Further North Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 (edited) Hello everyone, I’m considering a job opportunity in Calgary right now, and I’m an American so I really don’t know anything about that area. I have been searching for info on Calgary here and in other places but I still have some more in depth questions. Just to give you some more background info, I am 29, not married, have no kids, and grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (a few hours from Sault St. Marie, Ontario) so LONG cold winters are something I’m used to. People say my accent sounds Canadian all the time so I might blend in a little better. The address of the company I’m applying for is: 3526 26th St. NE in Calgary. It looks to be close to the airport. So on with my questions: When does snowfall usually start and when does it completely thaw out? I've read about the Chinooks, do they keep the snow accumulation down? How expensive is the cost of living in Calgary? I’m getting the impression that it’s almost “New York Expensive”. Is that true? What is the average rent for a 1 bedroom? What would you consider to be the minimum salary to live “comfortably” in Calgary? By that I mean able to pay the bills, afford rent, go out to dinner or to the bars, etc. and vacation every once in awhile. I’m a Product Designer and my average salary range for my experience level would normally be around 45-55K in the Midwest. I'm not sure how high I would want to ask for yet. By comparison, in 2007 I was talking to a Toronto company and they offered 55-60K. How bad are income and other taxes? What is the price of gas currently? How expensive is car insurance? How are the road systems and public trans in Calgary? Is there an active music scene there? How is the culture and Arts in Calgary? And of a much more trivial nature, what is the likelihood of me shortening my life expectancy by walking around with a Red Wings jersey? Without baseball, the NFL, or the NBA being a serious part of the sports culture I'll have to refocus all my energy on Hockey! Edited June 18, 2010 by Further North Quote
Oleg Bach Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 My information is dated - I lived there for about a year - made tons of money and the culture consisted of drinking - spending more drinking and getting surrounded by five cop cars for peeing the alley..good luck. Quote
Further North Posted June 18, 2010 Author Report Posted June 18, 2010 My information is dated - I lived there for about a year - made tons of money and the culture consisted of drinking - spending more drinking and getting surrounded by five cop cars for peeing the alley..good luck. LOL I'll make sure that I don't pee behind any dumpsters in the alley then! Canada's view on drunk driving is one adjustment I'll have to take very seriously for sure. I've always abstained from driving after drinking as much as possible, but like most people in the US it hasn't been that out of the question that if I've only had a few beers over a long period of time that I would drive home afterward. Not a risk I'm willing to take anymore up there. Quote
wyly Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 (edited) Hello everyone, I’m considering a job opportunity in Calgary right now, and I’m an American so I really don’t know anything about that area. I have been searching for info on Calgary here and in other places but I still have some more in depth questions. Just to give you some more background info, I am 29, not married, have no kids, and grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (a few hours from Sault St. Marie, Ontario) so LONG cold winters are something I’m used to. People say my accent sounds Canadian all the time so I might blend in a little better. The address of the company I’m applying for is: 3526 26th St. NE in Calgary. It looks to be close to the airport. So on with my questions: don't live in the NE even if it's close to work or nearby in the SE(much worse),a commute from the SW is a pain...NW is mostly civilized, McKight BLVD and the Deerfoot give good access to the area of your work from the NWWhen does snowfall usually start and when does it completely thaw out? I've read about the Chinooks, do they keep the snow accumulation down? because of the Chinooks weather is very unpredictable from one year to the next, most of the snow falls in early winter or late spring and sometimes not at all, it could be -25 in January or you can be out in shorts and a T-shirt a day later...winters are generally mild as are the summers...How expensive is the cost of living in Calgary? I’m getting the impression that it’s almost “New York Expensive”. Is that true?I've never been to NY but I doubt it's as expensive except for parking downtown...What is the average rent for a 1 bedroom?depends on location, 1 or 2 bedroom $600-1200What would you consider to be the minimum salary to live “comfortably” in Calgary? By that I mean able to pay the bills, afford rent, go out to dinner or to the bars, etc. and vacation every once in awhile. I’m a Product Designer and my average salary range for my