RE/MAX Edmonton Real Estate News

It’s that time of year again.

With heads hung low, our young’uns are dragging their feet back for yet another year of schooling. For those of us with not-so-young’uns this might mean experiencing their first year of collage; some in a new city, or just a new part of the city trying to live life on their own. This is why the surrounding residential areas of the University of Alberta have become so desirable.

Aerial view of campus and surrounding neighbourhood. Image credit: University of Alberta

There are many tiers of residence options from condominiums to large family homes. Residences can be bought with the short-term goal of housing a son or daughter for the duration of their studies, and then flipping the investment for profit. It can be lived in by the family into the foreseeable future. Or any of these lucrative properties can be held on to, and rented out year after year for the throng of passing students always looking for temporary housing. The turnover of renters, and neighbourhood desirably  makes it equally easy to rent, sell, or live in the area.

This student turnover explains the high mobility of residents in the neighbourhood of Stratchcona. According to municipal census statistics, about 30% of residents had lived at the same address for 5 years or more, with 7 out of ten having moved within 3 years or less.

Row Housing near campus. Image Credit: University of Alberta

The area of residences near the University is considered to by part of the larger Edmonton neighbourhood, Strathcona. This historic area is quite old by Edmonton standards, around 15% of residences were built before 1946 and just over half were built in the 60’s and 70’s. This explains the eclectic architectural vibe of the neighbourhood and provides a wide array of housing options for interested potential residents. Around 44% of area homes are low rise apartment buildings, ideal for thrifty first years on campus. Approximately 24% of the area is comprised of single family dwellings, beautiful homes for the family or a comfortable, spacious retirement.

Saskatchewan Drive walking trail. Image Credit: University of Alberta

The University area’s desirability also has to do with it’s ample amenities. Designed as a neighbourhood for students with limited to access to their own transportation, almost every necessity is in walking distance, including grocery, restaurants, laundry, Edmonton’s popular Whyte Avenue district, multiple theatres, and of course all the buildings on campus. As well,  the University’s transit centre is a main hub for bus and LRT services to all access all parts of the city.

Click here to view properties in the University area. 

The town of Gibbons lies about 30 minutes away from Edmonton to its North-East, situated on the Southern banks of the Sturgeon River. Just over 3000 people reside in the almost 7.5 square kilometres that make up the town. Though comparatively a very small community, it is by no means isolated, considering its proximity to Bon Accord, Namao, Fort Saskatchewan, Redwater, and Morinville. Not to mention the short drive to Edmonton, if the amenities of a larger city are necessary.

Restored Photo of the Gibbons Grain Elevator. Image Credit: Shaun Merrigan via Flikr

The small town is quite old by Alberta standards, and rich in history, as their official website will boast to you. In 1892 William Reynolds Gibbons, an adventurous pioneer, settled the area along with his wife and three kids. Apparently the group was headed for Edmonton but extenuating circumstances (induing the railroad being incomplete as of yet) fated them to start their own settlement, aptly taking the family name ‘Gibbons’.

Image Credit: City of Gibbons

The town, since its very roots, has been a family oriented community and carries on this tradition into present day. This means a focus on recreational and community activities, with a whole host of programs dedicated to children and youth. Not to be overshadowed, there is also a strong arts and cultural presence to delight children and adults alike.

According to the town’s extensive website:

Residents and visitors can fish for trout in the stocked fish pond, take a walk along the river valley, share a picnic in the park or just enjoy the unmatched scenery. Watch history come alive when you visit the Gibbons Museum or visit nearby Jurassic Forest and spend some time with the dinosaurs.

Among the plethora of recreational facilities and activities, one sport rises above. Hockey is an increasingly focal point for the community’s youth, with the CNN Spurs minor hockey program in effect. This caters to all levels from initiation to midget, and includes a female program as well. All housed in the Gibbons arena, which is also home to many other teams, as well as a mens league. Adjoining the arena is the Gibbons Curling Club.

Gibbons Broncos Hockey Team. Image Credit: The Morinville News

Gibbons is also home to a cultural centre, which puts on many events throughout the year and even houses the municipal library. There is a town museum open in the summertime which “Celebrat[es] the local Pioneer history of Gibbons and the surrounding Sturgeon river area”.

