Top 10 Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Edmonton (We checked!)
Looking to move to a place in Edmonton that won’t make you feel like you’re hemmorhaging money daily? You’re in luck because we do have some areas of the city with very reasonable costs of living.
Currently, the most affordable neighborhoods in Edmonton are Hairsine, Evergreen, Abbottsfield, Delton, Rideau Park, Secord, Alberta Avenue, Calder, Callingwood South, and Inglewood. Note that this is in no particular order.
Let’s take a look at each neighborhood in detail to see if you can find one that suits your needs.
1. Hairsine
Location: Northeast Edmonton
Average Rent Price (1-bedroom apartment): $1,089
Average House Price: $191,000
Annual Median Household Income: $71,104
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $843
Chance of becoming a victim of crime: 8.33%
Hairsine is situated in the Claireview area of northeast Edmonton. This is a small neighborhood – population 2,671 – and is predominantly made up of single-family homes, but townhouses and low-rise apartments are available as well.
We consider Hairsine’s living costs relatively affordable because the average living cost of a single person in Hairsine is 16% lower than Edmonton’s current average living costs ($1,003.80).
In terms of housing, properties are significantly cheaper because you can find rowhouses or single-family homes for as low as $120,000. However, monthly rent or mortgage can still be expensive since Hairsine’s annual median household income is 14% lower than the national average.
Pros
- Low living cost
- Affordable housing options
- Offers a quiet and suburban lifestyle
- Close to Claireview Town Centre and transit hub
- Has two good schools – John D. Bracco School and St. Bonaventure Catholic Elementary School
Cons
- Median household income is 14% lower than the national average
- Expensive rental units
- High crime rate
2. Evergreen
Average Rent Price (1-bedroom apartment): $850
Average House Price: $70,647
Annual Median Household Income: $69,322
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $914
The main problem with Evergreen is that there aren’t a lot of properties up for sale here. Still, apartment rentals are a good option, especially for young professionals, because the average monthly rent is relatively affordable.
It’s also worth noting that the average cost of living in Evergreen is 9% lower than Edmonton’s average living cost. Add the free recreation and attractions nearby (like Blackmud Creek Ravine and Blackburne Park) and you seem to have a winner.
However, the crime rate can be off-putting for some – currently, the total crime rate in this neighborhood is 107% higher than the national average. That’s why we don’t recommend this neighborhood for people with families or those starting a family.
Pros
- Affordable housing options
- Affordable rental units
- Low living cost
- Close to many parks and outdoor attractions
Cons
- Not many active listings for properties
- High crime rate
- No nearby hospital or fire station
3. Abbottsfield
Location: East Edmonton
Average Rent Price (1-bedroom apartment): $1,102
Average House Price: $154,000
Annual Median Household Income: $54,504
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $833
In terms of living costs, the average cost of living in this neighborhood is 17% lower than Edmonton’s average living costs. Not significantly low, considering the median household income here is 34% lower than the national average.
No, the main attraction is in the affordability of properties. They’re around $142,000 to $165,000.
Just note that the primary housing options here are multi-unit residential properties, e.g. townhouses and apartment complexes. If you’re looking for a detached home or single-family house, it might be better to explore other nearby neighborhoods.
Pros
- Affordable housing options
- Low living cost
- Close to parks and playgrounds
- Close to public transit
- Has a recreation center, pharmacy, and public library
Cons
- Single-detached homes are hard to find
- Low median household income
- High crime rate
4. Delton
Location: North Central Edmonton
Average Rent Price (1-bedroom apartment): $750
Average House Price: $286,000
Annual Median Household Income: $66,277
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $873
Chance of becoming a victim of crime: 7.69%
According to Area Vibes, the average cost of living in Hairsine is 13% lower than Edmonton’s average living costs. The average rent for apartments in the area is also affordable, so we recommend this neighborhood to young professionals.
We’d like to warn you, though, that property crimes like burglary are one of the main issues in this neighborhood. Residents advise newcomers to always keep their doors locked and vehicles parked away from the notorious 82 Street.
If you decide to live here, you must take all the precautions you need since crime rates in Delton are approximately 87% higher than the national average.
