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Written By
Corinna Frattini
Jul 15, 2025
•Housing
Whether you’re moving to Canada permanently or arriving as an international student, selecting the right neighbourhood will shape your experience. Edmonton offers diverse communities, affordable housing options, and welcoming vibes, vital for newcomers looking to settle in and thrive. From walkable inner-city areas to quiet family-oriented communities, this guide explores the best Edmonton neighbourhoods for newcomers, based on affordability, rent prices, transit access, safety, schools, and community life.
As of 2025, Edmonton is home to over 1.4 million people in the metro region, making it the 6th-largest metropolitan area in Canada. What makes it appealing for newcomers, though, is its affordability.
According to Rentals.ca and Urbanation, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Edmonton in June 2025 was $1,367 compared to $2,479 in Toronto and $2,671 in Vancouver. For a two-bedroom unit, the Edmonton average was $1,690, which is still one of the lowest among Canada’s major cities.
Here are just a few reasons why newcomers choose to live in Edmonton, Alberta:
Compared to other major cities like Toronto or Vancouver, Edmonton offers lower rent prices.
Over 25% of Edmonton’s population is made up of immigrants, making it one of Canada’s most multicultural cities.
Edmonton is known for its oil and gas roots, but today the city is a hub for other dynamic sectors like tech, construction, skilled trades, and natural resources.
The University of Alberta ranks among the Top 4 universities in Canada and the Top 100 globally, with over 46,000 students.
The North Saskatchewan River Valley offers green space, trails, and family-friendly outdoor areas.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARNow that you know why Edmonton is a strong choice for newcomers, let’s explore neighbourhoods using stats about affordability, lifestyle, livability, and rental range.
Ritchie is a well-loved southeast neighbourhood that offers a blend of affordability, community spirit, and urban convenience. Nearly half the homes are single-family houses. The rest are apartments, duplexes, and townhouses, offering flexibility for renters.
It’s close to the scenic Mill Creek Ravine, local parks, schools, and Ritchie Market, a hub for local cafes and shops. Cyclists and families alike appreciate Ritchie’s walkability and outdoor access.
Good for: Young professionals, families, people who enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle
Access: Public transit and bike-friendly
Vibe: Trendy, outdoorsy, close-knit
Rental range: Moderate.
Garneau is one of the most historic and walkable Edmonton neighbourhoods near the University of Alberta, making it ideal for international students and university staff. It blends heritage homes with modern rentals, trendy cafes, and cultural spots like the Garneau Theatre.
Garneau offers a mix of rental housing options, including apartments, condos, and older character homes. The Edmonton neighbourhood is ideal for newcomers looking to rent in central Edmonton.
Good for: Students, academics, newcomers without a car
Access: Excellent transit & bike lanes
Vibe: Academic, artsy, central
Rental range: Moderate to high.
Strathcona is the heartbeat of Edmonton’s arts and culture scene. Located just south of downtown, it’s famous for Whyte Avenue, boutique shops, live music venues, and events like the Fringe Festival.
Newcomers who love a vibrant, walkable lifestyle with access to nightlife, cafes, and creative energy will love this area.
Good for: Young adults, creatives, renters
Access: Transit-friendly and central
Vibe: Academic, artsy, central
Rental range: Moderate
If you’re moving to Edmonton with children or seeking peace and privacy, Aspen Gardens is a quiet southwest neighbourhood with larger lots and mature trees. Known for its low crime rate, green spaces, and proximity to Whitemud Creek Ravine, this area offers a high quality of life.
Housing tends to be larger and more upscale, but some rentals do exist.
Good for: Families, nature lovers, long-term renters
Access: Car-dependent, some transit
Vibe: Quiet, spacious, upscale
Rental range: Moderate to high
Also in southwest Edmonton, Greenfield is a peaceful, residential neighbourhood ideal for newcomer families. It features top-rated schools, parks, and a local shopping hub. It’s also well-connected by the Edmonton transit system and close to the Century Park LRT station.
The neighbourhood offers a mix of home styles, including apartments and duplexes.