experience level would normally be around 45-55K in the Midwest. I'm not sure how high I would want to ask for yet. By comparison, in 2007 I was talking to a Toronto company and they offered 55-60K. a single person would do fine on 55-60KHow bad are income and other taxes?not as bad as people make them out to be, Alberta has no provincial sales tax...What is the price of gas currently? don't know, I just pay what they ask, normally somewhere around a $1 a liter...How expensive is car insurance?depends on age, gender,how long you've been driving and driving record...young teenage males pay the most, my daughter (21) pays $290 per month but she's only been driving for a year...How are the road systems and public trans in Calgary? roads are good ,public transit sucks unless you live nearby the C-Train or a connection that will take you to a C-Train...if you live near a C-train connection Downtown is 5-20 minutes away...for a young single person I'd suggest living in or near Kensington,food, nightlife, trendy, close to downtown, C-Train connection...the other area would be 17th SW(the Red Mile)between Mount Royal and downtown, very active nightlife(days as well), food, trendy shops...Is there an active music scene there?there is but I couldn't tell you where...How is the culture and Arts in Calgary?define culture?...there is arts but what are you comparing it to? Edited June 18, 2010 by wyly Quote “Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives.”- John Stuart Mill
Bonam Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 How expensive is the cost of living in Calgary? I’m getting the impression that it’s almost “New York Expensive”. Is that true? Definitely not New York expensive. What is the average rent for a 1 bedroom? You could get a nice one for $800ish I would say unless you are looking for really top of the line stuff. What would you consider to be the minimum salary to live “comfortably” in Calgary? Depends what you consider comfortable and how frugal you are. Personally, being single, $35-40 k would do it for me, in terms of paying rent, car, utilities, food, going out, saving, etc. If you're job is in the range of $55-60k you'll be just fine. How bad are income and other taxes? Income tax will be somewhat higher than you're used to I think, sales tax will be just the GST (5%) on most things. The federal tax is: * 15% on the first $40,970 of taxable income, + * 22% on the next $40,971 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income between $40,970 and $81,941), + * 26% on the next $45,080 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income between $81,941 and $127,021), + * 29% of taxable income over $127,021. And on top of that you will be paying the provincial income tax in Alberta, which is a flat 10% I believe. So if you make $55k you'd probably be paying about $12k in income taxes (the first ~$10k of income is exempt from taxes). What is the price of gas currently? Probably around $1/ L (that would translate to ~ $ 4.00 per gallon). How expensive is car insurance? Expect to pay 1.5-2x what you pay in the US. How is the culture and Arts in Calgary? It's not New York or Paris. If you're looking for world class museums, art galleries, operas, ballets, and things of that nature you likely won't find much in Calgary. It's a relatively new and expanding city and much of this "old world" kind of culture hasn't really had time to settle in yet. And of a much more trivial nature, what is the likelihood of me shortening my life expectancy by walking around with a Red Wings jersey? From my experience people don't get quite as worked up about sports as they do in some places in the US... you'll be fine wearing whatever jersey you want. Without baseball, the NFL, or the NBA being a serious part of the sports culture I'll have to refocus all my energy on Hockey! I dunno about baseball, but a lot of people still follow football and basketball. Quote
Further North Posted June 18, 2010 Author Report Posted June 18, 2010 (edited) don't live in the NE even if it's close to work or nearby in the SE(much worse),a commute from the SW is a pain...NW is mostly civilized, McKight BLVD and the Deerfoot give good access to the area of your work from the NW Thanks! I'll have to look into those areas. I think I may be generally more inclined to seek out Kensington if that is more of a vibrant area. I REALLY hate urban sprawl and the entire 3 years I lived in Chicago I rarely visited the suburbs because I couldn't think of a good reason to. IMO the 'burbs are for buying houses or raising kids, and I'm not expecting to be doing either soon! depends on location, 1 or 2 bedroom $600-1200 That's not too bad. Some people on other forums were saying $1200-$2000! I'm assuming that is for a prime expensive area. I won't have oil money and a ferrari to park in front of a wine bar! $600 - $1200 is about in line with what I was used to when I was living in Chicago. Having had several roommates over the years I'd probably look for one again. Having twice as much space for half as much money in exchange for slightly less privacy has always been appealing to me. define culture?...there is arts but what are you comparing it to? I'm not expecting a World Class Art Scene like New York or anything like that. I'm more interested in going to Art Gallery openings and Gallery Walks, entering my artwork in exhibitions, etc. I'm currently living in Wisconsin close to Milwaukee and there's a small but close knit art scene there that I'm active in and that makes me happy. I've read more then a few times that Edmunton has a more cultural and arts orientated feel to it so I guess if push comes to shove I could see myself participating in events there if it came down to it. Edited June 18, 2010 by Further North Quote
