Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city, is an attractive destination for families seeking a balance between urban convenience and family-friendly amenities. With its excellent schools, spacious parks, and low crime rates, the city offers plenty of neighborhoods that are perfect for raising children. In this 2024 guide, we’ll explore the best places to live in Edmonton for families, highlighting key features of each area to help you make the best choice for your family.
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What Makes Edmonton Ideal for Families?
Before diving into specific neighborhoods, it’s important to understand why Edmonton is a great city for family living. Here are a few key factors that make Edmonton stand out:
- Proximity to Quality Schools: Edmonton is home to many top-tier public and private schools. Families with school-aged children often prioritize neighborhoods that offer excellent educational options and proximity to these schools.
- Access to Parks and Green Spaces: Edmonton boasts numerous parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas. Families have access to outdoor activities year-round, promoting healthy and active lifestyles for both kids and adults.
- Safety and Community Spirit: Edmonton neighborhoods are known for their low crime rates, and many areas feature active community leagues that foster a sense of belonging through regular events and activities.
- Affordable Family-Sized Housing: From single-family homes to townhomes and condos, Edmonton’s neighborhoods offer a range of housing options that cater to different family sizes and budgets.
Top 10 Best Neighborhoods in Edmonton for Families
Here are some of the best places to live in Edmonton for families, each with its own unique features that cater to family living.
1. Strathcona
Strathcona is a neighborhood rich in history, known for its lively arts scene and strong sense of community.
- Community Amenities: Families enjoy the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market, cafes, and access to Mill Creek Ravine for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
- Schools and Education: The neighborhood offers several excellent schools, making it ideal for families prioritizing education. Additionally, its proximity to the University of Alberta adds to its appeal.
- Safety and Community Spirit: With its low crime rates and active community leagues, Strathcona is a safe and vibrant area for families.
2. Terwillegar Towne
A master-planned community in southwest Edmonton, Terwillegar Towne is one of the most sought-after areas for families.
- Community Amenities: This neighborhood features parks, playgrounds, and walking trails. The Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre is a popular spot for family activities, offering pools, sports programs, and fitness facilities.
- Schools and Education: With access to highly-rated public and Catholic schools, Terwillegar Towne is perfect for families looking for top-notch education.
- Safety and Community Spirit: Known for its low crime rates and active neighborhood watch program, Terwillegar Towne is a safe and welcoming community for families.
3. Ritchie
Ritchie is a dynamic, up-and-coming neighborhood that blends historic charm with modern living conveniences.
- Community Amenities: Families in Ritchie enjoy easy access to parks, local cafes, and the Mill Creek Ravine, offering plenty of outdoor activities.
- Schools and Education: This neighborhood is well-served by schools, making it a convenient choice for families with children.
- Safety and Community Spirit: Ritchie has a strong sense of community, supported by neighborhood watch programs and regular events hosted by the community league.
4. The Hamptons
The Hamptons is a peaceful, family-focused neighborhood located in west Edmonton, offering suburban comfort with plenty of amenities.
- Community Amenities: The Hamptons is packed with parks, playgrounds, and walking trails, making it perfect for outdoor family activities.
- Schools and Education: With access to several well-regarded schools, including Bessie Nichols School, this neighborhood is ideal for young families.
- Safety and Community Spirit: This area is known for its low crime rates and active community league, reinforcing its family-friendly atmosphere.
5. Ambleside
Located in southwest Edmonton, Ambleside offers a mix of modern housing and convenient amenities.
- Community Amenities: The Currents of Windermere shopping district is located in the heart of Ambleside, providing families with access to retail, restaurants, and entertainment options. Parks and scenic ponds add to the area’s appeal for families.
- Schools and Education: With several excellent public and Catholic schools, Ambleside is a top choice for families focused on education.
- Safety and Community Spirit: Ambleside is a safe, well-maintained neighborhood with active community involvement, offering a welcoming environment for families.
6. Windermere
Windermere is a prestigious and family-friendly neighborhood that combines luxury living with easy access to amenities.
- Community Amenities: The area features high-end shopping centers, golf courses, and parks. Its proximity to green spaces and outdoor recreation areas makes it a great fit for families who value an active lifestyle.
- Schools and Education: Families in Windermere have access to top-rated schools, ensuring quality education for children.
- Safety and Community Spirit: Windermere has low crime rates, and its active community engagement ensures a secure and connected atmosphere for families.
7. Summerside
Summerside offers a unique lake lifestyle, perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities.
- Community Amenities: The highlight of Summerside is its private lake, where families can swim, fish, or boat. Parks, playgrounds, and walking trails enhance the area’s family-friendly vibe.
