For those of you who eventally got out of Calgary, how did you do it?

[GGG]

I think part of the reason that calgary feels did is the mountains suck people out of the city. This summer i have been in calgary for one weekend. Even in winter i a out of the city at least once a month.

I dont really understand what people want when they say culture. I am fairly well traveled in the first world and I have to say i am confused by the concept. What are people really wanting when they say calgary lacks culture?

If it is people watching (something that is so overa rated) and coffee shops i would say we arent really issing much.

[Cowperson]

Calgary ranked fifth on list of 10 most liveable cities in the world: The Economist

http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/...307/story.html

Cowperson

[GreenTeaFrapp]

Originally Posted by Cowperson

Calgary ranked fifth on list of 10 most liveable cities in the world: The Economist

http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/...307/story.html

Cowperson

But it's behind Vancouver and how livable can Vancouver be when it's got such outrageous housing prices?

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by GreenTeaFrapp

But it's behind Vancouver and how livable can Vancouver be when it's got such outrageous housing prices?

Toronto is even worse and is ahead as well. In fact, it recently just surpassed New York for being expensive.

[Igottago]

Originally Posted by indierockorgy

BUT, and it's a big BUT, we have a lot of vibrant little corners of Calgary, and if you're willing to suck it up and put up with that 35 minute transit ride more often, and do some exploring, you'll find that Calgary offers a hell of a lot to do. What is lacking is a certain sort of vibrant atmosphere, but that's mostly forgotten once you find some of the city's hidden little gems. So go for walks (I'm now addressing anyone who thinks Calgary is dull, not the troll OP), explore, try coffee shops, bars, clubs, music venues, little art galleries, restaurants etc. you haven't been to. I like to think that we've got something here, but we just gotta get it to cohere.

This is very true. If you make an effort to escape the urban sprawl Calgary offers pretty much anything a larger "more cultured" city would, albeit on a smaller scale. You can even see it with things like Sled Island festival (a good indie music festival that has gained some popularity the last few years), the Calgary folk fest (almost always has a good line up), amongst many other events. Calgary feels like a place where people are going to make things happen, rather than bigger cities who apparently already have that stuff and people are more cynical about it. There's something about pioneering that cultured side of a city that I think can be exciting. A city's identity is based on the people that live in it. As long as people are coming here for the opportunities and the generally good lifestyle, they will bring their tastes with them. Calgary is getting there, and its more there than people like to give it credit for. If you want to experience it get the heck out of the burbs for once and try something new.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by normtwofinger

Currently you can be there as a tourist having to leave the country every 3 months. For the last while we could go to Panama just for the day, but they have clamped down on that, making you stay in Panama for 3 days. Residency is possible, it involves transferring a set amount of money every month for 3-4 years to a Costa Rican bank account. Then you become a resident, having the same rights as a citizen. The easiest way is to have a child there and the parents become automatic residents.

How much (if any) Spanish did you speak when you moved there. Would you consider having only partial spanish literacy an obstacle to your plan?

[Kybosh]

Details are fuzzy, but if I remember correctly, I was able to get out of Calgary by loading my truck with some belongings and driving away.

[Russic]

I visited toronto for the first time since being a kid and I started to understand what people mean when they say that Calgary lacks a certain something. There is a certain vibrancy that is quite different. However, I like Calgary more having experienced Toronto. Toronto is alive, but it's also very loud and dirty in comparison. The lines running above many of the streets for the transit system are hideous to look at. I really like the city, but Calgary definitely suits me better.

[Coach]

I love Calgary. I'm sure I will live in other places in my life time, but I think Calgary will always be home for me (even though its not my birthplace).

[bomba]

I was born in Toronto and have lived in Tokyo, London (England), Vancouver, and now Calgary.

I can honestly say every city has its pros and cons and people living in Calgary will always think the grass is greener somewhere else. I have been in cowtown for almost 3 years and I love this city. For me, its the quality of people (good, honest, and hardworking) and the quality of work opportunities and affordable housing. I can tell you that these three tenets were exactly the opposite in Vancouver.

For all the people in this thread that were born in Calgary and expressed the desire to live overseas or even in a different part of Canada - I highly encourage it. I think its important to experience other cities so you can see first hand what you have back at home.

Each city is going to appeal to different people at different times in their lives. For me, now, its Calgary and I love being here!

[The Goon]

I was born and raised in Toronto, and in early 2003, I wanted out. I decided to move to Calgary on a whim, not knowing anyone and without a job. It's been a great move and my only regret is not doing it sooner.