I.C.Y.M.I.: This Small Alberta Town Has Been Named One Of The ‘10 Best Places To Live In Canada’

Are you looking to level up your quality of life? According to a study in Moving Waldo, there are 10 places scattered around Canada that will help you do just that. The study compiled a list of the 10 best places to live in Canada based on where you can find the best possible quality of life. Those places were selected based on a number of factors, including low crime rates and affordable real estate. I mean, safe and affordable are two pretty important factors when plating roots, wouldn’t you say? Some other criteria used were access to recreational facilities and parks, health, pollution, climate, education, and employment.

The study found that Canada’s smaller towns and cities were absolute goldmines for quality of life, and you might be bummed to hear that all but one of the places that made the cut were in Eastern Canada. So. which place emerged as the shining jewel of Western Canada? High River, Alberta.

If you’re not familiar, High River is a town in the Calgary Metropolitan Region, just under 70 km from Calgary and known for its beautiful scenery and western hospitality. With a small population of under 14,000, High River is welcoming and filled with charm. Alberta is home to so many amazing places that you might be surprised that only one made the cut. Regardless, you may not be surprised that High River won the title if you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.

Moving Waldo awarded High River the 8th spot on the list, though the study did recognize it as “best for tranquillity and the outdoors” above all the rest. Some of the things that the study highlighted were the many annual events throughout the year, such as old-fashioned holiday parties. It was also noted that the place has a great art scene, with lots of craft fairs, galleries, and art studios. Another feather in High River’s cap, according to the study, is the demand for supervision in the food and beverage industry, meaning that you might not have a problem finding work there if you have a background in the hospitality industry.

One of the most attractive parts of the town is that it’s one of the most affordable places to live in the province. The study noted that buying a home costs about $371,000 while renting a two-bedroom costs only about $1,030. What’s also enticing is that the crime rate in High River is nearly 40% lower than in the province of Alberta as a whole.

If you’re wondering which other places made the cut, we won’t hold out on you. The place that earned the top spot was Edmundston, New Brunswick, recognized for its many employment opportunities, specifically for nurses, doctors, and civil engineers. Next was Saguenay, Quebec, the best for first-time home buyers. Third was Lévis, Quebec, followed by Deep River Ontario and Trenton, Nova Scotia. In sixth was Québec City, then Thetford Mines, Quebec, and after High River were Barrie, Ontario and Wellington County, Ontario.

While Eastern Canada has taken the cake, we’re proud to have earned a spot for Alberta.

Britanny Burr is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This content has been republished for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Hot Summer Guide advertising feature. The Hot Summer Guide is a special feature about summer activities, bucket list adventures, staycation options, road trips, attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.

This article was originally published on August 14, 2023.