Brian JonesOnce you reach your golden years, you dream of settling in a place where you can relax but still have room for new exploration, passions, and entertainment.
Luckily for you, Edmonton has all that! Our city is actually a very appealing city to retire in, as many will attest.
Don’t believe us? Today, we’ll go through our list of the best places to live in Edmonton for retirees. We’ll show what each neighborhood can offer in terms of living costs, housing, safety, and more, so you can see why so many people are choosing to retire here.
1. Aspen Gardens
Location: Southwest Edmonton
Average cost of living: $1,089
Average house prices: $951,000
Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 2.5%
Accessible healthcare facilities:
- Misericordia Community Hospital
- Grey Nuns Community Hospital
- St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital
Accessible amenities and attractions:
- Aspen Gardens Community League
- Rainbow Valley Campground
- Snow Valley Ski Club
- Whitemud Creek Ravine
Aspen Gardens is an exclusive and safe neighborhood, so it’s one of the top picks for people who want to settle down for good.
Since it’s a semi-secluded neighborhood, it’s less crowded, and the crime rate here is 40% lower than the national average. With all that, there’s no surprise that retirees choose this place to relax and enjoy their golden days.
The tree-lined pathways around the neighborhood are also perfect for a morning jog or leisurely walk. Besides that, the community is close to Whitemud Creek Ravine, so retirees will have plenty of options for outdoor recreation, such as picnics and camping.
In terms of healthcare facilities, you can have peace of mind because the area is near healthcare clinics and hospitals, including Misericordia Community Hospital and Grey Nuns Community Hospital.
The things that may break your decision to stay here are the high cost of living and steep housing prices. Nonetheless, the cost of living in Aspen Gardens is only 1% higher than the city average ($1,078). With all the accessible amenities and attractions around, we think it’s well worth its price.
Pros
- Semi-secluded and quiet neighborhood
- Close to many healthcare facilities
- Accessible attractions and recreational facilities
- Low crime rate
Cons
- High cost of living
- High house price
2. Garneau
Location: West Strathcona
Average cost of living: $981
Average house prices: $356,000
Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 7.69%
Accessible healthcare facilities:
- Magna Medical Clinic
- Garneau Medical Clinic and Pharmacy
- Imagine Healthcare Centre
Accessible amenities and attractions:
- Garneau Community League
- Garneau Theatre
- Kinsmen Park
Garneau is an old neighborhood that’s great for retirees looking for more affordable housing options.
While it’s true that the neighborhood is mostly composed of condominiums and low-rise apartments, we still think that it’s a cheaper investment since property prices in the area are 42% lower than the national average. You can buy a unit for as low as $130,000.
Another thing we like about Garneau is its accessible walk-in clinics and pharmacies. With close proximity to these and other amenities, residents don’t need to travel extensively to fulfill their daily and medical needs.
However, compared to other neighborhoods in this list, the crime rate (specifically the property crime rate) is quite high in this area. If you decide to live here, installing security cameras and alarms around your property can go a long way.
Pros
- Living cost is 9% lower than in Edmonton
- Affordable housing prices
- Accessible walk-in clinics and pharmacies
- Accessible bus routes
- Accessible business hubs, amenities, and attractions
Cons
- High crime rate
3. Strathcona
Location: South Central Edmonton
Average cost of living: $1,013
Average housing price: $450,000
Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 5.88%
Accessible healthcare facilities:
- University of Alberta Hospital
- Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute
- D E Steinke
Accessible amenities and attractions:
- Strathcona Community League
- Varscona Theatre
- Strathcona Farmers Market
- Whyte Avenue
Strathcona is an excellent option for retirees who love the buzz of a vibrant and diverse community but still want access to natural attractions. You see, this neighborhood is adjacent to Downtown Edmonton and situated just off the North Saskatchewan River.
If you fancy going out on a stroll, we recommend exploring the ever-famous Whyte Avenue. Here you can try various cuisines from a line of restaurants and go window shopping at different boutiques and stores.
Its historic charm, along with the location advantage to various amenities and major healthcare facilities, makes it perfect for old people who are not used to traveling far. Nonetheless, if they need to go to other parts of the city, this neighborhood also offers easy access to public transportation.
