Home to more than 100,000 people, Lethbridge is Alberta's fourth most populated region, closely rivaling Red Deer. While smaller in population and size to Alberta's major cities, Calgary and Edmonton, life in Lethbridge is rewarding with a lower cost of living, substantial job opportunities in the public sector, and loads of recreational activities in and around the city.
When you're moving somewhere new, doing your research is important. However, it can get overwhelming when there's so much information out there. Whether you're still trying to decide why you should live in Lethbridge, or this is your first search for knowledge, you'll come out on the other side knowing the most important things about life in the city. Follow along for a breakdown of everything from cost of living, working industries, recreation, weather, to the best neighbourhoods for your needs.
Cost of Living
Living in Lethbridge is affordable, as the average monthly salary amounts to $1,926, with an average cost of living recorded at $1,530.
Property rentals in Lethbridge are on average 11.03 per cent cheaper than in Edmonton, Alberta's capital city. Moreover, that is shown in average rental prices. In Lethbridge, a one-bedroom apartment could cost you about $639 in the city centre, running slightly cheaper at $723 towards more suburban areas. A three-bedroom apartment rents for as low as $728 in the suburbs, and as high as $1,138 in urban locales.
Work in Lethbridge
Lethbridge's working industries are as good of a reason as any to make the move a reality. Of Lethbridge's top 10 employers, nine are in health care, education, and government services, with the tenth in freight transportation. These account for more than 13,000 jobs in Lethbridge, about 20 per cent of employed residents. Alberta Health Services, the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge School Division, and the City of Lethbridge are amongst the city's largest employers.
Industry trends show Lethbridge is a good place to move to for work, as other key industries like agri-food, manufacturing, and logistics also hire a substantial number of workers, showing upwards trends of a 20 per cent increase in jobs over the past decade. Furthermore, the municipal government founded Economic Development Lethbridge in 2004. This body is responsible for the promotion and development of the city's commercial interests.
Recreation
There is no shortage of things to do in and around Lethbridge throughout the seasons.
Starting with shopping, in Lethbridge you get an enjoyable experience owed to an independent business culture seen throughout the city's restaurants and boutique stores. These include some notable eateries like Two Guys and a Pizza Place, featured on Food Network's You Gotta Eat Here! And, plenty of others to discover. Of course, Lethbridge is large enough that all your big box amenities are available in numbers across the city, so you're never too far from a grocery store. Also, major shopping amenities can be found at Park Place Mall – offering 100+ stores, a cinema, and food court – and West Lethbridge Towne Centre.
Now in terms of your necessity amenities, the city is also home to a number of pools and leisure centres for you and your family. Nicholas Sheran Leisure Centre in West Lethbridge sits right behind our rental property, Berkeley Square. That makes it a simple walkable journey to indoor pools, ice rinks, and a spray park just nearby home. Plus, Lethbridge has four skate parks and a BMX park, so there are plenty of spots to learn, conquer, and enjoy throughout the summer, fall, and spring.
What else is there to do around the city? The Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG) is a staple of Lethbridge's bustling arts community. The gallery promotes public engagement and exploration of artistic expression, also known by its Blackfoot name, Maansiksikaitsitapiitsinikssin, which means 'the new making of images, related to the telling of our Blackfoot peoples' stories.' There's no better way to get to know Lethbridge than learning about the place's history at the Galt Museum and Archives. Moreover, they've been producing loads of online content so you can learn from the comfort of home.
If you're into sports, you'll be please to know Lethbridge residents love their baseball and hockey. The Lethbridge Bulls play at Spitz Stadium in Henderson Park in the Western Canadian Baseball League. This summer collegiate league's foundation can be dated back to 1931, and the league is headquartered in Lethbridge today. The Lethbridge Hurricanes may play in the Western Hockey League, but that doesn't mean the atmosphere isn't electrifying. Fan's passion fills the ENMAX Centre throughout the season, situated in South Lethbridge. The arena also hosts music concerts, curling competitions amongst other events year-round. Additionally, the ENMAX Centre will host the 2022 Tim Hortons Brier, where sixteen men's curling teams compete for an opportunity to represent Canada at the world men's championship.
