Taking a look at the state of affairs south of the border, we have seen a lot of real estate professionals getting increasingly concerned about the state of the market. The whole U.S. market seems to be drifting into a real buyer's market as prices are dropping and there simply aren't the number of buyers that there were a few years ago. The question we have here in the North is "are those trends affecting us?" Well, here's the answer: "Nope." Real estate is still going strong all over Canada and in fact, values are still appreciating in most major markets across the country. Typically Canadians have looked to areas like Toronto and Vancouver as the leaders in real estate value but in the past few years Calgary has emerged as a new player in the National real estate market.

Part of what has made Calgary the real estate hotbed that it has become is the proliferation of the local economy. Things are looking great for business and commerce in Calgary, the local oil industry is thriving and there is lots of work and education available in this area. The University of Calgary is the main post secondary institution however there are numerous smaller colleges and post secondary options available. Calgary is currently the fastest growing area in Canada and the economy continues to grow with the influx of new residents. Calgary is a great place to live for people who enjoy sports as well. The city boasts the great amenities that were developed for the 1988 Winter Olympics which includes the Canada Olympic Park. This area is the current training grounds for many of Canada's elite winter athletes. Calgary is also within striking distance of such notable Alpine areas such as Banff and Lake Louise.

Living in Calgary is a pretty attractive thing. With beautiful weather in the summer and the warm chinook winds in winter, Calgary offers a very attractive package for home owners. Combined with some of the most valuable real estate in the country and the consistently expanding nature of Calgary comes some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Calgary sits close to the base of the rugged Rocky Mountains, one of the most striking mountain ranges in the world. With an attractive real estate market and a great job market Calgary has set itself apart as one of the premier spots in Canada in which to live and work.