Insider’s Guide: 10 Best Places in Edmonton for Students

Universities and colleges are spread out across the city of Edmonton. This means that a huge wave of students seeks out places to live in right before every academic year. 

If you’re one of them, read on because we’ve put together this guide for you! We curated the neighborhoods that offer affordable rent, access to good transit, and an array of entertainment options (because, you know, student life isn’t just about hitting the books). 

1. Strathcona

Location: South Central Edmonton 

Average cost of living: $1,014 

Average rent price (1-bedroom apartment): $1,195 

Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 5.88%

Accessible amenities and attractions: 

• Whyte Avenue
• Strathcona Farmers Market 
• Edmonton Public Library  

Strathcona is one of the hotspots for uni students because of its location and hub of attractions and amenities.

For example, if you love Edmonton’s nightlife scene, you’ll surely enjoy exploring Whyte Avenue‘s line of pubs, bars, and other entertainment joints.

And if you’re into natural attractions and outdoor recreation, it’s worth checking out nearby parks and open spaces, including Strathcona Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, and E.L. Hill Park.

Meanwhile, in terms of living costs, it’s a plus that the average cost of living here is 6% lower than the city’s average ($1,079). 

On top of that, the average rent price for a 1-bedroom apartment is quite cheap, especially if you consider how close the neighborhood is to Edmonton’s core. 

2. Downtown Edmonton 

Location: City center 

Average cost of living: $950 

Average rent price (1-bedroom apartment): $1,354 

Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 8.33%

Accessible amenities and attractions: 

• ICE District
• Art Gallery of Alberta 
• Royal Alberta Museum 

If you’ve lived in Edmonton for a long time, you know that Downtown Edmonton is for people who love the dynamic and non-stop city buzz. That’s why we highly recommend Edmonton’s core to college students who are always on the go.

A slew of commercial services and businesses are accessible on 104 Street and Jasper Avenue. Besides that, it’s close to universities, such as the University of Alberta, Reeves College Edmonton City Centre,  and Concordia University of Edmonton. 

With its central location and accessible amenities, not to mention the staggeringly low cost of living, all that you probably need is within your reach if you stay here.

However, the downside of living in this neighborhood is that it can be busy and noisy all the time. Apart from that, the crime rate here is significantly higher than other neighborhoods on this list.

According to statistics, the crime rate here is 98% higher than Canada’s average. Petty crimes like pickpocketing, vandalism, and theft from vehicles are evident in this part of the town. 

3. Westmount 

Location: West of Downtown Edmonton 

Average cost of living: $993

Average rent price (1-bedroom apartment): $1,170 

Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 6.25%

Accessible amenities and attractions: 

• Westmount Park
• 124th Street
• Westmount Shopping Center

Westmount is a tight-knit community that we recommend for college students who want the best of both worlds – modern conveniences and the tranquility of the suburbs. 

You see, it offers quick access to shopping areas and dining options on 124 Street. However, it’s not as crowded as Edmonton’s core, so you can be away from the buzz of the city after a long day of lectures or exams. 

Average rental prices here may not be that affordable, but we think you can still find accommodation that suits your preferences and budget. 

Besides that, most of the apartments in the neighborhood are within close proximity to universities, so you can save time and money on transportation costs.

4. Queen Alexandra 

Location: Southwest Edmonton 

Average cost of living: $982 

Average rent price (1-bedroom apartment): $1,285

Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 7.14%

Accessible amenities and attractions:

• Black Dog Freehouse 
• Tavern on Whyte 
• Edmonton Public Library 

Queen Alexandra is a quaint neighborhood that’s adjacent to the University of Alberta. It was part of the original Strathcona until 1899.

Obviously, many students of the University of Alberta are drawn to live here because it’s within walking or biking distance from the campus. Moreover, the area is well-served with amenities and services, so you will not have a problem getting your daily necessities.

Another thing that we like about this neighborhood is that it has access to well-connected public transportation options. The Edmonton Transit System (ETS) operates buses in the area, and the LRT system is also accessible.

Apart from that, Queen Alexandra is close to Whyte Avenue, so you can easily visit numerous lively bars or locally-owned cafes and restaurants in your free time.

The only downside to this is that areas near Whyte Avenues are known to have high crime rates. Nonetheless, according to stats, Queen Alexandra is still safer than 30% of the cities in Alberta.

5. Central McDougall  

Location: North of Downtown Edmonton

Average cost of living: $928

Average rent price (1-bedroom apartment): $950 

Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 9.09%

Accessible amenities and attractions:

• Art Gallery of Alberta 
• Unity Square Centre 
• Rogers Place 

Central McDougall landed a spot on our list because it’s one of the most affordable neighborhoods to live in Edmonton. On top of that, rental rates here are significantly cheaper compared to other areas near the Downtown core.

