According to AreaVibes, Airdrie is among the top 20 cities in Canada in terms of quality of life. It ranked #15 on the list and scored 92 out of 100 on the website's livability score.
However, when comparing cities in Alberta, Airdrie scored first.
While Airdrie scored high as a family-friendly community, locals voiced concerns about things that could be improved, including transit, a sense of community, and the friendliness of neighbours.
The website also allows residents to compare and contrast cities, and when Airdrie is compared to Calgary, Airdrie beats out Calgary in almost every category, save for schools.
According to the website, the methodology used to rank cities is the livability score, which is a rating out of 100 that evaluates the quality of life in cities, neighbourhoods, and addresses based on nine categories: amenities, commute, cost of living, crime, employment, health & safety, housing, schools, and user ratings. Each category is assessed using various data sources, and a score and letter grade are assigned.
The score considers access to local amenities, public transportation options, and average commute times. It also evaluates affordability through the cost of living, which includes housing, groceries, and taxes. Safety is measured by analyzing violent and property crime rates, while the employment category examines income levels and job availability.
Health and safety are assessed based on air quality and proximity to healthcare facilities, while housing affordability and appreciation rates are also considered. The schools' category reflects educational quality through test scores and proximity to schools. Lastly, user ratings capture feedback from residents about their community experiences.
Although the website listed Airdrie's population at over 79 thousand, the most recent city-wide census placed the population at 85,805, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing cities in the province.
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