Lethbridge, with a growing population now over 75,000, is the primary business center for Southwestern Alberta. The area has a predominantly  agricultural economy, based on the surrounding irrigated farmland and associated secondary industries. It is the center for a major cattle feeding industry, as well as other livestock production, processing operations, and agricultural supplies services. The city has a rapidly growing business and commercial community.  It is  the home of a major agricultural research center. In addition, the Lethbridge Community College and the University of Lethbridge both maintain a strong reputation as quality institutions, and with a combined student population of over 15000 (20 % of total population), Lethbridge is very much a 'college town'. It offers a respectable arts and entertainment community, and has a well developed economic and business development support system. Although the city is Alberta's third largest geographically, driving time from any location to the opposite corner is less that 15 minutes! 

The city has 4 distinct divisions, consisting of:  West Lethbridge - west of the Oldman River,  which divides the city; South Lethbridge, being south of the railway and Highway # 3; North Lethbridge, being north of the Railway and includes both a major residential area plus the primary Industrial area; plus that area outside the city proper which provides acreage and 'country residential' sites for people who may work in and around the city. See further detailed information about Lethbridge and area in related links.  <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lethbridge,_Alberta>  (Note the accompanying map).       

West Lethbridge Description

This area comprises all the city land west of the valley of the Oldman River. With a total population of approximately 26,000, this part of the city is the home of the University of Lethbridge. It is currently the most rapidly developing residential area. This part of Lethbridge was developed since about 1970, so house age varies from that age to new. It has somewhat limited shopping and entertainment services. There is a wide variety of sizes, types, and prices of homes across the area. The quasi resort area of Paradise Canyon is nestled in and around a golf course in the valley of the Oldman River. Schools include 4 elementary , 2 Middle schools, and soon a High School. there are parks and recreation spaces. Access from West Lethbridge to the employment, shopping, and recreation services in the rest of the city is by 2 bridges which provide good traffic flow. From any part of West Lethbridge it is little more than a 5 minute drive to the University. (Note the accompanying map).

North Lethbridge Description

This area, lying north of the main Highway and Railroad,  includes residential, commercial and industrial facilities. There are numerous schools for K to 12 students, available sports facilities, and several parkland areas. There is an area of mainly older and cheaper houses closer to downtown, and mature areas with good older houses ranging in age from 20 to 50 years old. The area north of 26 th Avenue known as Uplands has houses ranging from 25 years to new. There are adequate shopping facilities and community services, making it very suitable for growing families. In the area east of 23 rd St lies the Industrial facilities. There are numerous varied industrial establishments which provide employment for a growing labor force. There is developed land for future commerce and industry.

South Lethbridge  Description

This original city base is situated  east of the river and south of the Highway and Railroad . The downtown area is well maintained and provides shopping facilities, office and commercial facilities, many dining facilities, and  entertainment venues. The 'old city' of the London Road district offers vintage houses on mature landscapes. Throughout the main south side area are many well maintained houses aged 25 to 65 years. The newest area of Fairmont in the southeast corner, and the extreme south side have upscale houses in developing neighborhoods. There are 2 large high schools, numerous elementary and Middle schools, and many sports and recreation venues. The Lethbridge Community College, the adjacent sportsplex, and other recreation facilities provide a wide variety to satisfy the needs of the region. There is limited new housing available on the south side. There are a number of newer Seniors residences and care facilities for the elderly. The main shopping facilities are situated along Mayor Magrath Drive South and its tributaries, and in the Park Place Mall along  1 st Ave.  The Henderson Lake Park and Japanese Garden are feature showplaces. The area is surrounded by well treed, park like landscapes. This area is mature and is a preferred area by many.