I am having trouble figuring if Vancouver/GVRD or Alberta is better for living? (fit in)

[canadaliving82]

Hi Everyone
I have been doing research for quite a while now. I am trying to find out where the best place to live is between Alberta (Edmonton/Calgary) or Vancouver (GVRD)/Kelowna.

History:
I have lived on the lower mainland in the GVRD (born, raised lived till I was 21) -left in 2003
Lived in Kelowna 2003 - 2006
Lived in Saskatoon 2006 - 2007
Stayed in Calgary for a month as well as a few visits
Lived in Thompson/Kamloops area 2007 - Present

My Previous Feelings:
Vancouver/GVRD - I loved the feel of vancouver, shopping etc. The weather I did not like, just too much rain, but I liked the fact that there was little snow. I am unsure if I fit in with the culture.

Kelowna I really liked, it was easy to get to everything, however I felt that it was very hard to find a job, even after going to school. And there was a lack of singles in my age group. The weather was pleasant.

Saskatoon was OK. I felt there was a lot to do, and a variety of stores to shop at . The weather was passable, Although I found some of the summers to be WAY too hot (even after living in kelowna) the winters were OK if they could maintain the roads better. I felt the medical services were pretty poor and on more than one occasion I was turned down for a job because I did not have enough culture (probably because I was not from the area and had no ties to the area)

Calgary I found modern and interesting. I felt that things were a little spaced out though, and some areas were very fast paced which felt a bit overwhelming. I enjoyed the amount of sunlight and variety of things. I don't know enough about the city, or jobs as I didn't spend enough time there.

Edmonton I have been interested in, it looks easy to drive, and looks to be a bit more affordable with a lot of jobs. But I have only passed through Edmonton so I know next to nothing about it. I have heard a lot of negative things so that makes me very wary.


I have come to the point in my life (30) where I have to make a complete career change, I've also developed a few health conditions which requires me to currently live near good health care, and I have aging parents (60's) that I need to live near.

I am basically looking for something that has good health care, many job options, weather that I can handle along with aging parents, opportunity to make something for myself (house, career etc) and a good single community.

Does anyone have any recommendations ? Or experience living in Alberta / BC?