Edmonton Community Spotlight: Windsor Park in South Central Edmonton
April 21, 2021 7:00 amWindsor Park is a south-central Edmonton neighbourhood made extremely popular by its beautiful river valley setting, high-demand real estate opportunities and proximity to Whyte Ave. First established in early 1912 when the City of Strathcona and Edmonton amalgamated, Windsor Park also remains one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods – boasting mature tree-lined streets paired with plenty of character and charm.
Did you know? Formerly referred to as “River Lot 3”, Windsor Park was officially named in 1910 by an English syndicate. The community is said to take its name from Windsor, England, or Windsor Castle.
Windsor Park Real Estate
Although the Windsor Park subdivision was created as early as 1911, only a handful of the community’s approximately 500 homes were built before 1946. It wasn’t until the 50s and 60s when residential development really began to take shape in the area, accounting for the many of the character bungalows still available throughout the neighbourhood today.
Single-family homes make up roughly 90% of real estate opportunities in the area and range from older, detached character models on large lots (many featuring contemporary upgrades) to modern, two-story infill properties. Many newly constructed homes in the area also come equipped with rental income suites, making them an ideal choice for first-time buyers or growing families looking to subsidize their monthly mortgage payments.
Though 2-3 bedroom detached homes reign supreme in Windsor Park, there are a small number semi-detached homes and apartment-style condo developments located in the area.
Did you know? With its limited number of residences, Windsor Park is considered one of the smallest (residential) neighbourhoods in Edmonton.
Amazing Amenities
As we mentioned above, Windsor Park sits within walking distance of Whyte Ave. From boutique shops and restaurants to cafes, pubs and high-end shops and services, Windsor Park residents benefit from having Edmonton’s trendiest amenities steps away from their door. Such popular Whyte amenities include (but aren’t limited to):
- Beercade
- Block 1912 Café
- El Cortez Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar (see also: Edmonton’s Best Patios: Our Top 11 Picks)
- Edmonton Public Library
- Julio’s Barrio
- La Boule Patisserie and Bakery
- MKT Fresh Food and Beer Market
- The Next Act Pub
- Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
- O’Byrnes Irish Pub
- Old Strathcona Famer’s Market
- Princess Theatre
- Varscona Theatre
- Grocers, medical services, banking institutions and much more!
Other significant amenities available within a short distance of Windsor Park:
- Edmonton City Centre (170+ stores and services)
- Southgate Shopping Centre (165+ stores and services)
- Stollery Children’s Hospital
- University of Alberta Hospital
Did you know? In operation for nearly four decades, the Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market is Edmonton’s oldest year-round market. Featuring over 130 vendors, the market offers an endless assortment of local produce, specialty foods, artisan items and much more.
Windsor Park Schools
Elementary school-aged children living in Windsor Park are served by a centrally located K-6 school, situated less than a 10-minute walk from the farthest corners of the neighbourhood. Other educational opportunities, including public, middle and secondary schools, Catholic schools, Christian and private options, can all be found within the surrounding communities.
This post-secondary-friendly neighbourhood also sits within walking distance of the University of Alberta – making Windsor Park the ideal place to call home for students, professors and U of A Hospital staff. Several daycares and out-of-school programs are readily available throughout the area.
Designated Public Schools:
- Windsor Park School (Designated Grade K-6 School)
- McKernan School (Designated Grade 7-9 School)
- Strathcona School (Designated Grade 10-12 School)
Designated Catholic Schools:
- St. Monica (Designated Pre-Kindergarten School)
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Designated Grade K-9 School)
- Louis St. Laurent (Designated Grade 7-12 School)
Other:
- Old Scona Academic (Senior High/ University Prep School)
- Edmonton Christian West School
- Edmonton Christian High School
- Kepler Academy Early Learning and Child Care
- University and Community Day Care Centre
- University Infant Toddler Centre
- Windsor Park After School Care
Did you know? One of Edmonton’s oldest schools, Old Scona Academic, was constructed in 1908 as the Strathcona Collegiate Institute. It has also been recognized as one of the best high schools in Edmonton, according to the Fraser Institute.
Parks, Recreation and Family-Fun
Bordered by Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River Valley to both the west and north, Windsor Park residents enjoy having access to innumerable outdoor (and indoor) recreation destinations. For starters, William Hawrelak Park sits no more than a 20-minute walk to the west and features acres of open green space, picnic sites, a 5-acre lake, playground and walking and cycling trails. But that’s certainly not all.
Other recreation amenities within the area include:
- Alberta Legislature Grounds
- Clare Drake Arena
- Emily Murphy Park
- Government House Park
- Hawrelak Off-Leash Dog Park
- Kinsmen Pitch and Putt
- Kinsmen Sports Centre
- MacKinnon Ravine Park
- Royal Glenora Club
- Royal Mayfair Golf Club
- Victoria Golf Course
- Victoria IceWay
- And more!
Did you know? Along with Whyte Ave, William Hawrelak park hosts several of Edmonton’s most favoured festivals throughout the year, including the Edmonton Heritage Festival, the Silver Skate Festival and the Edmonton Ice Castles.
Getting From A to B
Windsor Park is bounded by Groat Road to the west, Emily Murphy Park Road/Saskatchewan Drive to the north, 116th/117th Street to the east and University Ave (Whyte Ave) to the south. Groat Road is particularly convenient for Windsor Park residents commuting to the northern parts of the city, as this major thoroughfare transects Stony Plain Road, the Yellowhead Highway, the northwest Anthony Henday, and the City of St. Albert.
Walterdale Hill Road (leading directly to Edmonton’s downtown core) can also be accessed via 87th Ave, which passes directly through the neighbourhood. Windsor Park also remains highly accessible by transit, with numerous stops scattered throughout the area and the University’s Health Sciences Jubilee LRT Station within walking distance.
For more information on Windsor Park, get in touch with us! Or, for further detailed descriptions of Edmonton’s many other fantastic neighbourhoods, check out our exclusive Communities Blog. You can also have the latest home buying tips, home selling information and Edmonton real estate market updates delivered directly to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter below.
Related:
- The Best Places to Live in Edmonton
- 5 Affordable Neighbourhoods in Northwest Edmonton
- 5 Great Affordable Neighbourhoods in Southeast Edmonton
Photo credits: shutterstock.com
Tags: spotlightCategorised in: Communities
This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group