Pros
- Affordable rental units
- Low living cost
- Close to public transit and major roads
- Has a clinic, grocery store, and schools
Cons
- High crime rate
- Roadway and traffic noise
- Low annual median household income
5. Rideau Park
Location: Southwest Edmonton
Average Rent Price (1-bedroom apartment): $888
Average House Price: $234,000
Annual Median Household Income: $71,570
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $903
Chance of becoming a victim of crime: 7.14%
Seeking a comfy and safe abode that’s less than $250,000? The houses in Rideau Park might just be your ticket.
That said, the property prices in this area vary significantly because of the different housing types. You can choose a cozy condo for as low as $160,000 or pick a grand duplex with a $500,000 price tag.
In terms of cost of living, we can say that regular wage earners can still live a comfortable life here since its average living cost is 10% lower than Edmonton’s average living costs.
Additionally, whether you own a car or commute every day, you don’t have to worry about your travel time: the area is connected to major roadways such as Whitemud Drive and Anthony Henday Drive.
Besides that, since Whitemud Drive and Blackmud Creek Ravine border Rideau Park, children can enjoy exploring the parks and outdoor recreational spaces in this neighborhood.
Pros
- Offers various housing types
- Features outdoor attractions and activities
- Connected to Whitemud Drive and Anthony Henday Drive
- Has schools, a public library, restaurants, bars, and shops
- Connected to major roadways
Cons
- Some properties are expensive
- High crime rate
- Roadway and traffic noise
6. Secord
Location: West Edmonton
Average Rent Price (1-bedroom apartment): $845
Average House Price: $484,000
Annual Median Household Income: $126,140
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $914
Chance of becoming a victim of crime: 4.55%
Next on our list is Secord. It’s a new and thriving neighborhood in West Edmonton that offers a variety of modern duplexes and townhouses.
Several educational establishments are accessible from this community. This includes David Thomas King School, Jasper Place High School, and St. Oscar Romero Catholic High School.
What’s more, the neighborhood is bordered by Winterburn Road, Stony Plain Road, and Anthony Henday Drive, so you can quickly access other parts of Edmonton.
With its central location, you can also access nearby grocery stores, shopping centers, restaurants, and other amenities from other neighborhoods.
The only disadvantage of this developing neighborhood is that the property prices are a bit on the high side compared to the other neighborhoods on this list. Sourced data from Liv Real Estate shows that the most expensive property listing in Secord can be worth around $800,000.
That’s why if you’re yet to afford the whole expense of homeownership in this part of the city, it’s best to rent first.
Still, the living cost is low, and the annual median household in this neighborhood is quite high. That’s why for those who have the budget to invest in a property, we highly recommend this safe and family-friendly neighborhood.
Pros
- Affordable rental units
- Low crime rate
- Offers modern duplexes and townhouses
- Connected to major roadways
- Has schools, parks, bars, shops, salons, and clinics
- Features outdoor attractions and activities
- High annual median household income
Cons
- Average price for properties is on the high side
- Roadway and traffic noise
7. Alberta Avenue
Location: North of Downtown Edmonton
Average Rent Price (1-bedroom apartment): $750
Average House Price: $282,000
Annual Median Household Income: $63,728
Alberta Avenue is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Edmonton. This vibrant and diverse neighborhood offers affordable houses and rental units.
Although the average price for properties here is around $282,000, you can still score a good cozy home for as low as $120,000. On top of that, the average monthly cost of living on Alberta Avenue is 16% lower than the city average.
Many people prefer to live in this part of the city because Alberta Avenue features over 200 shops and services. If you decide to settle here, various amenities and recreations are a stone’s throw away from your house.
However, the notable disadvantage of living in this neighborhood is its annual median household income, which is 23% lower than the national average.
Apart from that, the unemployment rate in Alberta Avenue (6.2%) is also currently higher than in Edmonton (5.2%), so this might not be the best place if you plan to explore new career opportunities.
