8 Most Affordable Neighbourhoods in Edmonton, AB

As the capital of Alberta, Edmonton is the province's second-most populated city, with 1.5 million residents. Of course, these longtime locals and newcomers might find themselves in search of a home here in "Canada's Festival City." Compared to most of Canada's major housing markets, Edmonton is arguably one of the most affordable neighbourhoods. Here are some of the most reasonably priced communities in Edmonton.

Athlone

The Athlone neighbourhood is a budget-friendly community with prices starting in the $150,000 range with median sales of $288,000. Predominantly single-family homes are in this quiet and peaceful community. There is a wide array of home styles from single and two-storied homes, each with an exterior design representative of its year of construction.

Athlone homes were built between the 1950s and the year 2000, so there are many bungalows, duplexes, and split-level homes alongside new construction homes. Renovated properties are not hard to find here. The community amenities are wide-ranging, and there's something for everyone to enjoy in the Athlone community.

Residents have plenty of choices for shopping, dining, medical services, and attractions nearby. For groceries, many prefer Giant Tiger food store. Need a nice dinner or clothes? Locals head to the eclectic Christy's Corner shopping center. Nightlife action can be found at Shakers Roadhouse or the local favourite Garvey Lounge.

Prince Charles

With max prices averaging $475,000 and starting prices at $120,000, the Prince Charles neighbourhood is one of the most affordable in Edmonton. Established in 1910 and named after Prince Charles of England, this older community has mature tree-lined streets. There's also a park site and a local public elementary school.

In the last century, the neighbourhood has grown, adding hundreds of single-family homes. A few Edmonton townhomes and duplexes have replaced earlier cottages and bungalows from the pre and post-war era. Residents who commute will find great access to the main thoroughfares via 127th Street on the community's border.

Prince Charles is surrounded by numerous services, shops, and eateries that line 127th and 118th Streets, including the Royal Alexandra Hospital. Thamel Bistro doles up authentic Himalayan-inspired dishes and beverages.

Sherbrook Grocery has a full array of organic and locally sourced food. Big Foot Pub is a popular nightclub on the skirts of Prince Charles, while the classy High Note Bar & Grill is a casual eatery with a sports bar-like environment. Open seven days a week, The Kingsway Mall is the best place for clothing, furniture, and odds and ends.

Blackmud Creek

The median price for a home in the Blackmud Creek neighbourhood is $316,000. However, smaller homes, duplexes, and apartment-style condos in low-rises here can go for as little as $110,000. This community is highly attractive due to the vast shared amenities and its low-density population in central zones. Higher densities are found towards the neighbourhood's edges along 111th Street and Ellerslie Road SW.

More than 95% of dwellings here are single-family structures. Due to the interior road's design of loops and cul-de-sacs, there are distinctive enclaves within the neighbourhood, reducing traffic tremendously. Anyone seeking a quiet community will find Blackmud Creek highly appealing.

The Village at Blackmud Creek is a great place to pick up goods from a nice collection of shops and eateries. Chop Steakhouse & Bar inside the Sandman Hotel is a fine dining restaurant with juicy chops and steaks, but many come to sit in the lounge and taste the various wines from their extensive collection. For libations, live music, and dancing, residents head to the distinctive Bar One.

Abbottsfield

The community of Abbottsfield has homes selling for a median price of $172,000 with a low range of $100,000 and a high range of around $250,000. This affordable Edmonton neighbourhood was built in its entirety during the 1970s. Many of these homes have been renovated and remodelled over the years, making them still desirable despite their age.

Abbottsfield is a unique area, as it has no single-family structures. Instead, it offers row housing as well as walk-up complexes of condos, townhomes, and duplexes. Because it's placed as an inward community surrounded by a berm, there's very little traffic noise. That being said, its location makes it optimal for those wanting to access major roadways quickly and easily.

Being so close to the river valley and Abbottsfield Park, there is no shortage of recreation nearby. In fact, the entire housing development is structured around a multi-purpose school and community-operated recreation site with activities and events for residents.

Riverview Crossing is the community's closest and most comprehensive shopping and dining centre. This shopping plaza is located adjacent to the Abbottsfield Transit Centre. From the centre, most areas of Edmonton can be reached affordably and without hassles. The Bedouins Restaurant serves a variety of traditional African cuisines, sides, and drinks.

