The Home Tribe Real Estate Blog

Every year, Avenue Magazine’s neighbourhood survey ranks the best and brightest of Edmonton’s communities. We see a lot of familiar faces, some up and comers and, every once and a while, a hidden gem. The issue, for most of us, is that the demand in these neighbourhoods is so high that it leads to soaring prices and homes that don’t last long on the market. What are you supposed to do if you can’t find a way into your dream neighbourhood? We asked Elisse and Caitlin to review the list, find out what makes each of the neighbourhoods special, and to give us their top 10 alternatives.

1. GLENORA
2. STRATHCONA
3. OLIVER
4. WESTMOUNT
5. RITCHIE
6. HIGHLANDS
7. GARNEAU
8. DOWNTOWN
9. CRESTWOOD
10. BONNIEDOON

Here are our alternatives!

*We used the property type we felt most appropriate for each neighbourhood.

Try NORTH GLENORA Instead of Glenora

North Glenora, is exactly that, north of Glenora. Unlike it’s sister to the south, this neighbourhood offers post war style homes, primarily consisting of bungalows or 1 and 1/2 storey homes that tend to be less opulent then that of Glenora. For people looking for a bit more character, these 1950’s homes often features relics of the past, the ironing board cupboard, the milk box, and the original hardwood floors. What I absolutely love though is the fact that this neighbourhood is a affordable for many first time buyers and the lot sizes on most of these homes are larger (50 wide is common). What this means, is that this neighbourhood is seeing more infills being built, or what we call “skinny homes” If you are looking for a new home, they can be found, however, expect to pay a higher amount for these options.

View All North Glenora Homes For Sale or All Glenora Homes For Sale

North Glenora  Homes

Glenora  Homes

Try OLIVER Instead of Strathcona

Oliver is absolutely stunning. Like Strathcona, it is located directly on the banks of the river. Oliver has a more density then Strathcona, with larger high rises. Despite this though, it stills has beautiful foliage on every block. Oliver is equally connected to the University with the LRT and has quicker access to downtown. Oliver is beginning to offer more of the “lifestyle” scene, that Strathcona is known for (Whyte Ave), however, if you like the energy and party scene of Whyte avenue, I don’t think Oliver will ever directly emulate that. Unlike Strathcona though which still has a good mix of houses and condos, condos or townhomes are really the only option in Oliver.

View All Oliver Condos For Sale or All Strathcona Homes For Sale

Oliver Condos

Strathcona Condos

Try QUEEN MARY PARK Instead of Oliver

Why I like Queen Mary Park: it is eclectic and up and coming. If you want a newer condo at a lesser price, this is a great community to consider. Coined as the North Edge Design district, this neighbourhood offers a variety interesting shops, restaurants and artistic endeavours that continue to pop up in this community that features an interesting mix of businesses, condos and industrial land. To the south of this community is the brewery district, Oliver square and MacEwan University. Favorite Places: dc3 Art Gallery, The Art of Cake, Amore Bistro.

View All Queen Mary Park Condos For Sale or All Oliver Condos For Sale

Queen Mary Park Condos

Oliver Condos

Try INGLEWOOD Instead of Westmount

With Westmount’s real estate prices continuing to go up, Inglewood is an attractive alternative. It is situated north of Westmount along 111st. I like that it also shares 124th street so has quick access to amenities as well. Here you will find a mix of condos, older homes, townhouses and new infill projects. There is a really great overall sense of community in the neighbourhood which is showcased at the Blue Gecko community garden.

View All Inglewood Homes For Sale or All Westmount Homes For Sale

Inglewood  Homes

Westmount  Homes

Try KING EDWARD PARK Instead of Ritchie

Similar to Ritchie, the west side of King Edward Park is situated along the Mill Creek Ravine, making it a beautiful community to embrace nature, enjoy bike rides and walks and not to mention the off leash dog park. This neighbour is also located along 75 street providing extra convenience and access to get around the city. WIth a mix of land, 1940’s homes and recently built infills, there is a nice variety of options for everyone.

View All King Edward Homes For Sale or All Ritchie Homes For Sale

King Edward  Homes

Ritchie  Homes

Try VIRGINIA PARK, CROMDALE Instead of Highlands

Virginia Park feature amazing opportunities to own a front view of the river valley just like the Highlands. Not to mention you are close enough to enjoy the lovely shops located in the Highlands and also close to the LRT and downtown. In this case Virgina Park is a little higher on average than Highlands, but is still a great alternative to consider if you can’t find what your looking for in Highlands.

View All Virginia Park Homes For Sale or All Cromdale Homes For Sale or All Highlands Homes For Sale

Viginia Park Single Family Homes

Highlands Single Family Homes

Try Strathcona Instead of Garneau

Located to the east of Garneau, Strathcona has a nice range of options from low rise and high rise apartments to more historic homes.  It is also situated close to Whyte Avenue and within walking distance or a short bike ride to Garneau. Both of these locations are popular amount university students and medical professionals who work at the U of A.

View All Strathcona Homes For Sale or All Garneau Homes For Sale

Strathcona Condos

Garneau Condos

Try CLOVERDALE/RIVERDALE Instead of Downtown

Another popular place for people seeking condos in downtown Edmonton, is the communities situated along the river such as Cloverdale or Riverdale. For condo options, both of these neighbourhoods offer a few great options featuring gorgeous river valley views and easy accessibility to the river. Cloverdale is home to Folk Fest and Edmonton’s “Accidental” beach, while Riverdale is situated beside Dawson park with off leash dog walking and the Little Brick Cafe (perfect spot for a coffee).

View All Cloverdale Homes For Sale or All Riverdale Homes For Sale or All Downtown Homes For Sale

Riverdale/Cloverdale Condos

Downtown Condos

Try RIO TERRACE Instead of Crestwood

Located in the West End of Edmonton, it too offers options along the river valley. This neighbourhood is situated between Patricia Heights and Quesnell which are also fantastic west end neighbourhoods. For those looking for a french immersion school,  The Rio Terrace School could be the perfect fit.

View All Rio Terrace Homes For Sale or All Crestwood Homes For Sale

Rio Terrace Single Family Homes

Crestwood Single Family Homes

Try RITCHIE Instead of Bonnie Doon

This community also offers a good mix between newer condos, older homes and some infill options. Located along Mill Creek Ravine and close to Whyte Avenue. Ritchie is developing its own sense eclectic style with the new Ritchie Market home to Transcend coffee, Farrow Sandwhiches and more.

View All Ritchie Homes For Sale or All Bonnie Doon Homes For Sale

Ritchie Single Family Homes

Bonnie Doon Single Family Homes