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Moving to Lethbridge, Alberta: A Guide on Buying Property in the City of Lethbridge
As Alberta becomes an attractive option for out-of-province buyers, Lethbridge is quickly becoming one of the province's most appealing cities to purchase property, primarily because of its livability, affordability, and sense of community, making the city an excellent choice for families, professionals, and retirees. If you're considering or in the process of relocating to Lethbridge, Alberta, this guide should help you understand what to expect when residing in the city. Lethbridge Housing Market In the first quarter of 2022, housing prices in Lethbridge increased by 6% year-over-year as inventory in the city reached record lows. The increase is the most blatant sign of the hot demand in the housing market, spurred by a general consensus that Lethbridge provides far more value than its neighboring Calgary. This is certainly the case. Single-family detached homes in Lethbridge have an average price of $335,000, a 49% decrease compared to Calgary's $651,000 (May 2022) detached average. These affordable property prices in combination of the vast selection of livable neighborhoods makes it worthwhile for buyers to naviate Lethbridge's property market in search for a far more affordable "forever home." But finding a forever home starts with finding a forever neighborhood, a perfect oasis for your ambitions and lifestyle and the lifestyle and ambitions you want for your family. While Lethbridge has a number of outstanding neighborhoods, these five in particular stand out. Lethbridge Neighborhoods Buyers are spoiled for choice when moving to Lethbridge, Alberta. Not only are many buyers pleasantly surprised by the affordable turnkey homes with state-of-the-art features, but the amenities offered by some of Lethbridge's most livable neighbourhoods. Southgate As Lethbridge's most sought-after neighbourhood, Southgate is the perfect place to raise a family. The neighbourhood has a variety of conveniences, like proximity to amenities, schools, and greenways. Southgate has also become well-known for its safety, neighbourly atmosphere, and walkability, encouraging an active lifestyle and fostering a sense of security. The neighbourhood, with a population of nearly 4,000, is one of the highest-ranked neighbourhoods in Alberta and has proximity to a shopping district. Southgate also has plenty of green spaces like Southgate Park, with its spacious walkways and ponds attracting several species of birds and aquatic plants that offer a quiet escape from busy city life. Property prices in the picturesque neighbourhood average $507,484; a steal considering the square footage, amenities, and features each house offers. Ridgewood Heights Located in West Lethbridge, Ridgewood Heights is known for being one of Lethbridge's prestigious neighbourhoods. Ridgewood offers quick access to the city's leading schools, properties with breathtaking Coulee views, and access to Whoop-Up Drive and Highway 3, leading you to Downtown and Banff respectively. While it has access to a significant network of major roads, Ridgewood Heights is a rather sheltered neighbourhood, maintaining idyllic isolation from the noise and busyness of main roads. Beyond its tremendous access to Alberta's gems like Banff, Ridgewood Heights is also great for young families with active lifestyles. Ridgewood Park, for example, has plenty of open spaces for impromptu games and a playground perfect for young children. The park also has trails that lead to adjoining parks like Coachwood Park. From Ridgewood Park, you also have informal access to the coulees, a perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon. Paradise Canyon Any active family will love Paradise Canyon; not only is the neighbourhood safe with an unparalleled neighbourly atmosphere but it's also anchored by Paradise Canyon Golf Resort with its world-class golfing and dining. The 18-hole course has breathtaking views of the Oldman River, which runs along the edge of the course and provides the perfect backdrop for a game. On the upper end of the neighbourhood, you'll find detached properties with access to the coulees. As you get closer to the golf course, you'll find condos and multi family homes. Neighbourhood parks are also in abundance in the area, you have your choice of Canyon Creek Park and Paradise Canyon Park, but you also have Popson Park, an off-leash park, where hiking trails abound, and you can spend the afternoon fishing, swimming, and enjoying some family time. Henderson Lake If you're searching for a sense of community in a neighbourhood, Henderson Lake offers just that. The area is home to Henderson Lake Park, Henderson Lake Golf Club, and the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. Making your way down to Henderson Lake Park, a premier park with over 7km of pathways, a play area for children, and a 24-hectare man-made lake, you can enjoy running or walking on the trails or frolic in the endless water activities offered by the lake. Activities include kayaking, canoeing, and fishing; in winter, you can also enjoy outdoor skating. It's a paradise for everyone in the family. The park is also community-orientated, hosting a range of Canada Day Festivities and the Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival, in addition to plenty of other community-focused fun days. The family will also enjoy the Henderson Lake Golf Club, a public golf club that offers everything from beginner courses to ladies' leagues and corporate events, or if teeing off isn't part of your family's cup of tea, you'll also enjoy the Henderson Grill, a casual, family-friendly dining experience. Residents of Henderson Lake also have unparalleled access to Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, an immersive adventure that allows you to experience Japanese culture right