Moving to Chestermere AB: Is Chestermere a Good Place to Live?

Chestermere has a growing reputation as a hidden gem in the vast Albertan landscape. Nestled beside a glistening lake less than 20 kilometres from Downtown Calgary, Chestermere has long been an oasis for those seeking the perfect balance between the serenity of nature and urban conveniences. As more homebuyers discover its allure, a surge in interest in its real estate market has made Chestermere one of the fastest-growing communities in the province. Whether attracted by its recreational offerings or its status as one of Calgary’s suburbs with the lowest property taxes, the rapidly growing population indicates that Chestermere is a desirable location for new beginnings.

8 Reasons to Move to Chestermere

• Lake Chestermere activities
• Endless outdoor recreation
• Growing job market
• Short commute times
• Excellent schools
• 330 days of sunshine
• Modern local amenities
• Restaurants and nightlife

Cost of Living in Chestermere

Chestermere's cost of living is slightly lower than the national average, though prices are still considered high compared to other parts of Alberta. Living costs in Chestermere are on par with the cost of living in Calgary.

Housing costs vary widely depending on the location and size of the home; detached homes for sale in Chestermere list from around $600,000. Chestermere’s new construction homes on Lake Chestermere may list between $1 million and $3 million.

While this is a significant cost, homeowners in Chestermere usually find it worth the investment, with some reporting more space and new home amenities for comparable home prices in the region. As for rentals, two-bedroom homes can be found between $1,200 and $1,600 per month.

Other costs to consider in Chestermere include groceries and childcare, averaging $400 and $1,200 per month, respectively. Utilities and transportation costs are also worth noting, with an average utility bill of $110 per household per month and gas prices ranging from $1.30 to $1.50 per litre.

Chestermere Job Market

Chestermere's job market is rapidly growing, with new businesses popping up in Kinniburgh South, Westmere, and the Rainbow Falls neighbourhood. Professional services, real estate, and transportation are among the top sectors, with job positions ranging from entry-level to executive.

Online job boards like Indeed and Google Jobs list numerous opportunities in Chestermere, from retail store clerks and administrative assistants to land analysts and project managers. Jobseekers should also check out the city's website for any advertised positions.

Local entrepreneurs can take advantage of the city's economic incentives package, which offers up to $230,000 for new business development in the area. Companies also benefit from not paying any business taxes, further reducing the cost of doing business in Chestermere.

Additionally, the city's proximity to the massive Calgary economy provides easy access to a wide range of career opportunities. Connected by the Trans-Canada Highway, many residents commute to Calgary for work while enjoying the perks of living in a smaller city like Chestermere. Some are employed in Calgary's oil and gas sector, while others find success in finance, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

Popular Industries in the Area

Chestermere is home to many industrial and commercial businesses. Some of the most popular industries in Chestermere include:

• Oil and mining
• Transportation and warehousing
• Professional and technical services
• Healthcare and social assistance
• Retail and wholesale trade
• Real estate and rental leasing

The construction industry is also booming as more people are moving to Chestermere. Popular home builders in the area include Morrison, Sterling, Stepper Custom and Broadview Homes. Additional developments are underway in the Kinniburgh neighbourhood and the East Chestermere area with builders like Green Cedar, Wave and Golden Homes.

Things to Do in Chestermere

Chestermere boasts a wealth of modern amenities, with pristine shops, restaurants, and recreational centres sprinkled throughout the city. Additionally, residents can access numerous wellness and fitness centres, explore Chestermere’s best parks and nature trails, and play at a popular golf club on the western banks of Lake Chestermere. Below are the city's best attractions and activities.

Outdoor Activities

Living in Chestermere offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure. Locals stay active by exploring the scenic paths and trails that wind through Chestermere’s best neighbourhoods, like the linear Westlake Trail or the winding North Loop. Skate parks, playing fields, and beach areas are also abound, along with numerous picnic spots and playgrounds.

Chestermere Lake is a popular community spot where locals swim, kayak, and fish in the summer. Also nearby are popular green spaces like Anniversary Park and John Peake Park, offering year-round recreation and lake access. Lakeside Golf Club is another hotspot and one of Chestermere’s best golf courses; here, golfers can practice their swings on the lush 18-hole championship course.

Local Attractions

Chestermere boasts a diverse range of local attractions, sparing residents the need to travel to Calgary or neighbouring towns in search of entertainment. One popular spot is the Chestermere Recreation Centre, offering everything from indoor sports to wedding and event packages. Another is the Chestermere Library, providing access to books, media resources, and educational programs for all ages.

Chestermere Station, the city's urban commercial and residential development, boasts an array of restaurants, cafés and shops. Other local attractions include the city's water and winter festivals, summer evening picnics at Cove Park and Kinniburgh South's commercial district, with even more eateries and services.

