The 10 best neighbourhoods in Edmonton

Methodology

To calculate what Edmonton neighbourhoods made it to the top of our list , we considered factors such as housing costs, schools, park access, public transportation and safety, as well as amenities like shopping and restaurants. To determine these factors we relied mainly on a variety of websites, such as Zolo, Zumper, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Edmonton real estate sites as well as municipal and community websites.

1. Ritchie

Key features: Well located, relatively affordable, lots of amenities, variety of homes and excellent community spirit

Average house price: $600,000

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,879

It’s no wonder why Ritchie is one of the best neighbourhoods in Edmonton. Located in the city’s south east area, close to downtown, it’s named after Rob Ritchie, who founded Ritchie Mill and was once the mayor of the city of Strathcona (now part of Edmonton). The mature, tree-lined community is peppered with wartime houses, older bungalows, low to medium rise apartments and some new developments and condos. Well located, it's a short walk to bustling Whyte Avenue, loved for its restaurants, local shops and nightclubs. It’s also home to Mill Creek Ravine, which is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and canine lovers thanks to its many bike and walking trails, as well as its off-leash dog area.

Adding to the neighbourhood's inviting sense of community is Ritchie Market, a multi-use space that’s home to local businesses like a craft brewery, a coffee roaster and café and a butcher. Ritchie’s good schools (including a French immersion school and a Spanish Bilingual School), greenspaces and proximity to downtown has led to an influx of young families looking for a quick and relatively quick commute via car to the centre of the city.

2. Strathcona

Key features: Lots of character, trendy but established, great shopping

Average house price: $540,000

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,955

If you’ve ever wondered: is Edmonton a good place to live? Look no further than Strathcona (sometimes known as Old Strathcona). One of the most coveted addresses in Edmonton, it offers that rare mix of established, historic homes and a trendy, youthful vibe. Its hip, animated atmosphere is because of its main thoroughfare, Whyte Avenue (when a visitor asks what to see in Edmonton, more often than not, they’ll be sent to Whyte Ave). The street is filled with hip restaurants and shops, local boutiques, nightclubs and bars. It’s also considered a great place to explore the city’s art scene, with plentiful galleries, theatres and live music venues, as well as the Old Strathcona Farmers Market that showcases hand-made crafts and local produce and foods. The neighbourhood also hosts the city’s acclaimed annual Fringe Festival.

3. Downtown Edmonton

Key features: Mainly condos and townhouses, easy access to entertainment, good transportation

Average house price: $350,000

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,628

Edmonton’s downtown is in the midst of a revitalization thanks to projects like the ICE District that combines new condos with major entertainment venues, a sports centrr, shopping and cultural amenities. Especially attractive to young Edmontonians looking for an affordable condo, the area also has apartment rentals, townhouses and even luxury penthouses. As the city’s cultural centre, there’s always plenty to do at the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Royal Alberta Museum. With the Downtown light rail transit (LRT) and plenty of bus routes, public transit is convenient.

4. Garneau

Key features: Affordable, low crime, good schools, walkable area

Average house price: $440,000

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,460

One of the city’s oldest inner-city districts is also home to one of the best neighbourhoods in Edmonton. Said to be among the most walkable areas in the city, Garneau is filled with parks, great schools and lots of coffee shops and restaurants that are all within easy walking distance. It’s also known for its low crime rate and good public transportation thanks to its large number of bus stops sprinkled throughout the area. Because Garneau houses the University of Alberta campus, you’ll find a lively mix of students and established homeowners in the area.

5. Highlands

Key features: Good schools, lovely city views and convenient public transportation

Average house price: $580,000

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,583

Located in Northeast Edmonton, Highlands is an historic neighbourhood prized for its large lots, mature tree-lined streets, architecturally attractive homes and sweeping views of the river valley. Newby attractions include Bordon Park, the grounds of the Edmonton Expo, Commonwealth Stadium, a golf club and Concordia University of Edmonton. Easy public transportation is ensured thanks to the Coliseum transit centre and an LRT station. The Highlands Community League is an active group that helps foster a close-knit spirit.

6. Belgravia

Key features: Charming, quiet, lots of greenspace

Average house price: $541,000

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,900

To the southwest of Garneau and the University of Alberta main campus you’ll find the charming neighbourhood of Belgravia. Ideal for those looking for a place close to the city centre but away from the hustle and bustle, Belgravia has a reputation as a quiet enclave because it is hugged on two sides by greenspace and the North Saskatchewan river valley which limits the ways to get in and out of the area. The ‘hood boasts a very high livability score thanks to high safety ratings, good public transportation, reputable schools and amenities like shops and restaurants.

7. Glenora

Key features: Expensive, beautiful homes with large lots, overlooks river valley

Average house price: $1.1 million

Average rental cost of apartment: Ranges from $1,500 up to $4,000

One of the city’s most expensive areas, it may come as little surprise that Glenora is also considered one of the best neighbourhoods in Edmonton for those who can afford it. Expansive lots, verdant tree-lined boulevards and historic mansions that sit side-by side with new luxury builds are trademarks of this exclusive area that overlooks the river valley. It’s also safe, offers top-rated private and public schools and has several parks.

8. Riverdale

Key features: Close to downtown, quiet, lots of greenspace

Average house price: $755,000

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,500

Set just east of the downtown area, Riverdale is a charming, tree-filled neighbourhood that offers good schools, access to public transportation and lots of community spirit. Bordered by the North Saskatchewan River, Riverdale is perfect for nature lovers as there’s ample access to greenspace, outdoor activities and walking trails. It offers a mix of traditional single-family homes, luxury mansions overlooking the ravine and new condos.

9. Crestwood

Key features: Expensive, great community spirit, safe and good schools

Average house price: $1.5 million

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $2,000

Set in the west end of Edmonton, Crestwood ranks as another of the city’s most costly real estate areas. With its proximity to MacKinnon Ravine, residents can take full advantage of lovely greenspace, hiking paths and biking trails. The neighbourhood is also famous as the home of Candy Cane Lane, where, for over 50 years, the houses get bedecked in over-the-top holiday displays at Christmas time. It’s considered one of the best light displays in the entire country. With high marks for liveability, safety and strong public and private schools, Crestwood is a coveted place to call home.

10. Westmount

Key features: Nice mix of homes, good schools and parks

Average house price: $800,000

Average rental cost of 2-bedroom apartment: $1,844

This centrally located residential neighbourhood is just west of downtown. Filled with historic homes and new builds, the neighbourhood has an attractive mix of young professionals, families and older residents. The area also has an enticing blend of galleries, local shops, trendy restaurants and lively bars. It’s also known for its good schools, parks and strong community spirit.

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FAQs

Is Edmonton a good place to live?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Edmonton is said to offer good job opportunities, affordable housing, plenty of outdoor activities and a growing restaurant and cultural scene. However, the weather can be less than ideal with very cold and long winters, with snow and cold from October right up until May.

What’s there to see in Edmonton?

There’s lots to do and see in Edmonton including the famed Fringe festival (the biggest and longest running Fringe Festival in North America), museums, art galleries, a great restaurant scene and more. West Edmonton Mall is said to be the largest indoor mall in Canada. The River Valley Parks System in Edmonton, Alberta is among the largest in the country and provides thousands of kilometres of trails, biking pathways and opportunities to engage with nature and the outdoors.