8 Best Edmonton Neighbourhoods Near University of Alberta: Where to Live Near UAlberta

While navigating the real estate landscape around higher education institutions can be challenging, the University of Alberta in the city of Edmonton presents an array of promising neighbourhoods to call home. Each community has unique characteristics, local amenities, and diverse property options that make them top choices. Here's what to know about the best neighbourhoods near the University of Alberta, where academia and community living blend seamlessly.

Belgravia

Belgravia sits along the North Saskatchewan River just south of the University campus, bounded by Belgravia Road and 114th Street. This riverfront location provides some of the most incredible nature views and opportunities to enjoy unspoiled natural areas along nearby Edmonton trails. Additionally, Belgravia Park sits at the centre of the community, with a playground, sports fields, and the unique Belgravia Art Park.

While most of Belgravia is strictly residential and park space, residents can enjoy a few neighbourhood favourite businesses like Belgravia Hub and the Mood Cafe. As one of just a few communities directly adjacent to the University of Alberta, it's a top choice for those looking to minimize the length of their trips to campus.

Belgravia real estate includes a unique mix of some of the area's top luxury detached homes with more affordable, modest condos and other multi-family units. The latter usually have one or two bedrooms and start in the low- to mid-$100s, but more typically sell from the mid-$300s to the mid-$700s. Detached homes start in the high six-figures and can reach $2 million or more for properties with five to six bedrooms and nearly 4,000 square feet of living space.

Pleasantview

The Pleasantview neighbourhood was once farmland south of Edmonton until post-World War II development converted these fields and pastures into the sought-after, convenient residential community it is today. Still, plenty of green and open space remains in several parks and the large Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Residents can easily access one of Edmonton's best shopping malls, with the sprawling Southgate Centre across 51 Avenue. In addition to popular stores stocking everything from high-end fashion to home goods and electronics, there are plenty of delicious places to grab a bite. The neighbourhood is also close to highways 2 and 14, making travel around the city and province simple.

Home shoppers in Pleasantview will mainly find single-family detached homes, ranging from modest, older houses under 1,000 square feet to spectacular properties with nearly four times that much space. Options can list as low as the mid-$300s or as high as $1.25 million or more. New construction homes for sale are also common, typically selling in the high six figures. A smaller number of condos and townhomes are also available in Pleasantview, listing from under $100,000 to around $300,000.

Windsor Park

It's hard to get much closer to the University of Alberta than Windsor Park, tucked into the bend in the North Saskatchewan River just west of campus. Even the furthest reaches of the neighbourhood are just a kilometre from the university borders.

Windsor Park provides some of the area's best access to the Saskatchewan River valley as the river wraps around the community, allowing residents to enjoy views at Emily Murphy Park, gorgeous trails around Hawrelak Park (one of the best parks in Edmonton), and the Royal Mayfair Golf Club. The Groat Bridge also sits at Windsor Park's northern border, making it quick and easy to travel to the popular Oliver neighbourhood, downtown Edmonton, and other parts of the city. However, these secluded residential streets still enjoy limited traffic, preserving the feel of a quiet, natural escape despite the many convenient amenities.

Single-family detached homes comprise most of Windsor Park's real estate, with many properties containing larger lots than nearby communities. Homes for sale in Windsor Park primarily sell from the $800s to around $2 million. However, the community also offers luxury homes for sale, reaching the $3 million to $5 million range. The area's more limited condo options sell from around half a million into the $600s.

Garneau

Garneau offers incredible convenience to the University of Alberta, sitting between the campus, the North Saskatchewan River, and the Strathcona community. The neighbourhood is especially convenient for members of the University of Alberta Hospital community, directly adjacent to Garneau.

Garneau was first developed as a high-end residential space for some of Edmonton's most prestigious residents. However, it's since evolved into the unique mix of homes, businesses, university support services, and other amenities that characterize it today. This includes a portion of bustling Whyte/82 Avenue, lined with diverse shops, restaurants, and nightlife spots like New Spice Grill and DaDeO. Garneau also offers some of the area's top parks and green space, including the vast riverfront Kinsmen Park, along with Garneau Park, home to the City Arts Centre.

Homes for sale in Garneau are primarily condos and other multi-family properties in various styles, from smaller buildings with only a few units to massive high-rises. These one- and two-bedroom homes start in the mid-$100s and rarely top the $400s. However, some can include up to 1,800 square feet of living space. While less common, single-family homes are also available in Garneau, ranging from north of half a million dollars to nearly $1.25 million. These houses are available in various styles and ages, from older bungalow-style properties to striking modern choices.

