Everything you need to know about North Edmonton

Families are flocking to the North Edmonton area because they know that they’ll be able to get a great deal on a home in a fantastic community that has everything they’re looking for.

What makes this area so attractive?

It could simply be the location. Residents enjoy an easy trip to the downtown area, but it’s the perfect spot for those who work in the northern part of the city, such as teachers and people at the Canadian Forces Base.

It could be the quiet. It’s far away from the airport, so you don’t have to deal with the sound of planes. It’s also slightly less populated than other parts of Edmonton, so there’s a distinct suburban feel to the area.

It could be the great opportunities, This area is expanding, and rapidly. By purchasing a home in this area now, you increase the chances of seeing a big increase in your property’s value over the years.

Aside from that, the communities here are just a bit more fun than some of the ones in other parts of Edmonton. Full of great amenities and awesome restaurants, North Edmonton has everything for your family.

Whatever your reason for thinking about building your home in North Edmonton, we think you’ll like it even more once you learn everything there is to know.

If you want to be extra happy with your new home, it all starts with choosing the right neighbourhood for your family. Look for a community that has the things your family needs, both directly within the community and in the nearby surrounding area.

Sterling builds in five of the best new communities in North Edmonton. You’ll soon see why we’re proud to offer you these choices.

Build your castle in a community that allows you to find the perfect balance in your life. Newcastle has a quiet feel. Residents enjoy walking around the pond or having picnics in the large park area. With an existing playground area and a new school planned for the near future, this is a good choice for families with small children who are ready to put down their roots.

Available models and pricing in the Newcastle community:

As you step into the Tyndall model, you’ll instantly see just how great your family’s life can be. The large home has the style you’re looking for – especially if you want to impress your guests – but there are also features that can help your family create the togetherness you’re seeking, such as the bonus room on the second floor. Whether you’re throwing parties or having a quiet night at home, you’ll like how life feels in this home.

College Woods is part of the well-established Secord community. You’ll feel confident about sending your children to good schools, and you’ll love the family-friendly atmosphere. Kids will have no problems making friends who live nearby. With nice backyards and a fun nature trail through the wetlands, it’s easy to see why people are choosing College Woods.

Available models and pricing in the College Woods community:

The Haven showhome really does feel like a haven. Your master suite is separated from the kids’ bedrooms by a bonus room, so it feels incredibly private. The bonus room is the perfect space for your family to hang out in the evenings. This way, you’ll be able to keep the great room downstairs clean for guests.

If you’re looking for even more luxury, though, the Tanner model may interest you even more. The layout is similar, but it features a deluxe five-piece ensuite in the master bedroom. On the main floor, an oversized butler’s pantry gives you extra space for storing all the food you need for growing kids.

Ever dreamed of letting your kids walk to school instead of taking the bus? You’ll want to check out Secord Heights,  which is within walking distance of the David Thomas King K-9 school. There’s an active community league that plans events for neighbours to come together. If you have kids, you’ll probably want to be involved in the planning of the new playground. It’s slated to have a basketball court and mountain biking pump track in addition to the traditional playground equipment.

Available models and pricing in the Secord Heights community:

In Secord Heights, you have the opportunity to see a model of one of Sterling’s duplex homes when you tour the Sahara and Sensation models. They’re connected by a wall, but we think you’ll be surprised by how private the home feels. The Sahara model has design features like a tray ceiling in the master bedroom and transom windows in the main living areas. In the Sensation model, pay attention to the way your design choices can make your space look completely unique.

Alternatively, you can check out all the advantages of living in a front attached home like the Sanctuary. You’ll appreciate the second-floor laundry and how bright the entire home feels due to the natural light. Built-in shelving throughout the space adds extra convenience.

Cy Becker is the top choice for active families in Edmonton. Residents can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities right in the community, including bike riding, ice skating, and tobogganing. Of course, there are also playgrounds and a spray park. With its location close to the Anthony Henday to make for an easy commute and a wide variety of home styles available, this may be the best all-around choice for your family.