on your doorstep. Lakeview Lakeview, located along the Southern edge of Lethbridge, Alberta, is known as a mature neighbourhood. But walking distance to Lakeview School, an elementary school with fantastic programs, and Gilbert Paterson Middle School has made it increasingly popular among out-of-state young buyers looking for easy access to necessities. The neighbourhood is also stone-throwing distance from plenty of retail spaces and parks, making your Saturday shopping an easy feat. You'll enjoy the five parks that dot the community, with Lakeview Park -- opposite Lakeview School -- being the largest. The park is perfect for an active family, offering an outside gym, large open spaces for children to play, and paved trails enhanced with majestic old trees. Properties in the neighbourhood are consistently below $500,000, with many being in the $300,000 range. Other Neighborhoods in Lethbridge, Alberta Depending on your lifestyle and budget, you'll also find neighbourhoods like Copperwood, Indian Battle Heights, Willowbrook, Varsity Village, Legacy Ridge, Park Meadows, Winston Churchill, Upper Eastside, Redwood, and Fairmont appealing, but it's best to discuss your choices with your real estate agent. Regardless of where you decide to purchase property in Lethbridge, it's hard to go wrong with your selection as each neighbourhood has its own characteristics and dozens of advantages. What it's Like Living in Lethbridge Alberta Beyond being an affordable city to live in, residing in the city of Lethbridge also means you'll gain access to the city's industries, schools, and universities. It's access to these sorts of amenities that make it more appealing to reside in one of Alberta's fastest-growing towns. Lethbridge Weather Lethbridge is known for sunny weather, spanning 320 days of the year, although temperatures can fall into the low single digits, and there are some snowy days in the city's coldest months. But, overall, the city remains comfortable and mild. Moving to Lethbridge, you can expect mild winters courtesy of the semi-arid climate and Chinook winds. From June, the temperatures rise, maintaining a comfortable heat of the mid-to-upper-twenties until the middle of September. These three months offer plenty of time to explore the 240km of trails, waterways, and coulees that Lethbridge offers. Then, from the middle of September, temperatures start dropping until November, when the coldest months of the year begin. January is typically the coldest time of the year, when it may snow on occasion. Lethbridge, Alberta, Industries Lethbridge is home to several thriving industries and a growing business district. The result of which is plenty of job opportunities in multiple sectors, but it's also the perfect environment for startups, businesses, and entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs and Business Owners Business owners and entrepreneurs who move to the city can expect to find a growing workforce; most recent data (2020) places the number of people in the workforce at 66,300. Lethbridge businesses also benefit from the lowered tax rates that form part of Alberta's recovery plan. Corporate income tax now stands at 8 percent for companies making more than $500,000 a year, but smaller businesses making up to $500,000, only have a 2 percent tax rate. The overall business climate is also poised to generate investment in the province and spur job creation, with Alberta opting out of imposing any additional tax like sales tax, payroll tax, or provincial capital tax. Furthermore, businesses that invest in research and development could benefit from Alberta's Innovation Employment Grant. Professionals Lethbridge was a typical farming community, with most of its industry being linked to agriculture. But that has changed in recent years, partly due to a welcoming business environment and a migration of highly skilled labourers and professionals. Presently, Lethbridge, Alberta, has a lower unemployment rate (6.6%) than the province's average and less than larger cities like Calgary and Edmonton, according to recent data. This points to the expansion experienced in several industries, like financial, technical and professional services. Some of the largest employers in these fields are Lethbridge Research Centre and MNP LLP. Labourers Lethbridge has a flourishing construction and manufacturing industry. Several manufacturing companies call the city home due to its inviting and business-friendly but also because of the phenomenal labour force in the province that are both expertly skilled and —attracted to the lower cost of living — call Lethbridge, Alberta home. Teachers, Professors, and Healthcare Workers Professionals in education and healthcare can expect to join Lethbridge's most established industries, with the two industries accounting for 70 percent of the province's top 10 employers. Those in education have the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College in addition to district school jobs and Catholic school jobs. Healthcare professionals can join the more than 3,000 professionals employed by Alberta Health Services. Besides the endless employment opportunities in Lethbridge, Alberta, another aspect to look forward to when moving to the city is the low cost of living. Lethbridge Cost of Living According to crowdsourced data gathered from Numbeo — an index that enables participants to rate the cost of 55 essential items — Lethbridge, Alberta, is the 6th cheapest Canadian city and the cheapest city in Alberta to reside. These figures only look more attractive considering recent data shows the median family income in Lethbridge is $61,997, according to data released by Statistics Canada from the 2015 census. A more recent estimate by Statistics Canada, puts that figure at $83,846, a 35 percent increase from the 2015 census, indicating rapid job growth in the region. Although house prices have increased by 