Queen Alexandra

Set between the heart of Strathcona and the University campus, the Queen Alexandra neighbourhood is a top choice for would-be homebuyers looking for the best of all worlds. It sits southwest of the intersection of Whyte/82 Avenue and 104 Street, lined with businesses and other local services.

Within walking distance from their front doors, residents can reach the University in just minutes and the dozens of restaurants and shops around Strathcona. Several public and private schools, including Strathcona High School, comprise large parts of the area, particularly along University Avenue. The area also offers several small parks that complement the tree-lined residential streets.

Queen Alexandra provides buyers with diverse housing choices, with single-family homes more common in the southern part of the neighbourhood and condos and multi-family buildings making up much of the north. Homes from the former group are the largest, highest-quality, and priciest, with typical properties selling from the $400s to $1 million or more. Those looking for more affordable options will find one- or two-bedroom condos starting from the low $100s, with plentiful choices under $300,000.

Strathcona

Once a thriving independent town, Strathcona became part of Edmonton more than a century ago and has remained one of the city's top districts. Approximately three kilometres east of the university campus, it's roughly the same distance from downtown and other popular central Edmonton neighbourhoods. However, Strathcona is a true hub in its own right, with historic buildings mixed with a tremendous selection of dining and shopping along Whyte/82 Avenue, Gateway Boulevard, and Calgary Trail.

Strathcona residents can enjoy the weekly Old Strathcona Farmer's Market in its historic location and several cultural and entertainment spots like the Varscona Theatre, the Walterdale Theatre, and the Edmonton Radial Railway Society. Strathcona also includes extensive riverfront green space, like the gorgeous Queen Elizabeth Park, filled with walking trails, public art, and incredible views.

Homes for sale in Strathcona include condos and single-family homes, with multi-family units outnumbering detached properties about two to one. Condos start in the $100s for one- or two-bedroom units with under 800 square feet of living space, with more typical properties selling in the $200s to $500s. Detached properties are available from the $400s and up, with spacious luxury options (often with one-of-a-kind views) reaching the $1 million to $2 million range.

Westridge

The Westridge community is defined by its relationship with the natural environment surrounding these top homes. It sits at the top of Patrica and Wolf Willow Ravines, parts of Westridge Park, and the other green spaces spanning the area along the North Saskatchewan River. Residents easily access this serene, forested area steps from their front doors.

While Westridge consists of homes and park space, it's extremely convenient to everyday shopping at the nearby Marketplace at Callingwood, which is also surrounded by various dining options. A short drive further will take residents to the West Edmonton Mall, a sprawling facility with hundreds of shops and one of the continent's largest malls. It's also close to Highway 2, part of the quick, direct 10-kilometre drive to the University of Alberta.

Homes in Westridge are almost universally single-family homes built in the 1970s and 1980s. Styles can be pretty distinctive, including striking modern properties next to more traditional luxury options, offering 2,500 to 4,000 square feet of living space. Homes typically sell from the $700s and $800s to more than $1 million.

Lacombe Park

Those who don't mind a slightly longer drive to the University of Alberta may be able to take advantage of the many benefits of the Lacombe Park neighbourhood in the city of St. Albert, one of the best places to live in Edmonton. Just under 20 kilometres northwest of campus, the drive is extremely easy and direct along Highway 2.

Lacombe Park offers a thoughtfully planned community with numerous nearby parks, schools, and other amenities and services.Residents can enjoy much of this green space on foot, with walking trails connecting the area to nearby attractions and residential areas. Meanwhile, extensive shopping and dining options are available near the St. Albert Centre, including favourites like Riverbank Bistro. Lacombe Park's location on the outskirts of the immediate Edmonton area makes it easy for residents to hop on the Yellowhead Highway to more rural areas west of town, including the Rockies.

Homebuyers in Lacombe Park will find almost exclusively single-family homes with a mix of fully detached and semi-detached styles. Homes generally start in the mid- to high $400s, providing buyers with four- to five-bedroom properties containing up to 2,000 square feet of living space. Higher-end options list from the high six figures to nearly $1 million. More budget-friendly options include fewer condo and townhome-style units selling in the $300s.

Find Your Ideal Edmonton Community Near the University of Alberta

Finding a suitable neighbourhood near the University of Alberta depends on several factors, such as convenience, affordability, and lifestyle preferences. These Edmonton neighbourhoods have demonstrated their value through a harmonious blend of history, culture, amenities, and robust real estate markets, offering distinctive characteristics that make them strong contenders for potential homeowners and real estate investors alike. Regardless of your specific needs, these neighbourhoods provide a vast array of opportunities in Edmonton's vibrant real estate landscape, making them some of the most desirable locations within proximity to the University of Alberta.