Available models and pricing in the Cy Becker community:

Cy Becker is somewhat unique in that it offers all four of the home styles Sterling builds. Start by checking out the Eberle showhome, which is an example of one of our laned homes. The curb appeal of this style is a big plus, but you’ll also love the almost 1,600 square feet inside. There are walk-in closets in each of the bedrooms, and the master bedroom includes the convenience of built-in shelving.

Does your family need something bigger? Like, a lot bigger? Then you’ll want to see the 2,500+ square foot Thomas model. Your family will love hanging out in the oversized bonus room upstairs, and the walk-through pantry offers a lot of convenience and storage space.

Cy Becker may have a lot of attractions within the neighbourhood, but many active families prefer the open spaces in Manning Village. There are walking trails, playgrounds, and large green spaces in this community. Many residents also appreciate the convenience that comes from being able to walk to the Manning Town Centre, where shops and restaurants await.

Available models and pricing in the Manning Village community:

This community also has a duplex-style showhome for you to see. One side is based on the Sensation plan, while the other is based on the Sequel. The Sensation is a good choice for those who want an affordable home with a functional layout. It has the features you’re looking for in a home, including a master ensuite, walk-through pantry, and built-in shelving. The Sequel has a bit more space.

Both plans would allow you to finish the basement if you want something a little bigger. One other showhome you can view is based on our Trista model. There is 1,925 square feet of space in this front-attached home, and tons of great features. The huge corner pantry gives your family plenty of storage, the second-floor laundry is really convenient, and the spa-like master ensuite is perfect for relaxing at the end of a long day.

No matter where you choose to live, you’ll want the comfort of knowing your children will attend a school that can help them grow in every manner. Fortunately, there are a number of great schools in the North Edmonton area. While you’ll be assigned a neighbourhood school based on where you choose to build your home, there’s a good chance you can have your child to go to any other school in the area if you think there’s another one that’s a better fit.

Those who live in the Secord area will love having their children attend the K-9 David Thomas King School. The school’s namesake believed the best schools are firmly embedded in the community, and the school’s staff chooses to take these words to heart. Expect to find an environment where students are encouraged to grow socially and emotionally, improve their academic knowledge, and become active participants in the community at large.

Kirkness School is an elementary school in the northeast part of the city. It serves a diverse population, so you can expect children to grow up in an environment that recognizes and respects the value of different cultures from all over the world. One of the unique facets of this school is the “Leader in Me” program that helps students gain important leadership skills based on the ideas from Dr Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”

At the John D. Bracco Middle School, the staff works hard to prepare students for a high school experience that matches their future goals. The Universal Design for Learning means they are focused on removing any barriers a child might have for proper learning. Teachers will approach important ideas from many different angles, using many different techniques and approaches. This tends to increase engagement and understanding among the students. In addition to regular classes, high-achieving students can take pre-Advanced Placement courses to help prepare for the rigorous work they’ll find in high school.

The high school students at M.E. LaZerte High School enjoy a solid curriculum in a diverse environment. The school strives to develop global citizens who are active in their communities. For those who are interested, there’s an International Baccalaureate program here, and it’s a Mandarin bilingual school.

Jasper Place Schoolis in the northwest part of Edmonton, and it also has an International Baccalaureate program. Other students might appreciate the career training programs or the alternative learning programs for non-traditional learners.

At Jasper Place, students will learn to focus on their mental health in addition to academics.

St. Bonaventure is a Catholic school for grades K-6 in the northeast part of Edmonton. They offer French as a second language starting in fourth grade, and, in addition to academics, they also offer a learn to ski program and an outdoor education camp. Teachers strive to inspire children to develop a love of learning in a faith-based environment.

St. Lucy is close to our northwestern communities, and it also offers French as a second language starting in fourth grade. Parents will be happy to know there’s daily physical activity to help keep kids fit and engaged in their learning. With an extensive list of extracurricular activities, you can be certain your child will be happy here.

