Edmonton Community Spotlight: Windermere in Southwest Edmonton

Welcome to Windermere, one of Southwest Edmonton’s most highly sought-after communities. A newer addition to this side of the city, Windermere is known for its beautifully constructed homes, fantastic location and inclusion of nearly every convenience one could ask for. The word Windermere also means “to take one’s breath away,” a fitting name for a neighbourhood that offers expansive open green spaces, walking trails, stormwater ponds, and some of the best golf and riverside views Southwest Edmonton has to offer.

Did you know? Windermere is considered one of the largest neighbourhoods in the capital region according to landmass, much of which is outdoor recreation and park space.

Windermere Real Estate and Homes For Sale

Once a part of Strathcona County, Windermere was annexed by the greater City of Edmonton in 1982. Despite being home to some 80+ properties at the time, residential development was slow to start, with most homes in modern-day Windermere having been constructed in the late 2000s and beyond. As development in and around Windermere continues today, the area remains an attractive option for home buyers in search of a modern and/or new construction home.

See: The Benefits of Choosing a New Construction Home In Edmonton

The community is also known for its brand-new luxury homes and older, upgraded estate homes, particularly along the river’s edge and upper Windermere. A few of the many features to expect from a high-end Windermere home include:

• Gourmet kitchens (stainless steel appliances, walk-thru pantries, butler’s kitchens, custom eat-in islands, etc.)
• Spa-inspired ensuites (oversized soaker tubs, rainfall glass showers, dual vanities, ceramic tiles, in-floor heating and more)
• Grand master suites (private balconies, walk-in closets, double-sided fireplaces, etc.)
• Custom cabinetry
• Quartz/granite/stone countertops
• Formal dining rooms
• Elegant great rooms
• Stunning staircases
• Ultra-high ceilings
• Oversized windows
• Convenient mudrooms
• Bonus and flex rooms
• Exercise rooms
• Recreation and theatre rooms
• Wine cellars
• Wet Bars
• Coffered and vaulted ceilings
• Golf course and river valley views
• Triple car garages
• Outdoor entertainment spaces
• Full landscaping
• And more!

While single-family homes and luxury properties are the predominant home styles in Windermere, the neighbourhood is not without its attached and semi-detached homes. Artfully crafted townhomes and duplexes are also prevalent throughout the area, followed by a large number of recently constructed apartment-style condos priced in the low 200s.

Contemporary Duplexes – Three- and four-bedroom duplexes in Windermere offer many of the same benefits as the area’s larger single-family homes at a lower price tag. Standard features include roomy open layouts, two or more storeys, attached garages, and private entryways. Duplex-style homes can also be found throughout Windermere, especially in the community’s south end.

Townhomes and Apartment-Style Condos – Low-maintenance and affordable, Windermere apartment-style condos and townhomes are a popular choice among first-time buyers, couples, working professionals and downsizers. Muti-family home options in Windermere include everything from one-bedroom low-rise units, complete with exclusive onsite amenities (heated underground parking, fitness facilities, storage lockers, etc.), to stacked townhomes with four bedrooms and bathrooms. Windermere condo prices may start as low as $135,000, to upwards of $475,000 for a penthouse-style unit.

Average Listing Price: $804,000

See Homes For Sale in Windermere

See our previous post: Should You Buy a New Construction Home or a Pre-Owned Home?

Did you know? The greater Windermere area is comprised of five distinct and desirable communities: Ambleside, Keswick, Langdale, Glenridding Heights and upper and lower Windermere.

Abundant Shops and Services  

Windermere is considered one of the most amenity-rich neighbourhoods in Southwest Edmonton. Extremely convenient, the Currents of Windermere shopping hub can be found to the community’s immediate east and includes everything from big box retailers and grocers to restaurants and medical services.

Adjacent to the area also sits Windermere Crossing, which provides an additional number of banking institutions, miscellaneous services, one-ok-a-kind eateries, coffee shops and more.

