Calgary vs Edmonton (income, live, safe)

[Champ le monstre du lac]

This may have been done before on CD but could not find a thread on search. I've picked up on a bit of rivalry between Calgary and Edmonton. Which city do you prefer and why?

[mikeyyc]

There's a lot of rivalry, but it's like a spat between family. Calgary and Edmonton both dislike each other, but agree that Toronto sucks.

Calgary is more about money, and is more "white collar", and has the mountains.

Edmonton does all the work, has the Government and the river valley, and is generally more "blue collar".

Both are unique, and both have good sides and drawbacks. It really gets heated over sports more than anything.

[jambo101]

I'd say Calgary is closer to all the scenic stuff, but Edmonton has the Mall.

[smakawhat]

Calgary is a thriving business city, Edmonton is a government town (since it's the provincial capital).

And I would have to agree the thing they rag on amongst each other the most is over their hockey teams... (Flames vs Oilers).

[Oildog]

Similar to the Houston vs Dallas argument...w/o the scenery.

[ThroatGuzzler]

Originally Posted by Oildog

Similar to the Houston vs Dallas argument...w/o the scenery.

I thought both Houston and Dallas are business cities though.

[Parrotcarrot]

I have lived in both cities. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. I found there are very few parts of Edmonton that are really nice. I felt unsafe after dark in downtown Edmonton to a greater extent than downtown Calgary, and it is definitely very blue collar. However the people in Edmonton seemed very friendly and kind, and very helpful. Calgary is more affluent, and can be a little difficult if you aren't in a higher income bracket.

[fourlug]

I've lived in both as well, now I'm right in the middle (Red Deer).

Edmonton has MANY refineries in and around the city, its the main manufacturing area for the oil patch. Honestly the government influence is barely felt. Alot of shady people in most of the city.

Calgary is white collar, basically the paper pushers for what happens in Edmonton and Ft McMurray. The city is noticeably cleaner and there are mountain views from many parts. Downside is the lack of trees that Edmonton has.

[Italian (x)lurker]

Originally Posted by fourlug

Downside is the lack of trees that Edmonton has.

Sorry but...just out of curiosity , how is it that Calgary has less trees than Edmonton , does it lack rain if compared to Ed. or in the past they teared 'em down to build something?..

[mikeyyc]

It's a perception issue. The total tree cover is probably similar, however with the river valley, Edmonton has a virtual urban forest.