By John Seacrist
Realtor, Seacrist Real Estate | C21 Foothills
November 21, 2024
If you’ve been keeping an eye on Alberta lately, you’ve probably heard the buzz about how quickly the population is growing. Between April 2023 and March 2024, our province grew by an impressive 4.4%—well above the national average of 3.2%. Each quarter, Alberta is welcoming an average of 45,000 new residents, a combination of Canadians relocating from other provinces and immigrants from around the world. This growth is bringing exciting opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors alike, especially in the local real estate market. Here’s what’s happening and how you can take advantage of it.
1. People Moving to Alberta from Other Provinces
It’s no secret that people from Ontario and British Columbia are moving to Alberta in droves. Over 12,000 Canadians relocated to Alberta in just the first three months of 2024. They’re drawn by our lower housing costs, a strong job market, and a better overall cost of living.
What This Means for You:
For Buyers: There are still opportunities to find affordable homes here compared to places like Toronto or Vancouver. However, with more people moving in, competition is increasing, so acting sooner rather than later is key.
For Sellers: If you’ve been thinking about selling, now’s the time! With so many people looking for homes, you could get top dollar for your property.
2. A Warm Welcome for International Immigrants
Alberta isn’t just attracting people from across Canada. We’re also a top destination for immigrants from around the world. Nearly 33,000 newcomers arrived in Alberta in early 2024. On average, international immigration accounts for about 32,000 of Alberta's total 45,000 new residents every quarter. These newcomers are drawn by our job opportunities, family-friendly communities, and quality of life.
What This Means for You:
For Buyers and Renters: New communities are thriving, bringing diverse shops, restaurants, and schools. If you’re looking for a place to settle, these growing areas offer great value and future potential.
For Investors: Rental demand is skyrocketing as immigrants often rent before buying. This is a great time to invest in rental properties.
3. Growing Families Fuelling Demand
Alberta has one of the youngest populations in Canada, and with that comes natural population growth. More young families mean a steady demand for family-friendly homes.
What This Means for You:
For Buyers: If you’re starting or growing your own family, now is a great time to secure a home in a community with schools, parks, and amenities that will grow with you.
For Sellers: Family homes with space and access to services are highly sought after, making them a hot commodity in today’s market.
Why This Matters for Local Real Estate
Alberta’s rapid population growth—adding an average of 45,000 new residents every quarter—is reshaping the housing market in exciting ways:
Suburban Expansion: Communities near cities like our hometown of High River, or surrounding towns like Okotoks, Diamond Valley, Nanton and Airdrie, are thriving as families seek out more affordable options.
Urban Growth: Cities like Calgary and Edmonton are buzzing with new developments, offering condos, townhomes, and houses to suit every lifestyle.
Commercial Opportunities: Growing neighbourhoods mean more businesses, schools, and services—everything a community needs to thrive.
Let’s Find Your Perfect Local Home (or Buyer!)
Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, Alberta’s booming population offers endless opportunities—but timing is everything. As local Realtors specializing in High River, Okotoks, Calgary, and surrounding areas, we're here to help you turn Alberta’s growth into your next local real estate opportunity!
Whether you're buying or selling, we're here to help. With 40+ years of experience in High River, Okotoks, Diamond Valley, Nanton, and beyond, we've successfully bought & sold over 1,300 homes for local families. Hear their stories to see if we'd be a good fit for you.
We've helped over 750 local clients buy or sell their home in High River, Okotoks, and the Foothills. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned seller, we're here to help. Contact us today to get started.