MOVING TO AND LIVING IN CHESTERMERE, ALBERTA
MOVING TO AND LIVING IN CHESTERMERE, ALBERTA
Moving to and living in Chestermere, Alberta is a great choice for those who want to be close to Calgary, but prefer a smaller town. Chestermere has a population of approximately 23,000 people and is located near many amenities including restaurants, schools, local shops and more. The charming town is located on the shores of Lake Chestermere, making it a lovely place to spend the summer.
In this article, we’ll be talking about the cost of living, schools, real estate, and everything else Chestermere has to offer.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
Population & Demographics
With a population of about 23,000 people as of 2020, Chestermere isn’t as big as its nearby neighbours like Calgary and Airdrie. However, its small size doesn’t mean that there’s a lack of things to do. People of all ages and backgrounds enjoy living in Chestermere.
The largest age group is the 20-40 age group at approximately 32.1%. As of 2017, the median age in Chestermere is 35.3 years, which is slightly lower than the Alberta median age of 37.5 years. Additionally, the median household income in Chestermere is $134,000. This is higher than the median national income of $71,700 as of 2020.
The largest visible minority group in Chestermere is South Asian, contributing to 42.72% of the visible minority population. There are all kinds of ethnic backgrounds in Chestermere, which makes it a truly multicultural place to live. So if you’re thinking of moving to and living in Chestermere, you’re guaranteed to meet people from all over the world.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Chestermere is roughly 7% higher than the national average. When you first move to Chestermere, you may have to be prepared for increased costs of living if you’re used to cheaper options. It’s important to understand that overall, Chestermere is still a very affordable suburb compared to other places in Canada.
As of 2020, the average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment in Chestermere is $1,300 per month. If you’re looking to buy a home instead, you’ll be interested to hear that the average asking price for a home is around $1,100,000. This may be out of your price range, but don’t worry – there are still many affordable homes available for around $600,000 or less.
Schools and Colleges
In terms of education, Chestermere has both public and separate school boards at the elementary level. There are various schools to choose from, so parents won’t have trouble finding the right fit for their children. The public school board is the Rocky View School District, which serves Chestermere and a number of other communities as well.
For post-secondary education opportunities, you’ll likely have to commute into Calgary, or into another nearby city. Many students do this, however, as the commute is only about 30 minutes into the city using the highway.
To learn about the colleges and universities in Calgary, check out our other article!
Climate and Weather
If you’re considering moving to and living in Chestermere, you no doubt want to know what the weather is like here. As you can imagine, Chestermere’s weather is similar to that of Calgary, making it a great place to be year-round. In the summer months, you can expect mild warmth and lots of sunshine. However, winters can be quite cold with lots of snow.
With the mountains close by, the area can experience unpredictable swings in temperature throughout the year. Chestermere is quite dry for the most part, with scattered periods of heavy rain.
Best Neighbourhoods
All of the neighbourhoods in Chestermere are fantastic, but there are some that rise above the rest. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent a home, you’ll want to do your due diligence before settling on which neighbourhood is right for you. Whichever neighbourhood you end up in, you’ll be glad to call Chestermere home.
Some of the neighbourhoods in Chestermere include Rainbow Falls, Kinniburgh, and the Cove, all of which are great places to buy a house if you’re looking for a more secluded home with bigger lots.
Jobs in Chestermere
There are many kinds of jobs available in Chestermere. The jobs range from entry-level to high-paying professional careers. Chestermere is home to many types of industries, including oil and gas, retail, and construction. As a result, there are numerous job opportunities available in the city for people moving into the area who are well suited to working in these fields.
In addition, commuting to Calgary and the surrounding areas is an option many people choose when moving to Chestermere. The city’s street access, including the Trans Canada highway, makes commuting easy for residents moving to Chestermere. This commuting option is also an attractive choice for those moving into the area who are unable to find work in their field of expertise or at a similar level as they are used to.
Also, moving to Chestermere is an excellent choice for retirees. The city offers a variety of recreational activities that are geared towards seniors moving to Chestermere, including various fitness opportunities.
Things to Do
The town is filled with modern amenities and things to do in Chestermere for both the young and old. With great schools, shopping, entertainment venues and sports arenas; there is something for everyone!
One of the nicest attractions in Chestermere is Lake Chestermere. There are numerous beaches for mining, swimming and boating. There are also various parks surrounding the lake with picnic tables and grilling areas for people to enjoy.
Furthermore, there are great recreational activities to try out in Chestermere. For example, golfing is a popular activity among Chestermere residents. Lakeside Golf Club is a popular spot in town and is always busy during the summer.
We wrote another blog post about 8 great things about Chestermere, so if you’re considering moving there, you might want to check that out.
Pros and Cons
Overall, what are the pros and cons of living in Chestermere? Well, here’s our list:
Pros:
- Quiet, family-oriented town
- Close to downtown Calgary
- Easy access to public transportation (bus)
- Lake Chestermere is awesome
Cons:
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Lacking post-secondary opportunities in town (but commuting is doable)
Are you still thinking of moving to and living in Chestermere?
All in all, Chestermere is a fantastic city to live in, with its small-town atmosphere and community spirit. Chestermere has great amenities for families, retirees, business people, etc., plus it’s very affordable compared to the rest of the Calgary area. Most importantly, many people are happy living here!
Ultimately, you should listen to your gut, and if your feelings are telling you that moving to Chestermere is the right choice for you, then go for it. You won’t regret your decision.
