“There is very much a "can do" attitude in Southeast Alberta. There is bureaucracy, but it's only required bureaucracy and it's perfectly acceptable to work within.”

Dewar Donnithorne-Tait
President & CEO, Canadian Centre for Unmanned Vehicle Systems

Housing

The Province of Alberta has enjoyed one of the hottest housing markets in Canada and is experiencing softening in new home starts and lower sales prices coming into 2009. Homes in the Southeast Region continue to be reasonably priced. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), in 2008 this area had an average price of $260,144. In comparison, the average selling price for a home in Alberta was $352,857 and in Canada $303,607 in the same year. A significant advantage to live in the area is the cost of housing. Projections for 2009 are average prices will fall to $250,000.

The vacancy rate in Medicine Hat for rental units have increased and for Fall 2008 the overall vacancy rate was 4% allowing for a good selection in accommodation for rent. Average rents in the Fall 2008 were:

Bachelor Studio $525
One-Bedroom Apartment $573
Two-Bedroom Apartment $678
Three or more Bedrooms $785

To view all residential listings for southeast Alberta, see realtor.ca.

Economic Development Alliance of Southeast Alberta

Housing