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2 Lovely Alberta Cities American Expats And Retirees Should Consider That Placed Highly In A 2025 Ra
Summary
Sometimes a trip leaves you asking, "Could I live here?" According to a 2025 ranking of the top cities to live in Canada by Global Citizen Solutions, the Alberta cities of Calgary and Edmonton have compelling reasons to consider asking this question about them.
This wasn't the first time Alberta was spotlit in 2025 for its lifestyle appeal; it was also named 2025's "most desirable region" in the world. But while the broader province of Alberta gets attention for its gorgeous mountain scenery and parks, the Global Citizen Solutions ranking shows that its two largest cities are also highly livable, with strong economic potential, sturdy healthcare, and lots to do.
In determining its rankings, Global Citizen Solutions, an international migration firm, considered employment opportunities, salaries, and costs of living, as well as non-economic amenities like outdoor recreation, healthcare, and the community friendliness towards expats. Calgary took the number one spot for all of Canada, while Edmonton came in third. Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith celebrated the win on Facebook, writing, "With no provincial sales tax, a strong economy, and affordable family homes, Alberta stands apart as the best place to live, work, and raise a family in Canada." Here's a deeper look at what makes the two Alberta cities worthy of consideration for the expat or retirement life.
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Alberta's largest city, Calgary, is Canada's answer to Nashville. Global Citizen Solutions ranked it the most livable in the country thanks to its strong job market and salaries, access to the outdoors (it's located in Alberta's Rocky Mountain foothills), and its welcoming attitude towards new faces in the city.
The city has some lovely, walkable neighborhoods full of cafés and attractions. One that gets cited as one of Calgary's most walkable and lively is Beltline, specifically its section along 17th Avenue. A Reddit user described Beltline's draws as having "dozens of restaurants, bars and stuff to do. Multiple grocery stores, many cafes, tall buildings, lots of nightlife." Those looking for a quieter (but still walkable) neighborhood can spend time in Bridgeland, which has its own shops and bars, including the highly rated Bridgeland Distillery. It also happens to be home to the Calgary Zoo.
There's a bounty of nature in and around Calgary, too. Prince's Island Park is a gem of a park located right in the city center, cradled by the Bow River. It hosts two major annual festivals — the Canada Day celebration and the Calgary Folk Festival — among others and is crisscrossed by trails and flower gardens. Calgary is also just about an hour's drive from Banff National Park, which is famed for its majestic mountains and vibrant blue lakes. Whether you stick to the city or venture out to the Rockies, it's easy to fly in, with the Calgary International Airport located about a 15-minute drive from downtown.
While Calgary shines for its Rockies access and economic momentum, Edmonton stands out for its Jasper National Park access and youthful spirit. Ranked third on Global Citizen Solutions' list, Edmonton also scored points for its climate. The city is sunny 325 days per year on average with summers that have minimal humidity, while winters require some strategic layering. Modern healthcare, dining and shopping options, and festivals were also highlighted in the ranking.
Edmonton provides a mix of everyday conveniences and cultural attractions. In walkable neighborhoods like Downtown and Strathcona, visitors and locals alike have access to restaurants, parks, and markets. The Old Strathcona Farmer's Market is a standout, having won a Tourism Business of the Year award in 2024 and hosting over 140 local vendors in a historic brick warehouse. The West Edmonton Mall, another of the city's most beloved attractions, won a 2025 Travelers' Choice award from Tripadvisor. It has everything from clothing stores and eateries to a massive indoor waterpark and an aquarium.
Edmonton's youthful charm shows up strongly in its artsy festivals, including the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival and the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, both held in August. Even if you don't visit during the festival season, the city has numerous ways to enjoy the arts. Edmonton is home to the Art Gallery of Alberta, for example, which is home to over 6,000 art pieces worthy of multiple visits. Long-haul travelers can fly into the Edmonton International Airport, which is just a 30-minute drive from the city center.
Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets.
Read the original article on Islands.
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This wasn't the first time Alberta was spotlit in 2025 for its lifestyle appeal; it was also named 2025's "most desirable region" in the world. But while the broader province of Alberta gets attention for its gorgeous mountain scenery and parks, the Global Citizen Solutions ranking shows that its two largest cities are also highly livable, with strong economic potential, sturdy healthcare, and lots to do.
In determining its rankings, Global Citizen Solutions, an international migration firm, considered employment opportunities, salaries, and costs of living, as well as non-economic amenities like outdoor recreation, healthcare, and the community friendliness towards expats. Calgary took the number one spot for all of Canada, while Edmonton came in third. Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith celebrated the win on Facebook, writing, "With no provincial sales tax, a strong economy, and affordable family homes, Alberta stands apart as the best place to live, work, and raise a family in Canada." Here's a deeper look at what makes the two Alberta cities worthy of consideration for the expat or retirement life.
