Edmonton is more than just the home for the largest mall in Canada and the playoffs-bound Oilers. Yes, it is home to hundreds of thousands of young families who realized that Alberta’s capital has all the amenities to raise their children.
The riverside city blends historical and modern architecture and features a plentiful nightlife and fabulous activities that are great for the whole family. Edmonton plays host to a wide variety of festivals ranging from K-Days to Bacon Fest — yes, you read that correctly. A festival of all things bacon! Last year they hosted the Red Bull Crashed Ice event that drew major crowds and during the summer they host the Sourdough River Raft Race where families and friends build their own rafts and take advantage of the River Valley at Terwillegar Park.
According to the Realtors Association of Edmonton, detached homes in the Greater Edmonton Area (GEA) averaged $451,659 as of February 2, 2023, a 4.2% decrease from December 2022. While condos averaged $189,631, a 5.5% increase from December 2022.
The City of Champions is known as a city of hard-working, industrious and resourceful people that play just as hard as they work.
But, when night falls and it’s time to put the kids to bed, here are 12 communities you can’t pass over on your search for the perfect place to call home.
The Hamptons:
Enjoy the quiet suburban lifestyle in this family-focused modern neighbourhood that was built in the early 2000s. Right off of the Anthony Henday freeway, The Hamptons are close to everything you need. While at home, slow down, kick your feet up, or enjoy the pathway systems, parks, playgrounds, lakes and ponds that are freckled throughout the community. The family-oriented neighbourhood is close to shoppings, cafes, a medical centre and there are two schools that serve the community — Bessie Nichols Public School and Sister Annata Brockman Catholic School. Best of all, the Black Hawk Golf Club is right around the corner for you golf lovers to take advantage of throughout the summer.
Keswick on the River:
Just south of Windermere and bordering on the North Saskatchewan River, Keswick is a developing, family-oriented community in Edmonton’s southwest! Vibrant in green space, minutes away from local eateries and shopping, and close to the to-be-developed Heritage Valley Hospital in Edmonton, there is a bright future for this bustling new neighbourhood.
Considering your young ones? Keswick has great options for schooling, with a total of local 6 schools ranging from K-12. Joey Moss K-9 School and Joan Carr Catholic Elementary/Junior High School are two local Keswick schools that opened in 2022 – plus, these schools are within walking distance in the neighbourhood.
Outside of schooling, Keswick offers great greenways for adventures with the whole family, as well as bustling community life for different seasonal events. Amenities are also plentiful. Nearby shopping outlets, restaurants, and farmers markets are a great hangout spot for the kids, grandparents, family members, and friends!
We spoke with Amie Brown, team member of HACK&Co and professional at RE/MAX River City, and here’s what she had to say about Keswick, a community she’s raised her own family within.
1) What makes this neighbourhood special?
Amie: “Keswick on the River is one of the lowest density neighbourhoods in all of Edmonton. It is bordering the North Saskatchewan River, and has over 8 kms of paved walking trails taking advantage of the view. The architectural detail of the homes in the neighbourhood allow for incredible curb appeal due to variety and visual interest.”
“Just this year, brand new K-9 Catholic and Public schools opened in the community. There is a strong sense of community here, the residents even came together and built their own skating rink in the park this year!”
2) Why would you want to raise a family in this chosen neighbourhood?
Amie: “I chose this neighbourhood, due to my unique position as a new home sales person at the time I built. I could se who else was choosing Keswick and knew it would be full of young families looking to put down roots! I have been here for 9 years now, and my neighbours are genuinely family at this point! I also love that there is no commercial space in Keswick on the River, so there is no extra traffic!”
3) Tell us about some community events that happen that you want to highlight?
Amie: “The new skating rink is still up in the park and open for anyone to use. There is often ‘Yoga in the Park’ offered at the gazebo during the summer. We also have the Green Shack program at the kids park. You can also expect Edmonton Public Libraries to set up pop ups.”
“Halloween in the neighbourhood is the absolute best with so so many families participating and next level decorations! And at New Years Eve, there are normally fireworks!”
4) Price trends in the neighbourhood?
Keswick on the River is a neighbourhood is a community that has and continues to increase in value. Having built many homes, and then been a part of selling them on the resale market has shown me this over and over in this community’s short life span!
Jamieson Place:
With F.C. Jamieson Park nestled right in the middle of Jamieson Place, this West Edmonton community is the perfect place to call home. This family-oriented community near the Anthony Henday, Whitemud Drive and the airport, offers a plethora of activities for people of all ages. There are ball diamonds, soccer fields, playgrounds and green spaces to take advantage of. Jamieson Place is also close to grocery, gas, pharmacy, restaurants and more shopping. The main school that is located in this community is Michael A. Kostek School.
Brintnell
This Northwest Edmonton family-friendly community boasts parks, pathways and greenspaces. Built primarily in the 2000s, Brintnell is close to great schools, including Dr. Donald Massey and Edmonton Christian Northeast School, great shopping, fantastic dining and there is quick access to the freeway making travel to downtown quick and easy.
Rosenthal:
Found in west Edmonton, Rosenthal should be on your radar of communities to move into. The community is growing rapidly today, could your family be the next residents?
Rosenthal continues to attract young families due to the peaceful identity the community has. The local greenways offer over 5k worth of walking paths, with natural attractions around such as waterfalls, brooks, and a community garden. Plan an outing with your kids to the local splash park, playgrounds, skating rinks, and keep your eyes out for the upcoming recreational centre.
