Whether you’re looking for a place to raise a family, enjoy life on your own, or comfortably retire in Canada, Alberta should be at the top of your list. It doesn’t matter if you’re moving from another country, another province, or from within Alberta itself: There’s a plethora of reasons to move to Alberta real estate: higher wages, lower taxes, affordable homes for sale, and a low cost of living just to name a few.
While some people would love to reside in bustling metropolises like Calgary or Edmonton, others might dread living in a big city. If you’re more of a small-town person, Camrose may be the perfect place for your next move.
Camrose, AB, is the regional centre for Camrose County, and It’s located just an hour’s drive southeast of Edmonton real estate. Camrose is home to over 18K people and offers a more leisurely pace among beautiful rural areas, inexpensive real estate for sale, and a quality of life that’s second to none. Here’s a quick overview of the city:
Ready to discover if Camrose is a good fit for you? Here are 7 reasons to relocate to Camrose, AB.
Camrose Education Is Better Than In Surrounding Communities
Camrose offers abundant and diverse educational opportunities you won’t find in neighbouring communities like Wetaskiwin and Ponoka, and that’s a huge perk if you’re planning to relocate to Camrose, AB.
For residents with school-age children, the city provides access to elementary and secondary schools, both public and private, offering a variety of programs, from advanced placement courses to bilingual instruction. Public instruction in the city is under the supervision of three different authorities:
- Battle River School Division (BRSD)
- Conseil Scolaire Centre-Nord (CSCN)
- Elk Island Catholic Schools (EICS)
Battle River School Division (BRSD) is the main board and operates 37 above-average performing schools in Camrose and its surroundings. The other two school boards, EICS and CSCN, are in charge of two Catholic schools and two French Immersion schools, respectively.
For adults looking to take a few courses to upgrade their skills or earn a degree altogether, Camrose offers adult learning and training programs via the Camrose and Area Adult Learning Council and top-notch post-secondary education at the University of Alberta – Augustana Campus.
Camrose Has An Efficient Transportation System
Those who choose to relocate to Camrose have a few different transportation options to choose from. Since the city is mainly rural with some urban areas, having a car is the most cost-effective way of moving around. For motorists, Camrose is bisected by Highway 13, an east-west highway that quickly connects with Highway 2 for those who need to reach Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, and other Alberta cities. There’s also plenty of free parking downtown and at most city-run facilities.
Public transit is available for those looking to get around without a car. The Camrose Community Bus provides a fixed route service from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. In addition, Camrose real estate is served by the Red Arrow bus service, with connections to Edmonton, Calgary and other locations in the province. For those flying to or from Camrose, the closest airport is the Edmonton International Airport (YEG), located about 74 kilometres away (around 55 minutes).
Healthcare Is Top Notch In Camrose, AB
When it comes to healthcare, Camrose residents can rest assured that they are in good hands. Camrose has a very well-equipped hospital that offers top-notch care. In fact, many people from surrounding areas relocate to Camrose for medical attention. St. Mary’s Hospital, located just south of Downtown Camrose, is at the forefront of meeting the needs of its rural community with its cutting-edge facilities and services.
This modern and progressive hospital provides 24-hour emergency, acute and ambulatory care, child health services, geriatric services, surgery, palliative care, a community cancer centre, and much more. St. Mary’s Hospital is part of Covenant Health and operates in partnership with Alberta Health Services (AHS). AHS is part of Canada’s largest province-wide, fully integrated health system, providing health services to more than 4.4 million Albertans.
The Affordable Camrose Real Estate Market
Aside from its many comforts and pleasant rural atmosphere, one of the top reasons to relocate to Camrose is its comparatively inexpensive real estate market. The average price for a single-detached home for sale in Camrose is just over $400,000, and you can find a decent condo for sale for around $200,000.
That’s a steal, especially when you compare them to other Alberta markets. Calgary real estate is a good example. In Alberta’s most populous city, home prices went up by 5% in the span of a year, capping off at $510K. If you look outside of the province, you’ll need over $1M to afford an average detached property in cities like Vancouver or Toronto. That budget might be enough for you to enter the luxury real estate market in Camrose.
According to Zolo, in Camrose, Alberta, 70% of residents own a home, whereas 30% rent. The real estate market is very active, and there’s a variety of properties available, ranging from spacious downtown condos with views of Mirror Lake to gorgeous farm properties on acreage. Being predominantly rural, undeveloped real estate is abundant in Camrose, with prices starting at around $25,000.
There Are Exceptional Natural Outdoor Spaces In Camrose
Homebuyers who relocate to Camrose are fortunate to have many options for outdoor relaxation. With over 30 parks and expansive green spaces, you’ll enjoy nature, activity, and fresh air in Camrose no matter the time of the year. Also, the city is nicknamed the ‘Rose City” for the abundance of wild roses growing in its parkland. Whether you are looking for a place to take a leisurely stroll or adventurous hike, Camrose has a park perfect for you; let’s explore some of the most coveted spots:
- Mirror Lake Park: This is one of the most popular urban parks in the city and one of the reasons to relocate to Camrose if you have a family. Mirror Lake Park is adjacent to Mirror Lake, and it’s a hub for summer and winter activities. The park features a children’s playground surrounded by picnic tables, three kilometres of paved multi-use trails, and seasonal ice cream and food shack. During the winter months, Mirror Lake is cleared and flooded for outdoor skating, and several community skating rinks are developed.
- Jubilee Park: Located at 47 Avenue and 52 Street, Jubilee Park is the city’s favourite spot for family or group picnics, offering picnic shelters, a massive playground, an outdoor gym, and barbecue pits. The Jubilee Park loop connects to the Mirror Lake loop at its northern point and the Stoney Creek loop along its southern edge.
- Rudy Swanson Park: This park has great facilities and is accessible via major arterial roads, a great place to take the kids for a day of fun in Camrose. Rudy Swanson Park comprises vast open spaces, a skate park, multi-use sports fields, a baseball diamond, a recreation centre, a community centre, and an aquatic centre. The Camrose and District Centennial Museum is also on the park’s grounds.
Camrose Is A Great Place To Start A New Business
Camrose is a playground for entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their businesses. Unlike many other communities in Alberta, Camrose’s economy is not solely driven by oil and gas. In fact, the local, diversified economy remained stable even during the recent economic downturn of the province. Camrose is a vital service and shopping centre for the people living in Eastern Alberta and has a trading area that exceeds 150,000.
If you’re considering relocating to Camrose to start a new business, you’ll encounter a supportive business community. Other assets for entrepreneurs include:
- Camrose’s central location and strong transportation infrastructure.
- A workforce that’s skilled and educated.
- A business-friendly City Hall.
- Efficient tax rates and below-average land and building costs.
- The support of various organizations, including the Camrose Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Camrose Business Improvement Area.
You Can Find Any Recreational Activity In Camrose
One of the many reasons to relocate to Camrose, AB, is to have plenty of recreation opportunities. Camrose has a plethora of recreational activities for all ages, whether you’re looking to explore the city’s extensive trail system or would prefer playing golf or other sports, painting, skating, or swimming. Recreational amenities in Camrose, AB, include:
Trails
The city&#