Further North Posted June 18, 2010 Author Report Posted June 18, 2010 (edited) Income tax will be somewhat higher than you're used to I think, sales tax will be just the GST (5%) on most things. The federal tax is: * 15% on the first $40,970 of taxable income, + * 22% on the next $40,971 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income between $40,970 and $81,941), + * 26% on the next $45,080 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income between $81,941 and $127,021), + * 29% of taxable income over $127,021. And on top of that you will be paying the provincial income tax in Alberta, which is a flat 10% I believe. So if you make $55k you'd probably be paying about $12k in income taxes (the first ~$10k of income is exempt from taxes). Thanks! This is very helpful. Sounds like that wouldn't be too outrageous. Probably around $1/ L (that would translate to ~ $ 4.00 per gallon). Ouch. Although gas in my area runs from $2.69 on the low end in cheaper rural areas, and $3.29 on the extreme end if you're dumb enough to fill your tank up in downtown Chicago. $4 won't kill me I suppose. Expect to pay 1.5-2x what you pay in the US. That does suck though. I'm paying $56 a month for full coverage right now. Does Canada have "No Fault" insurance like the US does in some states? Basically, if you have an accident for which you aren't at-fault, and you live in a "no-fault" state, your own insurance must pay for your medical bills. The "no-fault" part comes from the fact that even though someone, say, plowed into the rear of your car while you were stopped at a red light, your own carrier must pick up the ambulance, hospital, rehabilitation, etc. It's generally more expensive in the states. I'd say an average of $30-$40 or more a month. Edited June 18, 2010 by Further North Quote
Bonam Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 Thanks! This is very helpful. Sounds like that wouldn't be too outrageous. Yep glad to help. Here's the government website with info on income tax rates if you're interested in looking a bit deeper: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/fq/txrts-eng.html#federal Quote
Oleg Bach Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 LOL I'll make sure that I don't pee behind any dumpsters in the alley then! Canada's view on drunk driving is one adjustment I'll have to take very seriously for sure. I've always abstained from driving after drinking as much as possible, but like most people in the US it hasn't been that out of the question that if I've only had a few beers over a long period of time that I would drive home afterward. Not a risk I'm willing to take anymore up there. They will leap on you for even smelling like yesterdays beer. BUT - I know of some great career drunk drivers..who are very good at what they do. Still don't bother - it's always a bad idea unless you live up by the arctic circle and drunk driving is a past time if you can find a road. GALGARY - from what I remember had a very small town atmosphere- always felt like it was one long stretched out aging sub-division - It lacked character and the down town core was pretty much Mickey Mouse. The only culture in town at that time was me - when I left I took it with me. One day I asked my girlfriend how much cash I had in the treasure box - if was a few thousand in cash - There was a snow storm..anyway - within five minutes of deciding to leave I was at the airport..and barreling down a very snowy run way...I simply left her and everybody else behind - just got up and flew away one night. Quote
GostHacked Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 I like Calgary, spent a few days there last year when I was going to Banff. The city is one of the more modern looking cities in Canada, and the scenery in the area is fantastic. And being that close to Banff if you like the outdoors, this is a fantastic place to live. I don't know about cost of living, but my impressions of the city are great. Also, one thing that surprised me when I was there... walking around downtown. I was hard pressed to find garbage or litter anywhere. Quote
