10 Reasons to Move to Lethbridge in 2025

Lethbridge is situated in the south-central region of Alberta, near the US border and the Rocky Mountains. Its prime location makes it a central hub for transportation and business in southern Alberta. The city has experienced significant population growth in the past two decades and currently has around 110,000 residents, making it the fourth-largest city in Alberta. While often an underrated city, Lethbridge has a lot to offer newcomers.

Before we dive deeper into why you should think about moving to the Alberta town, let’s look at the state of the Lethbridge real estate market.

Snapshot of Lethbridge Housing Market

According to the Lethbridge and District Association of REALTORS (LDAR), the total home price average in September was $437,313, up more than 14 per cent compared to the same time a year ago. Here is a breakdown of the different residential categories:

• Detached: +10.7 per cent to $475,387
• Semi-Detached: +0.4 per cent to $333,955
• Townhome: +21.8 per cent to $356,851
• Apartment: +45.1 per cent to $266,499

Sales activity has declined, falling 6.5 per cent year-over-year, totalling 158 units. However, new listings climbed 3.6 per cent to 204 units, while active listings fell 5.4 per cent year-over-year to 336 units. The number of months of supply, which measures the number of months it would take to exhaust current inventories at the present rate of sales activity, rose 1.2 per cent to 2.13.

The Lethbridge housing sector remains predominantly a sellers’ market.

Reasons to Move to the City of Lethbridge

Now, let’s learn about some of the reasons you should consider moving to Lethbridge.

Beautiful Moderate Climate

One of the big things that draws newcomers to Lethbridge is its moderate climate, which is made possible by the proximity of the Rocky Mountains. It can sometimes be very windy, with warm summers and mild winters. During the winter, warm winds blow in from the mountains, bringing mild temperatures and melting snow. The 330 days of sun per year make Lethbridge one of Canada’s sunniest cities.

Low Cost of Living

Compared to Alberta’s two major cities, Calgary and Edmonton, Lethbridge is a considerably cheaper city in which to live. According to the Government of Alberta, the average monthly earnings in the city are $2,500, while the average cost of living comes in at $1,632 per month. Reasonable home prices are another major factor that drives individuals and families to move to Lethbridge since they are generally a fraction of the price of homes in Calgary and Edmonton. When browsing houses for sale in Lethbridge, many newcomers are pleasantly surprised by how much more home they can afford compared to other Canadian urban centers.

Quality Education

In addition to its six high schools and eight middle schools, Lethbridge is home to two post-secondary institutions. The University of Lethbridge is the largest, known for its leading research programs and more than 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificate courses, including graduate programs. Lethbridge Polytechnic was the first publicly funded community college in Canada and has transfer agreements with other Alberta universities so that students can continue their studies if desired. The two institutions account for about 10 per cent of the city’s population during the school year since many move in from outside of town. This influx of students creates a vibrant, youthful energy throughout Lethbridge, contributing to the Lethbridge real estate market, particularly in areas close to these educational institutions.

Abundant Job Opportunities

Lethbridge is the central hub of Southern Alberta and offers numerous opportunities in various industries. Of Lethbridge’s top ten employers, nine are in health care, education, and government services (the tenth is in freight transportation), and these account for more than 13,000 jobs in Lethbridge, about 20 per cent of employed residents. As an agricultural and manufacturing hub, Lethbridge is also a good place to relocate for work in other key industries, such as agri-food, manufacturing, and logistics. The city of Lethbridge continues to invest in economic development, creating an environment where both established professionals and recent graduates can thrive.

Lack of Traffic

Lethbridge provides residents with a comfortable small-town vibe. Most essential services are conveniently located where you live. Even if you want to travel to the other side of the city, it will not result in bumper-to-bumper traffic. It might take about 20 minutes to get to any corner of Lethbridge. That said, Lethbridge maintains plenty of biking and pedestrian infrastructure if driving is not your thing. While it has fallen short on the public transit file, the city has begun investing more in public transportation to support its growing population.

Proximity to Other Areas

Lethbridge is in a prime location for access to other landmarks. Calgary is only a two-hour drive north by car, and many residents enjoy the convenient access to its larger businesses. Going south, the border is only an hour’s drive before crossing into Montana. The Rocky Mountains are about a 90-minute drive west, where many residents enjoy camping, hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air. While Waterton National Park is the most common tourist location, the Crowsnest Pass is also a beautiful location to visit in the Rockies. Just remember your winter tires if you want to cross into BC during the winter months!

Abundance of Recreational Activities

Within the city of Lethbridge, there is always something to do and enjoy. The city has an independent business culture, including some notable eateries like Two Guys and a Pizza Place, which has featured on Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here! Residents are big supporters of their baseball and hockey teams, the Lethbridge Bulls and the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Lethbridge has an active arts scene with its own symphony orchestra, local theatre groups, and music concerts that host major artists like Bryan Adams, Styx, and Three Days Grace. When you move to Lethbridge, you’ll discover a community that values both cultural enrichment and sporting excellence, creating a well-rounded environment for residents of all ages.

Safety First!

Lethbridge is attractive because it enjoys a relatively low violent crime rate. This makes the city a safe place to live for families, which is welcome news at a time when crime rates are rising across the country. Statistics Canada’s Crime Severity Index (CSI) report showed that Lethbridge fell in the national crime rankings in 2024, and that crime was down 18 per cent in 2024.

Tolerating Winters

Yes, let’s be honest: Winters can be extremely cold in Lethbridge. However, the winter experience here differs from many other Canadian cities. The frigid days are balanced by very mild winter days due to the Chinook winds that come in from the mountains. These warming winds create frequent winter breaks that allow residents to enjoy outdoor activities even in January and February, making the city of Lethbridge a more pleasant winter experience than many other Canadian locations.

New Housing Construction Activity

While home prices have been steadily increasing, the Lethbridge real estate market might provide some relief to prospective homebuyers as new housing construction activity has remained strong this year. This continued development ensures that those looking at houses for sale in Lethbridge have access to both established neighbourhoods and fresh, modern housing options with contemporary amenities. The balance of new construction and existing homes creates diverse opportunities for anyone planning to move to Lethbridge, whether they prefer historic charm or new builds.

Should I Move to Lethbridge?

There are many features that make Lethbridge an ideal place to live. It has a reasonable cost of living compared to other parts of Canada, a strong economy, and plenty to see and do while still having the feel of living somewhere small and intimate. The Lethbridge real estate market offers exceptional value, with houses for sale in Lethbridge typically costing significantly less than comparable properties in larger urban centers. The city of Lethbridge strikes a perfect balance of modern amenities, quality education, and diverse employment opportunities, all within a welcoming community atmosphere that larger cities often lack.

With its stunning natural setting, 330 days of sunshine, and proximity to both mountains and prairie landscapes, Lethbridge offers an enviable lifestyle that’s increasingly difficult to find in today’s housing market. Whether you’re starting a family, advancing your career, or looking for a peaceful retirement destination, Lethbridge deserves serious consideration as your next home.

Ready to explore Lethbridge or another part of the country? Click below to find a RE/MAX agent near you.

Connect with a REMAX Agent