The Top 5 Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Edmonton
The Top Family Friendly Neighbourhoods Edmonton
Choosing a neighbourhood for your family is about more than just buying a house—it’s about choosing a community for your children to grow up in. It’s about quiet streets for learning to ride a bike, bustling parks for Saturday morning soccer games, and great schools that are just a short walk away.
As of Fall 2025, Edmonton’s diverse communities offer incredible options for families at every stage. To help you narrow down your search, we’ve created this data-driven list of the top 5 family-friendly neighbourhoods, based on the criteria that matter most: school quality, access to parks and recreation, community engagement, and overall atmosphere.
1. Terwillegar
As a pioneer of “new urbanism” in Edmonton, Terwillegar is a masterclass in community planning. With its charming homes, walkable streets, and central town square, it was built from the ground up to foster a tight-knit community feel that is rare in a suburban setting.
- Schools: Home to highly-rated public and Catholic schools, often within walking distance for residents.
- Parks & Rec: Anchored by the state-of-the-art Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre, featuring a pool, arenas, and a massive fitness centre.
- Community Vibe: A very active community league and a design that encourages neighbours to interact.
2. Griesbach
An award-winning community built on a former military base, Griesbach is known for its unique history, beautiful classic architecture, and an incredible amount of green space. It’s a community that seamlessly blends history with modern family living, creating a truly unique place to call home.
- Schools: Features new and established schools within the community, including Major General Griesbach School (K-9).
- Parks & Rec: Dominated by the massive Griesbach Hill and Central Park, which includes a lake, walking trails, and a playground dedicated to Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
- Community Vibe: Strong sense of heritage with year-round community events and a very active residents’ association.
3. Windermere
For families looking for modern, upscale living with unparalleled convenience, Windermere is a top choice. This popular southwest community offers a huge range of new, high-quality homes and puts some of the city’s best shopping and amenities right at your doorstep.
- Schools: Served by several new and highly sought-after schools, making it a major draw for families.
- Parks & Rec: Dotted with parks, playgrounds, and stormwater ponds with walking trails, plus it’s a short drive to the river valley.
- Community Vibe: A bustling, affluent suburban community with a focus on new homes and easy access to everything a family needs at the Currents of Windermere.
4. Summerside
This southeast community offers something no other in Edmonton can: a 32-acre freshwater lake. Summerside is built around a year-round “resort lifestyle,” giving families exclusive access to recreation that makes every weekend feel like a vacation.
- Schools: Served by local schools, with residents having access to the exclusive community amenities.
- Parks & Rec: The Summerside Beach Club is the main draw, offering swimming, boating, fishing, tennis, and skating in the winter.
- Community Vibe: An active, outdoor-focused community with a true resort feel, perfect for families who love the water.
5. Glenora
Representing the best of Edmonton’s mature, established neighbourhoods, Glenora is prestigious, beautiful, and ideally located. For families who value character homes, top-tier education, and proximity to the city’s core, Glenora is in a class of its own.
- Schools: Home to some of the city’s most renowned and highest-rated schools.
- Parks & Rec: Features beautiful tree-lined streets, quiet parks, and immediate access to the river valley trail system.
- Community Vibe: A stable, affluent, and quiet community with a deep sense of history and prestige.
Honourable Mentions: More Great Family Communities
Edmonton is packed with incredible places to raise a family. If you’re looking for even more great options, consider exploring the modern homes and amenities in these newer communities:
- Southwest:** Chappelle, Glenridding Heights
- West End:** Rosenthal, Secord
- Southeast:** Laurel, Walker
Find Your Family’s Next Home
The “best” neighbourhood is always a personal choice. Use this list as a starting point to explore the amazing communities Edmonton has to offer.
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Ready to Start Looking?
Each step in the home-buying journey is an important one. To see how this topic fits into the complete process, review our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Home in Edmonton.
Home Search FAQs
If you’re ready to start your home search, you can contact us here.
How many homes should I see before making an offer?
There is no magic number. Some buyers find the perfect home on their first day, while others may look at 20 or more. The goal isn’t to see a certain number of homes, but to become educated on the current market. Once you feel you have a strong sense of what your money can buy in your desired neighbourhood, you’ll know the right home when you see it.
What are the biggest red flags to watch for during a showing?
Beyond cosmetic issues, look for major potential problems. Key red flags include signs of water damage (stains on ceilings or in the basement), a strong musty or damp smell, major cracks in the foundation or walls, and an electrical panel that looks old or disorganized. Also, pay attention to the condition of big-ticket items like the roof, windows, and furnace.
Should I be concerned about a house that has been on the market for a long time?
Not necessarily. A long time on the market doesn’t always mean there’s something wrong with the house; it’s often a sign that the property was initially overpriced. If the price has since been corrected, it can represent a great opportunity to purchase a solid home with less competition. It’s a situation that warrants further investigation, not automatic dismissal.
How do I know what a home is really worth?
The true market value of a home is determined by what similar properties in the area have recently sold for. As your Realtor, we provide a detailed comparative market analysis (CMA) for any home you are serious about. This report compares the property to other recent sales, active listings, and expired listings, giving you the hard data needed to make a confident and informed offer.