Oleg Bach Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 I admit - to drive to Banff early saturday morning for breakfast was a grand little outing - to see the mountains come closer and the dazzeling panarama unfold was stunning and you can never get bored of it --- Plus I forgot about those little trips just north of Calgary - going duck hunting with the local hicks...Yes it is a beautiful place ...ALBERTA has the best of both worlds - the endless plains and the mountains meeting _ THAT makes living there worth it - it is God's contry and most are quite down to earth and conservative - but not in a Toronto sort of way. I say go - you will not regret it. Quote
Oleg Bach Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 I admit - to drive to Banff early saturday morning for breakfast was a grand little outing - to see the mountains come closer and the dazzeling panarama unfold was stunning and you can never get bored of it --- Plus I forgot about those little trips just north of Calgary - going duck hunting with the local hicks...Yes it is a beautiful place ...ALBERTA has the best of both worlds - the endless plains and the mountains meeting _ THAT makes living there worth it - it is God's contry and most are quite down to earth and conservative - but not in a Toronto sort of way. I say go - you will not regret it. JEZZ - MAYBE the ALBERTA tourist board would hire me - that was simple and not to bad. Quote
wyly Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 Thanks! I'll have to look into those areas. I think I may be generally more inclined to seek out Kensington if that is more of a vibrant area. I REALLY hate urban sprawl and the entire 3 years I lived in Chicago I rarely visited the suburbs because I couldn't think of a good reason to. IMO the 'burbs are for buying houses or raising kids, and I'm not expecting to be doing either soon!Kensington is popular with the young and restless, walking distance to the downtown core and river parks...but consider any NW location near the C-Train you'll have more options and still only be minutes away from Kensington...That's not too bad. Some people on other forums were saying $1200-$2000! I'm assuming that is for a prime expensive area. I won't have oil money and a ferrari to park in front of a wine bar! $600 - $1200 is about in line with what I was used to when I was living in Chicago. Having had several roommates over the years I'd probably look for one again. Having twice as much space for half as much money in exchange for slightly less privacy has always been appealing to me. it depends on location and quality and what your standards are, my bro-in-law rents a new two bed condo with garage 5 appliances for $1200...and I know a young lady who lives near kensington that pays $600 for a basement suite... I'm not expecting a World Class Art Scene like New York or anything like that. I'm more interested in going to Art Gallery openings and Gallery Walks, entering my artwork in exhibitions, etc. I'm currently living in Wisconsin close to Milwaukee and there's a small but close knit art scene there that I'm active in and that makes me happy. I've read more then a few times that Edmunton has a more cultural and arts orientated feel to it so I guess if push comes to shove I could see myself participating in events there if it came down to it. there are private and public gallerys so there must be some sort of art scene as well there is a major Art/Design College here(Acad) there are only 4 in Canada and none in Edmonton... Quote “Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives.”- John Stuart Mill
wyly Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 I admit - to drive to Banff early saturday morning for breakfast was a grand little outing - to see the mountains come closer and the dazzeling panarama unfold was stunning and you can never get bored of it --- well there is that, you can be in Banff skiing in an hour or so...I don't notice the mountians anymore, they're just where I look to see what kind of weather is blowing in...it is God's contry most are quite down to earth and conservative - but not in a Toronto sort of way. I say go - you will not regret it.you're confusing moral conservatism with finacial conservatism, unless you're old Calgary is not morally conservative Quote “Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives.”- John Stuart Mill
Further North Posted June 18, 2010 Author Report Posted June 18, 2010 I admit - to drive to Banff early saturday morning for breakfast was a grand little outing - to see the mountains come closer and the dazzeling panarama unfold was stunning and you can never get bored of it --- Plus I forgot about those little trips just north of Calgary - going duck hunting with the local hicks...Yes it is a beautiful place ...ALBERTA has the best of both worlds - the endless plains and the mountains meeting _ THAT makes living there worth it - it is God's contry and most are quite down to earth and conservative - but not in a Toronto sort of way. I say go - you will not regret it. The thought of being that close to the mountains really does excite me. I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where I was pretty much surrounded by the wilderness. 5,000 people in my hometown and the biggest "city" in the region was 60,000 people! I spent most of my life camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and hunting. It's a cultural norm there for most families to own additional property for hunting or to have a cabin. My family has 40 acres of land and some other lake front property too. I'd absolutely LOVE to be able to drive 45 min. to get to the mountains and do a weekend backpacking trip. I consider hiking to be somewhat akin to "recharging my batteries" in a mental and spiritual sense. Quote
