Additional Coverage:
- My family of 4 moved to a small town to lower our cost of living. As our lifestyle slowed down, we got closer as a family. (businessinsider.com)
Trading Calgary Skyscrapers for Nelson’s Mountain Trails: A Family’s Journey to a Slower Pace
Seeking a life less ordinary, one family traded the hustle and bustle of Calgary, Alberta, for the tranquil embrace of Nelson, British Columbia. Driven by the desire for a slower pace and a lower cost of living, they embarked on a journey that transformed not only their finances but also their relationships with time, stress, and each other.
Back in November 2017, with two young children and high-stress jobs, the couple felt trapped in the relentless churn of city life. Exhausted and disconnected, they realized their expensive lifestyle demanded jobs that depleted them, sacrificing precious family time and mental well-being. A bold decision was made: one spouse transitioned to remote work, the other resigned, and the family set their sights on Nelson, a charming mountain town of 11,000, where yoga mats outnumber briefcases.
The financial benefits were immediate. Selling their Calgary duplex, where the mortgage consumed $2,300 USD monthly, they found a comparable rental in Nelson for $1,600.
Childcare costs, takeout dinners, and the “convenience spending” associated with city life became relics of the past. They now prepare meals at home, saving $300-$400 a month, and own one car and an e-bike, further reducing expenses.
Today, their mortgage on a house they purchased five years ago is just under $3,100 Canadian dollars.
The most significant change, however, wasn’t financial. Life in Nelson offered a welcome respite from the scheduled chaos of Calgary.
Family dinners became a daily ritual, replacing hurried meals and late nights at the office. Walks by the lake and hikes in the surrounding woods replaced stressful commutes.
They traded urgency for presence, fostering a deeper connection with each other and their children.
The transition wasn’t without its challenges. Being further from family and limited job opportunities presented hurdles.
However, the gains have been immeasurable. Their children now enjoy the freedom of a small town, biking to school and spending weekends exploring the natural playground of Nelson.
While the move was initially motivated by finances, it ultimately provided an emotional reset. The family found more time, space, and a stronger connection, proving that sometimes, the greatest returns are not measured in dollars and cents.