As you drive around the North Edmonton area, you’ll instantly see there are a number of shopping centres. Whether you need to get some groceries or a new pair of shoes for your kids, you won’t have to travel far. Below are just some of the places available here.

Obviously, the Newcastle Shopping Centre is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Newcastle community. Sobey’s is probably the biggest draw for the everyday residents, but there are other options as well. For instance, you might bring your kids to the daycare at Newcastle Childcare or sign up for a gym membership at LA Fitness.

Save money on your groceries by shopping at Save On Foods, and pick up a few other inexpensive items at Dollarama. They’re both in the Market at Lewis Estates shopping centre. They also have smaller health and beauty shops, such as Massage Experts and Posh Hair. You can get much of what you need right here.

The Shops of Granville is a smaller centre, but it’s close to the Costco, so you could stock up there first, then head over to The Shops to get a few more things at Rexall. After that, maybe you’ll want to pick up some dinner at Edo Japan or Pizza 73.

If you live in Manning Village, you can walk to the stores at the Manning Town Centre, though you may want to bring your car so you can stock up. There’s a Lowes where you’ll be able to get all of the things you need for your new home, a Marshalls for some new clothes, and a Dollarama for those little odds and ends. There are also a lot of restaurants here, including fast food and fast casual restaurants, and a few specialty stores.

The Clareview Town Centre is also in the northeast part of the city, so it’s convenient for those who live in Cy Becker and Manning Village. Here, you can shop at Walmart, Best Buy, or Real Canadian Superstore. This combination of stores alone is enough to cover almost all of your basic needs.

Sometimes, you just want to get out in nature. It’s easy to do this in North Edmonton. You’ll probably enjoy all of the green spaces built into your community. These make it convenient for you to get outside and get some exercise. If you want to drive somewhere for something a little different, though, the following are some good choices.

Hermitage Park offers year-round fun. In the summer, you can enjoy fishing or (non-motor) boating on the pond. In the winter, there are trails for cross-country skiing. Of course, locals also enjoy hiking the trails throughout the year, and dog owners often take their dogs here for the off-leash area. Be aware though: only portable toilets are available, and they are not wheelchair accessible. Plan accordingly.

Parking for Coronation Park is one block away, but this lovely little park has tennis courts, sports fields, and baseball diamonds, so it’s a popular place for those who have kids in sports. There’s also a playground nearby, and the picnic sites are covered, so you won’t have to worry about the sun beating down on you all the time you’re there.

Kilkenny Park is a bit small compared to some of the other parks around Edmonton, but it’s got a great playground that’s fun for the kids. It’s always nice to change things up with a new playground. This park is convenient for those living in the northeast part of the city.

Rundle Park has quite a few features you don’t see often. For instance, there’s a mini golf course in the summer and an ice way and tobogganing hill for the winter. You’ll also enjoy a disc golf area, sports fields, and playgrounds. In the summer, you can rent a paddleboat to take out on the man-made lake. This is an excellent spot to spend the day.

Having easy access to recreational opportunities is a key piece of the puzzle when you’re trying to find the right community for your family. Sterling’s communities are designed with built-in recreation, including things like walking trails, playgrounds, and ice skating rinks. But if you choose to live in the North Edmonton area, you’ll also be close to the following recreation centres.

Servus Place in the city of St. Albert is an expansive recreational centre that offers a little something of everything. For many families, the biggest draw is the fun water play area for the kids. This includes a pool for swimming, but there are also water slides and spray features. There’s also an indoor playground designed for kids 8 and under, and this is a good way to burn off some energy during those cold winter months. Additionally, Servus Place has a skating rink, fitness centre, exercise classes, and childminding services.

On the northwest side of Edmonton, the Castle Downs YMCA has everything you’d expect in a local YMCA, including fitness areas, classes, and a large pool. Their childminding services come free with membership, so it’s easy for you to make time to work out. An especially nice feature of a YMCA membership is you’re able to use the membership at any YMCA in Edmonton. You can take the family to this one, but work out on your lunch break at the one near your office.