Further North Posted June 18, 2010 Author Report Posted June 18, 2010 Kensington is popular with the young and restless, walking distance to the downtown core and river parks...but consider any NW location near the C-Train you'll have more options and still only be minutes away from Kensington... I'll definitely give that idea some thought. I always used the trains in Chicago whenever I could. I can count on one hand how many times I've paid for parking in Chicago, and most of them were before I lived there. Quote
Topaz Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 As far as houses go try www.homesacrosscanada.com then just go to Alberta. Quote
Oleg Bach Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 YOU are very fortunate and seem to know how to live..get up and go and stand on that mountain - put in a good word for me while you are looking at the grand mountain sky. Quote
Bonam Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 I'd absolutely LOVE to be able to drive 45 min. to get to the mountains and do a weekend backpacking trip. I consider hiking to be somewhat akin to "recharging my batteries" in a mental and spiritual sense. I'm the same way. You definitely won't be disappointed. The Banff/Jasper/Yoho national parks in the proximity have some of the most majestic mountains, trails, and back country areas on the continent. Especially if you are into mountaineering, as I am, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure in the area. If not, I highly recommend it, trekking across some of the glaciers and snowfields in the Canadian rockies with a group of friends was some of the best times I've had. Quote
GostHacked Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 (edited) I'm the same way. You definitely won't be disappointed. The Banff/Jasper/Yoho national parks in the proximity have some of the most majestic mountains, trails, and back country areas on the continent. Especially if you are into mountaineering, as I am, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure in the area. If not, I highly recommend it, trekking across some of the glaciers and snowfields in the Canadian rockies with a group of friends was some of the best times I've had. You can see pics of the area all you can. Nothing compares to actually seeing the mountains and such with your own eyes. I stood on the top of Sulphur Mountain there, and you simply cannot describe the scenery. It's incredibly awesome. I took one pic on top of the mountain ,,, with o.h.m. written on the wood railings,I use it for my pic on the music websites I post on. If I ever put out an official cd ... I am going to make a trip back there to get a better pic for the cover. Edited June 18, 2010 by GostHacked Quote
Guest American Woman Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 (edited) . Edited November 6, 2013 by American Woman Quote
GostHacked Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 I'm a Yooper, you're a Yooper, We are Yoopers all! And when we see a Yooper, We give the Yooper call! YOOP! YOOP! YOOP! YOOP! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yooper_dialect Thanks AW... had to look it up. good stuff. Quote
wyly Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 I'll definitely give that idea some thought. I always used the trains in Chicago whenever I could. I can count on one hand how many times I've paid for parking in Chicago, and most of them were before I lived there. checked todays rental listing...3 bedroom house in Kensington recently renovated $1495, reasonable road access to your work in the NE...3 bedroom Townhouse with garage in Dalhousie 5-10 minute walk to C-Train another 15 to Kensington $1,300, road access to work(McKight Blvd) very good...then there is Brentwood, c-Train connection, popular with the university crowd....my daughter a student at Acad tells me there are many private art gallerys, she visited 20 in one day for a school assignment... Quote “Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives.”- John Stuart Mill
Smallc Posted June 18, 2010 Report Posted June 18, 2010 (edited) roads are good ,public transit sucks unless you live nearby the C-Train or a connection that will take you to a C-Train Well, compared to most US cities, it would still be quite good. Canadians use transit more, and so our systems are generally more comprehensive. The TTC for example, covers something like the 10th (or lower) largest population on the continent, but is the third largest and most comprehensive transit system. Edited June 18, 2010 by Smallc Quote
Guest American Woman Posted June 19, 2010 Report Posted June 19, 2010 (edited) . Edited November 6, 2013 by American Woman Quote
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