In 2025, the top 5 best places to live in Alberta are Lacombe, Camrose, Red Deer, St. Albert, and Calgary. They offer a mix of affordability, safety, and quality amenities, making them ideal for families, retirees, and professionals.
Thinking of moving to Alberta?
Whether you're searching for small-town charm, a balance of urban life and affordability, or career opportunities in Canada's energy and tech sectors, Alberta has it all. From prairie cities to bustling metropolises and safe, scenic communities, the province offers a wide variety of great places to call home.
Here are the Top 5 Best Places to Live in Alberta in 2025 based on affordability, amenities, safety, education, and overall quality of life.
1. Lacombe
Lacombe is a picturesque city in Central Alberta known for its strong community, rich agricultural heritage, and friendly small-town vibe. Located just north of Red Deer, it offers the benefits of peaceful living with easy access to major cities.
It boasts long summers, snowy winters, and moderately cloudy weather throughout the year—great for people who enjoy seasonal changes. Residents can enjoy historic architecture downtown, scenic parks, and a range of community events. The Michener House Museum and Flatiron Building are among the top attractions, giving the city a unique blend of history and culture.
In 2025, Lacombe continues to attract new residents due to its affordable housing, excellent schools, and low crime rate. The average home price remains significantly lower than in Calgary or Edmonton, making it a top choice for families and retirees alike.
Population (2025 est.): ~14,100
Top Features: Affordable real estate, charming downtown, strong sense of community
2. Camrose
Nicknamed the “Rose City,” Camrose sits southeast of Edmonton and is renowned for its scenic beauty, flower-lined streets, and strong sense of community. It features a vibrant downtown core, quality educational institutions, and a range of recreational opportunities.
Mirror Lake Park is one of the most iconic locations in Camrose, offering walking trails, gardens, and birdwatching spots. Camrose is also home to the University of Alberta’s Augustana Campus, which adds a youthful energy to the city.
The Camrose Ski Club—Canada’s oldest cross-country ski club—continues to thrive in 2025, and the city has expanded its trail network and bike paths, making it a haven for active residents.
Population (2025 est.): ~19,500
Top Features: Small-city feel, strong sports and arts culture, affordable lifestyle
3. Red Deer
Red Deer remains one of Alberta’s fastest-growing mid-sized cities and holds firm at number three on our list. Strategically located between Calgary and Edmonton, it offers the best of both worlds—easy access to two major cities without sacrificing community feel or affordability.
It’s known for its vibrant arts scene, active lifestyle options, and family-friendly environment. The city is filled with parks, trails, and recreational facilities like the Collicutt Centre and G.H. Dawe Community Centre.
Red Deer’s economy is diverse, with strengths in manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and retail. In recent years, investments in public infrastructure and health services have increased the city’s appeal to young families and professionals.
Population (2025 est.): ~110,000
Top Features: Central location, strong job market, excellent public amenities
4. St. Albert
Located just northwest of Edmonton, St. Albert is often praised for being one of the safest and most family-oriented cities in Alberta. The city is home to over 100 parks and 85 kilometers of trails, making it perfect for nature lovers and active families.
The community takes pride in its cultural life, hosting the International Children’s Festival and other seasonal arts events. Its excellent school system, low crime rate, and clean neighborhoods have earned it consistent recognition as a top place to live.
In 2025, St. Albert continues to rank highly for livability, with new developments adding more housing choices while maintaining its green spaces and cultural charm. Property values remain higher than average, but residents say the quality of life is well worth it.
Population (2025 est.): ~78,000
Top Features: Family-friendly, safe, rich in culture and parks
5. Calgary
Calgary, Alberta’s largest city, remains a popular destination for people across Canada and the world. It offers a vibrant urban lifestyle balanced with proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Banff, and other natural wonders.
As the heart of Alberta’s energy industry, Calgary is also evolving into a hub for technology, innovation, and film production. Its downtown is home to major corporations, startups, and cultural institutions like the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and the Glenbow Museum.
In 2025, Calgary continues to thrive economically and culturally. With a median household income of around $98,000 and no provincial sales tax, it remains one of Canada’s most financially advantageous cities to live in.
Despite a higher cost of living, the quality of life, mountain views, and opportunity for outdoor recreation make Calgary a top pick for professionals, families, and students.
Population (2025 est.): ~1.4 million
Top Features: Strong job market, cultural vibrancy, close to nature
Why Alberta remains a top move in 2025
- Population growth: In 2024 alone, Alberta grew by nearly 170,000 residents—outpacing all other provinces.
- Economy diversifying: Calgary and Edmonton continue expanding in tech, film, education, and healthcare beyond oil and gas
- Cost of living advantage: The province remains one of the most affordable in Canada, with no provincial sales tax and reasonable housing prices (outside areas like Canmore)
- Nature access: Residents enjoy world-class access to mountains, prairies, rivers, and trails—especially around Canmore, Banff, Jasper, and Kananaskis
FAQs About Living in Alberta
Thinking of making Alberta your new home? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions by people considering a move to this prairie province:
Lacombe and Camrose are among the most affordable cities in Alberta, offering lower housing costs, reasonable property taxes, and strong public amenities. They are ideal for families, retirees, and first-time buyers.
St. Albert consistently ranks highest for quality of life due to its safety, schools, green spaces, and strong community services. It’s often cited as one of the best places to raise a family in Alberta.
Calgary offers higher average incomes and proximity to the Rockies, while Edmonton is more affordable and rich in arts and festivals. The better choice depends on lifestyle preferences—urban pace vs. cultural vibe.
Families often choose St. Albert, Red Deer, or Camrose for their strong schools, recreational facilities, healthcare access, and community activities.
High River and Lacombe top the list for small-town living in Alberta. Both offer affordability, charm, and proximity to larger urban centres.
St. Albert, Lacombe, and Camrose are considered among the safest cities in Alberta. They have low crime rates and strong community policing programs.
Camrose and Medicine Hat are excellent for retirees due to their low cost of living, healthcare facilities, and slower pace of life.
Calgary remains Alberta’s top city for job seekers, especially in energy, tech, construction, and creative industries. Edmonton also has opportunities in healthcare and education.
Cochrane, Airdrie, and Calgary are among Alberta’s fastest-growing cities, driven by immigration, real estate development, and job market expansion.
Yes. Alberta continues to attract people from across Canada and abroad due to no provincial sales tax, affordable housing (outside major cities), high wages, and stunning natural surroundings.
Discovering the Best Cities to Live in Alberta
If you're planning a move in 2025, these top five cities remain your best bets for quality living, opportunity, and long-term value. Keep in mind the average household income and home prices. Choose what you think fits your budget and standard.
Want to learn more about moving to Canada? That's where we come in. You can contact us here if you have more questions about Alberta, Canada!
