Discover the adventure of living in Airdrie, a city with something for everyone. Explore the vibrant downtown, beautiful nature, and endless outdoor activities. Immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene and make Airdrie your home.
As a resident, I’ve come to appreciate Airdrie’s unique charm and personality. From quaint cafes to Nose Creek Park’s scenic trails, I’ve experienced the best the city has to offer. In this piece, I’ll share tips on living large in Airdrie and making the most of your time.
Get the inside scoop on how to make the most out of living in Airdrie with this comprehensive guide. Find everything from local hotspots to job opportunities and more. Let’s explore the city together!
What to Expect When Living in Airdrie
Airdrie, Alberta, is booming. Based on an article, Airdrie is the fastest-growing city in the province and one of the fastest in Canada, it’s easy to see why. This picturesque city offers both comfort and vibrancy to its 70,000+ residents.
Location
Airdrie’s location is perfect. It’s between the Rocky Mountains and the prairies, making it a great place for outdoor activities. It’s also 30 minutes away from Calgary and easy to access from the Queen Elizabeth II Highway.
Climate
Airdrie experiences all four seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. In summer, it’s great for outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking, with an average temperature of 22°C.
Fall brings beautiful foliage, while winter offers fun winter sports with temperatures around -10°C.
Finally, spring is bursting with colour and life as the city awakens from winter. Be prepared for all kinds of weather, but there’s always something to do in Airdrie!
Community
When you arrive in Airdrie, you’ll feel the warmth and friendliness of its residents. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a cafe or chatting with neighbours in a park, you’ll see that Airdrie is a place where people care about each other.
Despite its growing population, Airdrie has maintained a strong sense of community. People come together to support each other in tough times and celebrate happy ones.
You can connect with others in Airdrie through annual events like the Airdrie Festival Of Lights.
Having called Airdrie home for many years, I know the community spirit here is special. Whether you’re new or a long-time resident, Airdrie will welcome you with open arms.
Cost of Living
Airdrie has a higher cost of living than other small cities in Alberta. Rent prices are also higher compared to Lethbridge or Medicine Hat. But, living expenses are lower than in Calgary, a larger city with higher living costs. According to Numbeo, the cost of living index in Airdrie is 63.05, while in Calgary, it is 67.34 (higher numbers indicate higher costs).
The higher cost of living in Airdrie is due to its strong economy and the higher average income of its residents. Yet, there are still opportunities to save money. You can find affordable food and clothes at several grocery stores and shopping centers in Airdrie.
For fun, you can explore the local parks or attend community events without spending too much. With a bit of planning and budgeting, you can afford to live in Airdrie.
Tax Advantages
Airdrie, like all cities in Alberta, offers a lot of tax advantages that make it an attractive place to live and do business. Here are some of the tax advantages of living in Airdrie:
- No Provincial Sales Tax (PST): Alberta doesn’t charge a PST on goods and services, saving residents and businesses a lot of money.
- Low Personal Income Taxes: Alberta has a flat tax rate for personal income, which is currently set at 10%. This is one of the lowest personal income tax rates in Canada, which can result in significant savings for residents.
- No Health Premiums: Alberta doesn’t charge health premiums, which can save you money.
- Business-Friendly Tax Climate: Airdrie’s business community is tax-friendly, supporting business growth and expansion.
Jobs in Airdrie
Airdrie offers a diverse job market in healthcare, education, construction, and retail. As per Statistics Canada, the unemployment rate of 5.2% as of February 2022 is below the national average.
The Airdrie Economic Development website lists the following as the top employers of the city:
- Rocky View School Division
- City of Airdrie
- Alberta Health Services
Airdrie is a great place to start or advance a career, with a range of job opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers.
Airdrie’s Best Neighborhoods
Airdrie is home to many great neighbourhoods that offer a range of housing options, amenities, and attractions. Here are some of the best neighbourhoods in Airdrie that are worth considering:
- Bayside: Bayside is a popular Airdrie neighbourhood for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Its stunning waterfront views, parks, and playgrounds make it an ideal place to connect with nature.
- Kings Heights: Kings Heights is a burgeoning area with wide streets and spacious homes that are tailor-made for families. The neighbourhood offers a variety of parks and playgrounds and plenty of shopping and dining options.
- Cooper’s Crossing: Cooper’s Crossing is a top-tier neighbourhood with beautiful homes. The community features several green spaces, walking paths, and parks that promote an active lifestyle.
- Thorburn: Thorburn is a serene neighbourhood that welcomes families and retirees. Its peaceful environment and proximity to shopping, schools, and parks make it a desirable place to live.
- The Canals: The Canals is an up-and-coming area in Airdrie that takes its name from its picturesque waterways. The neighbourhood offers a blend of homes, townhouses, and condos. It also has several parks, trails, shopping, and dining options.
