Edmonton V Calgary

Hi Timm.

I grew up in Edmonton and moved to Calgary 2 years ago. In a lot of ways I find the two cities to be similar but Calgarians feel that Edmonton is more boring.

The weather is similar in both cities except in Calgary there are the Chinook winds that sometimes warm up the days in the winter. Edmonton has a better road system, especially with the ring road freeway complete you can easily go to any part of the city easily. I find Calgary to have only a few major roads that EVERYONE takes so the traffic is ridiculous. Parking is more expensive in Calgary. Edmonton has more festivals and events than does Calgary and it's got some great bike paths and parks. Calgary also has some great parks, etc and is really close to Banff National Park so its easy to get out into the mountains on a weekend to camp or hike, etc. Personally I find Edmontonians to be a lot more friendlier than Calgarians, I am not sure what it is but I've noticed people to be a lot more jaded and rude in Calgary since I moved here. Of course that's not everyone and I've met some really nice people here, but thats my general observation.

One last thing - Calgary just started recycling, Edmonton started about 17 years ago... I find it frusterating in Calgary as most apartment complexes and condos don't have any form of recycling facilities.
Good Luck!

Hi Timm,

I grew up in the Edmonton area and have spent a bit of time in Calgary in my day, . 

To be honest, I can't give you a definite answer either way.  I suppose the way I would look at things is that Calgary tends to be more of a white collar, (business), type town whereas Edmonton is more of a blue collar, (industrial), type town.  If you are a lawyer, you may find Calgary to be better suited for you as it has a more corporate environment and therefore a bit more of a sophisticated feel to it.  If you are a welder, you may find Edmonton to be better suited as there is more industry in this area and people tend to be a little more, IMO, down to earth.  Of course both areas have both blue and white collar workers and every sort of person imaginable but this is just a general bit of insight from someone who has seen both sides. 

Good luck - I am sure you will be happy in either spot and with both just a 3 hour drive from the other it shouldn't be so hard to relocate if you can't stand it anymore!