Gibbons Museum Grounds. Image Credit: Gibbons Museum

There are two elementary schools in town, a junior high, and a learning centre focused on the high school level as well as adult education. There are multiple doctor and dental offices, a pharmacy, and a medical centre.

CLICK HERE To view properties available in Gibbons.

Just over 30 kilometres north of Edmonton lies the town of Morinville, Alberta. The 11 square kilometres that comprise the town are inhabited by almost 8600 residents. The 36 minute drive time to the city makes Morinville a desirable location due to this proximity, yet distance from larger centres. In the near vicinity are Namao, Bon Accord, Gibbons, and Legal.

Current Day Jean Baptiste Parish. Image Credit WinterforceMedia

By the late 1800’s French settlements had begun to arise in the area led by Father Morin, the town’s namesake.  Following this influx, a large group of German pioneers arrived, contributing heavily to the town’s unique French and German heritage. Many family lineages still exist today with prominent names such as Riopel, Labonté, St. Laurent, Maisonneuve, Bokenfohr, Krauskopf, Rustemier, and Meyers.  The settlement became official in 1894 upon the opening of its first post office, and shortly after in 1907 the St. Jean Baptiste parish was built.

Main Street Morinville in 1910. Image Credit: Morinville Museum

Always an economic frontrunner, Morinville opened one of the first Royal Bank locations (1910) and a credit union (1940) as well as the original location of Champion Pet Foods (now a world-wide exporter). Presently Morinville is home to many chain and locally run businesses, as well as 18 restaurants, salons and spas, veterinarian clinics, art and music supplies, auto shops, and every other amenity a resident could have need for.

Aerial View of a Morinville Street. Image Credit: Morinville News

The cultural diversity of Morinville’s residents creates interesting and exciting community events. With a highly bilingual population (French/English) even the Catholic church hosts an exclusively French mass on Sundays. There are festivals and events year round expressing a variety of cultural facets including a Jean Baptiste festival, the “In Our Community” Fair, Oktoberfest, and many more.

Here is a promo video for this years Saint Jean Baptiste Festival:

Due to the rural nature of Morinville, the area lends itself particularly well to recreational and outdoor activities. Along with extensive walking and running trails, the city has set up many clubs designed to specifically motivate and encourage recreation in a supportive and social environment. Additionally there is a trout pond, splash park, skateboard park, hockey arena, a curling rink, as well as new outdoor fitness areas.

CLICK HERE to view properties for sale in Morinville. 

The small community of Devon, Alberta, still considered a ‘town’ with a population of just over 6500, covers almost 12 square Kilometres of land southwest of Edmonton.  At about a 40 minute drive (26 KM) away, Devon provides an idyllic escape from city life.

Bridge at Devon, Alberta. Image Credit: Sean McCormick via flikr.com

Surrounded by agricultural communities, and residential sprawl from Edmonton, Devon is a hub of  not only shopping and amenities but is surrounded by world class golf courses and spectacular nature preserves.

By Alberta standards the town is relatively new, having almost sprung up overnight in the late winter of 1947. The Imperial Oil drilling company struck oil on the present day town site, and Devon developed to accommodate for the many site workers and staff necessary to maintain the drill. To this day the oil industry remains an important contributor to Devon’s economy.

Imperial Leduc #1 Oil Drill. Image Credit: Devon.ca

The Devonian Botanic Garden, facilitated by the University of Alberta, is a notable feature, and namesake, of the area around Devon known for its lush landscapes. The ‘Garden’ is in actuality over 190 acres of botany collections, indoor show houses, as well as an extensive trail system. Across the highway from the gardens lies the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary; nearly 350 acres of marshland, parkland, open meadows, and more. The varied terrain attracts a multitude of animal species, including over 100 varieties of birds.

The greenery around Devon is not only reserved for flora and fauna however, the Devon Golf and Country Club, as well as Blackhawk Golf Club are both found along the scenic Devon River. The Golf and Country club was also built in the interest of the early oil workers, to create a leisure time activity. As the sport escalated in popularity, it grew from a 9 to an 18 hole course.

View of the Devonian Botanic Garden. Image Credit: University of Alberta

Devon is appealing for those searching for a starter family home, or even more established buyers. The area is serviced by a general hospital, 3 public schools, 2 Christian academy, a Catholic School, and the Devon Dispatch newspaper.

CLICK HERE to view properties available in Devon.