Other notable amenities in and around the Windermere area include:

• Brown’s Social House
• Cineplex Odeon
• Edmonton Southwest Police Division
• Home Depot
• Safeway
• Superstore
• Wal-Mart
• Winners
• And much more

Top Ten Amenities Near Windermere:

1. Whitemud Creek Ravine – Whitemud Creek Ravine features a 7.4 km loop characterized by tree-lined trails, lookout points and bridges. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, the ravine offers bird watching, hiking, cross-country skiing and exploring opportunities. It is also home to:

• Whitemud Ravine and Nature Reserve – The reserve offers access to over 150 species of birds, various other wildlife species and old-growth forest (balsam poplars, spruce, etc.).

• Whitemud Park – This beautiful walkable park includes many recreational amenities such as a terrific toboggan hill, picnic sites, cycling trails and the Alfred H. Savage Centre. The John Janzen Nature Centre and Whitemud Equestrian Park are also located just a short distance away.

2. Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre – The Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre is a premier recreational facility featuring an 8-lane, 53-metre salt-water lane pool, wave pool, lazy river and tot pools, fitness centre and track, four NHL-sized arenas, indoor playground and more.

3. Blackmud Creek Ravine – Blackmud Creek extends from Whitemud Creek Ravine, beginning in the Twin Brooks neighbourhood and extending deep into Southwest Edmonton. The ravine includes a 9.3 km trail, perfect for walking, biking and running. Outdoor fitness facilities, parks and playgrounds can also be found along the ravine.

4. South Edmonton Common –  South Edmonton Common remains south Edmonton’s most popular shopping hub. The largest open-air retail development in North America, South Common includes over 2.3 million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment space spread across 320 acres. The complex features over 150+ retailers, including IKEA, Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, Superstore and Home Depot.

5. Fort Edmonton Park – Fort Edmonton Park is Canada’s largest living history museum. The historically themed attraction takes visitors on a local journey through time, spanning the Fur Trade to the 1920s. Notable amenities include a midway and exhibition, capitol theatre, train and streetcar and, of course, plenty of historic buildings to explore. The Indigenous Peoples Experience also offers an array of stories, texts, artwork and music from the perspective of First Nations and Metis cultures.

6. Twin Brooks District and Nature Park – Situated at the corner of Twin Brooks Way and 119th Street, the Twin Brooks District and Nature Reserve features many tree-lined paths, hills, flowers and bushes. The park also includes an area called the “The Pointe,” which contains four observation benches, providing panoramic views of the park and an excellent location to relax and reflect. The reserve was designed to create a “back to nature” experience while providing access to the Blackmud and Whitemud Creek Ravines.

7. VIP Movie Theatre – Cineplex Odeon Windermere Cinemas VIP is one of only two VIP theatres in Edmonton. This unique experience provides an “elevated movie night out” (18+) offering a VIP lounge, signature cocktails, specialty food items and full recliner seating.

8. Terwillegar Park – Terwillegar Park is situated along the North Saskatchewan River near Rabbit Hill Road. Like many natural areas in Southwest Edmonton, the park includes multi-use trails and a 262-metre footbridge connecting Terwillegar to Oleskiw. Visitors also enjoy a bike park and an off-leash dog area.

9. Snow Valley Ski Club – The Snow Valley Ski Club has been serving Edmontonians since the 1960s. Snow Valley offers avid skiers and snowboarders 1.2 km of slopes across elevations of 625 and 665 meters, as well as two ski lifts. The area is also home to the Snow Valley Aerial Park, Rainbow Valley Park and Rainbow Valley Campground.

10. North Saskatchewan River Valley – The North Saskatchewan River Valley is North America’s largest stretch of urban parkland. Its parks are interconnected by 160+ km of trails, highlighted by some of Edmonton’s most popular attractions including the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the Alberta Legislature Grounds, the 100 Street Funicular and much more.

