Retirement is an exciting journey – one which allows you to focus your energy on what matters most to you! Plus, the financial and personal freedoms that come with downsizing your home for retirement can open up even more opportunities during your golden years. The most important question is: Where are the best places to retire in Alberta?

If you ask us, the best province to retire in is Alberta, and we think the best city to retire in is Calgary. Nestled at the foot of the Rockies, Calgary is a fast-growing city that makes for an exciting and well-balanced place to live no matter what you’re looking for.

In this blog, we’ll explain why we think Calgary is the best place to retire in Alberta. We’ll also offer up a few alternatives if you’re hoping to live outside the city.

Is Calgary a Good Place to Retire?

When it comes to lifestyle, it’s hard to picture a better place for retirement than Calgary – an exciting, convenient, and all-in-one city. To that end, when you’re retired, you’ve got greater time and flexibility to make the most of what Calgary has to offer.

Whether you’re into spending time outdoors, making day trips to the Rockies, checking out cultural events around town, volunteering, or simply being with friends and family, you’ll never run out of things to do here.

Even if you’d like to become a frequent traveller or snowbird, Calgary’s great selection of low-maintenance retiree-friendly housing makes it easy to pack and go without worrying about who will look after your place.

Buying or selling a home as part of your retirement plan? You may find these blogs helpful!

Finding The Right Home For Your Next Chapter

One of the most compelling reasons to retire in Calgary is the fantastic homes. Whether you already live in Calgary or are thinking about relocating to Alberta’s largest city, you’ll find the perfect place for your golden years here.

That being said, there are a few misconceptions out there about how Calgary homes are valued these days – and what you can get for what price. When the time comes to search for your next home, you might need to reset your expectations.

If you, like most pre-retirees, have owned your home for a long time (maybe even decades), it’s important to understand that Calgary’s real estate market is not like it used to be. Properties in Calgary have quickly and steadily appreciated over the last several years. For instance, you won’t find homes on large lots for less than $500,000 anymore.

Do your research and work with a local Calgary real estate agent to find the right home for your lifestyle and budget – more on that later.

Leveraging Your Equity

Here’s the good news, your Calgary home has likely gone up in value since the last time you bought it. Leveraging this equity, you can create a nice financial foundation for your next chapter. That being said, you can’t just list your home as-is and hope to sell for top dollar.

Calgary’s real estate market is complex, constantly changing, and different based on where you are in the city. With that in mind, accomplishing a high-result home sale will require planning, the right strategies, and help from a local real estate agent who knows how to help you make the most of the market.

Ready to make the most of your home equity? Check out these other posts from our blog for advice on maximizing your home sale.

Where to Retire Outside of Calgary

If you’re looking for a small community feel, you’ll be happy to know that some of the best small towns in Alberta to retire are just outside of Calgary.

Airdrie, Alberta

Located just north of Calgary, Airdrie is a small city that’s been growing in recent years. Just a short drive from Calgary International Airport, it’s a top choice for retirees who travel often.

Okotoks, Alberta

About 35 minutes south of downtown Calgary is Okotoks, a mid-size suburb that has plenty of small-town charm and most essential amenities.

Chestermere, Alberta

One of Calgary’s most sought-after suburbs, Chestermere is a master-planned community of about 22,000. Developed around a scenic lake and award-winning golf course, it’s ideal for retirees who appreciate time spent outdoors.

Strathmore, Alberta

A little further west of Chestermere lies Strathmore, a quaint town perfect for those looking to get a little further away from the city (about a 40 minute drive) without getting too rural.

Downsizing With Dolce Group

Downsizing your home can provide substantial financial benefits by allowing you to access the equity you’ve accumulated over time. For a smooth and successful downsizing experience, consider partnering with a knowledgeable, full-service real estate team such as Dolce Real Estate.

With decades of combined experience, we’ve helped countless retirees in Calgary earn as much money as possible from their home sale and find a great place to live next. If you’re looking to buy, sell, or both as a retiree, we’re here to help!

Searching for a local team that can guide you through a smooth downsizing process? Look no further than Dolce Real Estate. Call 403-999-5882 send us an email at info@dolcerealestate.ca.

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