Pros
- Living cost is 6% lower than Edmonton’s average
- Access to major healthcare facilities
- Access to bus routes and Strathcona LRT
- Access to major roads
- Close to Downtown Edmonton and the North Saskatchewan River
Cons
- High population density
- High housing prices
- High crime rate
4. Windermere
Location: Southwest Edmonton
Average cost of living: $1,078
Average housing price: $450,000
Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 2.5%
Accessible healthcare facilities:
- Harmony Caregiving
- Premier Medical Clinic
- Windermere Plaza Medical Clinic
Accessible amenities and attractions:
- Greater Windermere Community League
- Fort Edmonton Park
- Royal Alberta Museum
- Windermere Golf and Country Club
Windermere is one of the safest neighborhoods in Edmonton. In fact, it’s considered safer than 88% of the cities in the province, so we highly recommend this for retirees and families.
This suburban community offers a quiet and cozy community that is perfect for retirees. Here you can access expansive green spaces and walking trails.
Besides that, if you’re a golf enthusiast, Windermere Golf and Country Club should be part of your must-visit list. It features a par 71 course and offers a scenic view of the North Saskatchewan River.
Pros
- Same cost of living with Edmonton
- Low crime rate
- Accessible healthcare facilities
- Access to Anthony Henday Drive
- Accessible attractions and outdoor recreational facilities
Cons
- High housing prices
5. Glenora
Location: North of North Saskatchewan River
Average cost of living: $1,132
Average housing price: $882,000
Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 2.5%
Accessible healthcare facilities:
- Hudson Medical Clinic
- West Oliver Medical Clinic
- Westmount Medical Clinic
Accessible amenities and attractions:
- Glenora Community League
- Strathcona
- River Valley Parks
- Glenora Park
If you have the budget, the upscale and historic neighborhood of Glenora might be a good place to spend your retirement. The community is mostly composed of single-family homes, but you can find a variety of architectural styles and structures to fit your requirements and preferences.
It’s also a bonus that it’s adjacent to the North Saskatchewan River Valley, so you can quickly access various trails and outdoor recreation.
Apart from that, the neighborhood is close to modern conveniences. For example, if you want to visit different art galleries, cafes, and restaurants, you can drop by 124th Street.
The only downside of living here is that it’s part of the inner city, so it can be a bit noisy even at night. For that reason, we don’t recommend this neighborhood if you’re sensitive to noises, especially when sleeping.
Pros
- Accessible healthcare facilities
- Accessible amenities and attractions
- Close to River Valley parks and recreational spaces
- Close to River Valley, Downtown Edmonton, and Strathcona
- Violent crime rate is 53% lower than Canada’s average
Cons
- Living cost is 5% higher than Edmonton’s average
- High housing prices
- Traffic congestion
6. Mactaggart
Location: Southwest Edmonton
Average cost of living: $1,110
Average housing price: $608,000
Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 2.5%
Accessible healthcare facilities:
- Dominion Medical Center
- Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network
- Terwillegar Medical Clinic
Accessible amenities and attractions:
- Terwillegar Community League
- Mactaggart Sanctuary
- Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary
- Old Strathcona’s Farmers Market
Mactaggart is a relatively new neighborhood in Edmonton. It offers a tranquil, serene atmosphere that’s appealing to retirees who prefer a calm and relaxed setting.
Moreover, it’s set near medical facilities, like Terwillegar Medical Clinic and Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network. This is an advantage, especially for retirees that require quick access to healthcare services or specialized care that’s within a reasonable distance.
However, we’d like to warn you that living here will probably cost a hefty amount of money. You see, its average living cost is 3% higher than in Edmonton, and housing prices are steep.
Nevertheless, we think living here is still worth its price because of its proximity to healthcare facilities, amenities, attractions, and transportation options.
Pros
- Low crime rate
- Access to medical facilities and amenities
- Access to natural attractions and outdoor recreation
- Access to public transportation options
Cons
- High living cost
- High housing prices
7. Rutherford
Location: South Edmonton
Average cost of living: $970
Average housing price: $297,000
Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 5.56%
Accessible healthcare facilities:
- Rutherford Medical Clinic
- Sphinx Medical Group
- Ellerslie Medical Centre
Accessible amenities and attractions:
- Heritage Point Community League
- Rutherford House
- Alberta Railway Museum
- John Walter Museum
Next on our list is Rutherford. Due to its vibrant proximity to essential and healthcare services, we deemed it a suitable choice for retirees.
Aside from affordable housing options, the cost of living in Rutherford is 10% lower compared to the city’s average. Moreover, it offers easy access to indoor and outdoor recreation, parks, and green spaces because it’s under the Heritage Community League.
We think it’s a good option for people seeking a reasonably priced property that is accessible and safe.
