Edmonton Community Spotlight: Allendale Featured Image

Edmonton Community Spotlight: Allendale in Southwest Edmonton

October 6, 2022 7:00 am Published by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group

Part of the former City of Strathcona, the southwest community of Allendale merged with the greater City of Edmonton in 1912. As such, Allendale remains one of Edmonton’s oldest neighbourhoods, known for its mature landscaping, quiet, tree-lined streets, affordable single-family homes and proximity to desirable amenities.

Did you know? Allendale’s namesake, the Allen family, farmed land in the area before its annexation by the City of Strathcona in the early 1900s.

A Surplus of Single-Family Homes

As mentioned above, real estate in Allendale consists primarily of single-family homes. As a result, the community has drawn interest from growing families, move-up home buyers and first-time buyers looking for the perfect neighbourhood to call home.

See our previous post: 6 Questions To Ask Yourself When Choosing a Neighbourhood

Updated Character Homes – Although Allendale’s development continued well into the 1980s, most homes in the area were constructed toward the end of the Second World War. This has led to single-family homes of all ages and price points, with emphasis on older post-war bungalows – many of which have been upgraded to include modern features:

Fully finished basements
New appliances and systems
Ravine views
Ample storage
Upgraded countertops
Renovated ensuites
Oversized lots
Mature landscaping
Single or double detached garages

Modern Infill Homes – Due to its attractive location, the community is also seeing an influx of contemporary infill development. Outfitted with the latest finishes and amenities, these beautifully crafted homes include two-storey single-family models, duplexes and fourplexes and provide an attractive option for those in search of modern living in a mature community.

Features to expect from an Allendale infill home may include:

Chef-inspired kitchens (eat-in islands, gas cookstoves, stone countertops, wood cabinetry, etc.)
Spa-like ensuites (rainfall showers, standalone soaker tubs, tile surrounds, in-floor heating, etc.)
Walk-in closets
Vinyl plank and hardwood flooring
Luxury light fixtures
Energy efficient appliances and systems
Upper floor laundry
High ceilings
A/C
Mature landscaping
Heated garages
Indoor sprinkler systems
Etc.

Home buyers preferring to build their dream home from the ground up may also benefit from vacant lot opportunities in Allendale. These oversized, landscaped lots offer plenty of room for a two-and-a-half-story home, detached double garage and ample yard space.

New and Renovated Duplexes – Renovated and infill duplexes account for roughly 12% of home styles in Allendale. Three-bedroom, three-bathroom semi-detached homes are standard, with 1,400 square feet of family-friendly living space. Allendale duplexes offer a more cost-effective alternative to the neighbourhood’s detached homes and provide many of the same advantages – including high-end kitchens, luxury ensuites, private yard spaces and more.

Low-Rise Apartment-Style Condos – Though minimal, a few low-rise apartments are available in Allendale, perfect for working professionals and first-time buyers looking to stick close to the downtown. One bedroom, one-bathroom units may start as low as $120,000, whereas larger units may be priced upwards of $300,000.

Real Estate Investment Opportunities – In addition to duplexes, tri-plexes and fourplexes, many detached homes in Allendale have been outfitted with legal income suites – providing the perfect opportunity for the budding real estate investor or first-time buyer looking to make homeownership more affordable.

Average Listing Price: $451,000

Minimum Listing Price: $278,000

Maximum Listing Price: $699,000

See homes for sale in Allendale

Did you know? The former City of Strathcona was comprised of several current Southwest Edmonton communities, including Allendale, Belgravia, Garneau, McKernan, Queen Alexandra and, of course, Strathcona.

Abundant Amenities

Yet another reason why Allendale is becoming an increasingly popular choice among Edmonton home buyers is its proximity to great amenities. Grocers, restaurants, and several big-box retailers can be found within walking distance along bordering Calgary Trail (104th Street), while Southgate Centre and the many shops, services and eateries of Whyte Avenue can be accessed within a few minutes drive.

The neighbourhood also conveniently houses a local food store, daycare, pub and a deli. Other notable amenities in the area include:

- University of Alberta Hospital / Stollery Children’s Hospital
- Old Strathcona Farmer’s Market

Top Ten Amenities Near Allendale

1. Whyte Ave – Edmonton’s crowning jewel, Whyte Ave is one of the city’s most celebrated cultural hubs. Not only does it host some of the most popular festivals in the capital region, but it is also home to countless restaurants, boutique shops and services.

2. Rainbow Valley Park – Rainbow Valley Park offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, including the Snow Valley Ski Club (featuring 1.2 kilometres of slopes for skiing and snowboarding), Snow Valley Aerial Park and Rainbow Valley Campground.

3. Jasper Ave – Always a hub of activity, Jasper Ave is known as Edmonton’s official (and historical) main street. It is also offers a vibrant nightlife, highlighted by restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues, and some of the oldest heritage buildings in the city.

4. Alberta Legislature Grounds – The carefully landscaped grounds of the Alberta Legislature Building are a provincial landmark. The grounds span four city blocks and feature over 57 acres of tree-lined walking paths, a wading pool, cultural monuments, picnic areas, and more. Did we mention they also offer one of the best Christmas light displays in the city?

5. Victoria Park – Located alongside the scenic North Saskatchewan River Valley, Victoria Park’s recreational amenities include everything from playgrounds and picnic sites to snowshoeing and skating. The IceWay (a 700-metre illuminated loop) and Skating Oval are also located in Victoria Park.

6. Hawrelak Park – The Edmonton Heritage Festival, Symphony Under the Sky and the Silver Skate Festival are just a few of many events that take place in William Hawrelak Park throughout the year. Visitors to the park also enjoy having off-leash walking trails, picnic sites, a 5-hectare lake and vast open meadows at their disposal.

