These are the best and worst Edmonton neighbourhoods to buy real estate

As a whole, the City of Edmonton is not the best place to buy real estate. But if you’re looking for a home in the city, some neighbourhoods offer more value than others.

MoneySense’s Where to buy Real Estate in Canada 2022 report has determined the best and worst Edmonton neighbourhoods to buy property in.

Created in partnership with Zoocasa, neighbourhoods across the city were ranked on several factors, including the benchmark home price as of December 31, 2021, one, three, and five-year prices growth, and the percentage of households with children.

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Each neighbourhood also received a score out of five based on its value, economics, and accessibility. With five being the highest, the scores represent value for money, levels of income and education, and ease of travel by foot, bike, and public transit, respectively.

Edmonton’s top three neighbourhoods

1. Maplegrove

Located near Maplewood and Sherwood Heights, Maplegrove is a community with great parks and amenities. With a benchmark price of $403,827 at the end of 2021, it is the top Edmonton neighbourhood on its list this year.  In December 2021, home prices were 329% higher than they were one year before, 12% higher than three years earlier, and 19% higher than five years earlier. That translates to a value score of five out of five and a neighbourhood economics score of 4.5 out of five.

Maplegrove features mostly detached and semi-detached residences with vinyl or wood siding, dating back to the 1960s. About 47% of households have children, and the area has a number of good schools. However, Maplegrove’s subdivision model means that it isn’t very walkable — its neighbourhood accessibility score is only 0.5 out of five.

2. Mills Haven

Mills Haven was primarily developed in the 1970s and features three schools and several parks. In December 2021, homes sold for an average price of $376,692. At the end of 2021, home values were 117% higher than they were one year earlier, 3% higher than three years earlier, and 1% higher than five years earlier. That gives the area a value score of 3.8 out of five and a neighbourhood economics score of 4.5 out of five.

The housing stock in Mills Haven features large lot sizes, deep front yards, and mature trees. Homes include an assortment of single-level, bi-level, and split-level houses, clad in vinyl siding or brick veneer. Around 47% of households in the area have kids. The one drawback that may give some home buyers pause: With few amenities and businesses in the area, you’re likely to need a car. Mills Haven has a neighbourhood accessibility score of just 0.5 out of five.

3. Terwillegar South

Located in the southwest corner of Edmonton, Terwillegar South is bounded on the west by Terwillegar Drive and on the east by Rabbit Hill Road. It’s one of seven neighbourhoods within Terwillegar Heights. Housing prices have fallen in recent years. In December 2021, the benchmark price of a home was $316,211 — 7% lower than it was one year earlier, 12% lower than three years earlier, and 15% lower than five years earlier. However, Terwillegar South still made the top three because of its strong value score of 3.2 and perfect neighbourhood economics score of five out of five.

The neighbourhood is made up primarily of single-family detached homes, but you’ll also find multi-family housing and condos. It’s also a favourite among families, with kids in 51% of households. The area is more accessible than the others on our list, with an accessibility score of 2.2 out of five.

Other neighbourhoods to break into the top 10 include Falconer Heights, Broadview Park, Secord, The Hamptons, and Leger.

MoneySense

When it came to the worst neighbourhoods in Edmonton to buy real estate, MoneySense ranked the Heritage Valley Area as the worst, followed by Wyeclif, Lago Lindo, and Clover Bar Ranch.

MoneySense

So, there you have it. If you are on the market for a new home in Edmonton, we sure hope you pour through the ranking of these neighbourhoods before you dip your toe in the real estate market in the city.