Sheri Lukawesky, from The Christy Cantera Group of RE/MAX River City and a winner in RMA’s Top 100 Agents in Canada, advocates Rosenthal for families raising children. Here’s what she said:
1) What makes this neighbourhood special?
Sheri: “The community feel. There is a Facebook group where homeowners ask questions, ask for help and you see the responses from other neighbours and it so heartwarming. In my opinion this provides an important source of social connection and a sense of belonging.”
2) Why would you want to raise a family in this chosen neighborhood?
Sheri: “Due to the strong sense of community, this is an ideal neighborhood to raise a family in. This community is primarily with younger families, you have a more like minded and relatable neighbors.”
3) Tell us about some community events that happen that you want to highlight?
Sheri: “Community pumpkin carving contest, splash park parties, haunted house & Halloween events.”
4) Price trends in the neighbourhood?
Sheri: “The Rosenthal neighborhood does really well overall homes typically sell within 45-60 days. Our team helps clients buy and sell within the community at least 4 transactions each month.”
Cumberland:
Tucked away in North West Edmonton, this newer community is perfect for young families looking to settle down. There is tons to enjoy in the lakeside community including parks, expansive pathways and greenspaces. And, there is an abundance of community-organized events in the area such as family movie nights under the stars orchestrated by the active Oxford/Cumberland Community League. This neighbourhood has it all, it’s close to schools like the Hilwie Hamdon School, and shopping, Cumberland is a great place to start the nest.
MacEwan:
Comprised primarily of multi-family dwellings such as apartments and duplexes, this community offers a fantastic backdrop to your children’s upbringing. Close to transportation and with quick freeway access, MacEwan is accessible and convenient. MacEwan is close to Victory Christian School, which serves Kindergarten through Grade 12, and it’s near George P. Nicholson Public School. Enjoy evening strolls through green spaces and stop at the massive playground tucked away in the heart of the community. For you golf lovers, MacEwan is close to Jagare Ridge Golf Course, so we know where you’ll be on weekends!
Terwilligar Towne:
Escape the hustle and bustle of big city Edmonton for that small town vibe in the middle of it all. With green spaces, walking paths and water features, Terwilligar was designed to make you feel like you are somewhere new altogether — somewhere tranquil. The neighbourhood emphasizes community through central meeting places and green spaces, plus there are fantastic schools nearby to serve the community such as Ester Starkman School and Lillian Osborne High School.
Want to try something new? Try out a new sport or get your workout on at the conveniently located state of the art Terwillegar Community Rec Centre. Terwilligar Towne also has convenient road access to the Anthony Henday, getting back to the real world is just as easy.
Sheri Lukawesky, previously introduced, shares her recommendation of Terwilligar Towne.
1) What makes this neighbourhood special?
Sheri: “The neighborhood is ideal as it is close to various parks, well known and sought after schools not to mention lots of amenities at your fingertips.”
2) Why would you want to raise a family in this chosen neighborhood?
Sheri: “The community is very close knit with various block parties and community events always happening.”
3) Any community events that happen that you want to highlight?
Sheri: “In August, there’s a Summer carnival!”
4) Price trends in the neighbourhood?
Sheri: “The community itself is very sought after, homes come up on the market and don’t stay as an active listing for long due to the high interest.”
Wild Rose:
Nestled in Southeast Edmonton, this newer community built in the 2000s has it all. Take a stroll in the diverse and colourful Mill Creek Ravine, or stay closer to home with a brisk walk through the Wild Rose Park or Kittilitz Park. Enjoy shopping nearby, or take up a class at the recreation centre that has a pool and an arena. Close to transportation and freeways, Wild Rose is a great place for young families. There is one main school that serves this community — the Father Michael Troy Catholic Junior High School. There is never a dull moment in Wild Rose. The active community hosts a number of events that are friendly for the whole family — from Bike Festivals to huge Canada Day celebrations — you will always find something you and your family can do.
Silver Berry:
Tucked away in The Meadows in Southeast Edmonton, Silver Berry is the perfect community for young families. And it’s close to Costco. There is an abundance of arenas nearby including the Kenilworth and Mill Woods arenas. Hot summer days? Enjoy the outdoor pools, recreation centres or leisure centres in the community. The community of Silver Berry is comprised of mostly single detached homes and features a number of pathways, green spaces and playgrounds, and it is located near the Grey Nuns Hospital. This area is home to the Mary Hanley Catholic School which serves students in Kindergarten to Grade 6.
Heritage Lakes:
Step out of the hustle and bustle of Edmonton and find paradise in Heritage Lakes in St. Albert. This neighbourhood promotes community with its abundance of playgrounds, nature spaces and walkways to enjoy. The St. Albert community has quick access to Highway 2 and commutes into downtown Edmonton are just about a half hour — or enough time for you to finish that Tim’s coffee. Heritage Lakes is home to and active Community Association that plans a myriad of community events that are fun for the whole family. This neighbourhood includes the Wild Rose Elementary School for students ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 4. With its large amounts of nature space and close proximity to shopping malls, Heritage Lakes could be your oasis.
North Ridge:
Located in St. Albert’s Northwest side, this quiet neighbourhood offers single detached homes. Residents can escape the city life with the sweet serenity of suburbia, without missing out on convenience. Close to shops and a number of recreational facilities, North Ridge is the great escape. Plus, with quick access to the highway, commutes downtown are convenient and efficient. This area serves students of all ages with schools like J.J Nearing Catholic Elementary School, Vincent J. Maloney Catholic Junior High School and Bellerose Composite High School.
0 Comments