Where Are the Best Neighborhoods to Live in Edmonton?

With a thriving expat community as well as thousands upon thousands of Canadians from all walks of life, Edmonton in Alberta is one of the most attractive cities to live in in all of Canada. As the nation’s fifth largest city, Edmonton is a cultural, educational, business and governmental centre, and boasts a wealth of attractions and opportunities for anyone moving here.

If you have already found employment in the city or are moving here for another reason, deciding where to live can be one of the hardest parts of the movie. With many different neighborhoods in all corners of the city each offering something different, it helps to know a little more about each area before you make your decision.

When many moves to a new city, the draw of the downtown area can be almost irresistible, and it is true that Edmonton’s city centre is one of the most interesting areas to live. Here you will find some of the cities oldest – and therefore most charming – neighbourhoods, along with various other residential options.

One of the most interesting areas to live in downtown Edmonton is Oliver, which is a mix of both the modern and the new. In easy reach of plenty of Edmonton’s diverse selection of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues, this is an ideal place to live to experience life in the heart of this lively city.

An alternative option is the quiet Cloverdale, which has fewer commercial developments but boasts easy access to the heart of the city at the same time for those traveling by foot, by car or on one of the city’s numerous public transport options.

The south of the city is considered one of Edmonton’s most family friendly places, and it is not hard to understand why. This particular area tends to attract the more affluent residents of the city and therefore there is a high standard of accommodation here, either in the form of new luxury condos and houses or older, well-maintained buildings.

Windsor Park is one of the best southern areas for home buyers, as this neighborhood in the city has good access to the busy and popular Whyte Avenue, which is a great spot for shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Windsor Park homes vary between luxury accommodation and more affordable options, and are also conveniently situated close by the University of Alberta.

In addition to looking at Windsor Park homes, people looking to move to southern Edmonton can consider the neighborhoods of Kaskitayo and Heritage Valley, which also offer good access to shopping, schools, parks and public transport. These areas have plenty of affordable housing options, making them great for families and those with a smaller budget.

Whereas the South of Edmonton is known for its affluence and high quality of housing, the North generally offers the lowest priced housing of the city, although a few compromises are made. This area generally sees higher levels of crime, although this is improving as the city continues to invest heavily in these neighbourhoods.

Some of the best places to live within this area – and at great prices – include Oxford, Beaumont and Castledowns. The neighbourhood of Big Lake in the Northwest is also great for families, with several new family-oriented residential developments here next to lakes and woodland. One downside may be the commute into the city for work, although this still generally will take less than 30 minutes.

There are many housing options for anyone moving to Edmonton in Alberta, ranging from lakeside properties in Big Lake and luxury Windsor Park homes to inner city condos in Edmonton’s vibrant downtown area. With such a wide choice available, take your time to explore all areas of this city before settling on the neighbourhoods that offer you everything you are looking for.