Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Hi, I have the opportunity to apply for a job in Grande Prairie. It's a pretty good job, so I'm quite interested. I want to know everything you can tell me about GP and the Peace country.
Just a little background. I'm an American, originally form the Minneapolis area. My wife and I lived in Saskatchewan for a while (did some of my grad work at the U of S) and actually really liked it. I had to stick the word 'actually' in that sentence because I know how Sask gets picked on by pretty much everyone else in Canada. Now, I have been to Grande Prairie briefly. I spent a little time there on the way to Alaska and it seemed nice enough but it definitely wasn't long enough to form any opinion.
I'm looking for a tolerant, progressive community, and I guess the main thing I want to know is what is the culture of the place. Is the town happening? I mean I know GP isn't NY, or Edmonton for that matter, but are there things to do? I'm talking anything from music to festivals to farmers markets etc. Also, what about cost of living?
I know nothing about Grande Prairie besides geography (near the foothills of Rocky Mountains) climate averages, and the economy is based on natural gas and/or oil.
It's pretty nice, and the money is flowing. I am moving there in the next few months, and my husband is already there working. It has festivals, family days in the summer, farmer's market, an art society, a really nice community theater (live theater), as well as all the major shopping you could want, and for anything extremely specialized, Edmonton is just a few hours away.
House prices are "high", but they are everywhere else right now too, so take that for what it's worth.
Lots of nice schools, and there are lots of sports type of things too (gymnastics centre, arenas, bowling, outdoor summer pool at the park, etc.)
There is a casino if that's your thing, and many restaurants.
It's like a mini city, still small enought to be nice.
It's pretty nice, and the money is flowing. I am moving there in the next few months, and my husband is already there working. It has festivals, family days in the summer, farmer's market, an art society, a really nice community theater (live theater), as well as all the major shopping you could want, and for anything extremely specialized, Edmonton is just a few hours away.
House prices are "high", but they are everywhere else right now too, so take that for what it's worth.
Lots of nice schools, and there are lots of sports type of things too (gymnastics centre, arenas, bowling, outdoor summer pool at the park, etc.)
There is a casino if that's your thing, and many restaurants.
It's like a mini city, still small enought to be nice.
Have you seen Fort McMurray, Alberta? If so, how does Grande Prairie compare to it?
Ft. McMurray is a "gold rush" town, meaning everyone is going there to make a quick buck. The biggest challenge in Ft. McMurray is housing....there is none. I live in Edmonton and I know many people who cannot afford to live there even though they are making more than $100,000/year. People rent out their couch (sofa) for $750/month. You can easliy pay $250,000 for a mobile home (if you can actually find one to buy).
There is even talk of making other towns (i.e. Lethbridge, Wetaskawin, etc.) into airport bedroom communities. This means that these towns that are up to 1,000 kms away may develop their airports so people can fly into work every week.
With all things being equal between the two cities, I think you would find Grande Priarie a easier choice overall.
I live in the peace country and have a lot of family in GP, as far as amenities go they have enough. It can be a little redneck but I know some cool people who live there. Housing is expensive as well as cookie-cutter but by far the worst part of this area are the winters!
I had to work outside last week and it was -50F.... no exaggeration.
We are from southern BC and are considering moving to the states because housing is so expensive in western Canada we've all become "house poor"
I have a possible job opportunity to start in GP. I have been there numerous times. The weather can suck, but coming from MN its no biggie. The sunshine is good, lots of light in summer.
Big oil town.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
It's pretty nice, and the money is flowing