6 percent year-over-year to $335,000 in the first quarter of 2022, Lethbridge's properties are still some of the most cost-effective options in the province, providing investment and lifestyle value. Lethbridge's property tax remains extremely low in the city, with the average rate for single-family residential and farmland rate for 2022 being 1.09 percent, although the property tax is typically expressed in mills (which is a dollar value paid per $1,000 of assessed property value). Provincial income tax is also a flat 10 percent and must be paid in addition to federal income tax. Beyond that, most neighbourhoods have schools within walking distance and are close to one of the city's several shopping districts, requiring limited travel. The city's gorgeous parks also provide endless activities for the family to enjoy without any additional expense. Schools in Lethbridge Lethbridge parents are spoiled for choice when it comes to elementary, middle, and high schools in Lethbridge. Not only are teachers engaged in giving learners a magnificent environment, but they're also dedicated to establishing young minds in their formative years. Elementary Schools Lethbridge has an abundance of public elementary schools, including Galbraith Elementary, Lakeview School, Westminster Elementary School, Senator Buchanon Elementary School, DR. Gerald B. Probe Elementary School, Park Meadows School, Coalbanks Elementary School, and Catholic school Immanuel Christian Elementary School, École St. Mary School, École Agnes Davidson School, The Children of St. Martha Elementary School, and St. Patrick Fine Arts Elementary School. Lethbridge High Schools Lethbridge High schools are some of the best in the province, offering an abundance of neighbourhood public schools and Catholic schools. Catholic Central High School - West Campus, Catholic Central High School, Chinook High School, St. Francis Junior High School, and École Agnes Davidson School. Lethbridge Collegiate Institute Located on the Upper East Side, Lethbridge Collegiate Institute is a public high school teaching Grades 9 to 12. Incoming students have 20 course options, including Drama, Band, Design Studies, Multimedia, and languages like Japanese and Spanish. Lethbridge Montessori School Parents who appreciate the Montessori method will love that Lethbridge has two Montessori campuses, the Scenic campus is in South Lethbridge, and the Forestry campus is located in Redwood. Parents only have positive things to say about the learning environment and sense of community. Lethbridge College Lethbridge College prides itself on having a hands-on, learn-by-doing approach to coursework that employers appreciate. With over 60 courses, including degree programs like a Bachelor of Agriculture Science, Bachelor of Nursing, and Justice Studies - Bachelor of Applied Arts. Lethbridge University Lethbridge University is one of Canada's leading universities. Not only is it located in the mostly sunny Lethbridge, but the university also offers a robust academic environment. What To Do In Lethbridge There's never a dull moment in Lethbridge, considering the city is a hub of activities the whole family can enjoy. Galt Museum & Archives For insight into our human origins and history, head to Galt Museum & Archives. The space offers an unmatched learning experience, that is fascinating and eye-opening for all ages. Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens Feel like you're walking through a quaint Japanese garden when you take a trip to the Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens. The gardens are exceptionally authentic, offering guests a unique perspective of a staple part of Japanese culture. Southern Alberta Art Gallery If you want a taste of Canada's art scene, you will enjoy the exhibits at Southern Alberta Art Gallery. The gallery often showcases work from upcoming artists and, on occasion, students' artwork through the annual Art’s Alive and Well in the Schools. Pavan Park Nature lovers will relish Pavan Park, a 125-acre natural park on Lethbridge's northern edge. The well-maintained park has a playground, volleyball court, equestrian trails, and hiking trails and is also home to all sorts of wildlife. Nicholas Sheran Park On the west side of Lethbridge, you'll find Nicholas Sheran Park, a premier park with picnic facilities, playgrounds, walking trails, and access to the 23-hectare man-made lake. The lake is a playground for all sorts of non-motorized water activities, including kayaking, boating, and fishing for Trout, Pike, and White Fish. You'll also find Lethbridge's only -- and Canada's longest -- 18-hole Disc Golf Course, which covers 100 acres of the park. Banff Lethbridge is only a 3-hour drive from Banff, allowing you to experience all the skiing town has to offer, either during a day trip or over a few days. After moving to Lethbridge, you can spend your weekends finding your favourite spots; whether you prefer exploring nature or indulging in a bit of upscale dining and arts and culture, the city is rich in all facets. What to Do Before Moving to Lethbridge, Alberta Before you move to Lethbridge, Alberta, you may want to make a trip to the city to get a feeling for each neighbourhood and meet with a real estate agent to walk you through your options. Since Lethbridge has so much to offer, it's best to do your due diligence. This is something I always advocate that out-of-province buyers do to ensure that the neighbourhood they settle in feels like the perfect community for their lifestyle and goals. If you can't make the trip to the province before committing to a property, consider what amenities the neighbourhood offers, schools in the community, and proximity to your place of work. Then rely on feedback from your real estate agent to get an idea of the neighbourhood dynamics. Excited about moving to Lethbridge? You can search for houses for sale in Lethbridge right now.
