Living in Edmonton at a glance
| Topic | Edmonton |
|---|---|
| Population | 1,010,899 in the city and 1,418,118 in the metro area (2021 census) |
| River valley | About 22 times the size of New York's Central Park, with more than 150 km of trails |
| LRT | Three lines today: Capital, Metro and Valley Line Southeast, with Valley Line West under construction |
| Ring road | Anthony Henday Drive, a 78 km freeway around the city, completed in 2016 |
| Airport | Edmonton International, south of the city next to Leduc |
| Sales tax | No provincial sales tax |
How the city is laid out
Edmonton runs on a numbered grid, which makes addresses easy once you know the rules:
- Avenues run east to west, and their numbers climb as you go north.
- Streets run north to south, and in most of the city their numbers climb as you go west.
- House numbers point to the cross street. Our office at 10350 124 Street is on 124 Street between 103 and 104 Avenue.
- Quadrants: most of the city is NW. Addresses in the far south end in SW, and a smaller area in the northeast ends in NE. Always check the quadrant when you search.
In most of Edmonton's grid, the house number tells you the cross street.
Mature or new: the first big choice
Most Edmonton home searches come down to this split, so it's worth deciding early which side you lean toward.
| Mature neighbourhoods | Newer neighbourhoods | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Around downtown and through the older parts of the city | Around the city's edges, many near Anthony Henday Drive |
| Homes | Older detached homes, character houses, apartments and new infill | Newer detached homes, duplexes, townhouses and condos |
| Streets | Mature trees, older lots | Younger trees, planned parks and ponds |
| Getting around | Shorter trips downtown, more LRT and bus options | Mostly car and bus, quick ring road access |
| Check before buying | Age of systems, zoning, caveats and heritage rules | Warranty status, nearby construction, association fees |
Our guides go deeper: Glenora, Old Strathcona and downtown and Wîhkwêntôwin on the mature side, Windermere and Griesbach on the newer side.
Schools: how designation works
- Edmonton's two largest school boards are Edmonton Public Schools and Edmonton Catholic Schools.
- Every address has a designated public school, and it isn't always the closest one. Programs such as language, arts or sports may be at other schools.
- Check the exact address with Edmonton Public Schools' Find a School tool or Edmonton Catholic Schools' Locate Your School page before you write an offer.
We don't rank schools. We'll help you get the facts for each address you're considering.
Getting around
- LRT: the Capital and Metro Lines run north to south through downtown. The Valley Line Southeast, opened November 4, 2023, runs 13.1 km from downtown to Mill Woods. The Valley Line West, 14 km from downtown to Lewis Farms, is expected to finish construction in 2028.
- Driving: Anthony Henday Drive circles the city, and most suburbs connect to it.
- Downtown in winter: about 13 km of indoor pedways link more than 40 buildings and three downtown LRT stations.
- LRT proximity: if it matters to you, time the walk from the front door to the station before you buy, not after.
Living with winter
Edmonton winters are long, and the right house makes them easier. When you tour homes, look at:
- The furnace: its age and service records
- Insulation and ventilation: especially in the attic
- Parking: a garage, and where the car plugs in
- The entry: room for boots, coats and a shovel
Once you move in, sidewalk snow is your job: the City expects you to clear snow and ice as soon as possible after a snowfall, or you could face a $100 fine plus the cost of removal.
What buying costs in Alberta
- No percentage land transfer tax. Alberta charges Land Titles registration fees instead: a base fee plus $5 for every $5,000 of value, on both the transfer and the mortgage (rates in effect since October 20, 2024). On a $400,000 home, the value part of the transfer fee is $400.
- No provincial sales tax.
- Property tax: the City mails assessment notices in January, based on market value as of July 1 of the year before, and tax bills at the end of May. A Monthly Payment Plan spreads the payments over the year.
- Other costs to budget: your lawyer, a home inspection, insurance and moving.
Your first 90 days in Alberta
- Apply for Alberta health care coverage (AHCIP) within 3 months of arriving
- Exchange your driver's licence within 90 days
- Register your vehicle in Alberta within 90 days
- Confirm your designated schools for your new address
- Set up power, gas, water and internet before possession day
- Sign up for the property tax Monthly Payment Plan, if you want it
Moving to Edmonton: how we help
Our office is on 124 Street in central Edmonton, and we work across the city and the towns around it. Tell us your budget, your commute and what matters most, and we'll send a shortlist of neighbourhoods with recent sales, then tour homes with you in person or on a video call.