Apartments for Rent in Calgary, AB
1,251 Rentals Available

Renter's guide to Calgary, AB

Calgary is a prairie city located in Alberta. Situated just 50 miles from the Canadian Rocky Mountains at the junction between the Bow River and Elbow River (named for its sharp elbow-like bend), this was a natural site for traders, farmers, and explorers to gather and for a large city to spring up. Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and the third-largest municipality in Canada, with a population of 1,392,609 people, according to census data.

Located on the Canadian prairies, the weather in Calgary is as hearty as its people, with cold winters, warm summers, and largely unpredictable weather. Winter temperatures can drop as low as -22°F and thunderstorms are also a frequent occurrence in the summer months, as are severe hail storms in the winter. But the news isn’t all bad; Calgary is also considered one of the sunniest major cities in Canada, with just over 332 days of sun per year.

If you’re not from Canada, it’s likely that you haven’t heard much about this city before. However, The Economist ranks Calgary as one of the most liveable cities in the world. Further cementing its spot as a global city, it was the first Canadian city to host the Winter Olympic Games in 1988.

Tips for renting in Calgary, AB

Things to do in Calgary, AB

Proud of its cowboy heritage, the Calgary Stampede rodeo that takes place over 10 days every July is known as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” and a fun thing to do with kids. For the artistically inclined, must-see attractions and points of interest in Calgary include the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and Theatre Calgary. Glenbow is also considered one of the best museums in Calgary.

It’s hard to run out of fun things to do in Calgary but if you need a rest, the famous resort town of Banff is just a 90-minute drive away.

Calgary, AB employment & economy

Despite not being as well-known as its coastal cousins, Toronto and Vancouver, Calgary has the distinction of being home to the 2^nd highest number of corporate head offices in Canada and is commonly considered the strongest economy in the country.

Ever since oil was discovered in 1914, the economy of Calgary has been closely intertwined with the energy (oil and gas) industry. As a result, Calgary’s unemployment rate, population, and economic growth rise and fall almost in lock step with oil prices in a "boom and bust" cycle.

But while the city is known for its oil reserves, investments in other sectors are gaining momentum. The energy industry is followed closely by agriculture, tourism, and high-tech manufacturing as major drivers of Calgary’s economic development. With time, these investments will help smooth out Calgary’s booms and busts, making it an even more attractive city.

Salaries in Calgary tend to be high while tax rates are low, allowing you to enjoy more disposable income. Perhaps owing to its wealth of oil and gas and other natural resources, the city is also home to the highest number of millionaires per capita of any major Canadian city.

Education in Calgary, AB

The University of Calgary is the top university here. Other top colleges include Mount Royal University, SAIT Polytechnic, and the Alberta College of Art and Design.

In most cases, the city assigns your child to a public school based on your home address, on availability, and the programs your child requires. As a result, it’s important to consider school assignments when choosing where to live.

The top public secondary school in Calgary, according to the Fraser Institute, is Western Canada High School, known for its football program. This school serves the Mount Royal and Cliff Bungalow communities. If you don’t plan on living in these areas, other top high schools in Calgary including Webber, Rundle College, and West Island College.

There are also plenty of choices for younger families. Top elementary schools in Calgary include Master’s Academy, Clearwater Academy, and Webber.

Top private schools in Calgary include many of the ones listed above like Webber, Rundle College, and Clearwater Academy.