Edmonton Community Spotlight: Central McDougall in Central Edmonton

Like most Central Edmonton neighbourhoods, Central McDougall is an older community, with roots dating back to the city’s humble beginnings in the early 1900s. During Edmonton’s real estate boom of 1912, the Hudson’s Bay Company put several of its land holdings up for sale, including Central McDougall. After the boom’s collapse shortly after, the community was slow to develop, though most of the area was almost complete by the early 1950s.

Thanks to Central McDougall’s established status, the neighbourhood sits within close range to some of the city’s most celebrated amenities, including Rogers Place, Kingsway Mall, Commonwealth Stadium and the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Location paired with affordable condo prices make Central McDougall the ideal community for first-time buyers, downsizers, working professionals and/or anyone looking for a low-maintenance home near the vibrant downtown core. 

Did you know? Central McDougall takes its name from real estate developer and businessman John Alexander McDougall. In addition to serving as city mayor in 1908, McDougall opened the first general store along Jasper Ave. A replica of the store now sits in Fort Edmonton Park. 

Real Estate and Homes For Sale in Central McDougall

Redevelopment in Central McDougall began to take place not long after the community’s completion in the 1950s. By the 1960s, many of the area’s older, character home were already being replaced with high-density apartment-style condos (specifically in the areas located south of 108^th Ave). 

Low-rise apartments now account for the majority of home styles within Central McDougall, with units ranging from $68,000 for a quaint one bed, one bath unit to the high 200s for a 2+ bedroom and bathroom condo overlooking downtown. An ideal location for Edmonton real estate investors, its not uncommon to see a number of multi-unit apartment complexes available for purchase throughout the area – the perfect multi-family investment!

A small number of two-storey townhomes and older, character bungalows can also be found in Central McDougall, offering an average of three bedrooms and bathrooms, modern upgrades and 1,200 square feet of living space for $250,000 and up. 

Average Listing Price in Central McDougall: $671,000

See Homes For Sale in Central McDougall

Did you know? As land values within Central McDougall are beginning to climb, many of the community’s older homes are being cleared in favour of modern new infill opportunities. Offering huge potential, vacant lots in the area start are currently priced in the low 400s for 50×150 feet (RF1 zoned).  

Central Edmonton: The City’s Best Amenities

Central McDougall is often favoured by Edmonton home buyers and homeowners looking to stick close to the action – and with so many popular amenities located within 5-minutes or less, Central McDougall certainly delivers! Not only is the neighbourhood situated within walking distance of some of the city’s best arts and entertainment venues, but it also offers convenient access to countless restaurants, boutique shops and services, recreation amenities and much more. 

But that’s not all. 

Central McDougall houses a large commercial district which includes both the Royal Alexandra Hospital and the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, a professional centre, miscellaneous eateries and services. 

Other nearby amenities include: 

• 124^th Street Grand Market 
• Art Gallery of Alberta
• Citadel Theatre
• Edmonton City Centre (mall)
• Edmonton Convention Centre
• Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market
• Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital 
• Jasper Ave (a hub for restaurants, cafes, pubs, boutique shops and services and more)
• Kingsway Mall 
• Rogers Place / Ice District
• Royal Alberta Museum
• Unity Square (Edmonton’s Brewery District)
• Winspear Centre
• Winston Churchill Square
• And much more

Did you know? Central McDougall is the home of the Prince of Wales Armouries. Constructed between 1914-1915, the historical site once served as the centre for military activity in Alberta before being converted to a local history museum in the late 1970s.

Parks and Recreation  

In addition to an active community league, Central McDougall features several pocket parks, playground, splash park, basketball and tennis court and more. As mentioned above, the area offers convenient access to the nearby North Saskatchewan River Valley and its many trails, parks, pathways and outdoor recreation venues. The Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre and MacEwan University Sport and Wellness Centre are also located only 10-minutes away. 

Additional recreational amenities: 

• Alberta Legislature Grounds
• Borden Park 
• Clarke Stadium 
• Dawson Park
• Don Wheaton Family YMCA
• Highlands Golf Club
• Louise McKinney Riverfront Park
• Riverside Golf Course
• Royal Glenora Club
• Victoria Golf Course
• And more

Did you know? Built in 1938, Clarke Stadium was the original home of the Edmonton Elks until   Commonwealth Stadium was opened in 1978. Clarke Stadium now houses Edmonton’s many amateur sports clubs.

Central McDougall Schools

The perfect community for students of all ages, Central McDougall features two local schools, including a public elementary and Edmonton’s premier K-12 arts-based school, the Victoria School of the Arts. Central McDougall is also a popular choice among post-secondary students attending NAIT and Grant MacEwan University. Additional opportunities including non-secular schools, daycares, preschools and private options call all be found within the surrounding neighbourhoods. 

Designated Public Schools:

• John A. McDougall School (Designated Grade K-6 School)
• Spruce Avenue School (Designated Grade 7-9 School)
• Victoria School (Designated Grade 10-12 School)

Designated Catholic Schools:

• St. Catherine School (Designated Grade K-6 School)
• St. Catherine School (Designated Grade 7-9 School)
• St. Joseph School (Designated Grade 10-12 School)

Other:

• Aurora Academic Charter School 
• Edmonton Christian High School  
• Edmonton Christian West School
• Headway School 
• Jean Forest All-Girls Leadership Academy 
• Progressive Academy 

Did you know? Recognized as one of Edmonton’s oldest schools, John A. McDougall School was constructed in 1913. Rich in history, the 100+ year old structure is one of the few remaining unspoiled red brick schools in Edmonton. 

5-Minutes to Downtown Edmonton 

Central McDougall is defined by 109^th Street to the west, 111^th Ave to the north, 101^st Street to the east and 105^th Ave to the south. As mentioned above, the neighbourhood is a prime choice among first-time buyers and working professionals looking to settle near the downtown core. A commuter-friendly community, Central McDougall is bisected by Edmonton’s popular Metro LRT line, which provides direct access to NAIT, city centre, the University of Alberta and South Edmonton. 

Convenient nearby commuter roads such as 97^th Street and 109^th Street provide streamlined access to the Yellowhead Highway (and the greater capital region) as well as South Edmonton. 

Did you know? Edmonton’s future Metro LRT line expansion will see service extended from NAIT north to Castle Downs and from Castle Downs west to Campbell Road (near St. Albert). 

For more information on homes for sale in Edmonton and real estate opportunities in Central McDougall, get in touch with us! You can also receive the latest on Edmonton real estate market news, home buying and selling tips, and more by subscribing to our newsletter.

Related:

• Your Guide to Central Edmonton Real Estate
• Edmonton Community Spotlight: Downtown Edmonton
• 5 Affordable Neighbourhoods in Central Edmonton

Photo credits: shutterstock.com

Categorised in: Communities

This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group