Hi guys,

My wife is looking at relocating for work (big opportunity) and the company I work for also has an Edmonton office. According to my boss, a transfer would be a 'slam dunk' as they are always looking for employees with my training and 25+ years of experience.

We have 3 children 17, 15 and 12 who will not be please to hear we are moving, assuming it happens. They haven't been told anything at this point. Not until we are sure.

My couple questions to for our Albertan forum friends are:

- We will be looking to purchase another 4 BR home in the $450k to $500k price range. What are some recommended neighbourhoods?
For commuting sake, keep in mind that my wife would work near Twin Willows Golf on 137 Ave NW and my Edmonton office is 10830 Jasper Ave NW. We have no issue with ~30-40km commutes. From what I have read, Edmonton traffic is not to bad.

- Is St Albert as nice as many people claim?
- what are the 'better' local high and elementary schools for arts/music
- Are there other areas similar to St Albert?
- Any other useful tips/information you want to share?

TIA
Paul

 

It'll be a hellofa drive for Ribfest!!!!!

 

We are looking at Sherwood park for younger kids but for the access to what we value. In this case schools, activity and peace of mind. Perhaps I'll see you at a future meet!

We MAY have to move back to the Calgary area... Long story- but we took a HARD look at Sherwood park. If we're moving to the area- that's the endgame.

 

I'd love you help you out, Paul, but I don't know much about life in Edmonton except I hate the Oilers. And the Eskimos. Good luck.

 

^ haha

Sorry to see you go Paul and like Ian said, you're going to hate that 3000km commute to kitchener every year lol

At least you're stayin' Canadian though!

 

Edmonton is so trashy, we just went to visit a couple friends last weekend. Makes me glad I dont live there I would look at Sherwood park, Ardrossan, St. Albert, Ft. Saskatchwan. Be prepared to pay extra for everything in Alberta its called the Alberta Advantage!!

Get ready to see more guys with straight brimed hats, white sun glasses and lifted diesel trucks then you ever imagined possible!!

 

On the + side: no PST/HST. Yet.

 

...and, Albert's marginal income tax rate is 36% and much lower than here in Ontario at 43.4%.
e.g. on $120,000 income: Alberta net income ~$84k and Ontario net income ~$81k

7% diff in marginal tax rate combined with no PST can amount to a fair bit of moolah and the thought of it is enticing.

Anyway, the Mrs says her Monday interview, with the company Pres and a few others, went well. She won't know anything more until this Friday.

 

Ohhhh get a load of this guy. Moves to Calgary and a couple of months later thinks he Mr. high class....

On a more serious note, for the most part Gord is right. However, if you get in a good neighbourhood it is just fine living here. I am in Terwillegar Town, and like it a lot. It is a newer area (extension of the old Riverbend), and booming. Everything is very close, including school for my two kids (10 and 8). Most of the residence in the area have a better than average education, and it shows throughout the community....yes it is that simple.

On the flip side, north side for example is the exact opposite and is more in line with what Gord (Silvan) is saying. For the most part, it is known for the rig worgers.

St. Albert and Sherwood park are both nice areas (suberbs) of Edmonton, and you can't go wrong with either. All of these will put you in the $450,000-$550,000 range.

I am glad I spend the extra money to buy in Terwillegar, and appreciate the fact that I don't even have to even drive through the "trashy" areas of the city.

 

Be warned, though, if you do move to The Big Onion, you will be sorely tempted to get your car boosted by this guy ^^^

 

Don't warn him about that.... just let it happen.

 

I don't know what you guys are talking about .

 

Well my wife was hired by the Edmonton company. We just need to see a written offer (mid next week) that we will accept and it's a done deal.

It's looking like I better learn to tolerate the Eski's and Oilers. The good thing is I'm already acclimated to losing by living by next door to the Leaf's all of my 47 years. I am a true Bruins fan but settle for watching TO for many years.

 

Congrats to Mrs Mc. We'll expect to see you at the Alberta meets starting next spring.

 

^ Thanks.
I won't be around until after June 27th. That's the last day of elementary school here. You can be sure I will make it to a meet or two.