Edmonton’s population has grown by around one-third in the last 20 years. It is clear that people, either moving to Canada or moving within Canada, all want to be in the City of Champions.

And it is not difficult to see why. The Canadian province of Alberta’s capital city has a great culinary scene, lots to do for sports fans, and is near the countryside.

But is it a great place to live? Spoiler alert: yes!

If you plan on moving to Edmonton or are considering the move, here are some things you should know.

1. Neighborhoods and Locations

Edmonton resides on the North Saskatchewan River around three hours drive north of Calgary. Edmonton has some wonderful, eclectic neighborhoods but here are some of the best to live in:

• Strathcona
• Westmount
• Crestwood
• Bonnie Doon
• Glenora
• Downtown

Strathcona is one of the liveliest Edmonton neighborhoods, while Bonnie Doon is peaceful yet pretty. Crestwood is great for families because there are tons of parks there. Downtown is perfect for young professionals and 20-something singles.

You might also want to consider moving to Spruce Grove, a smaller city west of Edmonton. This is a great post to read if you are considering moving to Canada and want to know your options.

2. Real Estate and Rental Market

For those buying a house in Edmonton, it is good to know the average real estate prices. The average three-bedroom home in January 2021 was $$429,430 and the average condo was $220,500.

Like every city, the prices differ from neighborhood to neighborhood. And if you are selling your house back home, that could give you a healthy downpayment.

But if you are renting a house in Edmonton, the average cost per month for a single person is around $1,000. It is important to measure these prices against your projected income in Edmonton.

3. Family Activities and Education

There are around 30 universities in Edmonton including the University of Alberta. This gives the city a young and cool college vibe but it is also a very family-orientated city.

There are lots of community centers all around Edmonton but its main selling point is the parks. Rundle Park and Emily Murphy Park are both great for families with young kids.

4. Climate and Weather

If you know anything about Canada in general, you know that it gets a little cold in winter. To be specific, Edmonton’s snowy season starts in September and ends in May.

But Edmonton is also one of the sunniest cities in the country, even in winter, with very little humidity. It is not a bad trade-off.

5. Culture and Travel

There are lots of amazing things to do in Canada and Edmonton is no different.

It boasts Canada’s biggest international fringe festival, the Edmonton International Fringe Festival. And it has the biggest mall in North America too, the West Edmonton Mall.

If you wanted to escape the city for a while, Banff National Park is only three hours drive away. It is where many Edmontonians spend their long weekends shredding and hiking.

Get Excited About Moving to Canada

Moving to Canada, and to Edmonton in particular, is a great choice. The country has great healthcare, a varied real estate market, and lots of opportunities to play winter sports.

Like this article? Check out our other real estate articles for more tips and advice on moving.