Lethbridge is in the south-central region of Alberta, close to the US border and the Rocky Mountains. Its prime location makes it a central hub for transportation and business for Southern Alberta. The city has experienced significant population growth in the past two decades and currently sits around 100,000 residents, making it the fourth largest city in Alberta. While an underrated city, Lethbridge has a lot to offer to newcomers. Let’s learn about some of the reasons you should consider moving to Lethbridge.
Beautiful Moderate Climate
One of the big things that draw newcomers to Lethbridge is its moderate climate, made possible by the proximity of the Rocky Mountains. It can sometimes be very windy, with warm summers and mild winters. During the winter, warm winds blow in from the mountains, bringing mild temperatures and melting snow. The 320+ days of sun per year make Lethbridge one of Canada’s sunniest cities.
Low Cost of Living
Compared to Alberta’s two major cities, Calgary and Edmonton, Lethbridge is a considerably cheaper city in which to live. According to the government of Alberta, the average weekly earnings in the city are $1268, while the average cost of living comes in at $1,530 per month. Reasonable home prices are another major factor that drives individuals and families to move to Lethbridge since they are generally a fraction of the price of homes in Calgary and Edmonton. Lethbridge ranked 6th on the top places to invest in real estate in Alberta by the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN).
Quality Education
In addition to its five high schools and four middle schools, Lethbridge is home to two post-secondary institutions. The University of Lethbridge is the largest, known for its leading research programs and 200+ degree, diploma, and certificate courses, including graduate programs. Lethbridge College was the first publicly funded community college in Canada and has transfer agreements with other Alberta universities for students to continue their studies if desired. The two institutions account for about 20 percent of the city’s population during the school year since many move in from outside of town.
Abundant Job Opportunities
Lethbridge is the central hub of Southern Alberta and has plenty of opportunities in various industries. Of Lethbridge’s top 10 employers, nine are in health care, education, and government services (the tenth is in freight transportation), and these account for more than 13,000 jobs in Lethbridge, about 20 percent of employed residents. As an agricultural and manufacturing hub, Lethbridge is also a good place to move for work in other key industries like agri-food, manufacturing, and logistics.
Easy to Get Around
Lethbridge has a small-town feel, and most places you will need will be very close to where you live. It generally takes about 15 minutes to get anywhere in the city by car or a few minutes longer during rush hour. There are also paths for walking and biking throughout the city and a transit system that can get you where you need to go.
Proximity to Other Areas
Lethbridge is in a prime location for access to other landmarks. Calgary is only a two-hour drive north by car, and many residents enjoy the convenient access to its larger businesses. Going south, the border is only an hour’s drive before crossing into Montana. The Rocky Mountains are about a 90-minute drive west, where many residents enjoy camping, hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air. While Waterton National Park is the most common tourist location, the Crowsnest Pass is also a beautiful location to visit in the Rockies. Just remember your winter tires if you want to cross into BC during the winter months!
Abundance of Recreational Activities
Within the city of Lethbridge, there is always something to do and enjoy. The city has an independent business culture, including some notable eateries like Two Guys and a Pizza Place, featured on Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here! Residents are big supporters of their baseball and hockey teams, the Lethbridge Bulls and the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Lethbridge has an active arts scene with its own symphony orchestra, local theatre groups, and music concerts that host major artists like Bryan Adams, Styx, and Three Days Grace.
There are many features that make Lethbridge an ideal place to live. It has a reasonable cost of living compared to other parts of Canada, a strong economy, and plenty to see and do while still having the feel of living somewhere small and intimate.