For those who live on the northeast side, the Clareview Rec Centre offers great opportunities for staying active while having fun. In addition to the cardio area and weight rooms, there’s a pool that includes a lazy river with spray features. The rec centre is conveniently located next to the library and a skate park, so you can take advantage of those amenities while before or after your workout.

Also on the northeast side, the Londonderry Leisure Centre has an ice skating rink and a pool along with the standard fitness equipment, so it’s easy to choose where you want to exercise. They offer complimentary purse and wallet lockers in the lobby to keep your items safe. When the weather’s nice, you might want to take advantage of the outdoor running track, tennis courts, or sports fields.

A healthy family is a happy family, and in North Edmonton, there are a number of doctors and health centres where you can go whether you’re having an emergency, are feeling under the weather, or just want your annual check-up. The following list represents just a few of your choices.

You’ll find today’s communities are quite connected to each other and to all of the amenities throughout the city. Whether you work in downtown Edmonton, the Canadian Forces base, or any other location around the city, travelling to where you need to be isn’t an issue.

For instance, most communities have easy access to the Anthony Henday, which loops around the entire city. The Yellowhead Highway runs east-west in the north part of the city. There are also a number of north-south roads, including Highway 2, which goes to north (to St. Albert) or south (to the airport), Highway 28, which goes to the Canadian Forces base, and Highway 15, which will lead you to Fort Saskatchewan.

Public transportation isn’t quite as plentiful in North Edmonton as it is in either the downtown area or the southwest area,  but there are bus lines that run throughout the city. There’s also an LRT station in Clareview, so you can take advantage of that. As this part of town continues to develop, public transportation options will improve as well.

The home you choose should be a good fit for your lifestyle now, but you’ll want it to be comfortable for many years to come. Fortunately, Sterling offers a variety of styles and several different floor plans for each type. Think carefully about the home you choose.

Townhomes are an extremely popular option for first-time home buyers and the downsizers. They’re quite cost-effective; you share a wall or two with your neighbour, which means monthly expenses for townhomes are actually quite comparable to renting. However, you’re working building equity, on your financial future! Who wants to throw money away on rent?

Sterling’s townhomes are available in the following communities:

Duplex homes are another popular choice for the first-time buyers out there, but growing families also really like them.  And what’s not to love? The layout inside is very similar to a single family home, and you have a private yard with only one shared wall with your neighbour. Plus the pricing on a duplex home comes in a lower point than a larger, more traditional home.

Sterling’s duplex homes are available in the following communities:

Another name for this style is a rear-detached garage, which is pretty self-explanatory. Laned homes are usually the most affordable option for those who want a detached home. Bonuses here include full privacy, usually more square footage than a townhome or duplex and style; many families love the look of these homes! Laned homes are a perfect fit for families who want that extra privacy but aren’t looking for the higher mortgage that comes with a front-attached home.

Sterling’s laned homes are available in the following communities:

Front-attached homes are the homes that come to mind when you picture a modern home. The double-car garage at the front of the home offers the ultimate convenience from our unpredictable Edmonton weather! These tend to be the largest homes a builder offers, and they are a great fit for the family who wants to have the option of spending time together or spread out and do their own thing. Sterling offers more than one type of front-attached garage home; you can go with the two-storey option or choose a bungalow design, depending on the community.

Sterling’s front-attached homes are available in the following communities:

The type of home you choose is a deeply personal decision, with many things to take into account including your family’s needs and budget. You have many options to explore, make sure you have a solid list of both your needs and your wants to ensure you love everything about your new home and neighbourhood.

The North Edmonton area offers great communities and a variety of amenities and fun activities that appeal to today’s families. Come out and tour our show homes and the neighbourhoods we build in to see if any are the right choice for you.

Originally published December 21, 2018, updated July 2, 2019