The community is also designed to be walkable, so even if you don’t have a car, you can pretty much get around the whole neighborhood. 

Another factor that makes Central McDougall stand out for many college students is its proximity to various academic institutions, including MacEwan University, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and Norquest College.

However, we don’t recommend this neighborhood if safety is your top priority. You see, the violent crime rate here is 73% higher than the national average, so you have to be vigilant at all times.

6. McKernan 

Location: Southwest Edmonton

Average cost of living: $1,047

Average rent price (1-bedroom apartment): $1,075

Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 5.56%

Accessible amenities and attractions: 

• Snow Valley Ski Club
• Rundle Park 
• McKernan Rink

McKernan is a historic neighborhood that has recently become a popular pick for students and young professionals. 

It may not be as big or populous as neighborhoods in the Downtown core, but it features a number of apartments that offer safe and affordable housing that’s perfect for college students.

Since its location is adjacent to the University of Alberta, you can quickly access an array of public transportation options. 

Apart from that, it offers access to a ton of community amenities, such as Hawrelak Park, Kinsmen Park, and Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool. Exploring these spots is a great way to unwind after a long week of exams and cramming sessions.

7. Pleasantview 

Location: Southwest Edmonton

Average cost of living: $982

Average rent price (1-bedroom apartment): $929 

Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 6.25%

Accessible amenities and attractions: 

• Citadel Theatre
• University of Alberta Botanic Garden 
• Art Gallery of Alberta

Living in Pleasantview is ideal for uni students who want to live in an affordable neighborhood. This is because the cost of living here is 9% lower than the city average, and the average rent price for a 1-bedroom apartment is considerably cheaper compared to other neighborhoods.

It’s also an advantage that Pleasantview is close to many universities, such as the University of Alberta (South Campus), Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and Athabasca University.

Moreover, it offers easy access to major roads as well as local amenities and facilities. 

For example, if you want to stay active during your free time, you can access the Pleasantview Community League’s outdoor rink or tennis courts.

8. Garneau 

Location: West of Strathcona 

Average cost of living: $982 

Average rent price (1-bedroom apartment): $1,290

Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 7.69% 

Accessible amenities and attractions: 

• Whyte Avenue
• Garneau Theatre 
• University Hospital 

Garneau is a popular historic neighborhood in Edmonton. In terms of housing, it mostly offers apartments and condominiums, so it’s an ideal pick for young professionals and students.

It has a strong college student presence because it hosts the renowned University of Alberta. Besides that, it’s also close to other academic institutions, such as the Alberta College of Pharmacy and MacEwan University (Alberta College Campus).

It’s also an advantage that the area is built to be walkable, so it’s perfect for accomplishing daily errands on foot or enjoying leisurely walks during the weekends.

Once you turn to 109 Street, you can find a modern commercial hub featuring a variety of shops and stores. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for dining or entertainment options, we recommend exploring 88 Avenue. 

9. Cloverdale 

Location: South of North Saskatchewan River 

Average cost of living: $1,047 

Average rent price (1-bedroom apartment): $875 

Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 2.5%

Accessible amenities and attractions: 

• Muttart Conservatory 
• Cloverdale Flea Market 
• Bose Forest Park 

Cloverdale is a simple and quiet river valley community that’s a good pick for nature lovers. It’s also an excellent neighborhood to live in for people who prioritize safety and security when choosing a home.

However, since the neighborhood is mostly focused on residential properties, there are not a lot of commercial or business establishments inside. Nonetheless, you can still access various dining and entertainment options in other neighborhoods. 

This neighborhood is situated near the North Saskatchewan River and offers easy access to other popular attractions, including Muttart Conservatory and Edmonton Ski Club.

Furthermore, it’s close to Gallagher Park, which hosts the annual Edmonton Folk Music Festival. 

10. Allendale 

Location: Southwest Edmonton 

Average cost of living: $993

Average rent price (1-bedroom apartment): $1,000

Chances of becoming a victim of crime: 6.25%

Accessible amenities and attractions: 

• Allendale Park 
• Pime Integrated Health Centre 
• Midway Music Hall 

Allendale is a small neighborhood bordered by 104 Street, 109 Street, 70 Avenue, and 61 Avenue.

The area is predominantly composed of single-family homes, but don’t worry because most of them are for rent. The average rental prices are also quite affordable, so we think Allendale is still a nice option for students.

The community draws in many college students every year because it’s situated near the University of Alberta and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. 

Moreover, it offers convenient access to amenities in Whyte Avenue and Southgate Centre.

*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.