7 Best Neighbourhoods Near Edmonton's MacEwan University

The city of Edmonton, Alberta, known for its rich cultural tapestry and vibrant urban life, is also home to MacEwan University. For prospective students, staff, or simply those moving to Edmonton who are drawn to the university's buzz, choosing a neighbourhood nearby can greatly enhance their living experience. It's time to explore the best neighbourhoods located near MacEwan University, focusing on their unique features and what they offer to those seeking an immersive Edmonton experience.

Westmount

Westmount, one of Edmonton’s best neighbourhoods, is a popular mixed-use area just two to three kilometres west of the heart of MacEwan University. It provides a slightly quieter alternative to downtown-adjacent districts while maintaining convenience to the school and other top amenities. The community's commercial centre lies along 124 Street, with a dense selection of unique shops and restaurants close to the intersection with 107 Avenue, like Northern Chicken and Tiramisu Bistro.

Areas toward the north and west are primarily residential, while southern portions reach the area around Government House and Government House Park, one of Edmonton's top riverfront green spaces known for walking trails, picnic areas, and a beloved toboggan hill. 

Westmount housing is a mix of single-family detached homes and condos. Some homes in Westmount date back over a century, with many more historic pre-World War II properties in the neighbourhood adding character to the beautiful residential streets. Detached properties start under half a million dollars but can reach $1.5 million for top options. Condos can be found in the $80,000 range and up, mostly peaking in the $400s and $500s. 

Central McDougall

Just north of MacEwan University, Central McDougall is another of the most convenient neighbourhoods for school community members. It's fresh off a recent renewal campaign that created improved streets, reconstructed sidewalks and walking paths, better streetlights, and more. In addition, it offers some of the best healthcare access in Edmonton, with Royal Alexandra Hospital occupying a large campus north of Kingsway NW. 

The community consists of a mix of residential buildings and businesses, meaning residents may be just steps from top restaurants like Cafe Amore Bistro and The Lingnan or one of the area's many local shops. It's also a top neighbourhood for getting around without a car, with extensive bus and light rail service throughout. Residents are also just minutes from other top Edmonton communities like downtown, Oliver, and others. 

Homes in Central McDougall are about half condos and the remainder is split between townhouses and detached properties. The former group starts under $60,000 for modest one-bedrooms and tops out in the mid-$200s for three-bedroom units. Townhomes and detached properties start around the top of this range, reaching into the $600s for the largest, newest, most luxuriously finished homes. 

Downtown Edmonton

Those looking for maximum convenience to both MacEwan's campus and the city’s best amenities, including access to Edmonton’s public transit system, will find their ideal home in Downtown Edmonton. It covers the area immediately south and east of the college, including some notable sites like the Alberta Legislature Building, the Royal Alberta Museum, and Rogers Place, home to the Edmonton Oilers. The latter forms the heart of the ICE District, a 25-acre mixed-use sports and entertainment district.  

Nearby, the Edmonton City Centre shopping mall is one of the area's best retail destinations, while dozens of restaurants serving diverse cuisine styles can be found within blocks. Still, it's easy to leave the hustle and bustle behind in numerous parks and green spaces along the North Saskatchewan River, including the beautiful Victoria Park, also the site of Canada's oldest city-run golf course. 

As one of Edmonton's densest neighbourhoods, housing in the downtown area is almost exclusively made up of condos and other multifamily units. Homes in Downtown Edmonton typically start around $200,000, and while most top out around $1 million, the area’s share of the luxury condos in Edmonton can top $3 million.

Queen Mary Park

Another adjacent community to MacEwan's campus, Queen Mary Park, is northwest of the school. The neighbourhood is primarily residential, though it's located just blocks from the bustling shopping and dining district in the Oliver neighbourhood. This also includes the expansive Unity Square Centre retail plaza, which is home to big box stores, supermarkets, and a mix of local and chain restaurants. 