For spending beautiful days outside, Henderson Lake Park is a great spot for Lethbridge locals to walk, play, and relax with a 24-hectare man-made lake perfect for kayaks, canoes, and rafts. It also features 7 kms of trails to explore, with picnic benches, children's playgrounds, and great fishing spots. Henderson Lake also plays host to the ATB Financial Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival. This incredible show has been a local favourite since 2002 and is the largest dragon boat competition in Alberta. Adjoined to Henderson Lake Park, Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is highly regarded as one of North America's best Japanese gardens. A spot practically on your doorstep to get away from daily life in the quiet oasis and let stress melt away. Currently in development, is a unique cultural centre expected to be completed by the end of 2021. In addition to those spots mentioned, there are many other parks to embody yourself in nature, in and around Lethbridge. Like Indian Battle Park, Park Lake Provincial Park, and the Helen Schuler Nature Centre.
Schools
Three major post-secondary institutions offer a variety of education in Lethbridge, so there is no shortage of courses to take. The University of Lethbridge (ULeth) is known for its leading research programs, but equally known for more than 200 degree, diploma, and certificate courses including master's programs. Reeve's College offers courses in many disciplines, providing the 'academic foundation and technical skills required for success in the job market.' While the last of the three, Lethbridge College, was the first publicly funded community college in Canada. Students can study in 50 plus career fields here and go on to study at the University of Alberta, Athabasca University, University of Calgary, and University of Lethbridge due to transfer agreements with Lethbridge College.
Weather
A windy forecast is typical of Lethbridge. Due to its proximity to the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Lethbridge experiences a windy climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The warm season generally lasts from June through September with a daily average of 22 degrees Celsius. The average temperature is higher, at 27 degrees Celsius, in August. While the cold season averages 5 degrees Celsius from November to March.
Demographics
No matter where you're from, Lethbridge locals are welcoming of new residents. Of the varying ages that make up all residents of Lethbridge, 25-29 years of age is the largest population segment. According to Alberta Government data, Lethbridge's total population was at 101,324 in 2020. Made up of Canadian citizens, permanent resident immigrants, and non-permanent residents like international students, Lethbridge is Alberta's fifth largest city by population. Additionally, the city has shown an increase of about 1.44 per cent year-over-year, with an 8.72 per cent increase in population in the last five years.
Neighbourhoods
There are a variety of neighbourhoods to suit your needs when moving to Lethbridge. The city is separated into three quadrants, each featuring different atmospheres amongst suburban areas, urban living, local amenities, and student hot spots.
South Lethbridge is the oldest part of town and the busiest. Our apartment buildings like Flamborough Gardens and Palm Road Apartments in the Redwood community are great for students at Lethbridge College. They're the closest to the ENMAX Centre if you're a hockey fan. Plus, these properties are right by trails through Lakeview Park leading all the way to Henderson Lake.
If you're seeking a quieter suburban atmosphere, then North Lethbridge is for you. Like Park Manor and Evergreen Terrace in the Winston Churchill neighbourhood. Moreover, this community is prime for those working in Lethbridge's industrial sectors in the east.
Historic buildings still stand in Lethbridge's downtown, and is a great place to live if you're wanting an urban lifestyle. Apartments like Bel-Aire Apartments and Tudor Manor could suit you. And they're particularly loved by Reeve's College students, as you can walk to campus in moments. Also check out Scenic Court, just outside of downtown in London Road, as these apartments get a beautiful view overlooking Lethbridge's valleys.
West Lethbridge is the city's newest and fastest growing sector, with 12 established neighbourhoods and others still under development. This area is particularly great for families, while residents also love the views overlooking Lethbridge's valleys. In addition, these communities are perfect for ULeth students, as you'll be right by campus. Check out our Berkeley Square blog for perfect student accommodation just across the street from ULeth and everything else you'll need.
Now that you have a better idea of what Lethbridge is all about, you can start to plan your move if it sounds like the right place for you. Consider renting at first to get a feel for the city and specific neighbourhoods. We can help you there…
Visit our Lethbridge rental properties page for a full selection of apartments across the city. Find apartments perfect for families, professional couples, students, and seniors.
However, if Lethbridge doesn't sound like the place for you, learn more about Edmonton, Red Deer, or even Saskatoon in the province of Saskatchewan.