Edmonton Community Spotlight: Highlands

September 18, 2020 7:00 am Published by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group

One of Edmonton’s oldest communities, Highlands was first established in 1912 and has been previously ranked as one of the Best Old House Neighbourhoods in Canada. Highlands has also been recognized as a popular Edmonton infill community, featuring picturesque river valley views, tree-lined streets, beautiful homes and no end of things to see and do.

Did you know? Highlands was named in a contest that awarded the winner a $50 prize.

One-of-a-Kind Home Styles

Highlands is a low-density neighbourhood known for its diverse single-family home styles. According to statistics, nearly half of all properties were built before 1960, with another 40% having been built between 1961 and 2000. As a result, buyers seeking an updated, older character home can find what they’re looking for in Highlands.

That being said, an additional 15% of the neighbourhood is comprised solely of modern infill properties – perfect for anyone seeking a contemporary home in a charming, mature setting.

An Abundance of Shops and Services

Highlands is bisected by 112th Avenue, which hosts several local shops and retailers – including the city’s historic Gibbard Block and Mandolin Books and Coffee Company. Grocery stores, banking institutions, restaurants, and various other services (including walk-in clinics, pharmacies, and childcare) can all be found in the neighbouring community of Eastwood (a 5-minute drive to the east).

Did you know? Highlands is home to Edmonton’s historic Magrath Mansion (1912) – originally built for William Magrath, one of the community’s original developers.

Plenty of Parks and Recreational Opportunities

Flanked by Edmonton’s scenic river valley to the south, Highlands residents enjoy quick and easy access to the River Valley trail system. The area is also features several local parks and an active community league offering a wide range of programs for members of all ages (including the Highlands Historical Society and the Highlands Garden Club). Last but not least, avid golfers will love having the Highlands Golf Club steps outside their door. Other popular recreational amenities include:

Local Schools

Among its many family-friendly amenities, Highlands also includes two public schools: Mount Royal Elementary and Highlands Junior High School. Alternative educational opportunities, such as Catholic, Private, French Immersion, and other specialty programming options, are all easily accessible within the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Highlands Designated Public Schools

Mount Royal School (designated k-6 school)
Highlands School (designated 7-9 school)
Eastglen School (designated 10-12 school)

Highlands Designated Catholic Schools

St. Leo (designated pre-k-6 school)
St. Nicholas (designated 7-9 school)
Austin O’Brien (designated 10-12 school)

Did you know? Renowned media theorist Marshall McLuhan was born in Edmonton in 1911 and spent his formative years living in Highlands

Ultra Accessibility

Thanks to its convenient location near Wayne Gretzky Drive, 118th Ave and 50th Street NW, Highlands residents enjoy a speedy commute to just about anywhere in the city. The Yellowhead Highway sits just a short drive to the community’s north, while those needing to travel downtown can reach their destination in 15-minutes. Highlands also sits just a few minutes’ bus ride from the Coliseum LRT station.

For more information on Highlands or Edmonton’s many other fantastic infill communities, download your free copy of our guide, Edmonton’s Top Infill Communities. Or check out our previous community features:

Photo credits: Realtor.ca, Shutterstock.com

Tags: spotlight

Categorised in: Communities

This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group