Hairsine

The residential community of Hairsine on Edmonton's east side is bordered by Victoria Trail, 144 Avenue, 26 Street, and 137 Avenue, making getting to main roads and around town a breeze. Most dwellings here are row houses with single-family structures, and a few low-rise apartments account for the rest of Hairsine. Most of the neighbourhood was constructed in the 1970s and 1980s, with a few new additions until 1990. Median home sales are in the $150,000 range.

Hairsine is represented by a private Community League that maintains the amenities and regulations throughout the locale. This organization oversees the community hall and outdoor rink operations at 139 Avenue and 31 Street. There are two reputable schools in the neighbourhood, including St. Bonaventure Catholic Elementary School and the John D. Bracco School.

The Clareview Town Centre has over 15 brand name stores as well as smaller operations and food vendors. Earls Kitchen & Bar is where friends meet for drinks after work and grab a bite of simple yet tasty lunches and dinners. Fort Edmonton Park is a historical park with modern-day attractions, including a midway with games and rides, streetcars, and a fort.

Canon Ridge

As one of three communities amid the Hermitage plan zone, the Canon Ridge community has homes dating from the 1970s up to new construction homes under development. Average home prices are around $220,000, with lower ranges falling at $140,000 and higher-priced new homes around the $420,000 range.

The community is a solid mixture of single-family homes, multi-family dwellings, and duplexes. A few lots remain undeveloped. This neighbourhood overlooks the North Saskatchewan River, which gives residents plenty of opportunities to swim, fish and paddle steps from their dwelling. Canon Ridge backs into dog-friendly Heritage Park, bringing outdoor fun into the scene with trails and picnic sites.

Nearby, residents can walk and play at Canon Ridge Park, where the amenities are pet-friendly. Tim Hortons is one of the area's best and most popular restaurants. Petro-Canada is the community convenience and fuel station. Shopping at Clareview Town Shopping Centre allows residents to get clothing, shoes, and other wares with ease.

Wellington

The Wellington neighbourhood began development in the 1950s and continues until this day. A mixture of older homes and modern abodes, prices here range from $250,000 to $420,000. During its initial phases, Wellington's focus was single-family homes. However, duplexes, townhomes, and apartment-style condos are also present, but there are more single-family models than other housing types. Many homes are on quiet streets with cul-de-sacs that curb traffic.

The Skyview Power Centre is a shopping destination with major retailers, sleek furniture stores, seating and vendor-style dining. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar speaks for itself and is a favourite place for Wellington residents to have a few cocktails and a perfectly grilled steak amid a fine dining setting. Albert's Family Restaurant serves traditional meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most of these are easy to reach via public transit, and some residents can bike to many of the best shops, diners, pubs, and conveniences nearby.

Rideau Park

The Rideau Park community in Southwest Edmonton is a quaint community bordered by 160 Street, 111 Street, the Calgary Trail, and 40 Avenue, making accessing the city easy. Pricing varies drastically in Rideau Park, as there are many housing types in this older neighbourhood from the 1960s and 1970s.

About two-thirds of the residences here are multiple housing units, mostly condominiums and low-rise apartment buildings. The remainders are single-family homes and duplexes. However, housing remains competitive and affordable. Overall, the community is quiet, but events are often planned that bring neighbours together in celebration.

Residents enjoy easy access to major roads, shopping, dining, and lovely parks. Southgate Centre is located in the adjacent Empire Park to the north. There's also a small shopping strip within the neighbourhood. The locally owned Provincial Kitchen & Bar doles out authentic French cuisine and regional wines for elegant outings. Crum Coffee Bar is a must for many residents, who can get their caffeine and tasty pastries with a French twist.

Find the Perfect Home in Edmonton

Potential buyers looking for an affordable home in Edmonton are certain to find many possibilities in these great communities. Home to the largest mall in North America, West Edmonton Mall, and countless festivals all year long, life here is pretty sweet. With great amenities, realistic prices, and access to nearby commodities, be sure to take a look for a home in one of Edmonton's best neighbourhoods that meets your needs.