Why Edmonton Continues to Emerge as One of Canada’s Best Cities to Live

Canada has several notable cities that are excellent places to live for those seeking an urban hub with an abundance of culture and a big-city appeal. Edmonton, one of these standout cities, is an Alberta community with a rapidly growing population and a reputation as one of the premier cities in which to live in the country. 

There are a lot of facets to Edmonton’s appeal. It is a major city with a vibrant local culture and many exciting sites to explore. It is unique in its setting, being that it is the northernmost city in North America with a population of over a million, and that only adds to its appeal. Let’s explore some features of Edmonton that make it so desirable.

Canada is experiencing a significant affordability crisis right now across the nation. In provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, home prices continually hit new highs, pricing the average person out of the market. While Alberta’s prices have risen significantly over the past several years, homes in Edmonton remain more affordable than those in other big cities across Canada.

According to Wowa, the average home price in Edmonton and its surrounding area is roughly $375,000. This stands in stark contrast to the national average for home costs. According to a separate Wowa report, the average sales price in Canada is nearly $640,500. Even as Edmonton continues to grow, it is still one of the most affordable big cities that can be found in the country.

The affordability of Edmonton means that your dollar will go further in this city, which is all the more opportune considering Edmonton’s economy is surging. Edmonton and Calgary have experienced significant economic growth in the past few decades as the province’s oil and energy industry has expanded. Edmonton has numerous high-paying jobs in the energy industry, a key part of the province’s oil boom.

Edmonton is also a major city for manufacturing, technology, and agriculture. Several massive companies are based in Edmonton, including BioWare, ATB Financial, DynaLife, and PCL Construction. The thriving economy and low cost of living make Edmonton one of the most affordable cities in the country.

Edmonton’s culture is one of the distinguishing aspects of the city that sets it apart for buyers. It is a commercial and cultural hub with excellent museums, dining, shopping, and year-round festivals. Arguably, the best-known attraction of Edmonton is its incredible shopping, highlighted by the West Edmonton Mall, easily the biggest mall in the country. It houses 800 different stores and restaurants, and includes a water park, theme park, ice skating rink, and mini golf course.

Edmonton’s impressive museums include the Royal Alberta Museum and the renowned Fort Edmonton Park, a massive living history museum. There is also a fine dining scene and international cuisine that accommodates every taste. 

Edmonton’s location makes it unique and provides a perfect setting to explore its natural wonders. One of the most enduring awe-inspiring features of Edmonton’s outdoor appeal is the ability to witness the Northern Lights from this big city at certain times of the year. This aerial phenomenon is one of the most breathtaking sights and brings countless tourists here.

The river valley outside Edmonton is where many of the best natural areas are. It is an excellent place for hiking, canoeing, and fishing in the summer or snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. Nearby Elk Island National Park has incredible settings and a huge native wildlife population. Edmonton’s proximity to nature is a big reason it is an enduring hotspot for those seeking relocation.