Meanwhile, shoppers who love a great deal can explore the Queen Mary Market, a diverse flea market-style space with various items and food vendors. Additionally, Queen Mary Park maintains an active community league that holds regular neighbourhood events and operates a community centre located in the area's namesake green space. 

Condos are Queen Mary Park's most common home style. These start around $100,000 and go up to the low $300s. These units are relatively similar, with either one or two bedrooms and square footage from under 700 to just over 1,000. Buyers can still find single-family detached properties near the community's northern border. These three- and four-bedroom homes in Queen Mary Park generally sell from the low $300s to the low $400s. 

Prince Rupert

The neighbourhood of Prince Rupert was once part of the original Hudson's Bay Company Reserve and takes its name from the company's first governor. It's just across the way from the Blatchford neighbourhood, a former airport site being redeveloped into a mixed-use community with homes, shopping, dining, green spaces, and more. 

Prince Rupert is also convenient to the many shopping options at the nearby Kingsway Mall, while local favourite Vietnamese restaurant Pho Hoan Pasteur is just one of several places to grab a bite within the neighbourhood. Airway Park offers the area's biggest green space, though smaller pocket parks and playgrounds are also available within walking distance of most homes. 

Single-family detached homes are the most common type of property in Prince Rupert. Most were built in the decades following World War II, though most have been carefully updated for modern styles and convenience. Homes in Prince Rupert typically start in the mid-$300s and top out in the $600s, providing three to five bedrooms and 1,000–1,500 square feet of living space. Less commonly available condos can be found in the mid-$100s. 

Garneau

Garneau is a primarily residential neighbourhood sitting on the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. One of Edmonton’s most walkable neighbourhoods, it's roughly three to four kilometres from MacEwan and located directly east of Edmonton's other major school, the University of Alberta. This provides easy access to various desirable on-campus amenities, from cultural attractions to the University of Alberta Hospital. 

On the opposite side, residents are just blocks from one of Edmonton's top shopping districts in the Strathcona area, which is also home to several live theatres, a diverse mix of restaurants, and other benefits like the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market. Garneau is also a top community for active residents thanks to the nearby Kinsmen Sports Centre and Park.

Homes in Garneau mainly consist of condos and other multifamily units, which start in the low to mid-$100s for one-bedroom units with around 700 square feet. These can reach as high as half a million dollars for more spacious or modern units. Though less common, single-family detached houses start north of $500,000 and can reach nearly a million, providing owners with three to five bedrooms and square footage from under 1,000 to nearly double that. 

Alberta Avenue 

Alberta Avenue is one of Edmonton's oldest communities, with roots stretching back to the late 19th century. Its main thoroughfare is 118 Avenue NW, which is lined with diverse, delicious restaurants, international grocery stores, quirky shops, and other vibrant community additions. Residents can even catch a game at Commonwealth Stadium, the home field of the CFL's Edmonton Elks and the site of other large events like concerts. Some of Edmonton’s best parks, including the beautiful riverfront green spaces of Dawson Park and Kinnaird Park, are just a short distance away. 

Homes in Alberta Avenue are a mix of homes and condos, including some of the former that have been converted into the latter. Even Alberta Avenue's priciest homes typically stay around a half million or less, providing up to seven bedrooms and as much as 3,000 square feet of living space. Typical options sell in the $200s and $300s, though sales in the $100s aren't unheard of. Those looking to build their dream home can find an above-average number of lots and homesites considering the proximity to the city centre, usually selling in the mid-to-high $100s. 

Living Near MacEwan in Edmonton

Selecting the perfect neighbourhood near MacEwan University can transform one's time in Edmonton from ordinary to extraordinary. The Central Edmonton region surrounding the institution offers many experiences, from bustling urban centres to serene green spaces. As one ventures through the heart of Edmonton, it becomes evident that the city's charm lies in its landmarks and captivating neighbourhoods. Dive in and discover the perfect locale for your Edmonton journey.