Reasons Why You Should Consider Living in Fort McMurray
Have you been wondering about the location of Fort McMurray? Have you thought of the kind of life you can have living at Fort McMurray? Are you wondering what the climate is and the cost of living in Fort McMurray compared to other cities?
Well, you are at the right place. I am providing you with some crucial information to answer your questions and help you identify the right place to stay in Fort McMurray.
Fort McMurray is an ideal destination for those with a background in the oil industry. Fort
McMurray is amongst the fasted developing cities, and it is the best destination for new people. It is well known for its relation to oil industries, with a population growth rate of 6.1 percent recorded from 2000 to 2010.
Where is Fort McMurray located?
Fort McMurray is located in Alberta province on Highway 63 and 270 miles northeast of Edmonton.
It is about 37 miles west of the Saskatchewan border. You can access it via Highway 69, a minor deviation from highway 63 that links it to the airport and other residential areas to the southeast.
The city is well-known as ‘Fort Mac,’ It is the heart of oil sand industries having the weightiest trucks making highway 63 a road with the peak tonnage per kilometer.
Is Fort McMurray a City?
Many people moving to Fort McMurray have no idea that it is the biggest independent ‘city’ in Alberta.
In April 1995, Fort McMurray merged with District No. 43, making it an urban service region, and creating a Wood Buffalo municipality. More changes have been experienced over time.
Fort McMurray is known for its oil sands industries and is the heart of the oil production center despite not being a city anymore. Between 1947 and 1962, it was known as ‘McMurray,’ It later became a town in 1964 and was declared a city in 1980, but later on, in 1995, it became a service area.
What is the climate in Fort McMurray?
If you are moving from Vancouver or other coastal regions, you may find the five or six months of snow a discouraging factor.
Fort McMurray experiences climatic conditions with long winters and relatively shorter and warmer summers because the area is located at a lower elevation than other parts of Alberta.
The climatic conditions imply that the region experiences average high daily temperatures of 170c, and the winters go to as low as -350C.
The yearly precipitation is about 464.8 millimeters, with rains experienced in summers and snowfalls experienced at about 172.0 centimeters during winter.
What is the population of Fort McMurray?
According to the 2021 census, Fort McMurray has 68,000 residents, and the area has a yearly growth rate of 1.3%. The site is unique because it has many people moving in and out of the area.
Most people are there seasonally, but it is common practice for Canadians and Albertans to join the site for work for some years before moving back to their home cities.
The economy of Fort McMurray
Fort McMurray has a robust economy that is hugely reliant on oil production from the oil sands of Athabasca. Forestry, natural gas, and tourism add an excellent percentage to the economy and create employment in the area to bear a healthy economy.
The residents of Fort McMurray have a significant level of spending power over the Canadians because their control is greater than that of the Vancouver residents by 515%, Edmonton by 272%, and Toronto by 294%.
What are the best neighborhoods in Fort McMurray?
Beacon head is loved by many because it is a quiet place in a nice neighborhood with restaurants and shops; it is a unique place because the residents receive downtown access with ease without crossing the bridge.
Saline Creek is a good place on the southern side when you need a new home or a house that has more to build on.
Saline Creek Commercial Residential region comprises 600 acres of commercial, residential, and mix-utilization developments.
The waterway is a sleepy residential region located outside town in the Clearwater Valley with a significant historical meaning to the community.
It was the highest point to the north of the North American railway network. Residents here enjoy the serenity of the lake and the community water park that children love.
Best place to live in Fort McMurray
The monthly rates of rental houses are $850 monthly for a one-bedroom, with the average cost being $1030, $1195, and $1642 for one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, respectively.
Due to the limited rental house availability, most of the workers in the oil sand companies opt to live in camps.
Camps are semi-permanent structures created by companies to shelter the workers close to their work area.
The camp structures are made of high-quality material and have motel-like amenities, an excellent option for single workers in the area.
While in the area, it is ideal to acquire renter’s insurance that protects your family, finances, and other belongings.
You will be required to have an insurance policy that covers your belongings against theft, water damage, and fire.
What are the things that you can do in Fort McMurray?
Despite the hard work people in Fort McMurray have, they live and play hard. You can explore many natural places to get the feeling of witnessing the Nothern Lights.
Public places and attractions
Known for the oil sands, one of the best places to visit is the Oil Sands Discovery Center, where you get to learn more about the history of the local Heritage Village as you get active at the MacDonald Island Park. You can visit the Points North Gallery, where you can check out local arts at any time of the year.
Natural Landscapes and Nature
You can witness unique natural features when you visit the Borealis Park, Beacon Hill Lookout, Vista Ridge All Seasons Park, and Gateway Hill, find Bison at Reclamation Sites, and move to the Matcheetawin Discovery Trail.
Before relocating, it is important to research to obtain the best destination. Fort McMurray is becoming the best destination at a fast rate.