Where is the best place to live in Edmonton Canada?

As you know there is no such place in a big city that you can totally call "Best". There are areas in Edmonton that tend to be better and safer than other areas of course. Are you considering just a place for yourself or do you have children because they have to be factored in.

Let's just say you're a single guy looking for a "safe/good" area then you have lots to choose from because you don't have to worry about road safety for children. You might consider an apartment or condo downtown (figure on closer to the $1000 incl utilities range for these) : west of 100 St and south of Jasper - there are lots of studios and 1 bdrm units that are trendy and safe. Most are occupied by downtown office workers or students. Everything you need is almost within walking distance. There are also lots of apts. in and around trendy, "happening" Whyte Ave. - don't believe everything you hear and read as the area is saturated with students attending U of A and closer to the river high end condos and apts.

Now with the students out it's the ideal time to find and apartment - though if you're expecting a low rent you'd best think again. 1 bdrm in bldg are likely closer to the $800 range but you can still find some really nice basement apartments for quite a bit less. Edmonton's vacancy rate is in around the 1% mark with rising rental market.

You may want to stay from the Chinatown, Boyle, MaCauley areas - what's called the Inner city area even though gradually the area is being cleaned and newer and retrofit condos are moving in. I also wouldn't recommend any of the areas bordered by 137Ave to 111 Ave and 110 St to 34 St (East side) it consists of gangs, prostitutes and you certainly wouldn't bring your family into this area. There are of course many NE communities that are safer than others but generalizing the entire area - many people would prefer to stay away from there.

Families would do well to make the Southeast a home - an older area with homes geared to the middle class - lots of schools and community recreational centers and shopping centers especially around the Bonnie Doon. to Capilano areas. The southwest area though generally called a "great" area is getting to be beyond the middle class worker's reach with the home prices skyrocketing. Millwoods though having something of a reputation does have a few areas that are generally not bad. Millwoods is very multicultural both in community groups and shopping. The west side of the city is very busy but is saturated with apts, strip malls and of course West Edmonton mall. Again you'll need to search for an apartment in an affordable range.

You might even want to consider some of what are called "bedroom communities" smaller towns almost attached to Edmonton but are their own municipalities. Ones to consider might be Sherwood Park, St. Albert or Beaumont - little higher tax base and real estate values but still have that smaller town feel and a safer feeling. They also don't have as many rental units therefore finding one might take a bit of energy and extra cash for them.

If you're planning on purchasing a home do your research - grill the Realtor about the area's safety and better yet call the police station and ask them about the crime rate in that area - that's what I did. Ask at the convenience stores and gas stations about the safety issue as they are the ones who usually get "hit".

Nobody can guarantee that the area you choose will ultimately be totally "safe/good" but if you've done your research throughly and asked as many questions you possibly can then you've done the best you can. Moving into a new city has it's challenges but the more prepared you are before moving the better off you're going to be in the long run.

Hopes this is of some help to you.

Good Luck with your search.

I currently live in Edmonton but moving back to Nova Scotia the end of June. If you are interested in renting a small two bedroom house on the south side (not millwoods) I could give you the contact information for my landlord. It's a great little house on a quiet street and very well maintained. The landlord has been really good to us. Let me know if your interested. I think the place will be available for July 1st.

I don't know a place for "great jobs", however, for other reasons: Halifax offers the atmosphere of small coastal villages, country charm, and wilderness for which Nova Scotia is known. Life revolves around the sea. A very safe environment for living. Whatever your budget, there is an investment here for you. Whether it’s just a small building plot or a hundred acres, a cabin or a mansion, you will find it here. It's a very small city, but the people are wonderfully friendly, the surrounding countryside is beautiful and it has a great 'seafaring' history. It's also much more like the UK in many respects, i.e. sense of humour, drinking culture etc.

There is a housing shortage in Edmonton at this time.

There is a huge economic boom there now so people are flocking there.

I would have to say at this time where ever you can find a home is a good place.

I'm from Alberta, so have a great time in Edmonton. I miss it alot.

it is true, there is a huge economic boom here and it is really hard to find a decent place to live for cheap. lots of drive by shootings and gang violence seems to happen in the area called millwoods....a place where no one really ventures at night. We call it the "hood" Stay away from china town and the general area of 109st to 124st (not sure of avenues..i believe 109st and 104ave to 124st and 111 ave). The far southside has lots of new developments, but everything is spread out and very hard to get to if you bus. I personally live in the west end near West Edmonton Mall and wouldnt live anywhere else.

In one of the surrounding communities.

Stoney Plain, Leduc, Sherwood Park

as far away from downtown as you can. i hated the downtown are, esp. after dark, as the undesirables came out more. in the day its not so bad. and wgere ever you can find a half decent apartment, or suite in a house

The HUB at the U of A.

live in calgary, not edmonton..

hehe