Moving to Devon, AB: 10 Reasons to Live in Devon

Devon has earned a reputation as one of the best places to live near Edmonton. This tranquil town boasts a unique blend of small-town charm and natural beauty, offering residents a high quality of life and a strong sense of community. From its convenient proximity to Edmonton to its affordable cost of living, Devon has a lot to offer.

7 Reasons Devon Is a Good Place to Live

• Community spirit: Devon is known for its strong community spirit and friendly atmosphere. 
• Natural beauty: Nestled along the North Saskatchewan River, Devon boasts beautiful natural surroundings. 
• Affordable living: Compared to major urban centers in Alberta, Devon offers a more affordable cost of living. Housing is more reasonably priced, allowing residents to enjoy a higher standard of living without the financial strain experienced in larger cities.
• Proximity to Edmonton: Located just a short drive from Edmonton, Devon offers the best of both worlds—the peace and quiet of small-town living with easy access to a major city's amenities and employment opportunities. This makes it an ideal place for commuters looking for a more relaxed lifestyle.
• Active lifestyle: The town encourages an active lifestyle through its numerous parks, sports facilities, and recreational programs. From the Devon Golf & Conference Centre to the extensive network of trails, there are plenty of opportunities for physical activity and outdoor enjoyment.
• Cultural and recreational activities: Throughout the year, Devon hosts various cultural and recreational events that cater to all ages. From the Devon Days festival to DevonFest, there's always something happening to engage the community.
• Economic opportunities: While Devon is a small town, it is strategically located near major industrial and economic hubs, offering residents opportunities for employment in various sectors. Additionally, the town supports local businesses and encourages entrepreneurial ventures, contributing to its economic health and diversity.

Cost of Living

Situated in a location that provides both natural beauty and easy access to urban amenities, Devon is more affordable than the provincial and national averages. Devon is extremely affordable compared to the cost of living in Edmonton and many of its suburbs. With affordable housing options and no sales tax, residents of Devon enjoy a lower cost of living compared to other parts of Alberta and Canada. The town's municipal tax rates are also low, contributing to the overall affordability.

Additionally, Devon boasts a high median income of $95,000, providing residents with a comfortable lifestyle and greater purchasing power.

Regarding housing, Devon offers affordable homeownership opportunities, with prices that are 54% lower than the national average. Homes in Devon are typically priced from the $300s to around $900,000. With a high homeownership rate of 77%, Devon provides a stable and secure living environment.

Location & Accessibility

Devon has a prime location with excellent accessibility, situated 40 minutes southwest of Downtown Edmonton, with convenient access to major highways. Major highways such as Highway 60, 19, and 2 provide convenient travel routes to Edmonton, Nisku, and Leduc, making commuting and exploration of nearby areas easily accessible from Devon. 

Whether residents need to travel for work or leisure, Devon's location also allows easy access to the Edmonton International Airport, making connecting with domestic and international destinations effortless. This strategic positioning allows residents to enjoy the tranquillity of a small town while still having easy access to urban amenities and transportation options.

City Services

Devon, Alberta, provides access to education, healthcare facilities, and public safety organizations that contribute to the town's high quality of life. The city is home to six schools in the Black Gold School Division (BGSD), covering kindergarten to Grade 12, including John Maland High School and Riverview Middle School. The schools in Devon offer a comprehensive and well-rounded education for students, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the future.

In terms of healthcare, Devon General Hospital provides acute and long-term care services for locals. The city is also home to a full-service Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) facility, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. Additionally, local fire rescue and ambulance services are readily available, ensuring prompt emergency response when needed.

Devon is also a wonderful community for frequent flyers. Its location to the southwest of Edmonton makes it one of the suburbs with a short commute to Edmonton International Airport.

Things to Do in Devon

The close-knit community of Devon offers its residents a vibrant and engaging lifestyle. There are always opportunities to connect with the community, enjoy the outdoors, and more in Devon.

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities

Nestled along the picturesque banks of the North Saskatchewan River, Devon offers a captivating natural beauty that sets the stage for a wide range of outdoor activities. Furthermore, Edmonton’s outdoor activities are so plentiful that any activity not in Devon can be found nearby. With over 14 kilometres of trails, residents and visitors have ample opportunities to engage in outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking, and nature walks. Devon's proximity to the River Valley Alliance and its extensive trail network allows individuals to immerse themselves in the stunning natural surroundings.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Devon provides a haven for recreational activities. The North Saskatchewan River and the Lions Campground offer opportunities for camping, fishing, and canoeing, allowing individuals to connect with nature in a tranquil setting. Additionally, the Devon Golf & Curling Club provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor enjoyment, featuring an 18-hole golf course during the summer months and cross-country ski trails in the winter.

Nearby Attractions

Whether learning about local history or staying active on the slopes, residents can find just what they’re looking for near Devon. The Canadian Energy Museum, located in the city of Leduc, offers a unique educational experience that highlights the history and innovation of Canada's energy sector. Situated in the heart of Alberta's oil patch, the museum stands on the site of Leduc No. 1, the oil well that marked the beginning of the modern oil industry in Alberta in 1947. 

Through its interactive exhibits, educational programs, and engaging tours, the museum provides visitors with a comprehensive look at the energy industry's past, present, and future. It serves as a testament to the ingenuity and determination that have fueled Canada's energy development, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in understanding the significance of energy in shaping Canada's economy and society.

Rabbit Hill Snow Resort is greater Edmonton's largest and most popular snow resort, attracting winter sports enthusiasts from all over the region. Nestled in the North Saskatchewan River Valley, it is conveniently located just 15 minutes east of Devon and 40 minutes southwest of Edmonton. This prime location combines easy accessibility with breathtaking natural surroundings, making it an ideal destination for both skiing and snowboarding. 

With a wide range of slopes catering to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, Rabbit Hill Snow Resort offers an exceptional winter sports experience with state-of-the-art facilities and high-quality equipment rentals, ensuring visitors enjoy every moment on the snow.

Economy and Best Employers in Devon

Devon's thriving economy and strategic location offer many employment opportunities for its residents, and far more opportunities are nearby in the Edmonton economy. With the development of a new business park, the town actively seeks investment opportunities, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to establish their presence. Plus, Devon is a business-friendly town with no business tax, making it an attractive location for entrepreneurs and business owners.

Devon's proximity to the Acheson Industrial Area and the Nisku Industrial Business Park provides residents with easy access to employment opportunities in these thriving industrial zones.

One of the major employers in Devon is the Devon General Hospital, which offers a range of job opportunities for medical personnel and faculty. The hospital plays a crucial role in providing healthcare services to the community, making it a significant contributor to the local economy.

Additionally, the convenient commute times to Edmonton allow residents to easily access the city's best employers, opening up even more possibilities for employment in various industries.

Devon Climate

Devon, Alberta, has a climate that brings a mix of warm summers and cold winters. During the hottest days, which are rare, temperatures can go above 30°C, but they usually stay in the lower 20s. In winter, it's common for the temperature to drop below freezing, and sometimes it can get colder than -25°C at night.

When it comes to precipitation, residents see the most rain between May and September. June and July tend to be the wettest months, while the snowiest months are between November and March.

Call Devon Your New Home

Devon—one of the best small towns near Edmonton—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and convenient access to amenities and employment opportunities in nearby Edmonton. With its high quality of life, welcoming community, local schools, and affordable cost of living, Devon is an ideal place for individuals to settle and thrive. Its lush parks, trails, and recreational activities make the area a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. So, explore everything Devon has to offer when you call it home.