Read more: Things You Should Never Wear On A Plane
Alberta's largest city, Calgary, is Canada's answer to Nashville. Global Citizen Solutions ranked it the most livable in the country thanks to its strong job market and salaries, access to the outdoors (it's located in Alberta's Rocky Mountain foothills), and its welcoming attitude towards new faces in the city.
The city has some lovely, walkable neighborhoods full of cafés and attractions. One that gets cited as one of Calgary's most walkable and lively is Beltline, specifically its section along 17th Avenue. A Reddit user described Beltline's draws as having "dozens of restaurants, bars and stuff to do. Multiple grocery stores, many cafes, tall buildings, lots of nightlife." Those looking for a quieter (but still walkable) neighborhood can spend time in Bridgeland, which has its own shops and bars, including the highly rated Bridgeland Distillery. It also happens to be home to the Calgary Zoo.
There's a bounty of nature in and around Calgary, too. Prince's Island Park is a gem of a park located right in the city center, cradled by the Bow River. It hosts two major annual festivals — the Canada Day celebration and the Calgary Folk Festival — among others and is crisscrossed by trails and flower gardens. Calgary is also just about an hour's drive from Banff National Park, which is famed for its majestic mountains and vibrant blue lakes. Whether you stick to the city or venture out to the Rockies, it's easy to fly in, with the Calgary International Airport located about a 15-minute drive from downtown.
While Calgary shines for its Rockies access and economic momentum, Edmonton stands out for its Jasper National Park access and youthful spirit. Ranked third on Global Citizen Solutions' list, Edmonton also scored points for its climate. The city is sunny 325 days per year on average with summers that have minimal humidity, while winters require some strategic layering. Modern healthcare, dining and shopping options, and festivals were also highlighted in the ranking.
Edmonton provides a mix of everyday conveniences and cultural attractions. In walkable neighborhoods like Downtown and Strathcona, visitors and locals alike have access to restaurants, parks, and markets. The Old Strathcona Farmer's Market is a standout, having won a Tourism Business of the Year award in 2024 and hosting over 140 local vendors in a historic brick warehouse. The West Edmonton Mall, another of the city's most beloved attractions, won a 2025 Travelers' Choice award from Tripadvisor. It has everything from clothing stores and eateries to a massive indoor waterpark and an aquarium.
Edmonton's youthful charm shows up strongly in its artsy festivals, including the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival and the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, both held in August. Even if you don't visit during the festival season, the city has numerous ways to enjoy the arts. Edmonton is home to the Art Gallery of Alberta, for example, which is home to over 6,000 art pieces worthy of multiple visits. Long-haul travelers can fly into the Edmonton International Airport, which is just a 30-minute drive from the city center.
Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets.
Read the original article on Islands.
For those hoping to travel abroad this summer, Hidden Valley Ranch will pay you and three others for your European journey.
As the first retirement community in the U.S., this residential suburb is an affordable corner of Phoenix, sitting within Arizona's scenic desert landscape.
One of America's biggest music shops is a Fort Wayne landmark with a storied musical history and regular events that musicians and tourists flock to.
From practical must-haves to beach necessities.
In South Carolina, this historic hotel overlooks a bustling downtown park and offers easy access to Charleston's top-rated restaurants and boutiques.
From phone chargers to record players, these items could make all the difference to your visit.
Indiana is increasingly being recognized for its charming small towns, and communities like this one offer a glimpse into exactly why that is.
A line of tourists touch up their makeup before strutting across a rooftop in Rio de Janeiro's largest favela, posing for a drone as it zooms out to show dramatic aerial views of the hillside community."These videos I make always get a lot of views, and so I wanted to make one here in Rocinha because it's going viral all over the world," she told AFP.
She said the videos were "showing our country, showing our Rio de Janeiro, this is part of our culture."
According to a 2025 study, Canada boasts a pair of cities that are perfect places for retirees and expats to consider relocating to.
Today's amazing technical advances can make it hard for travelers to pack light. These tech gadgets are both inexpensive and perfect for your carry-on bag.
If you're a fan of Jack Daniel's whiskey, check out its distillery in Tennessee for a guided tour that includes historical information and whiskey samplings.
From traditional diners to fusion joints, these are some must-visit Utah locations featured in "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" that still deliver amazing food.
While freebies are rare on airplanes nowadays, these once-common trinkets are now a valuable collector's item, often carrying price tags in the triple digits.
Whether it's perfectly poured Guinness, live music, or Irish grub specials, these joints do St. Paddy's Day right, from New York and Boston to San Francisco.
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In the shallow waters of Southern California, patience and proximity unlock a transcendent encounter with nature.
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Houston Hobby and New Orleans airports are the hardest hit. Industry experts say Hobby and New Orleans may simply be outliers.
© 2026 Yahoo. All rights reserved.
AI Description
The article highlights Calgary and Edmonton as top cities for retirees and expats based on a 2025 ranking. It emphasizes Alberta's lifestyle appeal and global recognition.