Edmonton’s Top Ten Neighbourhoods

Source: www.yegishome.ca
By Angie Calder Telepenko
Real estate activity in the whole capital region was high last year, but these neighbourhoods were the top ten in MLS® System sales for single family homes and condominiums.
1. Oliver
At 414 sales in 2014, this was Edmonton’s hottest neighbourhood for MLS® System sales. This area immediately west of the downtown core is made up mostly of condominiums and commercial properties, although you will still find some heritage homes from the days when it was considered the west end.
2. Rutherford
This community came in second, at 315 sales. It is one of the many neighbourhoods that have sprung up in Edmonton’s southwest in the last couple of decades. Rutherford was designed to include an extensive pedestrian network, and is the choice of many young professionals.
3. Downtown
The downtown core was third, at 273 units sold. It is the financial and business heart of the city, but interspersed are a lot residential land uses. It has been the hub of Edmonton since the turn of the last century, although a resident of that time would not recognize very much today. The area has benefited from the downtown revitalization program which began in the 1990s.
4. The Hamptons
265 MLS® System sales were recorded in 2014 in this west end neighbourhood, which began its development in the early years of this century. Although it is on the periphery of the city, it contains shopping and other amenities, as well as access to the Anthony Henday and other transportation corridors, which means residents can quickly journey to work and leisure pursuits elsewhere.
5. Summerside
This south side neighbourhood, which reported 235 units sold last year, is unique in that it contains Edmonton’s first purpose-built man-made lake, which provides swimming and fishing exclusively for the use of residents. This is reflected in the nautical look of many of the homes, reminiscent of Summerside, PEI which gave the community its name.
6. South Terwillegar
There were 219 residential sales here, in this community which reflects a variety of dwelling types, as well as many open spaces and pedestrian linkages. With construction starting in 2003, and excellent access to arterial roads, it is another newer neighbourhood that attracts a lot of young families.
7. Windermere
Seventh on the list with 176 units sold, this area contains a mix of homes ranging from inexpensive condominiums to upscale estate homes overlooking the river valley. It was part of Strathcona County until the city’s annexation in 1982. Though most of the development is recent, a few older homes, legacies from when it was agricultural land, can still be found.
8. Strathcona
This historic neighbourhood, which began development in 1891, was originally a separate town and only became part of the city of Edmonton in 1912. Last year 168 homes were sold there through the MLS® System. Although most dwellings are now apartments, there still are many stately heritage homes which were built by early movers and shakers. The area has its own artsy atmosphere, due to the Whyte Avenue shopping and entertainment district, and its proximity to the University of Alberta.
9. Westmount
157 units were sold last year in Westmount, another mix of heritage homes and walk-up apartments. Extensive infill development has occurred so there are lots of newer homes as well. 124 Street is the chief transportation artery, and has also developed into an arts, restaurant and shopping district.
10. Garneau
Rounding out the top 10 is Strathcona’s next door neighbour Garneau, which reported 149 MLS® System sales in 2014. Many of its residents are brought there by the nearby University of Alberta. Some of the old historic homes have been converted to U of A student housing. The area also attracts professionals who work downtown, which is across the river and easily accessible via the High Level and Walterdale Bridges.
These neigbourhoods are an intriguing mix of old and new, starter and upscale… it will be interesting to see what the next year has in store in Edmonton’s real estate market.