Why retire in Calgary?
For those that call Alberta home, Calgary, is a wonderful settling spot when looking to relocate to a retirement home. Located in the south of the province between the Bow River and Elbow River, this is about 80 km from the Canadian Rockies, and 300 km from Edmonton, the province’s capital. Calgary is a bustling city centre with plenty to offer those who want a beautiful place to retire!
Population and Demographics
At the time of the 2019 civic census, Calgary’s population was 1,285,711, making it the second most populated city in western Canada. Of that population, close to 24% of residents are 55+. Seniors are this city’s fastest growing age group, making Calgary Retirement Homes a great option for those who wish to live in a modern city centre with lots to offer.
Features of Calgary
There are many details about Calgary that make it not only fun, but also fascinating as a living space. In fact, it was ranked as the most livable city two years in a row and does very well in the categories of quality of life, affordability, and comfort. In addition, in 2019 it was recognized as having the best city drivers in the entire world! Seniors who are looking to enjoy safety, comfort, and ease of living will find Calgary amongst their top options - literally!
Other notable features of Calgary include the fact that it has the highest number of millionaires within the city per capita. This means that there are plenty of nice neighbourhoods that offer a lot of amenities.
In 1988, it was the host of the Winter Olympic Games and the plaza and structures built for it, are still in use today. It’s a popular tourist spot, too, for those that are interested in sports.
Perhaps this metro centre is best known for the Calgary Stampede, which had a wild west theme that you can still see today. The first one took place in 1912 and it is still considered to be one of the most popular events in Calgary, though it doesn’t feel quite as authentic now, according to local residents.
Historical Relevance
One of the most interesting facts about Calgary is that its name has several interpretations. According to First Nations, it means “elbow”, which is how they referred to many areas in this geographic setting. In Norse, it means “cold garden”. Then, there are several interpretations of it in Gaelic, too, including: “beach or meadow”, or “clear running water” . Evidently, many people saw this popular city very differently!
Calgary has a rich history dating back several centuries. First Nations peoples were able to hunt, fish and settle in the area well before Europeans found their was there in the late 1800’s. Formalized cattle ranching in the province began in the late 19th century through the availability of government leases which was the impetus for much immigration. The beginning of the Canadian Pacific Railway in Calgary dates back to around the same time as well, resulting in the area’s growth as a settlement. The Hudson’s Bay Company, moved into the area in 1884 and less than 30 years later, started creating department stores, one of which was built in Calgary.
Calgary gained city status in 1894. The city continued to grow in the 20th Century and focused on the agriculture, oil and gas industries, it is still known for today.
Costs of retirement living in Calgary
There is no standardized price for retirement centres or lodges (SL4, SL4D) in Calgary. They will vary in price based on many factors including but not limited to funding, ownership, location, size, type of room, and amenities. In general, because Calgary is a fair sized city, retirement communities in Calgary will cost more than retirement communities in small outskirt areas. CMHC’s 2020 data indicates that the average rent in Alberta for a 'seniors' residence' is in the range of $3,270/month while in Calgary itself, the cost is just under $4,000/month. That being said, there will be those smaller independent homes that will cost less than that average, and larger corporates that will cost more. Usually, the more expensive homes will have more amenities, staff, and overhead. Retirement Homes in Calgary, range in price between $3,500 and $6,000/month depending on many factors and there will always be some outliers that are either less expensive, or more than that range. Keep in mind that care costs may increase the total monthly cost you will pay. There is a publicly-funded Supportive Living Program in Alberta which offers a lower cost alternative to people requiring assisted living, though waiting lists may be an issue for certain properties.
When you are researching Retirement Homes, be sure to ask if there are separate charges for care services, what they are, what it covers, and if there are any hidden/unpublished costs that you may be responsible for (e.g., cable, TV, internet, activities, etc.). As well, if care is charged for separately in the home you are talking to, ask when the last few increases were for care packages (if they have separated care from lodging in their pricing), and how much the cost was increased by each time. Knowing this information will assist you in being able to properly budget and ensure available funds for care now and in the future.
If you are interested in comparing the cost of living in retirement home with the cost of aging in place in your current home, you can visit our retirement home cost calculator article on SeniorCareAccess.com. This article has a live calculator in it that will allow you to print off the information once completed. Do one for each home you visit to allow for an easy cost comparison.
For home in other parts of Alberta, click on the links below.
Retirement Homes in Airdrie
Retirement Homes in Cochrane
Retirement Homes in Okotoks
Retirement Homes in Black Diamond
Retirement Homes in Crossfield
Retirement Homes in Strathmore
Retirement Homes in High River
Retirement Homes in Carstairs
Retirement Homes in Didsbury
Retirement Homes in Nanton
Retirement Homes in Olds
Retirement Homes in Vulcan
Retirement Homes in Three Hills
Retirement Homes in Sundre
Retirement Homes in Edmonton
Retirement Homes in St. Albert
Retirement Homes in Sherwood Park
Retirement Homes in Beaumont
Retirement Homes in Devon
Retirement Homes in Fort Saskatchewan
Retirement Homes in Spruce Grove
Retirement Homes in Morinville
Retirement Homes in Leduc
Retirement Homes in Stony Plain
Retirement Homes in Lamont
Retirement Homes in Tofield
Retirement Homes in Wetaskiwin