9 things you should know if you're planning to move to Calgary

Cowboy culture isn't as prevalent as you think

When many people think of Calgary, they think of cowboy culture. Sure, Calgary may have a history of rodeos and ranching, but the city is actually much more cosmopolitan than you might think.

Stampede is really the only time of year you'll see people going Wild West crazy with cowboy hats and boots. The rest of the year, the hats get hung up and people go about their business like they would in any other city across Canada.

That's not to say you can't visit ranches and go horseback riding because you definitely can. But you'll have to get outside the city to experience true cowboy culture.

The city is super spread out

Calgary may not seem like a big city compared to Toronto or Vancouver, but it's actually spread out over a pretty big area. New developments are constantly popping up, and many people live in the suburbs.

That's something to consider when deciding where to live. If you opt for downtown Calgary, you'll be close to many amenities, but it will also be more expensive. The suburbs are cheaper, but you may have to take public transit or have a car to get around.

Each neighbourhood has a unique vibe

One of the great things about living in Calgary is that you have tons of different neighbourhoods to choose from, each offering its own distinctive vibe. It helps to do some research first to determine which one will best suit your lifestyle.

If you want to be in the middle of all the action, the Beltline has cool restaurants, colourful street art and it's just steps from downtown. Kensington is a hip part of town with tons of cute cafes and eclectic shops. Inglewood is the oldest area with historic homes and Marda Loop is craft brewery central.

There are also plenty of outer suburbs that are much more chill if you want something low-key and don't mind commuting.

The roads can be really confusing

Navigating a new city is rarley easy, and that's especially true in Calgary. It's easy to get confused by the multiple roundabouts mixed into grid-like street patterns and one-way streets.

The first thing to remember is that Calgary is basically divided into four quadrants: Northwest, Northeast, Southeast and Southwest. Downtown is pretty much right in the middle. Streets run north-to-south and avenues run east-to-west.

It might take some time to figure out the best routes to get around town, but the good news is the traffic is pretty decent compared to other cities in Canada.

The winters can be frigid, but it's a dry cold

Like many other cities in Canada, Calgary gets pretty cold in the winter. There can be days when it goes down to -30 C with the windchill. Unlike many other places though, it's a dry cold.

The dryness is something that might get to you if you're from a more humid spot like Toronto or Vancouver. Some people get ultra-dry skin and nosebleeds from the cold. You may want to consider investing in a humidifier and a good moisturizer.

On the flip side, Calgary also gets chinooks, which are warm winds that blow in over the mountains from the ocean. Chinooks are great because they usually warm things up for a few days. It should be noted though that some people say chinooks can trigger migraines.

Luckily, Calgary also has lots of sunny days which helps brighten up the winter months.

The Central Library is more than just a pretty place

Calgary's Central Library is one of the most spectacular buildings in the city with its gorgeous architecture featuring wood, glass and steel. It's also a valuable resource for anyone new to the city.

There are so many services on offer at the library, from employment counselling to language classes, laptop rentals and mental health support. All you need is a library card, which is free to get. On top of that, the library is a fantastic place to escape the crowds the crowds and just chill with a good book.

The dining scene is amazing

When it comes to cuisine, Calgary used to be known for great steaks and not much else. However, the dining scene has really exploded over the past few years. Now you can find pretty much every type of food imaginable and then some.

Downtown Calgary is a mecca for foodies with restaurants serving up everything from Korean BBQ to Middle Eastern shawarmas and eggs benedict. And it's not just downtown. You can find all sorts of unique restaurants all over the city to satisfy every type of craving.

The nightlife is more about chill drinks than thumping beats

While Calgary's dining scene may be ultra exciting, some newcomers find the nightlife a little tame. You won't find nightclubs where you can party all night long. By law, clubs and bars have to stop serving alcohol at 2 a.m. Most shut down shortly afterward.

That being said, Calgary does have plenty of places where you can grab drinks in a more chill environment. There are tons of craft breweries, speakeasy-style spots, wine bars and rooftop patios that get packed in the summertime.

Outdoor adventures are part of the lifestyle

If you're not a fan of hiking, cycling or rafting, you might just get into them living in Calgary. Outdoor activities are the main draw for many people to the city and a major pastime.

With the Rocky Mountains only about an hour away by car, it's easy to see why so many people leave the city on weekends to surround themselves with spectacular scenery. Plus, you have so many parks within the city and the Bow Rover flowing right through town.

Even if you're not the biggest outdoorsy type when you move to Calgary, you may just find that change as you spend more time in your new chosen home.