Retirement is a season of life that many look forward to for 5 and even 10 years. There are so many things to look forward to in retirement, whether that be travelling, spending time with the family, or beginning some new hobbies. Whatever you plan to do when you retire, you’ll want to make sure your home is more than equipped with the features and amenities you need. If you are searching for Alberta homes for sale to retire in, here are some of the cities that should be first on your list:
Calgary, AB
Calgary is known as the jewel of Alberta, providing an excellent home for Albertans of all ages. However, Calgary is also an exceptionally ideal spot for those who are in retirement, as evidenced by our Calgary vs other popular Canadian cities post. With a variety of clean, safe, neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the city, retirees love the serenity they can find here. Rocky Ridge and Christie Park-Signal Hill are two of the best spots to retire to, bringing a suburban feel to an otherwise bustling city. Many of the neighbourhoods in Calgary offer sidewalks, trails, and parks for residents to enjoy. Calgary is an excellent city to take in the fresh mountain air and retire in peace.
When the serenity gets a little too quiet, Calgary still has a number of city amenities to offer. With restaurants, shopping, and attractions galore, Calgary can be the perfect place for a day out with the family. Whether your grandkids could spend hours at the park or want to eat their way through the day, Calgary places it all right at your fingertips. This city truly provides you with the best of both worlds.
One of the best retirement perks in Calgary is its proximity to health care centres. TELLUS Health Care is located right in the city centre, providing quick care to those who need it. There are also a number of Community Health Centres in the area that offer specialised and in-home care.
Edmonton, AB
Edmonton is relatively similar to Calgary, as it offers vibrant city amenities to all who reside there. However, in contrast to Calgary, Edmonton is well-suited for those who want to retire closer to the hustle and bustle. If you’re looking forward to retirement giving you the time to explore the city and try out different restaurants and amenities, Edmonton could be ideal for you. Edmonton offers over 70 museums, city parks, and other green spaces for you to spend the day in. It is an exceptionally great place to take the grandkids out for the day, as Edmonton provides a number of attractions for them to discover.
When it comes to health care, Edmonton offers 4 major hospitals, giving you access to whatever care you may need. In addition, Edmonton has some of the lowest taxes in the country and an excellent support network for seniors. There are several senior community centres that serve the area as well. Be warned, though, winters can get harsh in Edmonton. However, if you’re prepared to crank up the heat and stay in for the winter, you may want to consider Edmonton.
Red Deer, AB
Looking for a town with a smaller population and a natural environment? Red Deer is your dream retirement location! Nestled along the banks of the Red Deer River, many walking trails, nature paths, and lakes are available for residents to take advantage of. Sylvan Lake and Gull Lake are both local favourites. For those who love to spend time outdoors, Red Deer offers activities such as fly fishing, calm canoeing adventures, and educational nature tours. If you’d rather just sit for a while and take in the view, there is plenty of space for that as well.
In addition to the vast beauty of Red Deer, the city has also been named the Cultural Capital of Canada, so it offers a number of museums and galleries for residents to explore. This can make for an excellent day out with the family or an exciting outing on your own.
Red Deer has a lot to offer the senior community, with little traffic or noise congestion, proximity to local amenities, easy access to transportation, and the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre serving residents. If you are wanting to stay in a retirement community, The Hamlets at Deer Park are top-rated and offer seniors with easy living. With both independent and assisted living to choose from, you’ll find everything you need in Red Deer.
Lloydminster, AB
If you want to retire in a town that prides itself on hard work and integrity, Lloydminster should be on your radar. This well-established town is a safe place to put down roots in Alberta, especially for those in retirement. Housing here is more affordable than in many other cities, and this smaller city is just minutes away from Calgary. Those who retire in Lloydminster have direct access to shopping, dining, amenities, and green spaces, providing plenty of different ways to spend your days in retirement.
There are over 55 retirement communities in Lloydminster that provide independent and assisted living, as well as in-home care. There are several top-rated medical facilities right at your fingertips in Lloydminster, ensuring that you have access to the best care possible no matter your needs.
Canmore, AB
Situated just 20km outside of Banff, this picturesque community was listed as the 7th best city to live in Canada in 2018. Low crime rates, low property taxes, and high net household income are just a few of the reasons that people choose Canmore as their home for retirement. Even more than that, Canmore is nestled among the mountains, providing a serene and peaceful environment to retire in. Canmore makes it easy to breathe in the fresh mountain air and spend time with others who are in the same season of life.
Canmore offers one of the best retirement communities outside of Calgary, with high quality health care and calming coffee shops and breakfast spots to spend your days. The Canmore Seniors Association provides an active and comfortable lifestyle for seniors and retirees, providing social events, indoor and outdoor activities, and educational support. Within this community, you will find numerous opportunities for hiking, kayaking, biking, wildlife watching, and more. There is no better way to spend retirement than in the relaxing ambiance of a mountain town like Canmore.
Best Retirement Cities in Alberta
We hope this list gave you a good jumping off point for your retirement home search. Whether you want to retire in an active community or want something more calming and natural, Alberta has it all.
If you want to consider other cities in Canada, you might want to check out some of the best cities to retire to in British Columbia and Ontario.
