Calgarians, your comments and help are need.. read within!

[flatlander]

I am a summer student that is moving to calgary to work in downtown. As such I have been looking at places to rent downtown. I am somewhat nervous about living downtown in Calgary, as I have been reading news articels and blogs about just how unsafe the downtown area is becoming. I have been looking all over for places and came across a condo at the location below:
Prince's Crossing 714- 3rd Avenue SW

I really know nothing about Calgary, so I am not sure if this a good area to live in or what. It would be great if there are some people out there that know about calgary and could offer me some insight into whether this is a good place to live or not in terms of decent area and "safe" place to live. I was told that it is close to Eau Claire which is a nicer area of downtown Calgary. Is that true?? Also if there are people out there that have lived in calgary for awhile and can give me pointers or can comment on how to remain safe I would very much appreciate it!!!

Thanks alot,

small town guy headed to a big city

 

[gerryh]

Don't believe everything you read....Calgary is still safer than Vancouver, but not as safe as Three Hills. For a "big city" Calgary is one of the "better ones".

Have fun, summer is a GREAT time to be in Calgary. Just remember to bring your cowboy boots and cowboy hat.

 

[MHz]

It's fine to work down-town but why not get a bus-pass and live a little further away from the core.
If you really want to live down-town, do your drinking at the Cicil (sp), if you are still alive after the fist week you'll probably do alright in the long-term.
You only need the boots if you are going to be buying cattle at an auction, tuck one pant-leg in if you are looking for 100 head, both if you are looking 500 or more.
Most ranch-hands wear runners, they may have steel-toes but they are still runners. With the invention of twist-off caps you don't even need that big belt buckle that used to be so popular as an opener.

 

[jenn]

yes that is in the Eau Claire area.. which is a nice area.. as for MHz's comment..I really don't think any of the younger generation drink at the Cecil.. that is a landmark/historic hotel that even my father raved about..but of course... that was in memory of way back in his younger days...and was one of the first places he wanted to check out when he came back to Calgary... so if you are 64 or so..then it would be a good place for ya...

as for the cowboy boots & hat... in the summer you will look lost without them.. summer is Calgary Stampede and nearly everyone gets into the thrill of it.... it is a fun time to be here... as for safety... it is really no different than any where else.. don't pick fights.. don't be cocky....if you have a don't feel right about a situation...leave..don't hitch hike..don't flash money.. be friendly...smile... and make sure you call mom regularily...lmao..

 

[MHz]

I admit it's been awhile but I'm sure there are places like the Cecil in the core that cater to the younger crowd even today.

Everybody dresses up for Halloween in the bars still. So the hats and boots would be more than appropriate for a rodeo. Doesn't mean you have to wear them year round. If you want to do that you should have a ready answer on what is the best way to get your horse to suck in its belly when you are cinching the belly-strap. Nothing more embarrassing than having your saddle end up under the horse as soon as you try to get mounted.LOL

 

[jenn]

well this year it will indeed be a bit quieter since Cowboys has not found a new home... but I am sure Coyotes etc will be filled to capacity...
as for the hat and boots he said he was a summer student.... hence will be here in the summer...and there are a few that do wear their hats and boots proudly year round

 

[MHz]

Ever ask any of them any 'cowboy' type questions?
Are their hats mostly felt? A little more expensive but they last a lot longer and can take more abuse.
I had a blast anytime I was there, but seeing things outside the city limits isn't too bad either.

 

[jenn]

I have 2..one felt and one straw....

do you know where the city limits start and end nowadays? lol

 

[MHz]

I have 2..one felt and one straw....

do you know where the city limits start and end nowadays? lol

LOL Nope. Probably 'bout a half days ride further in each direction than it was when I last was at the Cecil. Is Airdrie part of Calgary yet, there used to be a fair space between the two.

I hear you can go north/south without being shuffled onto the city streets now. Do you think they will ever update some of the names of the 'roads' from 'trails' to 'expressway' or something similar.

I can still catch 'points' rodeo events in some smaller communities. I used to live near TeePee Creek, that is where most of the riding stock came from. At that rodeo the cops used to wait down the road rather than come onto the actual grounds LOL Get too many bands and too much alcohol together and things could get ugly. Us pale-faces were too small in number so we got pretty much left alone. At the smaller events they even let greenhorns get on a bareback bucker (with a dozen or so riders keeping it penned into a small corner). No saddles allowed as the new rider might get hung up in a stirrup.
I prefer mine to be ridable, that way I don't have to walk back from those camping trips into the back country. Too bad they have to wear those bells though, kind of takes away from the natural sounds, better the bells than startle a bear though.

 

[gerryh]

I have 2..one felt and one straw....

do you know where the city limits start and end nowadays? lol

LOL Nope. Probably 'bout a half days ride further in each direction than it was when I last was at the Cecil. Is Airdrie part of Calgary yet, there used to be a fair space between the two.

I hear you can go north/south without being shuffled onto the city streets now. Do you think they will ever update some of the names of the 'roads' from 'trails' to 'expressway' or something similar.

SO in other words....you don't have a clue what Calgary is like now.

 

[MHz]

Let me guess, you still have pot-holes and the malls are filled with wannabe gangsters.