Did you know? Construction of a new Southwest Edmonton hospital is currently underway in neighbouring Heritage Valley. Once complete, the facility will sit just 10-minutes from the community of Windermere proper.

Parks, Green Spaces and Outdoor Recreation

Windermere is considered one of the biggest neighbourhoods in Edmonton according to landmass; much of which is attributed to the area’s many parks, open green spaces and golf courses. Ideal for active families and those who love the great outdoors, the area also houses a vast number of walking trails, stormwater ponds, playgrounds and an active community league, which hosts several social events and family-friendly programs throughout the year.

Other recreational amenities near Windermere include:

• Jagare Ridge Golf and Country Club – Opened in the late 1990s, Jagare Ridge is a championship-level course located in the Whitemud Creek Valley. The course features 18 holes, beautiful landscaping and one of western Canada’s most impressive manufactured waterfalls.

• River Ridge Golf and Country Club – The River Ridge Golf Club is nestled along the south bank of the North Saskatchewan River. The 18-hole facility provides golfers with an “urban escape” and offers over 6,600 years of professionally designed fairways and exceptional river valley views.

• Windermere Golf and Country Club – Dubbed “one of the finest private facilities in Alberta,” the Windermere Golf and Country Club has been recognized as one of the top golf courses in Canada. In addition to a timeless and enjoyable design, the facility is supported by PGA of Canada teachers and includes a comprehensive junior program.

Did you know? Programs and services offered by the Greater Windermere Community League include fundraising events, children’s sportball, skating, skiing and swimming, day camps, dances, holiday parties and more.

Windermere Schools 

Families will enjoy having their choice of schools in and around Windermere. The neighbourhood includes a public elementary and a Catholic elementary/junior high school, with additional junior high and high school options located in the surrounding communities. Daycares, pre-schools and out-of-school care programs can also be found throughout.

Designated Public Schools: 

• Constable Daniel Woodall School (Designated Grade K-6 School)
• Riverbend School (Designated Grade 7-9 School)
• Lillian Osborne School (Designated Grade 10-12 School)

Designated Catholic Schools: 

• St. John XXIII School (Designated Grade K-6 School)
• St. John XXIII School (Designated Grade K-9 School)
• Mother Margaret Mary School (Designated Grade 10-12 School)

Other: 

• Elite School of Music

Did you know? Windermere’s designated public K-6 school was named after local Edmonton Police officer Constable Daniel Woodall. Woodall was killed in the line of duty in 2015.

An Easy Commute

The perfect combination of quiet living and big-city accessibility, Windermere is bounded by the river valley to the west and northwest, Terwillegar Drive/170th Street to the north/ northeast and Ellerslie Road to the south. While residents here enjoy the calm ambience provided by the nearby North Saskatchewan River, they can also look forward to a convenient commute to the greater City of Edmonton and the Edmonton International Airport via the southwest Anthony Henday.

Windermere’s semi-secluded location also makes it mainly car-dependent. Still, there are several bus stops located throughout the area, all of which connect with major transit centres within southwest Edmonton. South Edmonton’s Century Park LRT station can also be reached in less than 20 minutes via bus. Future transit opportunities are planned for the area, coinciding with its development.

Did you know? Windermere boasts a liveability score of 91%, which is considered exceptional. The community has received A+ ratings for its proximity to amenities, low crime rates, housing and schools. 

For more information on Windermere or any other neighbourhood located in Southwest Edmonton, reach out to us! We also invite you to have the latest Edmonton real estate market updates, home buying tips, home selling information and more delivered directly to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter below.

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Related:

The Best Places to Live in Edmonton

5 Great Affordable Neighbourhoods in Southeast Edmonton

Edmonton Community Spotlight: Garneau in Southwest Central Edmonton

Originally published June 23, 2021, updated Dec 8, 2022

Photo credits: Adobe Stock

Categorised in: Communities

This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group