If you plan to stay here for more than 5 years or longer, I would say it is better to buy a house and settle down your family here. I do not think it is a good idea to buy a house in edmonton and working in fort mcmurray for long time, both for the family and economic reasons. 7 N3 n: \; a/ n& d4 I 2 p- o8 b& e8 [- d0 l; i0 iSmall town sometimes have a very good side as well though living here is expensive. It is easy to find a job if you both want to work, and will earn much more money than anywhere else. 4 {- U9 R5 f, [. V4 Q6 J& @ + g! c5 V# b5 H6 r& G8 }3 F7 s9 lWe moved up here from Toronto 5 years ago, sold the apartment in Toronto and bought a house right after my probation, I am satisifed with my choice so far... u) V% S" \7 i . q0 ?6 x4 j5 Z aI belive you will too.