Edmonton Community Spotlight: Boyle Street in Central Edmonton
January 12, 2022 7:00 amBoyle Street is one of Edmonton’s oldest communities. Situated directly east of the downtown core, this vibrant inner-city neighbourhood dates back to 1892 when Edmonton was a newly created town. With the Hudson Bay Company (HBC) Reserve pushing the town’s development eastward, Boyle Street quickly became Edmonton’s first commercial district, bustling with activity. In fact, Boyle Street was once considered the original “downtown Edmonton” (while the current downtown was still occupied by the HBC).
Today, Boyle Street remains one of Central Edmonton’s most architecturally diverse neighbourhoods – celebrated for its affordability, fantastic location and proximity to countless popular amenities.
Did you know? Boyle Street takes its name from John Robert Boyle, a Canadian politician, lawyer, Alberta cabinet minister and one of Edmonton’s first city councilmen.
Real Estate and Homes For Sale in Boyle Street
Boyle Street has undergone extensive redevelopment over the last 100 years. Since its inception, many of the community’s older residences have been replaced with multi-family homes, which now account for nearly all real estate opportunities in the area. These include both high and low-rise apartments, priced anywhere from $50,000 for a one bed, one bath unit to $400,000 and up for a historical city-centre loft.
Due to Boyle Street’s high concentration of apartments, the neighbourhood is a prime choice among first-time buyers, working professionals and Edmonton real estate investors in search of affordable downtown homes. Though many units within the community were constructed during a period of redevelopment in the 1970s, most residences have been renovated to include modern features and finishes – including contemporary flooring, upgraded bathrooms, kitchens and more.
A very small pocket of single-family homes can also be found in Boyle Street’s far east end.
Average Listing Price in Boyle Street: $229,000
See Homes For Sale in Boyle Street
Did you know? Boyle Street also features the highest concentration of old buildings in Edmonton, including the Gibson Block, the Pendennis Hotel, the Hecla Block and more.
Central Edmonton Amenities
As mentioned above, Boyle Street residents enjoy having convenient access to some of Edmonton’s best amenities. Not only do these include the countless recreation and entertainment venues of downtown Edmonton, but they also encompass the boutique shops, services and restaurants of Jasper Ave. This presents yet another draw for younger home buyers, eager to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and nightlife only trendy downtown Edmonton can provide.
Popular amenities in and around Boyle Street include:
- Art Gallery of Alberta
- Citadel Theatre
- Edmonton City Centre (mall)
- Edmonton Convention Centre
- Edmonton Public Library
- Kingsway Mall
- Muttart Conservatory
- Rogers Place / Ice District
- Royal Alberta Museum
- Royal Alexandra Hospital
- Unity Square
- Winspear Centre
- Winston Churchill Square
- And much more
Did you know? Boyle Street is also home to the Edmonton Downtown Farmer’s Market (EDFM), a fixture of downtown Edmonton since 1903. Formerly referred to as the Rice Street Market, the EDFM was first established by what was then considered town council.
An Outdoor Lover’s Delight
Bordered by the North Saskatchewan River Valley to the south and east, Boyle Street is defined by vast amounts of outdoor space. In addition to Dawson Park and Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, residents in the area can also easily access the greater river valley trail system and the Riverside Golf Course. Both Commonwealth Stadium and family-friendly Borden Park can also be found just a short distance away.
Other nearby recreational amenities include:
- Alberta Legislature Grounds
- Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre
- Don Wheaton Family YMCA
- Edmonton Ski Club
- Forest Heights Park
- Gallagher Park
- Government House Park
- Henrietta Muir Edwards Park / Chinese Garden
- Kinsmen Pitch and Putt
- Kinsmen Sports Centre
- MacEwan University Sport and Wellness
- Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool
- Royal Glenora Club
- Royal Mayfair Golf Club
- Victoria Golf Course
- And much more
Did you know? In addition to a Chinese Garden, Edmonton’s famed 100 Street Funicular can also be found in nearby Louise McKinney Riverfront Park. Part of the city’s Mechanized River Valley Access project, the Funicular is a glass-walled elevator offering extraordinary views of the North Saskatchewan River Valley.
Boyle Street Schools
Boyle Street houses a Catholic elementary school featuring full-day kindergarten programming. Further educational opportunities, including public schooling options and other non-secular schools, can be easily accessed within the surrounding neighbourhoods. Several post-secondary institutions, such as NAIT, MacEwan University and NorQuest College, can also be reached within 10 minutes drive or less.
Designated Public Schools:
- Norwood 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. Teresa Of Calcutta School (Designated Grade K-6 School)
- St. Alphonsus School (Designated Grade K-9 School)
- St. Joseph School (Designated Grade 10-12 School)
Did you know? Boyle Street is also affectionately referred to as the Downtown East Side and Jasper-East.
Commuting From Downtown Edmonton
Boyle Street is bounded by 97th Street and the LRT corridor to the west, 84th Street and Jasper Ave to the east and 101st Ave and Rowland Road to the south. The neighbourhood’s unusual shape can be attributed to the area’s first settlers, who lived on long narrow lots perpendicular to the river.
Thanks to its exceptional location, Boyle Street boasts a fantastic walk and transit score. As a result, locals can easily accomplish most day-to-day errands on foot and commute to nearly every quadrant of the city via numerous transit and LRT stations (which include both the Metro and Capital Lines). The community also sits within close range of major commuter routes, including 97th Street, Wayne Gretzky Drive and Stony Plain Road.
Did you know? Operating between Mill Woods and Lewis Farms, Edmonton’s future Valley LRT line will provide a streamlined commute for downtown residents wishing to access Southeast Edmonton and West Edmonton.
Please get in touch with us to learn more about Edmonton homes for sale and real estate opportunities in Boyle Street. We also invite you to take advantage of our many free buyer’s resources, including:
· Edmonton Communities Blog – Highlighting Edmonton’s many fantastic neighbourhoods!
· Your All-In-One Guide to Choosing the Right Edmonton Neighbourhood – Zero-in on your perfect home in your dream neighbourhood with this easy-to-follow guide.
· Six Essential Tips That Make Home Buying More Affordable – Learn how to make home-buying more affordable with the six must-know tips.
Note: Average neighbourhood listing prices will vary according to homes currently listed.
Related:
· Your Guide to Central Edmonton Real Estate
· Buying Your First Home: How to Choose the Right Edmonton Community
· 5 Affordable Neighbourhoods in Central Edmonton
Photo credits: shutterstock.com
Tags: spotlightCategorised in: Communities
This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group