Apart from that, another thing that makes this community ideal for retirees is the Harmony at Rutherford. It’s a four-story building with condo-sized suites and amenities that are specifically designed for seniors.
It’s a great option for active seniors who prefer to live independently and also for retirees who require extensive care services. All healthcare and personal services provided in this retirement home are approved by Alberta Health Services.
All in all, Rutherford is a great place to settle in. Our only issue here is its high population density, so it can get pretty crowded, especially when there are events and festivals.
Pros
- Low housing prices
- Low cost of living
- Access to Harmony at Rutherford (retirement home) for seniors
- Access to various attractions and recreation
- Access to major roads (111 Street, Ellerslie Road, and Anthony Henday Drive)
Cons
- High population density
8. Summerside
Location: South Edmonton
Average cost of living: $1,003
Average housing price: $563,000
Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 4.35%
Accessible healthcare facilities:
- Gracepoint Medical Clinic
- Jaz MD Corp
- Ellerslie Medical Centre
Accessible amenities and attractions:
- Horizon Community League
- Summerside Beach Club
- West Edmonton Mall
- Hawrelak Park
The community of Summerside is known for its freshwater recreational lake. That’s why we think it’s perfect for retirees who prefer to live nestled in nature without being too far away from the city’s amenities.
Once you decide to live here, you’ll have convenient access to plenty of famous attractions in the city. Of course, the nearest one is Lake Summerside, and it’s only accessible to residents, so it’s pretty exclusive.
Another thing we like about this community is its relatively low cost of living (7% lower than Edmonton). Well, since the housing prices in this area are quite high, the low living cost can be a big help to save more.
Pros
- Low cost of living
- Low crime rate
- Offers a serene lakeside community
- Access to various attractions and recreation
- Access to major roads and Edmonton International Airport
Cons
- High housing prices
- High population density
9. Wild Rose
Location: Southeast Edmonton
Average cost of living: $981
Average housing price: $441,000
Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 5%
Accessible healthcare facilities:
- Wild Rose Medical Centre
- Wild Rose Retirement Residence (Optima Living Community)
- Covenant Health
Accessible amenities and attractions:
- The Meadows Community League
- Wild Rose Market
- Wild Rose Carnival l
- West Edmonton Mall
Wild Rose is one of the traditional choices for retirees in Edmonton. It’s a residential neighborhood known for its vast green space and its proximity to Mill Creek Ravine.
Although the area doesn’t have a lot of commercial space and services within its boundaries, it still offers easy access to Wild Rose Market and other retail stores on 38th Avenue.
Moreover, it features an excellent community for seniors – Wild Rose Retirement Residence. They cater to independently living seniors and people who require assisted care and living services,
What’s more, is that they offer different engaging activities for everyone, including arts and crafts, yoga classes, and outdoor social events. Here, retirees can pursue new hobbies and interests!
Pros
- Living cost is 9% lower than Edmonton’s average
- Low crime rate
- Access to Wild Rose Retirement Services
- Accessible healthcare facilities
- Access to natural attractions and outdoor recreation
Cons
- Quite far from amenities
- High housing prices
10. Ritchie
Location: Southeast Edmonton
Average cost of living: $970
Average housing price: $461,000
Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 6.67%
Accessible healthcare facilities:
- Hudson Medical Clinic & Pharmacy
- Dr. Wong Stan
- West End Medical Clinic
Accessible amenities and attractions:
- Ritchie Community League
- Ritchie Market
- Old Strathcona
- Mill Creek Ravine
Ritchie offers a great mix of suburb-like community and hipster downtown vibe that’s a top pick for long-time residents and young families alike. It is also a walkable neighborhood, so it’s a nice place to settle in if a morning jog or stroll is part of your daily routine.
In 2017, the neighborhood underwent a revitalization project, so it now features a commercial hub. Ritchie Market is where residents can find a range of shops, stores, and entertainment.
When it comes to housing, you can also have a range of options, including stylish apartments, family homes, and luxury villas. Meanwhile, in terms of the cost of living, it’s best to know that Ritchie’s average is 10% lower than the city’s average.
Pros
- Low cost of living
- Access to various attractions and amenities
- Close to Strathcona, Whyte Avenue, and Downtown Edmonton
- Accessible healthcare facilities
- Accessible amenities and natural attractions
Cons
- High crime rate
- High housing prices
*We gathered the data and stats from trusted sources, including Numbeo, Liv Real Estate, and Area Vibes. All costs of living are per individual and per month.
