As the northernmost city in North America, Edmonton is the gateway to Canada’s arctic. But don’t mistake this provincial capital for a barren tundra. Edmonton is a thriving city of nearly one million people with a young and growing population. But is Edmonton a good place to live? This guide will provide potential homebuyers with all the knowledge needed for moving to Edmonton.
Sunny Edmonton receives nearly 2,300 hours of sunshine per year, and in the summer, the city can receive up to 17 hours of daylight each day. Edmonton is the fifth largest city in Canada and is located on the North Saskatchewan river.
The city is located 300 kilometres north of Calgary and is less than an hour by plane to Vancouver. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Edmonton is a wonderful place to live. Residents enjoy easy access to notable locations such as Banff, Canmore, and Jasper with plenty of outdoor exploration available year-round.
Notable Edmonton neighbourhoods
Cloverdale
Cloverdale is described as one of the smallest but friendliest neighbourhoods in Edmonton. Also known as the “Village in the Park”, Cloverdale is found in the heart of the North Saskatchewan Valley River Parklands. The Edmonton Folk Festival, an annual four-day outdoor music celebration, is held each August in Cloverdale.
Old Strathcona
Located just south of the North Saskatchewan River, this area is known for its arts scene, chic shops, and lively atmosphere. Old Strathcona is full of pleasant scenery, with historic buildings to explore along its tree-lined streets. This neighbourhood also features multiple theatres, including the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, The Grindstone Comedy Theatre, and the Varscona Theatre.
Highlands
Highlands is considered one of Edmonton’s most historic neighbourhoods, with walking tours conducted by the neighbourhood’s historical society several times per year. Many Highlands homes and buildings date back to the early 20th century. Homeowners looking for a charming and family-friendly neighborhood will discover that Highland is a great choice. Located northeast of downtown, this area offers a close-knit community feel and a wide range of amenities for families to enjoy.
Glenora
Like Highlands, Glenora is one of Edmonton’s most unique and historic residential neighbourhoods. Located just west of downtown, iIt features the city’s highest concentration of historic landmarks with many detached houses designed by prominent architects such as R.P. Blakey, Magoon and Macdonald, and E.C. Hopkins. These structures were largely built in the late 1920’s to early 30’s in revival and modern styles. Heritage experts claim Glenora contains the best-preserved “Garden City Suburb” in Canada, with curvilinear streets, irregular lots, and preserved views to the North Saskatchewan River Valley.
Notable Edmonton Employers
Edmonton’s economy is diverse, with employment found in healthcare, education, technology and construction, as well as the public and private sectors. Some of the largest employers in Edmonton include Alberta Health Services, the Government of Alberta, Stantec, PCL Constructors Inc., and the University of Edmonton.
Education opportunities in Edmonton
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranked The University of Alberta in Edmonton as the fourth best school in Canada, as well as 96th in the world. Some of the most prestigious programs offered at the school include nursing (ranked second in the country and seventh globally by QS), petroleum engineering (first in Canada and sixth globally), and mining and mineral engineering (fourth in the country and twelfth globally).
Other universities in Edmonton include MacEwan University, a prominent public university located in downtown Edmonton and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), which is a major polytechnic institute offering a wide range of programs. There’s also the Concordia University of Edmonton, a smaller university known for its close student-teacher relationships.
Edmonton’s best attractions
Whether it’s shopping, hiking the valley trails, visiting the museums, taking in an NHL game, or strolling through the botanical gardens, Edmonton residents can experience a wide variety of attractions year-round. Here’s a short list of some of the city’s best attractions.
West Edmonton Mall
North America’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, featuring shops, restaurants, an amusement park, water park, and more.
North Saskatchewan River Valley
The largest urban park in North America, the river valley is 22 times the size of Central Park in New York City. There are 160 kilometres of trails for hiking, biking, and skiing.
Royal Alberta Museum
This is western Canada’s largest museum showcasing Alberta’s natural and cultural history. Featured exhibitions from around the world are showcased year-round and the museum has a large collection of Indigenous pieces on permanent display.
Fort Edmonton Park
An open-air museum recreating Edmonton’s historical development through reconstructed buildings from different eras.
Muttart Conservatory
Four pyramid-shaped greenhouses featuring diverse plant species from different biomes.
Art Gallery of Alberta
A striking architectural landmark housing historical and contemporary artworks from the province, with an established education program for children and families.
Rogers Place
Home to the Edmonton Oilers NHL team and a venue for major events and concerts.
Alberta Legislature Building
The province’s iconic government building with beautiful surrounding grounds.
Whyte Avenue
A vibrant neighborhood known for shopping, dining, arts, and culture.
Edmonton Valley Zoo
A popular family attraction home to over 350 different species of animals, including elephants, tigers, seals, otters and many more.
University of Alberta Botanic Garden
A beautiful garden featuring diverse flora, including the Aga Khan Garden.
Buying a new home in Edmonton
Ready to move to Edmonton? Here are a few communities to consider.
Crimson in Creekwood Chappelle
Location: 9387 Cooper Bend Southwest, Edmonton, AB
Starting price: $399,900
Home types: Single-family and townhomes
Crimson in Creekwood Chappelle is a new townhouse and single-family home community by Sterling Homes currently under construction. Available units range in price from $399,900 to $494,900. Sizes range from 1398 to 1701 square feet, with one to five bedrooms, depending on the model.
Laurel Crossing
Location: 34 Street Northwest & 23 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton, AB
Starting price: $568,555
Home type: Single-family
Laurel Crossing is a new home community by Landmark Homes currently under construction at 34 Street Northwest & 23 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton. Available units range in price from $568,555 to $568,555. Laurel Crossing unit sizes range from 1621 to 2467 square feet. Homes contain one to four bedrooms, depending on the model.
Ellis Greens in Edgemont
Location: 21335 36 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton, AB
Starting price: $440,000
Home type: Single-family
Ellis Greens in Edgemont is a new home community by Lincolnberg Master Builder. This community is in the west end of the city, and the homes feature one to four bedrooms depending on the model and range from 1,432 to 2,027 square feet.
Aster
Location: 1607 14 Street Northwest, Edmonton, AB
Starting price: $485,091
Home types: Townhomes and single-family
Aster is a new community by Stirling Homes in southeast Edmonton, located in The Meadows area. Sizes range from 1,410 to 1,701 square feet with one to five bedrooms depending on the model.
ONE at Keswick
Location: Kelly Gate Southwest & Kelly Circle Southwest, Edmonton, AB
Starting price: $490,000
Home type: Single-family
ONE at Keswick is a new home community by Landmark Homes currently under construction. Available units range in price from $490,000 to $507,844. ONE at Keswick unit sizes range from 1,490 to 1,576 square feet and three to four bedrooms, depending on the model.