7. South Edmonton Common – South Edmonton Common is one of North America’s largest open-air retail developments. One of the most popular shopping hubs in the capital region, the power centre features over 2.3 million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment space spread across 150+ retailers.

8. Mill Creek Ravine – Mill Creek Ravine is part of the river valley’s more extensive network of parks and trails. It features a 10.6 km tree-lined loop, perfect for walkers, runners and cyclists, an off-leash area, picnic sites and an outdoor pool. It was also home to part of a historic Edmonton railway line, which began operations over 120 years ago.

9. Fort Edmonton Park – Fort Edmonton Park is a historically themed attraction and Canada’s largest living history museum. The 158-acre park takes visitors on a local journey through time, spanning the Fur Trade to the 1920s. The Indigenous Peoples Experience also offers an array of stories, texts, artwork and music from the perspective of First Nations and Metis cultures.

10. Confederation Leisure Centre – The Confederation Leisure Centre is a large recreational facility featuring a 6-lane, 25-metre salt-water swimming pool, sauna and steam room, dive tank, dive boards, tennis court, sports fields, running track and more.

See 7 Amenities to Look For In Your Next Neighbourhood

Did you know? As per the City of Edmonton’s Building Great Neighbourhoods program, Allendale has undergone significant revitalization and reconstruction. This initiative includes the rehabilitation of the community’s roads, sidewalks, curbs and streetlights.

Educational Opportunities

In addition to housing a centrally located public junior high school and park site, Allendale remains in proximity to several public, Catholic and specialty schools (including the Alberta School for the Deaf) and the University of Alberta.

Allendale Designated Public Schools:

- Parkallen School (Designated Grade K-6 School)
- Allendale School (Designated Grade 7-9 School)
- Strathcona School (Designated Grade 10-12 School)

Allendale Designated Catholic Schools:

- St. Monica (Designated Pre-Kindergarten)
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Designated Grade K-9 School)
- Louis St. Laurent (Designated Grade 7-12 School)

Did you know? First opened in 1908 to 71 students, Strathcona High School is considered Edmonton’s oldest school. Formerly located in Old Scona, the school moved to its current location in 1955.

Parks and Recreation

The Allendale Community League provides residents with various indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. These include yoga classes, a dart club, bridge club, skating, soccer and organized events. The neighbourhood is also home to a large community garden, several playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, sports fields and a basketball court.

Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River Valley and Whitemud Park sit within a few minutes’ drive to the west, providing Allendale residents access to picnic sites, bike trails and walking paths, tobogganing hills and a variety of other outdoor amenities.

Other popular recreation venues near Allendale include:

Did you know? Geared towards supporting high-performance athletes, Edmonton’s Kinsmen Sports Centre is regarded as one of the most unique sports centres in North America and a world-class destination for training, competition and fitness. (source: City of Edmonton)

Convenient Commuting

Extremely accessible, Allendale is bounded by 109th Street to the west, 70th Ave to the north, Calgary Trail (104th Street) to the east and 61st Ave/Argyll Road to the south. Running north to south, 109th and 104th Street make it easy for residents to reach both the University area and Edmonton’s downtown core in just over 10 minutes.

A major thoroughfare, Whitemud Drive is also situated a few minutes’ drive to the community’s south. Adjoining 61st Ave (Argyll Road) bisects several convenient arterial routes, including 99th Street, 91st Street (south), Wayne Gretzky Drive and the Sherwood Park Freeway/east Anthony Henday.

Allendale also boasts an exceptional walk score and ample transit opportunities scattered throughout the neighbourhood. This includes a one-minute walk to the 501 Capital LRT Line and the 502 Metro LRT Line via the South Campus/Ft. Edmonton Station bus stop. Allendale residents will also benefit from improved LRT access to Southeast, Northwest, West and deeper Southwest Edmonton upon completion of the Valley LRT line and Capital LRT line expansion.

Did you know? 75th Street was formally renamed Wayne Gretzky Drive in October of 1999 to commemorate The Great One’s many successful years as captain of the Edmonton Oilers.

Summing It All Up: The Top 10 Reasons to Live in Allendale

1. A Diverse Array of Home Styles – Single-family homes (character and infill), duplexes and low-rise apartments.

2. Mature Community Atmosphere – Tree-lined streets, mature landscaping, well-tended parks and pathways.

3. An Excellent Liveability Score – Allendale boasts a liveability score of 73%, considered excellent. It is also well-rated for amenities, cost of living and schools.

4. A Biker (and Walker’s) Paradise – Most errands in Allendale can be accomplished on foot and by bike.

5. River Valley Recreation – Residents have access to more than 160 km of pathways and 20 parks along the scenic North Saskatchewan River Valley.

6. Easy Access to Downtown – Edmonton’s city centre can be reached in 10 minutes via adjoining 109th Street.

7. Proximity to Boutique Shops and Services – Whyte Ave features some of Edmonton’s most unique, locally owned and operated retailers and restaurants.

8. Great for Golfers – Tee off at one of FOUR nearby championship golf courses.

9. Arts and Culture – Allendale sits within a short distance of Edmonton’s most prized arts and culture venues, including art galleries, movie theatres, auditoriums and more.

10. Family-Friendly Services – Schools, park spaces, and medical services are available within the community of Allendale proper.

For more information on Edmonton real estate opportunities in Allendale or any other community in the capital region, we invite you to get in touch with us! And don’t forget to take advantage of our free buyer’s resources, including:

Related:

*Average prices based on current Allendale homes for sale and Edmonton real estate market conditions.

Originally published Jan 8, 2021, updated Oct 6, 2022

Photo credits: shutterstock.com

Tags: spotlight

Categorised in: Communities

This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group