Why Young Canadians Are Moving to Alberta (And What It Means for Real Estate Investors)

By Wayne Hillier, Real Estate Investing Masters

May 14, 2025 | Edmonton, AB

Alberta isn’t just attracting investors right now — it’s attracting an entire generation. According to recent interprovincial migration data from Statistics Canada, Alberta was the only province in 2024 to see a net gain of young workers aged 25 to 45. In fact, over 18,000 young people moved to Alberta last year — a massive shift that’s already reshaping housing demand, job growth, and investor opportunities.

What’s Behind the Alberta Boom

This wasn’t an accident. Alberta’s government launched a multi-year campaign called “Alberta is Calling,” targeting specific groups across the country with promises of:

• Affordable housing

• Shorter commutes

• Better job opportunities

• A higher quality of life

The campaign rolled out in three phases:

1. In 2022, it targeted high-income professionals in Toronto and Vancouver

2. In 2023, it expanded to healthcare and tech workers

3. In 2024, it focused on skilled trades, even offering $5,000 moving bonuses

   
   

It worked. Ontario lost over 8,000 young workers, while BC and other provinces also saw net losses. Alberta, on the other hand, welcomed thousands of new residents who were drawn by the promise of affordability and opportunity.

What This Means for the Housing Market

All this migration is having a massive impact on housing and rentals:

• Rental demand is surging, especially in Edmonton and Calgary

• Property values are climbing, even in lower-end product types

• Investors are seeing increased competition — not just from other investors, but from end users trying to break into the market

• The pressure is creating more opportunity for BRRRRs, fix & flips, and value-add deals

If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” time to buy, this wave of newcomers might be your wake-up call. These young workers aren’t just here for a season — they’re planting roots, starting families, and driving long-term demand.

Why Investors Should Pay Attention

If you’re an investor focused on cash flow, appreciation, and growth, Alberta checks every box:

• Strong population growth

• Affordable entry points (especially in Edmonton)

• Landlord-friendly regulations

• A government actively investing in economic development

This isn’t hype — this is data-backed momentum. And while other provinces try to slow their losses, Alberta is setting itself up as Canada’s economic engine for the next decade.

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Wayne Hillier - Alberta Real Estate Investing Expert

About the Author

Wayne Hillier is one of Canada’s trusted experts in real estate investing education, specializing in Alberta’s thriving markets. Based in Edmonton, Wayne has over a decade of experience building a high-performing rental portfolio and coaching investors to achieve strong cash flow, sustainable wealth, and creative financing success. As co-founder of Real Estate Investing Masters, Wayne is a respected real estate investing coach and mentor, dedicated to helping Canadian investors confidently scale their portfolios. He is also the host of the Real Estate Investing Morning Show, where he shares daily strategies and insights for mastering real estate investing in Canada.