people to enter the housing market and start building equity. Find out more about Edmonton’s Housing Market Outlook for 2023 here.
In summary, Edmonton offers a high standard of living with a booming economy, diverse job opportunities, world-class healthcare and education, excellent attractions, delicious food, and reliable transportation options. Also, Edmonton is one of the most affordable markets in Canada and the best opportunities for buyers are right now, with quick possession homes and homes that are already under construction. What more could you ask for? Come and join the thriving community in Edmonton today!