Edmonton

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Neighborhoods

An overview of Edmonton's diverse neighborhoods and key factors to consider when choosing a place to live.

Sections

1. Central Edmonton

Central Edmonton is the heart of the city, encompassing the downtown core and surrounding areas. It is ideal for professionals, students, and individuals who enjoy urban living.

Key Neighborhoods:

  • Downtown:

    • Housing: High-rise apartments, condos, and some townhouses.
    • Cost: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from CAD $1,200โ€“$1,800/month. Condos for purchase start around CAD $250,000.
    • Suitability: Best for young professionals and students.
    • Amenities: Close to office buildings, restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and cultural attractions like the Art Gallery of Alberta and Rogers Place (home of the Edmonton Oilers).
    • Transportation: Excellent public transit access, including buses and the LRT (Light Rail Transit).
    • Safety: Generally safe, though some areas may experience higher activity at night.

  • Oliver:

    • Housing: A mix of high-rise apartments, condos, and older walk-up buildings.
    • Cost: Slightly more affordable than Downtown, with one-bedroom apartments ranging from CAD $1,000โ€“$1,500/month.
    • Suitability: Popular with young professionals and students.
    • Amenities: Close to Jasper Avenue (a major commercial street), parks, and the river valley.
    • Transportation: Well-connected by public transit.

  • Queen Mary Park:

    • Housing: Affordable apartments, condos, and some single-family homes.
    • Cost: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts at CAD $900/month.
    • Suitability: A quieter alternative to Downtown, suitable for individuals or small families.
    • Amenities: Proximity to MacEwan University and Kingsway Mall.

2. South Edmonton

South Edmonton is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools, and access to shopping and recreational facilities.

Key Neighborhoods:

  • Strathcona (Old Strathcona):

    • Housing: A mix of historic homes, modern condos, and apartments.
    • Cost: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from CAD $1,100โ€“$1,600/month.
    • Suitability: Ideal for young professionals, students, and those who enjoy a vibrant arts and culture scene.
    • Amenities: Home to Whyte Avenue, a hub for nightlife, dining, and boutique shopping. Close to the University of Alberta.
    • Transportation: Excellent transit options, including LRT access.

  • Ritchie:

    • Housing: A mix of older single-family homes and newer infill developments.
    • Cost: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts at CAD $1,000/month.
    • Suitability: Great for families and professionals seeking a quieter area close to amenities.
    • Amenities: Proximity to Mill Creek Ravine, local cafes, and Whyte Avenue.

  • Windermere:

    • Housing: Primarily newer single-family homes, townhouses, and luxury condos.
    • Cost: Higher-end housing, with single-family homes starting at CAD $500,000 and rentals around CAD $1,500โ€“$2,500/month.
    • Suitability: Ideal for families and professionals seeking a suburban lifestyle.
    • Amenities: Close to major shopping centers like Currents of Windermere and recreational facilities.
    • Transportation: Limited public transit; a car is recommended.

3. West Edmonton

West Edmonton is a mix of established and newer neighborhoods, offering a range of housing options and proximity to one of the cityโ€™s most famous attractions.

Key Neighborhoods:

  • Westmount:

    • Housing: A mix of historic homes, modern infill properties, and apartments.
    • Cost: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranges from CAD $1,000โ€“$1,400/month.
    • Suitability: Popular with families and young professionals.
    • Amenities: Close to 124th Street (a trendy area for dining and shopping) and the Westmount Shopping Centre.

  • Glenora:

    • Housing: Upscale single-family homes and some luxury condos.
    • Cost: Homes start at CAD $600,000, with rentals around CAD $1,500โ€“$2,500/month.
    • Suitability: Ideal for families and professionals seeking a prestigious neighborhood.
    • Amenities: Proximity to the river valley, excellent schools, and parks.

  • Lewis Estates:

    • Housing: Newer single-family homes, townhouses, and condos.
    • Cost: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts at CAD $1,200/month.
    • Suitability: Great for families and retirees.
    • Amenities: Close to golf courses, parks, and West Edmonton Mall.
    • Transportation: Limited public transit; a car is recommended.

4. North Edmonton

North Edmonton is a more affordable area with a mix of older and newer neighborhoods, making it attractive to families and newcomers.

Key Neighborhoods:

  • Castle Downs:

    • Housing: Primarily single-family homes and townhouses.
    • Cost: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts at CAD $900/month.
    • Suitability: Ideal for families due to its affordability and access to schools.
    • Amenities: Parks, recreational facilities, and shopping centers.

  • Griesbach:

    • Housing: A mix of modern single-family homes, townhouses, and condos.
    • Cost: Homes start at CAD $400,000, with rentals around CAD $1,200โ€“$1,800/month.
    • Suitability: Great for families and professionals.
    • Amenities: A master-planned community with parks, lakes, and walking trails.

5. East Edmonton

East Edmonton is a quieter area with a mix of older and newer developments, offering affordable housing options.

Key Neighborhoods:

  • Capilano:

    • Housing: Primarily single-family homes.
    • Cost: Homes start at CAD $350,000, with rentals around CAD $1,000โ€“$1,500/month.
    • Suitability: Ideal for families.
    • Amenities: Proximity to the river valley, parks, and schools.

  • Ottewell:

    • Housing: Older single-family homes and some apartments.
    • Cost: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment starts at CAD $900/month.
    • Suitability: Great for families and retirees.
    • Amenities: Close to shopping centers and schools.

6. Suburban and Outlying Areas

For those seeking a quieter, suburban lifestyle, Edmontonโ€™s outskirts offer spacious homes and a slower pace of life.

Key Neighborhoods:

  • St. Albert (Northwest of Edmonton):

    • Housing: Primarily single-family homes and townhouses.
    • Cost: Homes start at CAD $400,000, with rentals around CAD $1,200โ€“$2,000/month.
    • Suitability: Ideal for families.
    • Amenities: Excellent schools, parks, and a strong sense of community.

  • Sherwood Park (East of Edmonton):

    • Housing: A mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condos.
    • Cost: Homes start at CAD $400,000, with rentals around CAD $1,200โ€“$2,000/month.
    • Suitability: Great for families and professionals.
    • Amenities: Shopping centers, recreational facilities, and good schools.

Additional Considerations

  • Transportation: Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) operates buses and the LRT, but public transit coverage is better in central areas. Owning a car is recommended for suburban neighborhoods.
  • Safety: Most neighborhoods in Edmonton are safe, but itโ€™s always wise to research specific areas and consult local crime maps.
  • Weather: Edmonton experiences cold winters, so ensure your housing has proper heating and insulation.

Conclusion

Edmonton offers a wide variety of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles and budgets. For families, areas like Windermere, Glenora, and Castle Downs are excellent choices. Young professionals and students may prefer Downtown, Oliver, or Strathcona for their proximity to amenities and vibrant culture. Suburban areas like St. Albert and Sherwood Park provide a quieter, family-friendly environment. When choosing a neighborhood, consider your budget, transportation needs, and proximity to work, schools, or other key amenities.