Is 30 year old is too old to move to Banff to start a new life? (apartment)

[strawberry daiquiri]

Hi everyone. I've been researching Banff for quiet a while, but couldn't find any forums where I could ask my question. I guess this is one is the closest one, and i hope I can find people here who have experience and can answer my questions.

Originally, I'm from eastern Europe. My family moved to Toronto, Canada 15 years ago, and I've been living there since then. I was never a big fan of this city, and always dreamed about moving out somewhere. I have always loved resort towns, so my main thoughts were Latin America or Caribbean, but I was in school, was in relationship, engaged etc. So many things were going on and it was never the right time. Last summer, I did a trip to BC and Alberta, and fell in love with Banff instantly. I was with my ex, and both of us loved it, and even thought of moving there eventually. That was just a thought at that time, cause he proposed during the trip, and we were saving money for the wedding, then wanted to save some more to start a business etc. So pretty much it wasn't going to happen in next 4-5 years at least.

Now, we broke up, most of my friends are married with kids, so despite being in a big city, I don't have much of a partying life. i do have a circle of friends, and we get together here and there, but everyone seems to be busy. Tried a bit of online dating, and failed miserably. Got lots of attention, but 99% of the guys I met are excited with the illusion of choice they have and only want casual no strings attached relationship, and 1% are unemployed boring losers living in their mom's basement. People don't talk to each other on the streets, and nightclubs are full of horny perverts who try to grab your butt after 2 mins of dancing with you without introducing themselves

I'm turning 30 in a few weeks and given everything I wrote, I feel like I'm at that point of my life that I have nothing to lose here. My love life sucks, friends are busy building families and we only get together maybe once and twice a month for someone's birthday and it ends at 9-10pm, I don't have any property (renting an apartment), pets, and I work as a personal trainer, so not much of a career, and I'm flexible with that. I have a college diploma in hospitality and tourism, and worked most of my life in fitness industry. I feel like I'm ready to start a new life.

And suddenly, I have thought of Banff. I remember loving it so much for a few reasons. First - the people. It seemed like everyone is so friendly, and it was so easy to meet people there. After 5 minutes, everyone is your friend. Not the case in Toronto where everyone is always too busy. Then, the beauty. I can look at these mountains forever, I've never been to a more beautiful place than that. And thirdly, all the activities. I'm very outdoorsy, and I enjoy snowboarding, hiking, camping etc. I have talked to a few locals and people who moved there from all over Canada, and they were telling me how there is a party going on every week, cause everyone knows each other, and there is always someone's birthday, housewarming or something else going on. How every weekend, instead of clubbing, people go skiing/snowboarding, hiking, canoeing... So it feels like just the right place to me.

But one thing makes me worry - my age. I've been looking up lots of stuff, and everything I find are the programs for youth in their early 20s, gap year, parties for people under 25 etc. So my main worry is that I will end up at a kid's college party. I mean, I'm a bit immature for my age, and I want to move there to improve my social life, and be partying and going out all the time, but at the same time, i want to find people closer to my age *late 20s early 30s) to build friendships and meaningful connections, and maybe, eventually start a relationship, that would lead to something serious, and eventually family.

So does anyone here live or have lived in Banff? How is life there? Are there many people my age who move there or is it just a giant party for college kids who stay for the season and engage in getting wasted and having meaningless sex every night? Is it possible to meet people and have meaningful connections, friendships and relationships with them? Am I too old to do this?

Obviously, noone can decide for me, and I will make my own decision, but I would like to hear opinions of people who have this experience.

[mikeyyc]

Well, no one actually "lives" in Banff. Housing is only for owners and immediate employees of businesses, as it's within the National Park. There are a million and one exceptions, but you or I have neither the celebrity or finances for the point to be relevant.


The rest of the population is generally transitory. That's why everyone is laid back. Virtually everyone is on a working vacation. Lots of Australians, lots of people that want to work on their Japanese, and you wind up with this odd mix of one timers there for the experience, and a few lifers/owners that keep the thing anchored. Banff isn't the STD capital of Canada for no reason.Most people would live in Canmore, which is just outside the gates.


All that being said, your background would certainly land you an opportunity, and there are no shortage of hotels/hospitality related jobs, and someone who is willing to be more stable would very likely be able to carve out a very nice career surrounded by what is truly one of the most breathtaking areas on the planet.

[Yellow River]

No job in Banff. If you don't need earn money, That's ok

[thedwightguy]

My observation is that the average age in Banfffff IS thirty. And while you mention you're Eastern bloc you don't mention the languages you command. German is highly, highly sought after (along with Japanese, of course). If you speak German a job would be no problem.

Winter there are lots of jobs and some have residency. Apts rents are tight everywhere, not just Banff. All resort towns including where I am are tight. Faceialexpressionbook connections are good for buy/sell, apts., and vehicles, but small numbers.

Banff has always been a place where you just show up. Mom did it back in the day and had many adventures.

[yulia_123]

Hey! Just found out this page. It's been 3 years since you ask this question about Bunff. Did you move there? How is life overthere? Just curious.
You life story is so similar to mine, it's like about me. Thinking about moving to Bunff now))
Yulia, 35, living in NY.