Karsten SturmayAre you looking for a neighborhood that offers a safe and welcoming environment for you and your family? Look no further because we’ve done the legwork of finding these places in Edmonton for you!
In this guide, we picked the locations that tick every box on a family’s wish list, covering everything from living costs to safety. Let’s check them out together!
1. The Hamptons
Location: West Edmonton
Population: 13,984
Average cost of living: $944
Average house price: $420,000
Average rent (2-bedroom apartment): $1,550
Annual median household income: $119,725
Number of public schools: 2
Chance of becoming a victim of crime: 4.76%
The Hamptons is one of the top choices for family-friendly neighborhoods in Edmonton. The violent crime rate in this district is 10% lower than the national average, so if safety is your main concern, The Hamptons is a good pick.
Meanwhile, in terms of accessibility, we can say that the neighborhood is commuter-friendly. However, due to high population density, traffic congestion can cause delays for commuters.
It’s situated just off Anthony Henday and 62nd Avenue. Here you can quickly access schools, a medical center, a beauty spa, salons, shops, and recreational facilities.
Speaking of schools, there are two public schools that serve this neighborhood – Sister Annata Brockman Catholic Elementary/Junior High School and Bessie Nichols School.
Besides that, it’s also close to other schools in the area, including Michael Phair School, Lymburn School, S. Bruce Smith School, and more.
Pros
Cons
- High house prices
- High rental prices
- High population density
2. Ambleside
Location: Southwest Edmonton
Population: 5,671
Average cost of living: $944
Average house price: $400,000
Average rent (2-bedroom apartment): $1,695
Annual median household income: $114,134
Number of public schools: 1
Chance of becoming a victim of crime: 4.76%
Ambleside is a small and new community in Southwest Edmonton. It offers a suburban residential experience with the advantage of accessibility to modern facilities and conveniences.
We recommend this neighborhood to young families because it’s fitted with apartments and condos. Moreover, the average cost of living here is 8% lower than the city’s average.
Apart from that, the annual median household income in this neighborhood is 38% higher than the national average. That’s why even if the housing and rental prices are a bit steep, we think people can still find a good homestead that’s within their budget.
Ambleside is also home to various shopping and box stores, including The Currents at Windermere, Home Depot, and Staples. Restaurants, stores, and a movie theater are also within reach.
However, there’s only one public school in this neighborhood – Dr. Margaret-Ann Armour School. Nonetheless, you can still quickly access nearby schools, such as Esther Starkman School, Nellie Carlson School, Aurora Academic Charter School, and more.
3. Cumberland
Location: Northwest Edmonton
Population: 7,126
Average cost of living: $923
Average house price: $359,000
Average rent (2-bedroom apartment): $1,300
Annual median household income: $105,363
Number of public schools: 1
Chance of becoming a victim of crime: 5.55%
Next on our list is Cumberland. This residential neighborhood offers single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses, so families of all sizes are welcome here.
It’s relatively affordable to live here too because the living cost in Cumberland is 10% lower than Edmonton’s average. Besides that, the median household income is 28% higher than Canada’s average.
Since it’s a lakeside community, you can conveniently visit recreational spaces like parks, pathways, and green spaces.
Moreover, it also has an active community league that offers programs and activities for the whole family. We recommend you check out their Spring Sports Programs if you want your kids to try various sports such as soccer, softball, and baseball.
4. Hazeldean
Location: Southeast Edmonton
Population: 3,423
Average cost of living: $923
Average house price: $616,000
Average rent (2-bedroom apartment): $1,250
Annual median household income: $82,620
Number of public schools: 2
Chance of becoming a victim of crime: 6.67%
Hazeldean is a quaint and quiet neighborhood in southeast Edmonton. It’s a popular neighborhood for families because it offers a lot of recreational opportunities that children can enjoy throughout the year.
This is because it provides easy access to Mill Creek Ravine and North Saskatchewan River Valley Parks.
