Want to Move to Okotoks But Work in Calgary? Read This First

So you’re thinking of trading in city chaos for small-town charm—but your job still lives in Calgary. Can you have both? Spoiler: yes, you can.

If you've ever found yourself on Deerfoot at 4:45 p.m. wondering if your soul is slowly escaping through your sunroof, you're not alone. More and more people are ditching Calgary’s hustle and heading south to Okotoks. But let’s get real—unless your boss is cool with Zoom meetings from your backyard patio, the commute is a real part of the equation.

Let’s break it all down: commute times, lifestyle perks, real estate savings, and what to actually expect when you call Okotoks home but still clock in up north.

How Long Is the Commute from Okotoks to Calgary, Really?

Let’s rip off the Band-Aid: you’re looking at a 35–50 minute drive, depending on traffic and where in Calgary you’re headed. If you work downtown or near Macleod Trail, that commute’s pretty manageable—especially outside of rush hour. If your office is up in Tuscany or Nolan Hill? Well...you might want to invest in a good podcast lineup.

Here’s the good news:

• Highway 2 is your best friend. It’s fast, direct, and well-maintained year-round.

• You’re heading against the traffic flow in the morning. While Calgarians crawl into the city from the north, you're cruising in from the south with far fewer brake lights.

• Need to park downtown? Calgary has tons of park-and-ride options if you want to park on the edge of the city and train in.

If hybrid work is part of your world now, living in Okotoks is a no-brainer. Even commuting two or three days a week feels totally doable—and your sanity will thank you.

What’s the Real Estate Trade-Off?

Oh, let’s talk numbers—because this is where Okotoks wins big.

The average detached home in Okotoks? About $150,000–$200,000 cheaper than a similar home in Calgary. And we’re not talking postage-stamp lots here. Think: spacious yards, finished basements, and actual breathing room between you and your neighbours.

Some local gems to keep on your radar:

• Drake Landing – solar-equipped homes, newer builds, and family-friendly vibes

• Cimarron – mature trees, huge lots, walkability to shopping and schools

• D’Arcy – sleek, modern homes with a ton of community amenities

• Crystal Shores – yes, you get lake access (and no, that’s not a typo)

If your goal is more space, less stress, and better value, Okotoks knocks it out of the park.

What’s the Lifestyle Like in Okotoks?

Let me put it this way: if Calgary is a triple espresso, Okotoks is a smooth latte with a mountain view.

Life here moves at a more intentional pace. You’ll notice it in the way people actually smile at each other in the grocery store, or how the high school kids still say “hi” when they walk past you downtown.

Here’s what else you’ll love:

• Great schools (Foothills School Division, Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools, and several well-ranked programs)

• Local gems like 94 Take the Cake, Big Rock Inn, and Hubtown Brewing

• A tight-knit community that gets together for festivals, hockey games, and farmers markets—not just fire pits in the backyard (though we do those too)

• You’re 25 minutes from the mountains. That’s not a lifestyle upgrade. That’s a flex.

But What If I Hate Driving?

Totally fair. If white-knuckling it in traffic sounds like your personal version of hell, here are your options:

• Work from home more often (tons of Okotokians are doing it)

• Carpool—not just an eco thing, but a sanity thing too

• Park-and-ride at Somerset/Bridlewood LRT station and train it downtown

• Get a hybrid schedule and only do the Calgary commute when absolutely necessary

Trust me, after a week of waking up to birds instead of sirens, your shoulders will drop about three inches.

So...Is It Worth It?

Short answer: YES.
Long answer: Hell yes—if you’re looking for more house, a stronger sense of community, and a slower pace without totally giving up your Calgary paycheck.

Moving to Okotoks while working in Calgary isn’t some pipe dream. People do it every day—and most of them wish they’d made the move sooner. If you're seriously considering it, don't just keep Googling commute times. Come for a drive. Tour a few neighborhoods. See it for yourself.