6 Best Edmonton Neighbourhoods Near MacEwan University: Where to Live Near MacEwan University

With a blend of academic vibrancy and metropolitan allure, the best neighbourhoods near MacEwan University present several options for students wanting to live close by for those looking for homes for sale in Edmonton. The strategic positioning of the university, surrounded by a diverse range of communities, makes for an exciting living experience. Accessibility, vibrant community life, and picturesque landscapes await in these Edmonton communities.

Oliver

Oliver is approximately 1.2 kilometres west of MacEwan University, less than five minutes by vehicle or a 15-minute walk. Directly west of downtown Edmonton, it's a well-established neighbourhood with quiet residential and bustling commercial areas. Although development began as far back as the 1880s, Oliver's development started in the 1950s when it stopped being referred to as the West End of downtown.

Oliver is a fantastic option for anyone who likes being close to the heart of Alberta's capital. Many of its available properties are high-rise condominiums. Homes for sale in Oliver range from the low-$100s to over $3 million, with the average listing price in the low-$300s. Most units average around 1,000 square feet and have one or two bedrooms and one or two full bathrooms.

Being so close to downtown and as one of the best neighbourhoods in Edmonton, there are many places of interest in Oliver. Nearby Victoria Golf Course, one of Edmonton's best golf courses, is Canada's oldest city-run course, established in 1896. It even predates the City of Edmonton! Earl's Kitchen and Bar on Jasper Avenue is an upscale eatery with a patio, a globally influenced menu, and several vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.

Rossdale

Adjacent to Edmonton's downtown core, the Rossdale neighbourhood is part of the River Valley area two kilometres southeast of MacEwan University. Rossdale is noted for its abundance of parkland and open green spaces while offering quick access to downtown and the University of Alberta.

Although Rossdale is one of Edmonton's oldest neighbourhoods, the community has significant redevelopment and some new construction homes. Over half of the community's properties are apartment-style condos, while the others include single-family homes, row houses, and duplexes. Homes for sale in Rossdale average in the low-$400s, with the lower and upper ends of the range in the low-$200s and mid-$800s.

One of the best things about living in Rossdale is the proximity to several points of interest. Baseball fans will love being near RE/MAX Field, a stadium seating over 9,000 people. It's been the home for several minor league baseball teams over the years and is the current home field of the Edmonton Riverhawks, a college summer team. Fun fact about Edmonton: the city's first-ever baseball game was held in Rossdale!

The Royal Alberta Museum is another local hotspot. Open Wednesday through Sunday, it features exhibits and programs related to Alberta's natural history.

Garneau

Coined a "legacy neighbourhood," Garneau is one of the oldest parts of Edmonton, established in 1912 and noted for its immaculately preserved vintage architecture. The community overlooks the North Saskatchewan River valley, 3.6 kilometres south of MacEwan University, just east of the University of Alberta's main campus and hospital.

Garneau is named for its earliest resident, Laurent Garneau. This walkable Edmonton neighbourhood is also bicycle-friendly, and you'll often see people exploring on bikes or taking historical walking tours.

Homes for sale in Garneau are pretty varied, including high-rise condos, several mid-rise apartment complexes that serve students at the University of Alberta, and historic single-family homes. The average home price in this neighbourhood is in the mid-$300s. Both apartments and houses have one to three bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, and 700 to 1,000 square feet. You'll also find a handful of large luxury homes priced at just over $1 million.

There are many local hotspots due to the proximity to the university. City Arts Centre is a major one, offering classes in art, cooking, photography, dance, and more for all ages. The community-based, independent Metro Cinema shows diverse film and media, operating out of the historic Garneau Theatre.

Westmount

A hip, artsy neighbourhood close to downtown, Westmount is approximately two kilometres west of MacEwan University. This community was established in the early 1900s and is an excellent place for those who appreciate living in a residential area and have quick access to trendy boutiques and restaurants.

Although some high-rise condos are available, most residences are single-family properties. Homes for sale in Westmount range in price from the low-$100s up to $ million, with the average home price in the mid-$500s. Most condos have one to two bedrooms and bathrooms, with 600 to 800 square feet of living space. Single-family homes typically have two to three bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, and between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet. You can also find larger Westmount residences with over five bedrooms and four bathrooms between 3,000 and 5,000 square feet.

Westmount's main drag, 124th Street, is the border between it and Oliver. This street is home to one of the premier shopping districts in Edmonton, featuring several unique eateries, boutiques, art galleries, and stately historic residences. Adjacent to 124th Street, sprawling Westmount Park has outdoor ice rinks, athletic fields, playgrounds, a fitness centre, and a community garden.

Downtown Edmonton

Because MacEwan University is less than one kilometre south of Edmonton's city centre, it takes less than 15 minutes to walk. As Alberta's second-largest city and capital, Edmonton is home to over one million people, and its downtown offers everything people look for in a central business district: vibrant, upbeat, walkability, and full of unique shops, restaurants, and other places of interest. Downtown Edmonton is an excellent neighbourhood for anyone who loves urban living in the center of a major North American city.

Residences in the city's urban core are primarily condos in high-rise buildings. Although the average price of homes for sale in downtown Edmonton is in the high-$300s, properties are available between the low-$100s and $4 million. A typical condo in downtown has one to two bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, and an average floor plan of around 1,000 square feet.

There's no shortage of hotspots nearby when you live downtown, but there are a few unique highlights. GTFO Escape Entertainment allows you to experience virtual reality worlds that also combine elements of traditional escape room concepts for hours of fun. To enjoy outdoor activities in Edmonton, check out the Neon Sign Museum. The history of Edmonton's bright lights is on display at this free "museum," open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Windsor Park

Windsor Park is approximately 5.5 kilometres southwest of MacEwan University, across the River Valley area and the North Saskatchewan River. It sits just west of the University of Alberta, with trains providing direct access to other parts of Edmonton. This relatively small neighbourhood offers a largely suburban feel, different from the distinctly urban vibe more typical of many other communities close to MacEwan University.

Most homes for sale in Windsor Park are large stately houses with several bedrooms and bathrooms. The average house price is $1.5 million, with values ranging from the high-$500s to over $4.5 million. Typical Windsor Park houses have three to five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and over 2,600 square feet of living space. This community offers large, single-family residences close to the city.

With that in mind, residents enjoy being close to places like the free Paleontology Museum. It is sponsored and located within the University of Alberta's Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and features several anthropological and geologic collections and exhibits. For outdoor enthusiasts and sports fans, the private, 100-year-old Royal Mayfair Golf Club is minutes from downtown. It includes a 265-yard range, several putting greens, a restaurant, and golf lessons.

Ready to Live Near MacEwan University?

The communities surrounding MacEwan University offer attractive options for students and those wanting to live near the school. However, the best neighbourhood will depend on your personal needs and preferences. In the ever-evolving landscape of Edmonton real estate, an informed approach, underpinned by careful consideration of lifestyle fit, will guide you to your ideal neighbourhood near MacEwan University.