- Schools and Education: Summerside offers a variety of schooling options, making it a convenient area for families with children of all ages.
- Safety and Community Spirit: Summerside’s strong neighborhood watch program and active community league help maintain a safe, connected environment.
8. Glenora
Glenora is a historic neighborhood that combines old-world charm with modern conveniences, making it a desirable location for families.
- Community Amenities: Families enjoy close proximity to the Royal Alberta Museum and Edmonton Valley Zoo, as well as beautiful parks and green spaces.
- Schools and Education: Glenora is known for its excellent schools, providing high-quality education options for families.
- Safety and Community Spirit: This neighborhood’s tight-knit community, historic charm, and safety make it an attractive option for families.
9. Riverbend
Riverbend, located in southwest Edmonton, offers a quiet, suburban atmosphere perfect for families.
- Community Amenities: Riverbend is known for its extensive parks and walking trails, with easy access to the North Saskatchewan River for outdoor recreation.
- Schools and Education: Riverbend has several top-rated schools, ensuring families have access to quality education.
- Safety and Community Spirit: The area has a strong community league that fosters a sense of belonging, making it one of the safest and most family-friendly neighborhoods in Edmonton.
10. Westmount
Westmount is a historic, centrally located neighborhood that offers both charm and convenience for families.
- Community Amenities: The neighborhood is highly walkable, with access to parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly events. Its proximity to downtown Edmonton makes it convenient for both work and leisure.
- Schools and Education: Westmount offers several excellent schools, making it ideal for families with children.
- Safety and Community Spirit: Westmount has a strong sense of community, and its vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere makes it a great choice for those looking for a welcoming neighborhood.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Neighborhood
When searching for the best places to live in Edmonton for families, consider the following factors:
- Budget and Housing Costs: Determine your budget and explore neighborhoods that align with your financial needs.
- Commute Time: Choose a neighborhood with convenient access to your workplace or major transit routes to ensure a good work-life balance.
- Personal Preferences and Lifestyle: Consider the type of lifestyle you want for your family. Edmonton has a wide variety of neighborhoods, from quiet suburbs to vibrant urban communities.
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Conclusion
Choosing the right neighborhood is a vital decision when searching for the best places to live in Edmonton for families. Each of the areas we’ve covered offers unique benefits—whether it’s the historic appeal of Strathcona, the suburban comfort of The Hamptons, or the lake lifestyle of Summerside. These neighborhoods are known for their safety, excellent schools, and family-friendly amenities, making them ideal places to raise children.
When selecting the perfect neighborhood for your family, consider your budget, proximity to work, and the amenities that matter most to you. Taking the time to visit these neighborhoods can provide valuable insight into their community feel, helping you make an informed decision about where to settle down.
FAQs
The nicest area to live in Edmonton is often considered to be Glenora. This historic neighborhood is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, classic architecture, and proximity to downtown. Glenora offers a mix of upscale homes, excellent schools, and easy access to the North Saskatchewan River Valley, making it a highly desirable location for those seeking a blend of charm and convenience.
Yes, Edmonton is a great place to raise a family. The city offers numerous family-friendly neighborhoods, each with excellent schools, abundant parks, recreational facilities, and a strong sense of community. Edmonton’s low crime rates, diverse cultural activities, and robust public services further enhance its appeal as a family-friendly city.
One of the safest areas in Edmonton is Riverbend, particularly neighborhoods like Brookside and Ramsay Heights. These areas are known for their low crime rates, well-maintained properties, and active neighborhood watch programs. Families often choose Riverbend for its safety, excellent schools, and access to green spaces.
Some areas in Edmonton that are generally advised to be avoided due to higher crime rates and less desirable living conditions include parts of Alberta Avenue, McCauley, and Central McDougall. While these areas are undergoing revitalization efforts, they may still have issues related to safety and infrastructure compared to other parts of the city.
The richest part of Edmonton is Windermere. Located in the southwest of the city, Windermere is home to luxury estates, upscale shopping centers, and exclusive amenities. This affluent neighborhood attracts high-income residents who enjoy spacious, high-end homes and a lifestyle focused on comfort and convenience.
If you’re visiting or moving to Edmonton and seeking a safe, vibrant area with plenty of amenities, Strathcona and Old Strathcona are excellent choices. These neighborhoods are well-known for their lively arts scene, historic charm, and proximity to downtown. Additionally, Westmount offers a mix of historic and modern living with great access to shops, restaurants, and parks, making it another desirable area to stay in.
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