Good for: Families, commuters, working professionals
Access: Excellent via LRT
Vibe: Suburban, friendly, convenient
Rental Range: Moderate
Glenora is a prestigious and scenic Edmonton neighbourhood located just west of downtown. With older character homes, access to the River Valley, and landmarks like the Royal Alberta Museum, it’s ideal for newcomers seeking an elegant, centrally located place to live.
Good for: Families, professionals, mature renters
Access: Good transit and walkability
Vibe: Historic, green, elegant
Rental range: High
Located near Whyte Avenue and the University of Alberta, Queen Alexandra offers a mix of old-style charm and newer condo developments. It’s a practical choice for students and newcomers who want urban access with quieter streets.
Good for: Students, young families, renters, urban dwellers
Access: Walkable and transit-connected
Vibe: Balanced, walkable, up-and-coming
Rental range: Moderate.
Downtown is the business and cultural core of Edmonton, ideal for newcomers who want to be close to work, school, or transit. You’ll find major institutions like MacEwan University, NorQuest College, and numerous cafes, museums, and shopping centres. If you love festivals, museums, and events, this is where it’s all happening.
Good for: Professionals, students, urban newcomers
Access: LRT and major bus routes
Vibe: Energetic, central, convenient
Rental range: Varies by building.
Oliver is one of Edmonton’s most walkable and diverse communities, close to the River Valley and west of downtown. It’s known for Jasper Avenue, the go-to spot for restaurants, shops, and nightlife. This neighbourhood is ideal for newcomers who want quick access to shopping, cafes, and parks, and don’t have a car.
Good for: Young professionals, couples, students, renters
Access: Excellent walkability and transit
Vibe: Lively, urban, well-connected
Rental range: Moderate.
Westmount is a historic and trendy neighbourhood northwest of downtown. It has a strong community spirit, great schools, and quick access to 124th Street, a hotspot for shopping and dining. The area is popular among professionals and families seeking a cozy, character-filled place to call home.
Good for: Professionals, families, community seekers, artists
Access: Good transit and walkability
Vibe: Friendly, heritage-rich, stylish
Rental range: Moderate
| NEIGHBOURHOOD | AVG. 1-BED RENT | BEST FOR |
|---|---|---|
| Ritchie | $1,350 – $1,600 | Families, professionals |
| Garneau | $1,400 – $1,800 | Students, academics |
| Strathcona | $1,450 – $1,700 | Young adults, creatives |
| Aspen Gardens | $1,600 – $2,200 | Families, long-term renters |
| Greenfield | $1,400 – $1,700 | Families, transit users |
| Glenora | $1,600 – $2,300 | Professional, executives |
| Queen Alexandra | $1,450 – $1,750 | Students, couples |
| Downtown | $1,300 – $1,800 | Professionals, urban renters |
| Oliver | $1,400 – $1,750 | Walkers, newcomers |
| Westmount | $1,400 – $1,800 | Families, creatives |
Finding a rental in a new city is exciting, but it’s also when many newcomers are vulnerable to rental scams. Scammers often target immigrants who may not know the rental process in Canada.
Want to read more? Check out this post, How Can Newcomers Avoid Rental Scams? 10 Smart Tips.
As of June 2025, the average rent was around $1,367 for a one-bedroom and $1,690 for a two-bedroom apartment.
Neighbourhoods like Aspen Gardens, Greenfield, and Glenora are often ranked among the safest, with low crime and strong community involvement.
Top picks include Garneau, Queen Alexandra, and Strathcona because they are close to the University of Alberta, public transit, and student-friendly rentals.
Neighbourhoods like Ritchie, Greenfield, and parts of Oliver offer more affordable rental options compared to other major Canadian cities.
As a newcomer, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choices. But with Edmonton’s many neighbourhoods, you can find one that suits your budget, lifestyle, and needs. Use affordability, transit access, school zones, and community atmosphere as your guideposts. Edmonton has some of the lowest rental rates in Canada, making it a great place to get started.
WRITTEN BY
Corinna Frattini
Senior Editor, Prepare for Canada
Corinna Frattini is the Senior Editor and Content Director for Prepare for Canada. She contributes articles to help newcomers achieve their goals in key areas related to living, working, and settling in Canada. With an extensive background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.
© Prepare for Canada 2025
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