Restaurants & Nightlife

Chestermere residents can access a variety of local restaurants and pubs, most of which are located north of Lakeside Golf Club near the lake's western shore. Popular nightlife spots include the Canadian Brewhouse, White Elephant Thai, and the Curry Culture. Also in the area is Browns Socialhouse, with its industrial-chic interior and comfort-food menu.

South of the golf course, locals will find a range of casual eateries like the Rusty Putter Grill, Jessica Restaurant, and Crazy Pasta. Other spots can be found east of the lake, including Masala Meats and Dockside Bar & Grill. The grill is especially popular for its summer patio overlooking Lake Chestermere, where diners are treated to sunset views and cool lake breezes.

Chestermere Climate

The weather in Chestermere is typical of the Canadian Prairies, with warm, sunny summers and cold, snowy winters. The warm season lasts roughly four months, from May to September, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C. During the winter months, temperatures can drop to a chilly 1°C on average, though they rarely fall below -10°C. 

Chestermere's fall and spring seasons are relatively brief, with temperatures ranging between 4°C and 18°C. During this time, residents can enjoy the city's milder temperatures and colourful foliage without enduring too much of the intense winter chill.

Rainfall is light in Chestermere. With 330 days of sunshine each year, Chestermere makes one of Canada's sunniest cities. June is the wettest month, with an average of ten days and 2.5 inches of rain.

The rest of the year sees precipitation in the form of snow, lasting for seven months from October to May. On average, the city receives one inch of snow per month, with peaks in November and March.

Water activities at Chestermere Lake—considered by many to be one of the best Calgary-area lakes—play an important role in the city's culture, recreation, and leisure. As such, the period from June to September marks the best time of the year to visit Chestermere, when residents can take advantage of the warmer weather and longer days.

Traffic in Chestermere

Chestermere's small size makes it easy to drive around the city without worrying about traffic congestion. Even getting from one end of town to the other takes minutes, with Chestermere Boulevard providing a straight line between the Westmere neighbourhood on the west side of the lake and The Cove community on the east side.

Apart from Chestermere Boulevard, the city's main roads include East Chestermere Drive, Rainbow Road, and Paradise Road. Commuters to Calgary can hop on the Trans-Canada Highway via several access points. The drive to Calgary's downtown area usually takes between 18 and 25 minutes, with some congestion focused chiefly at the Deerfoot Trail interchange. Once there, driving in Calgary is typically fairly straightforward.

Still, overall, the traffic is typically light and fast. The Trans-Canada Highway also connects Stoney Trail, a major roadway that spans the length of Calgary's eastern border from north to south.

Parking in Chestermere is generally easy to find, though spaces may become scarce the closer they get to the lake. Angle parking is available in areas near the lakefront, while residents can find free street and commercial parking in other areas of town.

Chestermere Public Transportation

Public transportation in Chestermere is limited, with only one transit route connecting the city with Calgary. Once in the city, however, Calgary’s public transportation options will take you anywhere you need to go. Known as the Chestermere Transit Link, this route is an extension of Calgary's MAX Purple route. It runs on weekdays at approximately 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. and returns to Chestermere at roughly 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The fare for the Chestermere Transit Link is $3.50 for adults, while riders between the ages of six and seventeen typically pay $2.40 per ride. Children under five can travel for free. Alternatively, adults can opt for a day pass priced at $11.00, while a youth day pass is available for $8.00.

A commuter bus also operates from the town of Strathmore, a rural-suburban community situated about 30 kilometres east of Chestermere, to downtown Calgary. This route has one stop in Chestermere, and the bus schedule can be found through the First Student website.

Another way of getting around in Chestermere is to hire a ride-share service. Uber and Lyft are available in the city, making it easy to travel to nearby towns or get around Chestermere. One-way fares to Calgary International Airport range from $45 to $65 in low-demand periods.

Schools in Chestermere

There are eight schools in Chestermere: five public institutions and three private ones. Public schools are part of the Rocky View School Division, with three elementary schools (East Lake, Prairie Waters, and Rainbow Creek), one middle school (Chestermere Lake), and Chestermere High School. Private options include E.C.I. Learning Academy for preschoolers; Our Lady of Wisdom Elementary School, enrolling grades K through 6; and St. Gabriel the Archangel, serving students in grades seven through 12.

The city is also home to the Advanced Institute of Wellness & Esthetics in East Chestermere, offering training in massage therapy and beautician services to students. Schools in Calgary include the University of Calgary, Columbia College, and Bow Valley College. Bow Valley has regional campuses in Banff, Calgary, and Strathmore and offers diploma programs in the area's most popular industries, such as health and wellness, technology, and business.

Lake Life Meets Big-City Convenience in Chestermere

Chestermere is more than just a city by the lake; it represents a growing trend of individuals—whether current residents or those moving to Alberta—looking beyond bustling metropolitan areas for places that offer both tranquillity and modern amenities. As the real estate market in Chestermere flourishes, it's clear that its unique charm and the promise of a balanced lifestyle are resonating with many. For those seeking a place where nature's beauty is intertwined with urban comfort, Chestermere might just be the perfect community.