Following the pandemic, a significant shift occurred among Canadians, with many opting to leave major cities for the tranquillity and affordability of smaller towns.
This trend was so pronounced that towns near large cities across Alberta experienced unprecedented growth. Cochrane, Airdrie, Beaumont, and Spruce Grove, in particular, grew fast.
These towns are now evolving into the busy hubs that people were trying to escape in the first place!
The migration also led to a spike in housing prices in these areas, reaching or even surpassing the prices in nearby Calgary and Edmonton. For example, the current average house price in Cochrane is $728,000 versus Calgary’s average of $723,000.
But don’t fret if you are on a limited budget. Good options still exist.
For those willing to settle a bit further from Calgary and Edmonton, many charming small Albertan towns strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and quality of life.
Although the five towns listed below are too distant for daily commuting, they are ideal for remote workers or those seeking new career opportunities in smaller communities.
If you’re considering a move and can adapt to working from home or shifting your career locally, one of these Alberta towns might just be your next home.
Happy moving day!
Camrose
Nestled in central Alberta and located about 90 km southeast of Edmonton, this charming small city, with a population of around 18,000, offers the ideal blend of affordability and big-city services.
Camrose is uniquely situated at the intersection of the prairie, parkland and boreal forest regions, and is on a major waterfowl flyway, making it a fantastic place for bird watchers.
The town is graced with picturesque Stoney Creek, which flows into the nearby Battle River, enriching the area with abundant water sources.
Residents and visitors can enjoy the city’s numerous parks and trails, a vibrant arts and culture scene, museums, historic sites, and ample camping and recreation opportunities in nearby lakes.
Camrose serves as an economic hub for surrounding small farming communities, offering a plethora of farm-fresh food options at every corner. The community is full of knowledgeable gardening enthusiasts and some of the best soil in Alberta, so for those looking to grow their own food, Camrose is the place!
Camrose offers a wide range of housing options and amazing affordability, with the average house price in 2023 of $252,000 compared with Edmonton’s average of $471,900.
Known for its excellent healthcare and elder services, historic downtown and high-quality schools, including the Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta, Camrose combines the warmth of a small town with all the conveniences of a big city, making it the ideal place to live.
Nanton
Nanton, 90 km south of Calgary, is a haven for enthusiasts of all things cute, old, and quirky.
The funky town has a cozy population of just over 2,200; Nanton is a prime destination for lovers of antiques and collectibles, boasting a rich history and distinctive character.
The town has more antique shops per capita than anywhere else in Alberta, and Calgarians regularly venture to Nanton to find unique treasures to decorate their homes.
Nanton is famous not only for antiques but for its unique attractions, including the Bomber Command Museum of Canada, the delightful Nanton Candy Store, the Antique and Art Walk of Alberta, the informative Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre, and the enchanting Museum of Miniatures, among others.
Just west of the town lies the wild and picturesque Porcupine Hills, a mecca for camping, hiking and exploring.
Beyond being a dream destination for antique hunters., Nanton’s quaint charm is further accentuated by its vintage-style street facades and abundant green spaces, as well as its affordability, with average house prices coming in at $272,000.
Fort Macleod
Fort Macleod, originally named simply Macleod, is steeped in history and named after Colonel James Macleod of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP).
This history is prominently showcased in one of its key attractions, the NWMP Fort Museum. Renowned for its impressive historical exhibits, the museum becomes a vibrant activity center during the tourist season, featuring engaging live performances that offer a vivid look into the past.
Another highlight of Fort Macleod is its well-preserved, historic downtown.
In 1978, Alberta Culture began cataloging the downtown buildings, leading to its designation in 1982 as Alberta’s first “Provincial Historic Area.”
Heritage Canada initiated the Main Street Restoration Project the same year, focusing on preserving the area’s distinct sandstone and brick buildings, some of which date back to 1878.
This charming downtown area, which has attracted visitors from across Canada, has also served as the setting for numerous films such as Interstellar, Brokeback Mountain, Let Him Go, Ghostbusters Afterlife, and The Last of Us.
Adding to the town’s appeal is the Empress Theatre. Revered as a ‘first-class opera house,’ it stands as the town’s bustling cultural center, hosting a variety of movies and theatrical productions.
For those considering making Fort Macleod their home, the town, with a population of around 3,300, has most of the necessary amenities and is conveniently situated just 50 km west of Lethbridge. The average house price in Fort Macleod is $358,000, a figure influenced by its proximity to Lethbridge.
Grande Cache
If you want to get away from it all, then Grande Cache is your destination.
Located 145 km northwest of Hinton and 435 km from Edmonton, Grand Cache is a quaint hamlet of 3,300 renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including shimmering lakes, lush valleys, and picturesque rivers.
The beauty of this area is almost unbelievable, offering views that encompass over 20 mountain peaks and two river valleys.
It’s a popular spot for activities like camping, hiking, and immersing oneself in nature.
Located on the edge of the Northern Rockies and adjacent to the wild and roadless Willmore Wilderness Park, an area abundant with vibrant wildflowers and diverse wildlife, Grande Cache promises an enchanting outdoor experience.
The community suffered a boom-bust cycle due to the dependence on a single employer that depended on a single commodity: coal. But in recent years, there has been a boom in wilderness tourism.
Whether your interests lie in golfing, paddling, skiing, fishing, or a mix of these outdoor pursuits, Grande Cache is a destination that’s truly worth exploring.
Imagine Canmore, but for a quarter of the price!
Average house prices in Grand Cache in 2023 were $320,000.
Pincher Creek
Pincher Creek, nestled in a charming valley in the eastern foothills of the Canadian Rockies in southern Alberta, serves as a perfect gateway for outdoor adventures.
Pincher Creek is 100 km west of Lethbridge and 210 km south of Calgary.
Despite its seemingly unassuming nature, the town is famed as Canada’s “Wind Capital,” characterized by numerous majestic wind turbines dotting the landscape, contributing to various wind energy initiatives.
Surprisingly, these turbines add to the scenic beauty of the area.
While its proximity to many renowned attractions, such as Waterton Lakes National Park and Castle Mountain Ski Resort, makes it a convenient stopover, Pincher Creek stands out as an attractive place to live.
The town of 3,600 offers a range of activities for all ages, including rock climbing, kayaking, snowmobiling, and skiing, and has an active outdoor culture and arts and culture scene.
The average house price in 2023 was $323,000
