The abrupt shift to remote work when the pandemic hit in 2020 made many people reevaluate their lifestyle choices.

Along with this, many have considered relocating to smaller cities now that they know they can opt for location-independent careers.

In fact, statistics have shown that smaller real estate markets are the fastest-growing market these days. In Central Alberta, one of these cities is Red Deer.

What does growing small real estate market mean? This only shows that many are ditching their urban lifestyles for the livability factors that the smaller cities and bigger towns offer.

For one, a small city is a great place to live if you are looking for urban living with a quiet, rural atmosphere. Smaller cities often have the same conveniences as cities, but they are quieter and more affordable.

For young adults and those who are just starting with their life, moving to a smaller city is a better opportunity to build on your savings for your first home given the affordability these communities offer.

Let’s break down 4 signs moving to a smaller city might be for you.

Sign #1 You’re looking for a more quiet and more peaceful living

Smaller cities obviously have smaller populations compared to highly urban cities. A positive aspect of moving to a place with fewer people is that there is less noise. Find comfort and delight in the quiet open spaces that these communities have to offer.

Red Deer, a city in Central Alberta, has a little bit over 100,000 population based on a 2021 census. This population is way lesser than its neighboring big cities like Calgary with 1.4M population and Edmonton with 1.01M population.

The peace and quiet of small towns make activities like meditation and yoga even more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on your body and mind.

You will have access to a large amount of open space and greenery, including forests, provincial parks and conservation areas. If outdoor activities are your thing, this may be the lifestyle for you.

Red Deer features over 110km of trails that connect parks, natural green spaces and wind through the river valley. Meanwhile, a nearby town in Central Alberta called Sylvan Lake also offers peaceful lakeside living with a variety of amenities like watersports and more.

Sign #2 You’re tired of daily frantic traffic

With fewer people and fewer cars, you don’t have to spend hours of your day travelling from your home to your office. Shorter commutes can give you more time for more important stuff like working out or preparing a good breakfast for your family. Probably, the worst commuter problem you’ll have to deal with in smaller cities is waiting for the traffic light.

Public transportation is also present in smaller communities. In Red Deer, you may take a city bus that traverses throughout the city.

However, for more convenience, you may want to have your own car. The catch in moving to smaller cities is that you’ll mostly have to drive to get to the essential places.

Sign #3 You want a stronger sense of community

Most smaller communities have a close-knit appeal. Living in a small city reinforces strong social ties because there are fewer people than in larger metropolitan cities.

Small communities can be great places to raise a family because they foster a sense of community, which often means you have more people looking out for you.

The spirit of volunteerism is alive in small cities and big towns. You may want to check the Volunteer Center of Sylvan Lake, Red Deer volunteer opportunities, Lacombe volunteer information, or other volunteer services information in your desired small city.

Sign #4 Affordable homes are attractive to you

If you seek great value, consider living in a smaller city or rural area. When you compare the housing prices of areas like Edmonton, the capital of the province of Alberta, compared to a smaller city like Red Deer, you will see a very significant difference.

Moving to a small city can be one way to create the dream home that you desire.

Small towns offer a large amount of space at a low cost, especially compared with metropolitan areas where the price per square foot is higher.

To learn about the real estate market of your desired community, contact a local real estate agent. They are your best friend in these matters especially when you are a first-time homebuyer.

Now that you have read these signs, you may wonder which small city is a great place to be. You may want to take a look at these other communities in Central Alberta that offers tranquil living but still has a booming economy and diverse job opportunities.

When you’ve settled on which community you want to move to, you can ask for help from some of our real estate friends from Lapp Realty to guide you on your moving journey.