Edmonton Community Spotlight: Old Strathcona in Southwest Central Edmonton

June 11, 2021 7:00 am Published by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group

Repeatedly voted one of the best places to live in Edmonton, Old Strathcona remains one of the trendiest and most highly sought-after neighbourhoods in the capital region. Steeped in history while offering some of the best amenities the city has to offer, this established community is known for its “old town ambience,” boutique shops and services, restaurants, entertainment venues and more.

But that’s not all.

This welcoming area also represents one of Edmonton’s larger real estate communities; its broad range of home styles make it the ideal neighbourhood for all walks of life, including first-time buyers, growing families, downsizers and everything in between.

Did you know? Once part of the City of Strathcona (est. 1907), Old Strathcona amalgamated with the City of Edmonton in 1912. This historical community has since been named one of Alberta’s top provincial historic areas. Source: Edmonton Historical Board

Old Strathcona Real Estate

Old Strathcona offers Edmonton home buyers a diverse selection of home styles suited to every lifestyle, taste and budget. These include everything from affordable, low-maintenance apartments starting in the low 100s to detached million-dollar luxury properties. Attached homes account for the bulk of real estate opportunities in the area, mainly high-rise and walk-up apartment-style condos.

Old Strathcona/Strathcona is also known for its one-of-a-kind single-family homes, with emphasis on its updated, character homes. As a result of the community’s mature status, older homes for sale in the area can range from two-story homes built in the early 1900s to cozy post-WWII bungalows featuring the latest features and upgrades.

Old Strathcona is also rapidly becoming one of Edmonton’s most desirable infill neighbourhoods, thanks to its charming vibe and unique location. Over the years, many of the community’s older homes have given way to modern developments, which include contemporary single-family properties, duplexes and townhomes.

Note: Thanks to its proximity to the University of Alberta, many homes in Old Strathcona feature valuable income generating suites.

Average Listing Price: $487,000

See Homes For Sale in Old Strathcona

Did you know? Old Strathcona encompasses many of Edmonton’s oldest buildings, such as the Strathcona Hotel, the Princess Theatre, the Canadian Pacific Railway Station and the Douglas Block.

Edmonton’s Best Amenities

Home to famed Whyte Ave, one of the city’s most popular destinations, locals have an endless selection of exclusive shops, high-end services, restaurants, pubs, cafes and bars right in their very own backyard. This lively street is also regarded as one of Edmonton’s top arts, culture and entertainment districts – hosting several celebrated events and festivals throughout the year, including the world-renowned International Fringe Festival.

Other popular amenities in and around old Strathcona include:

Did you know? Established almost four decades ago and now home to over 130 vendors, The Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market is Edmonton’s largest indoor farmer’s market.

Parks, Green Spaces and Recreation

Old Strathcona’s proximity to Edmonton’s beautiful river valley is yet another major draw for buyers. Located within walking distance to Mill Creek Ravine, Nellie McClung Park and Queen Elizabeth Park, residents here enjoy having access to a vast network of walking and cycling trails, picturesque picnic sites and other recreational amenities.

Did you know? The Strathcona Community League (Strathcona Centre) is one of the oldest community leagues in Edmonton. First established in 1918, the league features lacrosse and tennis courts, a hockey rink and playground and oversees numerous family-friendly programs and events.

Old Strathcona Schools

An excellent place for growing families, Old Strathcona and its surrounding communities house several schools, including a public elementary school and Old Scona Academic – one of the top academic high schools in Canada. The University of Alberta also sits less than a 10-minute drive away in the neighbouring community of Garneau.

Designated Public Schools:

King Edward School (Designated Grade K-6 School)
McKernan School (Designated Grade 7-9 School)
Allendale School (Designated Grade 7-9 School)
Strathcona School (Designated Grade 10-12 School)

Designated Catholic Schools:

St. Monica School (Designated Pre-K School)
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (Designated Grade K-9 School)
Louis St. Laurent School (Designated Grade 9-12 School)

Did you know? Strathcona High School is Edmonton’s oldest school. Initially located in the building now referred to as Old Scona Academic, the institution first opened its doors in the fall of 1908 to a mere 71 students. The school moved to its current location along Calgary Trail in 1955.

An Ultra-Convenient Location

Old Strathcona sits within close proximity to Edmonton’s downtown core, which can be easily accessed via the neighbourhood’s many convenient thoroughfares, including Walterdale Hill Road and Scona Road via Saskatchewan Drive. 99th Street and Calgary Trail also make for a streamlined commute to south Edmonton, while nearby 82nd Ave provides access to 75th Street and the Sherwood Park Freeway.

Old Strathcona scores well for both walkability and transit and is also regarded as a “biker’s paradise.”

Did you know? Old Strathcona houses the Strathcona Streetcar and Museum terminal. This famous attraction is the starting point for Edmonton’s High Level Bridge Streetcar, taking riders on a trip through the past via Edmonton’s former CP Rail line.

For more information on Edmonton real estate opportunities/homes for sale in Old Strathcona (or the city’s many other notable neighbourhoods), get in touch with us! And don’t forget to take advantage of any one (or all!) of our free buyer and seller resources, including:

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Photo credits: featured image, text images

Tags: spotlight

Categorised in: Communities

This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group