Edmonton Real Estate Overview

Edmonton's real estate market is growing fast. Home buyers are attracted by the city's low unemployment, economic stability, and wealth of jobs.

According to the Edmonton Real Estate Board, the average selling price for all residential property types in March 2013 was $354,759, which is up 4.3% from March 2012.

Edmonton is comprised of seven geographical sectors: the inner city sector, and six surrounding suburban sectors. Popular neighbourhoods include Strathcona, Oliver, and Garneau, which make up part of the city's central core. West Edmonton, home to the world-famous West Edmonton Mall, is another attractive locale.

Edmonton Population (2011)1.1 M
5 Year Population Change1.8%
Number of Homes in Edmonton451,000

Data source: Statistics Canada

Why Buy a Home in Edmonton?
Edmonton is Alberta's governmental and cultural centre. One of the most northern cities in North America, Edmonton enjoys a humid continental climate and is one of Canada's sunniest cities.

Residents of Edmonton enjoy the city's cleanliness, amenities, and vibrant culture. Edmonton is nicknamed "The Festival City" for the slew of festivals it hosts throughout the year. The West Edmonton Mall was the world's largest mall until 2004, and remains the largest mall in North America.

Edmonton is picturesquely situated on the North Saskatchewan River. Calgary lies about a three hour drive to the south, and Jasper National Park - renowned for its stunning lakes and mountains - is about a four hour drive to the west.
Explore Edmonton's Rich Cultural Heritage
The area that is now Edmonton was originally settled by Aboriginal peoples at least 5,000 years ago, after the end of the last ice age. After the arrival of European settlers, Fort Edmonton was established as a trading post for the Hudson's Bay Company, a fur trading business.

After the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Calgary & Edmonton Railway, the settlement experienced significant growth as people were attracted by the cheap and fertile land. Edmonton was incorporated as a city in 1904 and became the capital of Alberta in 1905.

Today, Edmonton's metropolitan population has soared to over a million, and is made up of a diverse mix of ethnicities including English, Scottish, Irish, German, Ukrainian, French, Aboriginal, and other visible minorities.
Getting around in Edmonton
Traversing around Edmonton is easy to do. The Edmonton Transit System services several routes into the early hours of the morning.

Parking is widely available throughout the city, and is generally free on Sundays and holidays. The city recently introduced Intelligent Transportation Systems technology on many of its roads to reduce congestion and improve safety.

Cycling and walking are common in Edmonton. Bicycles are permitted on any road in Edmonton, and specially designated bike lanes and trails are widespread. Some popular bike paths are those around Terwillegar Park, Mill Creek Ravine, and MacKinnon Ravine.
Shopping and Amenities
Home to North America's largest mall (the West Edmonton Mall) and Canada's first mall (the Westmount Centre), Edmonton is an ideal destination for shoppers. Other shopping centres include the Edmonton City Centre, the Kingsway Mall, and the Londonderry Mall. The Old Strathcona neighbourhood contains many independent stores and boutiques.

A number of sports and fitness centres are available in the city, including the Kinsmen Sports Centre, and the Edmonton Leisure Centres. The Edmonton Sport Council is available to help you find the right facility for you.

There are nearly 300 elementary, junior, and senior high schools in the city and several post-secondary institutes, such as the University of Alberta and the Alberta College of Art and Design.
Entertainment and Attractions in Edmonton
Whether you prefer to hit up bars, outdoor festivals, or museums, Edmonton has what you're looking for.

The Whyte Avenue strip is the city's nightlife hub. Its proximity to the University of Alberta has led to the establishment of several trendy restaurants, bars, clubs, and comedy venues.

Popular destinations for families include the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Muttart Conservatory, and Fort Edmonton Park. Edmonton has two major professional sports teams (the Eskimos and the Oilers), as well as several amateur and junior teams.

Be sure to check out the one of the "Festival City's" many festivals throughout the year, such as K-Days, the Edmonton Folk Festival, and the Edmonton International Fringe Festival.