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. . D P" `4 \- ^. C 1 N1 Z( l. G- {: ~, XSmall 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. * v' Q. f9 l8 `4 V 0 ~" z4 ]9 z. @' @' J2 [: eWe 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... 5 l! v, K7 [) r9 Y( C . J% j/ o1 b; w- D, NI belive you will too.