Moving out checklist
Introduction Moving out day is exciting. You're finally getting your own place, and you get to start fresh. But before you pack up your stuff and move it into storage, there's some prep work that needs to happen first. Here are some important things to consider as your move approaches: Clean the house Clean the house top to bottom Clean the kitchen and bathroom. This will save you time later, when you need to put away newly purchased items, or if any of these rooms are in disarray when guests come over after you move out, it can be difficult for them to find anything. Clear out all of the clutter in your living room and bedrooms—make sure that everything has been properly packed up and labeled with its new home (for example: Bedroom 1 or Bathroom 2). Having a lot of stuff here can make it harder for you when moving day comes around! Take care of any maintenance issues (e.g., fix leaks in toilets or sinks) before leaving town so that they’re not left behind for someone else to deal with later on down the road. This is an easy way how let someone know how nice your home actually was while renting Plan for Utilities Check your lease agreement to make sure you know what utilities are covered by the landlord and which ones are not. If you are moving out, make sure that all of your utilities have been shut off and disconnected in your name (not just turned off at the main switch). Change the locks Change the locks. If you live in a multi-unit building, you'll want to change the locks on your door. This is an easy thing you can do on your own before moving out that will make both potential renters and landlords more comfortable with their new homes or apartments. Change the code to your alarm system. You'll want to change the code for both your building's security system as well as for any other home security devices you have (such as smoke detectors). For example, if you are renting a house with an alarm system built into it and have never changed its default code from "1234," then this would be something you'd definitely want to go ahead and change now before moving out! Why? Because otherwise anyone who got access could just ring in again later at any time of day or night without even needing permission from anyone else living inside - which could cause major problems down the road if someone tries using these emergency services while drunk/high etc.... Sell Stuff If you're looking to sell items (and why wouldn't you? We all love money), there are a few ways to go about it. Craigslist is a great option, as is eBay. If these don't work for you, perhaps your items could be considered trash—my friend once salted and poured concrete over his old mattress and then sold the resulting sculpture on Etsy! Personally, I find that donating unused clothing to Goodwill is an easy way to clear up some space without having to make any tough decisions about whether or not something deserves more time in my life. If there are still things left over after selling your stuff or trashing it, consider giving them away as gifts or even selling them secondhand via apps like Letgo or Facebook Marketplace (I've seen people sell literally everything from flooring samples at Home Depot for $5). This can be especially useful if moving into an apartment where there may not be room for furniture—just ask around among friends who might want something before throwing out the rest! Don't forget to take your valuables Before you leave a place, it's important to make sure you don't forget anything valuable. This includes your jewelry, electronic devices, important documents and papers, and other valuables. Make sure that if you have any items of value stored in the apartment (such as a large sum of cash), that they're stored away safely somewhere in your room or another secure location. Move-out day is coming! Plan for Moving Day Moving day can be a stressful time, so it's important to have everything you need and a plan for getting there. It's also important to have a plan for your stuff, where you're going to park the car, what time of day you'll arrive at the new place, etc. Here are some questions to ask yourself before moving day: Do I have all the boxes and packing materials that I need? Do I know where they are? (If not, go back and get them.) Have I left enough space in my car or truck if I'm driving myself home on moving day? (If not, go back and get more.) Where will we park our vehicles during our move? Is there enough shade in this area of town? And is it close enough so that people won't get too tired carrying boxes all around town? Plan to clean up after you move out As a landlord, you want to be able to rent your property out as quickly as possible. To do this, it's important that your rental is in pristine condition when you hand over the keys. Fortunately, there are some easy steps that can ensure your property is ready for new tenants: Clean up after yourself. Take pride in your home and make sure it looks amazing! This means cleaning all surfaces from top to bottom (including light fixtures), sweeping and mopping floors, wiping down cabinets and drawers, even taking down old decorations or bringing them into storage if necessary. If there are any stains on walls or carpets that won't come out with cleaning products (for example pet stains), hire professional cleaners who know how to treat these types of problem areas right away so they don't set into the flooring materials permanently! Empty out fridge/freezer before moving day! It's better if no food is left inside because it will make things easier on everyone involved - including yourself since this means less time spent preparing meals while unpacking boxes later down the line ;) Make sure you check these off before you go! Don’t move out until you have a plan for moving day, utilities, selling your stuff and changing the locks. You can find everything you need to know about all of these in our Moving Out Checklist. Conclusion Moving out is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. By carefully planning ahead and checking off each item on this checklist as you go through the process, you can ensure that your move out goes smoothly. You’ll also save yourself time and energy in the long run because you won't have any last-minute surprises or unexpected expenses.
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