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I live in Ontario, but job prospects for social workers are not good.
So, I am looking into Calgary (and maybe Edmonton) as a prospect, and I have just a few questions:
1) My research shows that housing is high. For those that live there, is it possible to get a basement
apartment for rent in a safe neighborhood for under $1000?
Yes it is "possible" - although the overall vacancy rate is 1% so it can be challenging to find anything at all to rent in Calgary. The average rent is $1300 for a one bedroom unit and $1500 for a 2 bedroom. Edmonton, in general, has a slightly higher vacancy rate (around 3% I think) and is about 20% less expensive..... but then you're living in Edmonton - LOL
2) Is there good work life balance for those in their late 20s? Are there activities for this age group besides clubs and bars?
There are plenty of activities for every age group in Calgary.
If you are at all athletic, the foothills and mountains are very close and provide tons of opportunity for mountain biking, hiking, kayaking in the summer and skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing in the winter.
If you like to run or rollerblade there are great trails throughout the city and especially around the river valley. The Running Room and other businesses/organizations organize group runs/training
There are inter-mural teams for soccer/floor hockey/baseball/ ultimate etc. see this: Calgary Sport & Social Club
There is also church. I know there are a lot of people who meet like-minded individuals at church. Centre Street church draws a varied crowd with younger individuals in the mix. Centre Street Church
And if you're on the other side of the spectrum, there's the Centre for Inquiry: Centre for Inquiry Calgary |
3) Is there a general acceptance of ethnic minorities (African Canadians) in the city? I know its 2014,
but its important to ask, as I have never visited the city.
Absolutely no issue here....
4) What are the job prospects like for social workers?
This is something that I can't answer. This may be a good place to look: ACSW: Job Board
5) Are the winters significantly colder than Ontario?
YES! Winter in Calgary (and Edmonton) is from sometime in November until May.
In Calgary we typically get 4-5 chinooks every winter so we always get a bit of a break from the frigid temperatures and TYPICALLY the snow melts to reveal bare ground a few times every winter... didn't happen for the last 2 years though.
Winter is a few degrees warmer in Calgary than Edmonton, but Summer is a few degrees warmer in Edmonton than Calgary - especially in the evenings.
Any info provided will be helpful as I decide on my next move. Thanks.
Thanks a lot for taking the time to answer all of my questions. I'm glad I have been able to gather information, which will definitely help me make my next career move.
Thanks a lot for taking the time to answer all of my questions. I'm glad I have been able to gather information, which will definitely help me make my next career move.
Good Luck! Hope you land something meaningful soon... keep us posted
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