Moving to Fort McMurray?
Fort McMurray plays a huge role in Canada’s oil and gas industry. When the oil sands are in high production, this is a busy city. The downside is that, when the industry takes a downturn, it can resemble a ghost town. Drugs and alcohol can be an issue with not much else to do if work is in short supply.
Who lives in Fort McMurray?
Fort McMurray is geared to workers in the oil sands. Almost everyone in the area is working age. In fact, there’s almost no senior population. Some locals bring their families, but many also come alone for a job. There’s a predominantly male population, with a lot of single and some married guys. People are mostly focused on their work and on earning enough to take care of their families. This is the place to do that though, as income levels are more than double the national average.
What’s Fort McMurray’s culture?
Work culture has taken over Fort McMurray. Since the wildfire of 2016, businesses in the area have been struggling to rebuild, or stay open if they were lucky enough to survive the disaster, as well as the downturn in oil and gas production.
What is Fort McMurray’s housing market?
If you’re looking to rent, this can be an interesting market. If there’s a rise in work in the oil industry, finding a rental can be majorly challenging, with low supply and high demand. When there is a dip in the industry and the workers go home, though, you will find a higher vacancy rate and much less competition for rental units.
Tips for apartment hunting in Fort McMurray
Fort McMurray is so dependent on oil sands workers and this can greatly affect the rental market. Rental rates have dipped since 2020. A 2-3 bedroom apartment ranges from $1,500-$2,100.
Something you should know:
Fort McMurray has its problems. This is a tough town that you want to make sure you’re ready to take on.
Getting around in Fort McMurray
Fort McMurray has one major highway on the west side, along with a Real Canadian Superstore and some food places. To the east is the Clearwater River. To the north, you can find MacDonald Island Park. Aside from that, there’s a Walmart, Fort McMurray Heritage Village, a casino and Keyano College.
Fort McMurray points of interest:
- MacDonald Island Park
- Gregoire Lake
- Vista Ridge All Seasons Park
- Keyano Theatre and Arts Centre
- Fort McMurray Marine Park Museum
- Aboriginal Interpretive Trail
- Oil Sands Discovery Centre
- Boomtown Casino
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