Even though Edmonton has a thriving real estate market, the city still offers affordable home prices — especially when compared to regions like Toronto and Vancouver. This means there’s a very good chance you can still find a great home within your budget. But, you also need to identify the neighbourhoods with the highest safety levels to make the best decision.

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or are planning to move to Canada’s Festival City, choosing the best neighbourhood in Edmonton is a gradual process.

To help you narrow down your options, we’ve put together a list of 10 safe Edmonton neighbourhoods you should consider during your house search. 

Top 10 Safest Neighbourhoods in Edmonton

Every family has different needs, so you have to determine the most valuable factors and determine which areas offer the best combination. That said, many of the best neighbourhoods in Edmonton share similarities, like easy access to nature trails, tightly-knit communities, and, most importantly, below-average crime rates. 

Here are our picks for 10 good areas to live in Edmonton.

1. Garneau

Garneau is a historic neighbourhood with a collection of renowned landmarks, like the University of Alberta and the Garneau Theatre. This community is also one of the best areas to live in Edmonton because it’s safe, diverse, and full of great amenities.

As expected from a neighbourhood with an active university, new homeowners can choose from a wide range of apartments and condos. Nevertheless, Garneau also features superb houses and is known for its highly-regarded elementary school. 

2. Aspen Gardens

Aspen Gardens is one of the best communities in Edmonton for families who want to live in a safe area surrounded by nature. 

While it’s true that Aspen Garden residents need to drive a few minutes to access many amenities in the neighbourhood, this part of Edmonton features spacious family homes suitable for households of all sizes. In addition to an elementary school and junior high, families also have easy access to quiet paths designed for cycling or walking. 

3. Strathcona

If you’re concerned about safety while looking for the best family neighbourhoods in Edmonton, your list has to feature Strathcona. 

In addition to a great local community, Strathcona is home to Whyte Avenue, a vibrant boulevard that runs through the historic part of the neighbourhood. Whyte Ave features dozens of pubs, restaurants, and other entertainment options, so you can enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere during the daytime and a vibrant cultural scene after dark.  

4. Ritchie

As far as neighbourhoods go, Ritchie offers a unique combination of a suburb-like setup that’s still minutes away from the action.

Ritchie is home to young families, long-time residents, and singles because it has a little something for everyone. In addition to great shopping and dining options, you can choose from a variety of housing options including detached homes. Located a short 10-minute drive from Downtown, Ritchie residents enjoy easy access to the heart of Edmonton as well as natural resources like the Mill Creek Ravine. 

5. Downtown Edmonton

Downtown Edmonton is very different from other Canadian city centres. There is significantly less traffic, not to mention that homeowners can find spacious apartments at a reasonable price. Moreover, it’s also a safe area, especially if your budget allows you to purchase a home in the upscale part of the neighbourhood. 

6. Ambleside

Ambleside has become a popular alternative for young families because it offers affordable housing and high safety levels. Singles and couples also have a collection of apartments and condos available, not to mention nearby shopping centres and dining establishments. The best part may be that the neighbourhood residents have easy access to healthcare facilities and recreational areas designed for family use. 

7. Windsor Park

Windsor Park is safe, well-maintained, and conveniently located. Now, it’s worth noting that this is one of the most desirable parts of Edmonton, so home prices here are above the city average. Nevertheless, Windsor Park is a great option if you have older children and want to live in a smaller community with easy access to everything. 

8. Belgravia

Belgravia has been one of Edmonton’s safest neighbourhoods for decades. However, some reports indicate a small increase of 2% in crime rates over the last half decade. While you should always check crime rates, Belgravia should be on your shortlist of alternatives due to its location and home prices and the fact that the neighbourhood has recently been renovated. 

9. McKernan

If there is one neighbourhood in Edmonton that’s perfect for professionals and students concerned about safety, it’s McKernan. 

McKernan is located adjacent to the University of Alberta campus, and it offers easy access to a wide range of public transport alternatives. You can expect a lively scene if you live here, but don’t let this discourage you. The neighbourhood has a good reputation for its friendly, welcoming community and safe vibe.

10. Hazeldean

New homeowners looking for a safe neighbourhood that offers many family-friendly amenities should look no further than Hazeldean. You may have to increase your budget to find the perfect home. But, the lush green surroundings, views of the valley, and easy access to the rest of the city are worth every penny. 

Honourable Mentions

Edmonton is chock full of beautiful, safe neighbourhoods, so our list above is not comprehensive by any means. To find the best option for your family, your best bet is to work with a reliable real estate professional, like a Justo agent. Our experts are familiar with all Edmonton neighbourhoods, including areas that didn’t make our top 10 list.

Here are a few honourable mentions that you should also keep in mind and discuss with your real estate agent:

• Summerside
• Bonnie Doon
• Terwillegar Towne
• Cloverdale
• Mill Woods

Conclusion

Edmonton is a wonderful city with more than one million residents. The city offers a little something for everyone/ Further, its affordable home prices make it one of the best areas for young families. 

We hope that our list of 10 safe neighbourhoods in Edmonton helps narrow down your list of options. If you want to learn more about finding quality homes at the best prices while paying commissions below the market average, get in touch with Justo today. Our team is here to help!