Moving to Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

I first posted this article in May of 2008 and since then, our city has grown and a few of the other statistics have changed. Here is an updated version!

If you are considering moving to Lethbridge, Alberta here is some information that may help you make your decision.

Overview

As of January 2009, our city's population is just under 84,000 and growing steadily. The city is divided into three main areas, namely South Lethbridge, North Lethbridge and West Lethbridge. Lethbridge is situated roughly an hour and a half drive south of Calgary, AB which is home to the Calgary International Airport (YYC), and roughly an hour and a half north of the Montana, US border.

Weather

There is a saying about the weather in Lethbridge, AB... if you don't like it, wait an hour and it will change! Although our weather patterns are sometimes unpredictable, our winters are generally milder thanks to frequent "chinooks" or the warm west winds that provide reprieve from our cold snaps.

Employment

Service and trade industries generate more than 50 per cent of all the occupations in Lethbridge. The majority of occupations are diversified across the industries of manufacturing, public sector services, construction, transportation, finance/insurance/real estate and food processing.

Lethbridge employers draw workers from a large commuting area consisting of rural areas and smaller towns and villages within a 100 kilometer radius. The extended workforce population is estimated to be 86,000.

Our current unemployment rate as of January 2009 sits at 3.1% (slightly below the provincial average of 4.1% and well below the national rate of 6.6%)and there are many convenient ways to search for jobs in Lethbridge.

Schools and Post-Secondary Education

There are an abundance of choices when it comes to education and schools in Lethbridge. The Lethbridge School System consists of the Lethbridge School District No. 51 and the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division No. 4. It is also home to both the University of Lethbridge and the Lethbridge College. The U of L boasts flexible undergraduate programs in Arts and Science, Education, Fine Arts, Health Sciences and Management and the Lethbridge College also offers a wide array of both credit and non-credit programs and courses.

Lifestyle

There are countless ways to enjoy your free time in Lethbridge. For the sports enthusiasts, we are home to the Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club, the Lethbridge Bulls Baseball Club, and the Lethbridge Soccer Centre to name a few. If the arts are for you, you can check out the New West Theatre productions or the Lethbridge Symphony. Or you can just take a stroll though one of our many parks and recreation areas. There's lots to do when you are seeking entertainment in Lethbridge.

If you've already made your decision to move, give me a call and I can help you find the perfect home. Or check us out at Lethbridge Real Estate for answers to all your real estate questions and helpful moving tips and checklists!