Pros
- Low living cost
- Affordable rental units
- Features over 200 stores and services
- Offers outdoor attractions, and activities
- Has a public library, market, restaurants, salons, and shops
Cons
- Low annual median household income
- High unemployment rate
- High crime rate
8. Calder
Location: Northwest Edmonton
Average Rent Price (1-bedroom apartment): $1,121
Average House Price: $333,000
Annual Median Household Income: $68,064
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $853
Chance of becoming a victim of crime: 7.69%
Calder is a charming neighborhood in Northwest Edmonton that attracts people looking into the real estate market as well as retirees who wish to settle in a peaceful and quiet neighborhood.
It’s also one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, so there are property listings that feature some one-unit and two-unit houses from the 1940s and 1950s.
If you don’t like vintage houses, you can also find new housing, such as single-family houses, duplexes, and low-rise apartments from recent infill development projects.
Apart from that, Calder has been picked for the neighborhood renewal project in 2021. This year you can expect to see rehabilitated roads, sidewalks, street lights, and public spaces from 122 Street up to 127 Street as well as from 127 Street to 132 Avenue.
Just note that property crime is prominent in the general south of 132 Avenue, so it’s better to keep your things out of sight and always make sure to lock your house when you’re going out.
Pros
- Low living cost
- Offers vintage and new houses
- Newly renovated streets and public spaces
- Has access to a leisure center and fitness facilities
- Close to downtown Edmonton
- Easy access to major roadways
Cons
- House prices and rent are a bit pricey
- Low annual median household income
- High total crime rate
9. Callingwood South
Location: West Edmonton
Average Rent Price (1-bedroom apartment): $1,099
Average House Price: $190,000
Annual Median Household Income: $58,550
Callingwood South is one of the top choices when it comes to affordable living, and it’s not just in terms of house and property prices. You see, the average cost of living in this neighborhood is 16% lower than Edmonton’s average living costs.
However, rent can be steep in this neighborhood, so we think getting a mortgage and buying a house is a better investment in the long run.
Unlike other neighborhoods, most of the properties in Callingwood South are residential units in multi-unit structures. Nevertheless, you can still find a few single-family dwellings like bungalows.
There are not a lot of residential properties here since businesses and commercial services dominate the area. From a positive perspective, if you decide to live here, you can easily access shops, markets, cafes, and stores.
All in all, this neighborhood is a good pick for those looking for an affordable property investment.
The only issue we have with Callingwood South is its annual median household income because it’s 29% lower than the national average. This income disparity can be a problem, especially if the cost of living continuously rises in the next years.
Pros
- Low living cost
- Affordable housing options
- Easy access to shops and services
- Access to major roadways
- Features a library, off-leash dog park, spray park, and other outdoor facilities
Cons
- Rent prices are a bit pricey
- Low annual median household income
- High crime rate
10. Inglewood
Location: Northwest Edmonton
Average Rent Price (1-bedroom apartment): $950
Average House Price: $429,000
Annual Median Household Income: $50,754
Average Monthly Cost of Living: $883
Chance of becoming a victim of crime: 7.69%
House prices and rent in Inglewood may seem higher compared to other neighborhoods on this list. However, compared to exclusive neighborhoods in Edmonton, we can say that Inglewood is still relatively affordable.
Inglewood is for people who want the quiet and cozy vibes of the suburbs but can’t give up the convenience of the inner city. If you’re one of them, there’s an influx of townhouses and duplexes in this neighborhood that can give you just that.
In terms of living costs, you may be able to save a bit since the average living cost here is 12% lower than the average in Edmonton.
What we like most about Inglewood is its close to modern amenities and recreational facilities, including 124th Street, Westmount Center, and Kingsway Mall. Besides that, it also offers locational convenience since many shops and services in downtown Edmonton are within close proximity.
Meanwhile, if you prefer natural attractions and outdoor activities like picnics and camping, we recommend you visit the parks and green spaces in Inglewood Park and Westmount Ravine.
Pros
- Low living cost
- Close to major roadways
- Easy access to modern amenities and facilities
- Features outdoor attractions and activities
- Access to elementary and high schools
Cons
- House prices and rent are a bit pricey
- Low annual median household income
- High crime rate