Hazeldean is also known for its strong school district. This neighborhood is home to two schools – Hazeldean Community League (public school) and Ecole J.H. Picard School (catholic school).
Moreover, it’s also close to many other schools, including McKernan School, Victory Academy Academic Daycare, and Ritchie Junior High School.
However, the property prices in this neighborhood are costly, even if rental prices are quite affordable. All in all, it’s an excellent place to settle in if the property you’re eyeing is within your price range.
Pros
- Average living cost is 10% lower than Edmonton’s
- Affordable rental prices
- Accessible recreational facilities and activities
- Near Mill Creek Ravine and River Valley Parks
- Strong school district
Cons
- High house prices
- High violent crime rate
5. Aspen Gardens
Location: Southwest Edmonton
Population: 1,854
Average cost of living: $1,036
Average house price: $814,000
Average rent (2-bedroom apartment): $1,300
Annual median household income: $162,114
Number of public schools: 1
Chance of becoming a victim of crime: 2.5%
Aspen Gardens is an excellent community to raise a family. With its low crime rate, private and exclusive estates, and high annual median household income, it’s the ideal place for many.
What we like most about Aspen Gardens is its proximity to good schools. Here are some of them:
- Westbrook Elementary School (public)
- Vernon Barford Junior High School (public)
- St. Bonifacio Catholic Elementary School (private)
- St. Monica Catholic School (private)
While it’s true that this semi-secluded neighborhood is quite far from the city center, we think it’s still fairly accessible.
Besides that, it’s surrounded by amenities from other neighborhoods. It’s within close proximity to Edmonton Public Library, Riverbend Square Shopping Centre, Crossroads Shopping Centre, and more.
Pros
- Private and exclusive neighborhood
- Close to many schools
- Annual median household income is 97% higher than Canada
- Crime rate is 40% lower than Canada’s crime rate
- Accessible amenities and recreational facilities
Cons
- High house prices
- Average living cost is 1% higher than Edmonton’s
- Quite far from the city center
6. Summerside
Location: South Edmonton
Population: 15,110
Average cost of living: $954
Average house price: $581,000
Average rent (2-bedroom apartment): $1,550
Annual median household income: $121,541
Number of public schools: 2
Chance of becoming a victim of crime: 4.35%
Summerside is not just known as a beautiful lakeside community. It’s also a popular pick for family-friendly neighborhoods due to its comparatively low crime rates and low cost of living.
We recommend living here if you fancy a cottage-like lifestyle and love the idea of living near a body of water.
It’s a mixed housing community, but the majority of the properties here are single-family homes. Nevertheless, you can also find several duplexes, townhouses, and low-rise apartments.
Moreover, there are good schools in the area – Michael Strembitsky School and Father Michael and Mireau Elementary/Junior High School.
Another thing that makes this neighborhood popular is its accessibility. Summerside offers quick access to Ellerslie Road, Anthony Henday Drive, and Edmonton International Airport.
Pros
Cons
- High housing prices
- High rental prices
- High population density
7. Glastonbury
Location: West Edmonton
Population: 6,910
Average cost of living: $934
Average house price: $358,000
Average rent (2-bedroom apartment): $1,475
Annual median household income: $114,611
Number of public schools: 1
Chance of becoming a victim of crime: 5%
Glastonbury may be one of the newer communities in Edmonton, but it has its own charm.
It’s set in the city’s greater Grange district, so it’s perfect for homebuyers who are looking for a safe and accessible neighborhood. This community is safer than 56% of the cities in Alberta.
The housing options here are affordable. However, for the most part of Glastonbury, you’ll see single-family houses.
Nonetheless, we still recommend this area for commuters because it offers easy access to Yellowhead Trail, Anthony Henday Drive, and Whitemud Freeway.
