10 Reasons to Consider Remote Work in Edmonton

As the prevalence of remote working expands, more and more people are realizing that they can make a living without being tied to the physical location of an office. Edmonton is a standout option for those with the luxury of being free to choose where they base their remote work. Are you a remote worker interested in a new location? Here are some reasons to consider remote work in Edmonton.

Coworking in Edmonton

Remote workers searching for a thriving professional and social environment will find it in Edmonton's growing remote work economy and coworking scene. High-speed internet, collaboration spaces, and conference rooms are just some of the amenities in the city’s coworking spaces. 

Coworking in Edmonton offers a dynamic, productive, and social workspace for those wanting an alternative to working from home. Edmonton’s coworking spaces boost creativity with their vibrant, modern atmospheres and standout amenities—and there are plenty to choose from.

Budget-Friendly Living

One of the big draws of Edmonton is its relatively low cost of living, sitting under the national average and way below Canada’s other big cities, such as Vancouver and Toronto. This makes Canada’s Festival City an appealing option for remote workers looking to stretch their budgets a bit further. 

Access to High-Speed Internet

In our increasingly digitized world, high-speed internet is necessary for remote workers and digital nomads. Edmonton enjoys a robust, fast internet infrastructure, making it even easier for virtual work to run smoothly. 

Quality of Life

Edmonton is a stunning metropolis with excellent amenities. Among many other outdoor activities, it's an exceptional place to go hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing. The culture and arts scene is also electric in this city, with many festivals and other celebrations held throughout the year—Emontonians know how to have a good time.

Affordable Property Market

For remote workers looking to lay some roots down and buy a home, Edmonton delivers an affordable property market compared to other major Canadian cities. 

For example, Vancouver’s average residential property sale price ranges from $800,00 to $2.2M, Toronto’s ranges between $700,000 and $1.5 million, while Edmonton sits at a more modest range between $200,000 and $500,000.

Edmonton features a wide selection of housing styles, from large single-family houses to contemporary condominiums, apartments, and townhouses. The city is home to both older communities and newer subdivisions with smaller, more modern, and energy-efficient properties. Remote workers are likely to find an affordable and suitable place to live, whether they prefer the bustle of the city or the peace and quiet of the suburbs.

Edmonton's rental market is quite reasonable compared to other major Canadian cities. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,000 to $2,000 per month.

This can make it much easier for relocators to settle in and familiarize themselves with the area before taking the plunge and purchasing a home. 

Light and Efficient Travel

Compared to other large Canadian cities, Edmonton's road network is well-designed. Public transit helps to cut peak-travel times and congestion, especially during the busiest rush-hour periods between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Depending on distance and time of day, city commutes typically take between 30 and 60 minutes. Suburban commutes may be longer, especially around rush hour.

With that said, even during peak hours, Edmonton traffic is light compared to other large Canadian cities, and the city's public transportation options are efficient. Of course, the whole idea of remote working is to reduce the time spent travelling to and from an office, but it’s a significant factor whether you need to arrange meetings or mix it up with some time at a coworking space. 

Diverse Industries

Edmonton boasts a diverse economy across many industries, such as healthcare, education, technology, the arts, and oil and gas.

The city’s IT scene is thriving, with many new and established businesses setting up shop in the city. Tech-savvy remote employees may find employment in these companies as software developers, data analysts, project managers, or user experience designers, among other positions. 

Jobber, Granify, and Showbie are just a few of the impressive technology companies headquartered in Edmonton. Edmonton is also home to a large number of artists, writers, musicians, and entertainers, making it an exciting hub for those working or otherwise interested in the creative industries. 

Support for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs in Edmonton have access to many helpful resources and guidance services from the city's thriving startup scene. For example, Edmonton Unlimited is an organization that delivers events and seminars for entrepreneurs, mentorship, and accelerator and coworking programs. 

Health and Wellness

Edmonton is home to several highly reputable hospitals, such as the University of Alberta Hospital and the Stollery Children’s Hospital. The city is also teeming with wellness facilities such as yoga studios, gyms, and other fitness centers.

It can be particularly important for remote workers to prioritize their health and wellness, and Edmonton is abundant in positive health options.

Education

Edmonton offers excellent education options, including top-ranked universities like the University of Alberta. For remote workers who want to continue their education in Edmonton, there is no shortage of quality educational institutions.

Edmonton Ticks All the Boxes

With its strong economy, diversity, and supportive entrepreneurial community, Edmonton can be the perfect spot for remote workers and budding innovators. With excellent health and wellness facilities, quality education options, and affordable cost of living and housing market, Edmonton ticks all the boxes.