Edmonton Neighbourhoods and Communities
Second to Toronto, Edmonton is Canada’s most populous provincial capital. People here say that Edmonton has small-town charm, with all the amenities of a big centre. The majority of the population lives within the metropolitan area with a population of nearly 800,000 people. The surrounding communities bring the Greater Edmonton population to over 1 million people.
Downtown Edmonton residents who live in the commercial core, which includes the Arts Districts, Jasper Avenue, Grandin, Rice Howard Way, the Warehouse District or McKay Avenue, live in lofts, condominiums or residential towers and enjoy some of the nicest views overlooking the river valley.
According to the Realtors Association of Edmonton, the average cost of a single-family dwelling was estimated at $391,495 in 2009. The average condo sold for $242,644 and the average cost of a duplex was $306,905.
Neighbourhoods Near Downtown Edmonton
Branching out from the heart of downtown, districts such as Oliver host high-density condos and apartments. Westmount is filled with old-character homes and mid-sized towers. The area between the two districts, just west of downtown, is home to art galleries, restaurants and boutiques. Continuing west are some of the oldest neighbourhoods in Edmonton: Glenora and Crestwood. Homes in these neighbourhoods are to be desired, and some of the most affluent Edmontonians reside here.
Another prominent district is Old Strathcona, a historical area in south-central Edmonton where there is no lack of live music, theatre, nightlife, shopping, festivals or restaurants. Strathcona was once a city of its own, before the amalgamation with Edmonton in 1912. What it’s most known for is Whyte Avenue, a region that is host to many students because of its liveliness and proximity to the University of Alberta.
Edmonton's Ethnic Diversity
Being a melting-pot society, Edmonton’s ethnic diversity becomes evident in districts such as Chinatown in central Edmonton, Little Lebanon in the northwest and Little India in the south. Other areas include the African Village, Little Italy, the Portuguese Enclave and the French Quarter.
Suburbs of Edmonton
The suburbs around Edmonton began to appear in the 1940s. With a population of 1,034,945, Edmonton is considered the largest northernmost North American city. In addition to the suburban spread, cities such as St. Albert to the northwest, Fort Saskatchewan to the north, Sherwood Park to the east, Devon to the south, Stony Plain to the west and Spruce Grove, Leduc and Morinville surround Edmonton, and are considered part of Greater Edmonton. In these areas, the cost of living can often be far less, or more expensive, such as in St. Albert and Sherwood Park.
Newer neighbourhoods are also popping up, especially to the west of the city. Terwillegar, located in the southwest, is a community in itself with business, residential and retail buildings. So, Edmonton can cater to almost any way of life.
