If you’ve been following the news surrounding Canadian real estate since January of 2022 you’d know about the record high prices sweeping the nation. Home prices have reached their peak across every province in Canada. For some, these high prices are forcing families to relocate to their hometowns. Especially for those currently living in the Okanagan. If you are interested in learning more about how the cost of living is affecting homeowners in Canada, continue reading the article below.

Why are Okanagan Homeowners Moving Back to Houses for sale in Edmonton?

The Okanagan has seen incredible hikes in the price of real estate over the course of the last five months. The extraordinary cost of living is making it difficult for most out-of-province homeowners to afford their properties. In April of 2022, the benchmark price for a single-family home in the Central Okanagan climbed to a whopping $1.1 million. Last year, the average price for a home in the Okanagan sat around $829,000. Thus, indicating a 34% increase in cost. On the contrary, the average single-family home price in Edmonton was $510,988 in April of 2022. 

It is apparent that the cost of living in places like Edmonton is much more affordable than in the Okanagan. Residents who have lived in the Okanagan most of their lives are moving back to the prairies in order to make ends meet. Renters and homeowners alike are being priced out of their homes in the Okanagan. Despite having full-time jobs and living with family, many people claim that it is still too expensive to live in the Okanagan. New families are finding it especially hard to afford housing in the Okanagan. Living off of one salary is almost impossible given the rate of inflation. 

Residents who have chosen to move from the Okanagan to Edmonton and other surrounding areas in Alberta are much more comfortable with their finances. People living in Edmonton are able to afford spacious houses in place of their tiny Okanagan apartments. And, all of this is afforded at a lower price point. The one thing that former Okanagan citizens miss, is the scenery. 

Homes for sale in Edmonton, Calgary, Airdrie, and Cochrane all boast a low cost for a substantial property. Citizens of Alberta can purchase 3-bedroom houses for under $450,000. 

Why You Should Consider Making the Move to Edmonton:

There are several reasons why people in the Okanagan have made the decision to move to homes for sale in Edmonton. The number one reason is a lower cost of living. Everything from real estate to food is cheaper in Edmonton than in the Okanagan. Residents who may not have been able to afford a 2 bedroom apartment in the Okanagan will often be able to afford large, upscale homes in Edmonton. Furthermore, the average cost of groceries is about 200-400 dollars per month in Edmonton. However, this estimate can vary depending on brand, taste, and habits. 

Aside from a lower cost of living, the Edmonton job market has seen positive growth in the last little while. Large employers like the Alberta Health Services, the Government of Alberta and Stantec, provide hundreds of thousands of jobs to Edmonton citizens. Salaries average around $60,000 per year for your typical Edmonton citizen. 

Edmonton’s landscape provides individuals with plenty of wide-open spaces outdoors. For instance, the Elk Island National Park and Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve are both popular places to visit outside of the city. There are also plenty of hiking, biking and walking trails for residents to explore. Check out William Hawrelak Park or The Grandin to Groat Loop for an epic outdoor adventure! 

There are also plenty of restaurants, breweries and bars to choose from for a night out. As well as, nightclubs, theatres and festivals to keep you entertained throughout the year. 

Contact Us About Houses for Sale in Edmonton Now!

The real estate market is much more affordable in Edmonton. Make the move to houses for sale in Edmonton today for more financial freedom. If you have any questions or concerns about buying a property in Edmonton, contact us today. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re interested in buying a new home. Our team can put you in touch with the resources you need to get your real estate goals on track. We look forward to working with you in the near future!