Are you planning a move to Alberta but looking for a peaceful rural location away from the big cities? If so, you may be interested in living in Black Diamond, Alberta.
Although not as well known as the popular Calgary commuter towns of Okotoks and Cochrane or the incredibly picturesque mountain towns of Banff, Canmore and Jasper, Black Diamond, Alberta, offers many advantages for those wishing to move to Alberta, Canada.
Black Diamond is a small foothills town with a stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop. The town has surprisingly good amenities, but it is also within easy reach of Calgary, Alberta’s largest city.
This article will give you all the key information you need about living in Black Diamond. In addition, we will provide you with an unbiased view of the pros and cons of living in Black Diamond to help you decide whether it is the place for you.
Living In Black Diamond – The Facts
Here are some key facts about this small town for anyone interested in living in Black Diamond, Alberta.
Where Is Black Diamond?
Black Diamond can be found on the southwestern side of Calgary, in the Rocky Mountain foothills. It will take you around 50 minutes to drive to downtown Calgary and less than half of this time to get to the city limits.
Despite its proximity to Calgary, residents of Black Diamond are more likely to use the amenities of neighbouring Okotoks (population around 30,000). This city has an excellent retail park and an impressive range of restaurants and bars.
Calgary International Airport is one of Canada’s largest passenger airports and lies to the north of the city. It can be reached from Black Diamond in around an hour.
What Is The Population Of Black Diamond in 2023?
The population of Black Diamond in 2023 is 2,794, according to the latest Alberta provincial data.
The town has seen marginal growth in recent years. The latest federal census data (released in 2022) showed a population of 2,730, representing a growth in the population of Black Diamond of 0.9% between 2016 and 2021.
The average age of the population living in Black Diamond is 47.5, which is significantly higher than the national average of 41.9. Most of the population is white and English-speaking. Just 5% are classed as visible minorities, and most of these are either Filipino or South Asian.
What Is The Weather Like In Black Diamond?
Most of Canada experiences cold, harsh winters with pleasant, moderately hot summers, and Alberta is no exception. However, the good news is that with 2,300 hours of sunshine in the south annually and 1900 hours in the north, it is Canada’s sunniest province.
Black Diamond has four distinct seasons, with summer highs of around 24 deg C and winter lows of around -14 deg C. Winter temperatures are often milder than much of Canada due to warm, dry Chinook winds that often blow through the town.
A Chinook can last from a few hours to a few days, bringing quite dramatic temperature increases. An increase of 10-20 deg C within a day is not uncommon.
What Is The Cost of Living In Black Diamond Alberta?
Most Albertans have a high disposable income compared to other provinces of Canada. Income tax and sales tax are lower than in many provinces. Sales tax is just 5%, compared to 12% in BC, 13% in Ontario and 15% in Nova Scotia.
Black Diamond’s rural location means that its property prices are almost half of neighbouring Okotoks, but residents can still benefit from easy access to cheaper big box stores.
What Is The Black Diamond Economy Based On?
Black Diamond was originally built on oil and coal extraction but today has a diverse range of industries. The oil sector is still important to the region, but the town also relies on ranching and farming, as well as light manufacturing and tourism.
Is Black Diamond A Safe Place To Live?
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world to live in. Crime rates are low, and the country always features near the top of the annual Global Peace Index rankings.
Within Canada, Quebec, Ontario and the Maritime provinces have the lowest crime rates, while rates are highest in the territories.
Alberta crime rates are higher than the national average, but crime rates in Black Diamond and the surrounding rural areas are significantly lower than Alberta averages.
What Are The Schools In Black Diamond Like?
Canada has a strong and publicly-funded education system, which consistently ranks as one of the best in the world. Education is administered at a provincial level, and the Alberta education system is considered one of the best in Canada.
Despite its small size, the public schools in Black Diamond cater to ages ranging from kindergarten to grade 12. French immersion programs are also available within the public school system, and private schooling options are available in the town.
For post-secondary education, Calgary is close by, with an excellent range of options and institutions.
Are You Planning A Move To Canada?
Are you wondering whether to make the move and have endless questions?
Do you want to know how much a hairdresser earns, what the best neighbourhoods in Quebec City are, or what the best places to live in Ontario are?
We have the answers to these and many more questions.
What Is Healthcare In Black Diamond Like?
Canada has an excellent publicly-funded healthcare system which covers “medically necessary” care. Generally, hospital and doctor visits are covered, while other types of care, such as dental, optical and prescriptions, are funded for certain groups of people.
In Canada, healthcare is administered at a provincial level, so anyone living in Black Diamond would be covered through Alberta Health Services.
You should be aware that there is currently a shortage of family doctors in Alberta, and it can be difficult to find clinics taking on new patients. This can be especially true of smaller towns and cities. To find out about doctors accepting patients in any area, you can use Alberta Health’s online tool.
Oilfields General Hospital in Black Diamond offers a range of services, including a 24/7 emergency department. For more specialized care, Calgary is close at hand.
Pros And Cons Of Living In Black Diamond
The pros and cons of living in Black Diamond, Alberta, will vary from person to person, but whatever you are looking for, these are key factors for you to consider.
Pros Of Living In Black Diamond Alberta
- Attractive rural location
- Relatively low property prices
- Sunny climate
- Low crime rates
- Range of schooling options
- Close to the city of Calgary
- Close to an international airport
Cons Of Living In Black Diamond Alberta
- It May be too quiet for some people
- You probably need a car
If you are interested in checking out other small towns in Alberta, you may be interested in our article on the 16 Best Small Towns In Alberta To Live In 2023.
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