“I’m just very grateful to have discovered Medicine Hat.” - Ben Coxson.

Four years ago, Ben Coxson accepted a position of community youth worker in Medicine Hat, unknown that he’d eventually buy a house with his wife with plans to stay.

He connected quickly to those in his workplace, which led to friendships and an introduction to the Medicine Hat Photography Club, a hobby he enjoys.

“People here are very connected, and if you get your foot in the door and meet new people, I find everyone is friendly in helping each other out,” says Coxson, who’s originally from Calgary.

The number of career opportunities didn’t stop after his move.

“I was able to work as a community disability worker with Next Step, and I’m currently in a position with the Medicine Hat Public School Division working as a mental health capacity building coach,” he says. “I’ve been working in that position for the last three years.”

While he works his full-time job, he's also fulfilling his practicum with Keys to Hope Counselling Services.

Coxson will graduate with his Master of Art in Counselling and Psychology in December, and is delighted that he’s able to finish his education in Medicine Hat since his classes went online.

“I just really like the pace of life here."

He and his wife enjoy their drives to Elkwater where they practice photography and go hiking. Biking the trails in the city and canoeing the river fill their days in the warmer months.

When Coxson moved back to Calgary to complete a semester in school, he and his wife had the choice to stay permanently, but they agreed that Medicine Hat best fit their needs. They bought a house in Medicine Hat, something he said they wouldn’t have done if they stayed in the bigger city.

They noticed the low-stress environment Medicine Hat offers that they didn’t want to give up. Everywhere was an easy commute, but the biggest decision maker was the affordability.

“We see this as our home for the foreseeable future,” he says. “I’m just very grateful to have discovered Medicine Hat.”