Pros
- Affordable housing prices
- Average living cost is 9% lower than Edmonton’s
- 53% of the population are families with kids
- Annual median household income is 39% higher than Canada
- Close to West Edmonton Mall
- Community league offers recreational programs and activities
Cons
- High rental prices
- Has only one public school (Kim Hung School)
8. Rutherford
Location: South Edmonton
Population: 12,986
Average cost of living: $923
Average house price: $297,000
Average rent (2-bedroom apartment): $1,613
Annual median household income: $102,744
Number of public schools: 2
Chance of becoming a victim of crime: 5.56%
If you’re looking for an affordable and relatively safe neighborhood to raise a family, Rutherford can be a good pick. You see, the housing prices in this neighborhood are 46% lower than Canada’s average.
Apart from that, the cost of living here is 10% lower than Edmonton’s average.
In terms of recreation and entertainment, Rutherford will not disappoint you. Since this area is under the Heritage Point Community League, residents can access a range of indoor and outdoor attractions, programs, and activities once they become a member.
On the other hand, since it’s situated near Ellerslie Road, 111 Street, and Anthony Henday Drive, you’ll also have convenient access to an array of amenities in the city center.
Another reason we consider Rutherford a family-friendly neighborhood is that it features a strong school district. The nearby public educational facilities in the area are the following:
- Johnny Bright School
- Monsignor Fee Otterson Elementary/Junior High School
- Roberta MacAdams School
- George P. Nicholson Elementary School
- Nellie Carlson School
Pros
- Affordable housing prices
- Low living cost
- Features parks and green spaces
- Close to major roads
- 47.4% of the population is part of the visible minority
- Close to amenities offered by South Edmonton Common
Cons
- High rental prices
- High population density
9. Terwillegar Towne
Location: Southwest Edmonton
Population: 6,781
Average cost of living: $964
Average house price: $425,000
Average rent (2-bedroom apartment): $1,450
Annual median household income: $124,317
Number of public schools: 3
Chance of becoming a victim of crime: 4.55%
Terwillegar Towne is a lovely community chosen by many families in Edmonton. It is designed to be walkable, so you can find many walkways and pathways leading to schools and amenities in the Town Square.
Moreover, the community is dotted with parks and green spaces, so kids will have a lot of opportunities to explore and play. You can also bring the whole family to have a picnic or to camp under the stars.
What about property values? At first glance, the housing prices in this neighborhood might seem to be on the high side, but the average listing prices here are still 34% lower than the national average.
It also has a locational advantage in terms of educational institutions, so commuting will not be a problem. Here are some of the schools you can access:
- Terwillegar Community High School
- Esther Starkman School
- Terwillegar Community Preschool
- Monsignor William Irwin Catholic School
10. Mactaggart
Location: Southwest Edmonton
Population: 4,812
Average cost of living: $1,056
Average house price: $608,000
Average rent (2-bedroom apartment): $1,436
Annual median household income: $183,453
Number of public schools: 1
Chance of becoming a victim of crime: 2.5%
Mactaggart is a fairly new neighborhood established in 2005. The majority of the residents here live in high-end single detached houses and condominiums.
The neighborhood is under the jurisdiction of the Terwillegar Community League (TCL). Once you become a member of TCL, you can register your children for community sports programs or playschools. Through this, they can meet friends and gain new experiences.
Members can also access a community garden and a recreational center. Meanwhile, if natural attractions are not your cup of tea, we recommend visiting the shopping centers on 23rd Avenue.
Its total crime rate is 40% lower than Canada’s average, while its violent crime rate is 53% lower. That’s why Mactaggart is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Edmonton.
The only downside of residing in this neighborhood is its high cost of living. However, we think this will not be a big issue for some since the average household income in Mactaggart is 123% higher than the national average.
Pros
- Access to an active community league
- Easy access to amenities
- High annual median household income
- Low crime rate
- 61% of the population are families with kids
- Access to ravine trails, green spaces, and bike paths
Cons
- High house prices
- Ha only one public school
- Average living cost is 3% higher than Edmonton’s
*We gathered the data and stats from trusted sources, including Numbeo, Liv Real Estate, and Area Vibes. All cost of living and rent averages are per-month.
