Moving to Edmonton comes with its own unique set of challenges: How do you find a place to live?  What neighbourhood should you choose? This series aims to help you not only help you find your perfect home, but help you find your ideal neighbourhood!

So you are moving to Edmonton?! Whether you’re relocating for a job, to go to school, to pursue a passion, or simply for a new adventure, you’re far from alone, according to Avenue Living:

"Living in Edmonton provides great value for money with lower monthly rent than Calgary, another major city in Alberta. While, oil and gas is the key industry, there are other great working opportunities in education, police services, health & medical, and government"

In this series we will identify the best areas, according to us, that you should consider when you are moving to Edmonton - first up: Riverdale!

Riverdale - Edmonton's Garden Community

History

 The area which would later be called Riverdale was the first industrial suburb of Fort Edmonton and is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. Even today, in 2022, it is one of three neighbourhoods nestled among the River Valley in Edmonton.

Once it was home to the Cree, a First Nations people. The search for gold in the 1860s saw early European visitors, and they were followed in the next 30 years by settlers who established wheat fields, steamboat landings, ferries, lumber and grist mills, coal mines and a brickyard. Workers first lived on site, but soon spread beyond the bunkhouses. Everyone called this area Fraser Flats, after the owner of the lumber mill.
Clay, water and abundant trees for fuel made this river flat a perfect place to make brick. The needs of a growing town and the enterprising spirit of James Brown Little combined in 1893 to found a century-long dynasty of brick makers. Said to be “the most consistently high-quality brick of its time,” the Little product helped build early 20th century Edmonton. J.B. and his descendants established many long-standing social traditions of the district and sponsored hockey and baseball teams for years. Today the brickyard has been developed into residential house, but J.B.’s brick house still stands and is home to Little Brick, a trendy café enjoyed by Riverdalians and river-valley visitors alike.
In 1905 the area was subdivided and a land boom quickly saw the present residential shape take form. Determined and hard-working neighbours knit together a highly-textured social fabric that continues to this day: some families are sixth-generation.  - Riverdale Community League

What does Riverdale offer?

Besides the immense River Valley network where the average central Edmontontian can be found cycling, running, hiking, or boating - Riverdale offers so much more, and these are our top destinations:

1. Dawson Park
2. Dog Patch Restaurant
3. Little Brick Cafe
4. Tawatinâ Footbridge
5. Edmontons Funicular

If you are considering a move to Riverdale or have questions, contact me - we can grab a coffee or go for a walk and check out all the best spots!

With a unique blend of services, shops, and restaurants, The Edmonton Brewery District is perfectly conducive to hassle-free urban living. Here are a few reasons why you will want to call it home:

The Brewery District is Home to a Diverse Population of Edmontonians

Students, seniors, and young professionals alike have made their homes in the centre of the city. Families, empty nesters, and young adults out on their own for the first time effortlessly create an attractive vibe in The Brewery District that makes it feel welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. With amenities to support residents of all ages and stages of life, there is something for everyone.

Shop ‘til You Drop

The surrounding amenities provide everything you need just a few steps out of your front door. Loblaw’s City Market is your one-stop-shop for all
your favourite products. Offering fresh produce, ready-made food for on-the-go, and household essentials, you can shop for quality items at affordable prices. They also offer curbside pickup for those continuing to be COVID-conscious. With over 40,000sqft of space, GoodLife Fitness attracts fitness lovers from all over the central core who are looking for an affordable, full amenity workout space. Your journey to optimizing your health and wellness will be well supported with GoodLife’s group classes, personal trainers, and accessible exercise equipment.

Another popular anchor store in The Brewery District is MEC, which serves the adventure enthusiasts of the neighbourhood. Supplying all the essentials for outdoor activities, you’ll find yourself planning your next adventure as you browse the aisles.

Access to Educational Institutions

One of the benefits of The Brewery District is its ideal location for those wanting to be in close proximity to fantastic educational
institutions. MacEwan University is just down the road from The Brewery District – accessible on foot during the warmer months and serviced by frequent public transport for the colder seasons. Students, faculty, and staff will love the ease of living close to the University as they create that “University Town” feel in the middle of the city. Without the stress of a commute, The Brewery District is the perfect place to put down roots if you’re affiliated with the University.

For those with kids in grade school, Edmonton Academy is in the neighbourhood to offer specialized teaching for students who have learning challenges. Additionally, Oliver School also offers K-9 programs within the Edmonton Public School system.

Nearby Outdoor Spaces

Even though The Brewery District is located just alongside the downtown core, there is no shortage of outdoor spaces. Paul Kane Park offers a
great picnic spot with a water feature, tall trees for shade, paths, and benches for you to relax on your Sunday morning stroll. It is a serene spot loved by the community, and you might just be lucky enough to spot a small wedding or photography session taking place.

If you’re looking for a place to cool off during the summer heat, Oliver Outdoor Pool and a park are just across the road. Kept at a comfortable 29°C, Oliver Pool is a fun, family-friendly atmosphere that is easily accessible for urban residents. There are change rooms on site, a water slide, a sundeck, and a concession stand for when you’re feeling peckish. Keep in mind, their 2021 summer season is running at reduced capacity, so book a spot in advance!

Just a few blocks from The Brewery District sits the new Manchester Square re-development boasting its unique architecture and European-like grace. An outdoor fountain, promenade, and 19 locally owned businesses call this getaway spot home. This is the perfect spot to escape for an afternoon on foot with a coffee in hand and a reusable bag full of goodies.

Of course, most importantly is 121 West – the one place you will want to call home to be nearby all the places you’ll love to explore in The Brewery District.