- Sagewood: Sagewood is a top choice for affordable housing with single-family homes and townhouses. Enjoy easy access to schools, parks, and shopping centres in this popular neighbourhood.
Navigating the School System in Airdrie
To navigate the school system in Airdrie, you’ll need to research, get involved, and commit to finding the right fit for your child. In Airdrie, you’ll find a variety of choices catering to different learning styles and preferences. Some of the top schools in the area include:
- Bert Church High School: A public school with a great academic program and extracurricular activities. Known for its athletic programs and preparation for post-secondary education.
- École francophone d’Airdrie: A French-language school that offers bilingual education for their students. The curriculum helps students develop strong language skills in French and English. It also has a vibrant cultural program.
- Good Shepherd School: A private school that focuses on faith-based education for students from kindergarten to grade 9. It’s also focused on character development and community service.
- W.H. Croxford High School: A public school that offers a range of academic programs. It includes advanced placement courses and dual-credit programs. It has a strong athletic program and emphasizes student leadership and community involvement.
Getting around Airdrie
Airdrie boasts a variety of transportation options that make getting around the city easy and convenient. Here are some of the options available:
- Public Transit: Airdrie Transit provides bus services throughout the city. It has a lot of routes and stops to choose from. Fares are affordable, with a single ride costing $2.50 and a monthly pass priced at $70.
- Driving: Airdrie has a well-maintained road network that makes it easy to get around by car. The city also has plenty of parking options, including street parking, parkades, and surface lots.
- Cycling: Airdrie has a network of bike paths and trails that make it easy to get around on two wheels. Many of the city’s major roads also have designated bike lanes.
- Walking: Airdrie is a pedestrian-friendly city with many amenities. These amenities are accessible and near residential areas.
If you’re flying to Airdrie, Calgary International Airport is the nearest airport. A taxi or ride-share service costs $50-$60. For train travel, take the Intercity Express, a sleek and comfortable option for commuting between Airdrie and Calgary.
Healthcare in Airdrie
Accessing medical services in Airdrie is easy and comprehensive. The city offers quality care with a wide range of medical facilities and services. Here are some available options:
- Airdrie Community Health Centre: This modern facility offers a variety of medical services. Including primary care, mental health services, and laboratory testing.
- Urgent Care: For non-life-threatening medical concerns, residents can visit the Urgent Care Centre. The center is open seven days a week.
- Specialists: Airdrie is home to a number of medical specialists. Pediatricians, cardiologists, and orthopedic surgeons are among these specialists.
- Pharmacies: Airdrie has several pharmacies located throughout the city. This makes it easy to fill prescriptions and access over-the-counter medications.
- Telehealth: Residents can access medical services through telehealth services. This allows patients to connect with medical professionals online or by phone.
Best Local Spots in Airdrie
Airdrie’s beautiful parks and green spaces offer opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and get some exercise. Here are some of the top spots for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts:
- Nose Creek Regional Park: This scenic park features a large pond, walking trails, and picnic areas. It’s an ideal destination for a family outing or a romantic picnic.
- East Lake Park: With a serene lake and walking trails, this park is perfect for a relaxing stroll or jog. Children can also enjoy the playground and spray park while families gather at the picnic areas.
- Fletcher Park: For those seeking a peaceful escape, this smaller park offers quiet walking trails and picnic areas.
- Chinook Winds Park: Families will love this popular destination. It comes with a skatepark, spray park, playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas.
- Iron Horse Park: Train enthusiasts will delight in this unique attraction. It features miniature trains, a museum, and a picnic area for a fun family outing.
- Woodside Golf Course: This stunning 9-hole golf course offers a good view of the surrounding landscape. It’s perfect for both avid golfers and those seeking a relaxing day out.
Airdrie’s Multiculturalism
Airdrie’s multicultural community is diverse and welcoming, celebrating many cultures and traditions. AirdrieFEST features global food, cultural performances, and entertainment every year. Local restaurants and shops also exhibit unique flavours and styles from different cultures.
Experience diverse cultures in Airdrie! Try new food, learn about customs, and meet new people. The city embraces diversity, from indigenous traditions to colourful celebrations of cultures worldwide. Come and join the fun!
Conclusion
Airdrie is a lively and satisfying place to live. From family-friendly fun to dining, drinking, and cultural experiences, it has something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re set on making Airdrie your home, pack your bags and let the Maverick Group help you find your perfect place. We know the Airdrie real estate market, and we are determined to find the right fit for you.
We’ll help you transition to your new home with ease! We’ll explore different neighbourhoods and find a property that fits your needs and preferences. Don’t wait! Let us help you make Airdrie your new home.
