Moving to Stony Plain, AB: Is Stony Plain a Good Place to Live?

Stony Plain, Alberta, a charming town located about 40 kilometres west of Edmonton, offers a unique blend of tranquility and convenience. With its close-knit community and commitment to preserving its rich heritage, Stony Plain provides an attractive option for those seeking a high quality of life.

From its vibrant arts and culture scene to its diverse range of housing options, this town has something to offer for everyone. But what else makes Stony Plain an ideal place to call home?

Stay tuned as we explore the top 10 reasons to live in Stony Plain and dive into various aspects of this thriving community.

Top 10 Reasons Stony Plain is a Great Place to Live

• Peaceful Suburban Setting: Stony Plain offers a quiet and affordable lifestyle away from the urban hustle, with quick access to Edmonton.
• Homes For All Budgets: The town's more affordable land prices allow homebuyers to enhance their home features within their budget.
• Art Is Everywhere: Stony Plain is adorned with 36 life-size murals depicting historical moments, offering residents and visitors a unique artistic experience.
• Events Build Connections: Numerous fun community events like Canada Day, Halloween, and Christmas festivals foster a strong sense of community spirit.
• Great White North Triathalon: The town hosts one of Alberta's largest triathlons, showcasing its commitment to sports and outdoor activities.
• Parks & Trails Galore: Stony Plain boasts an abundance of parks and green spaces, including a 25-kilometer trail system connecting various parks.
• TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre: A communal hub for fitness facilities, a pool, and playgrounds for residents to enjoy.
• Global Stewardship: Stony Plain's cultural exchange with Shikaoi, Japan, offers residents opportunities to experience different cultures firsthand.
• Convenient Shopping: Residents have access to major and local stores, as well as nearby malls, for their shopping needs.
• Everyday Culture: The Multicultural Heritage Centre provides educational opportunities, art galleries, gardening classes, and special events for community engagement.

Is Living in Stony Plain Expensive? Cost of Living in Stony Plain

When considering a move to Stony Plain, it is important to evaluate the cost of living in this Alberta town known for its affordable housing options and laid-back lifestyle.

The cost of living in Stony Plain is relatively low, with the town's housing costs being some of the most affordable in Alberta. Homes for sale in Stony Plain typically have a median home price in the mid-$400s. The cost of living index is about 12% below the national average overall, and housing in particular is roughly 50% below the national average. Utilities, however, are about 32% more expensive than the national average. On the other hand, they're only about 10% more expensive compared to the Alberta average.

Stony Plain's affordability makes it an attractive place for individuals and families looking for a more affordable place to live while still enjoying a high quality of life. With housing costs significantly lower than the national average (and a lower property tax rate than Edmonton), residents can find more affordable options without sacrificing comfort or convenience. This can free up more funds for other expenses, such as education, recreation, or savings.

Overall, living in Stony Plain offers a cost-effective lifestyle without compromising on the amenities and services that residents need.

Great Places to Live in Stony Plain

Stony Plain offers a variety of great places to live, each with its own unique features and amenities.

One such place is Genesis on the Lakes, located on the southern edge of Stony Plain near 48 Street. This scenic community is built around a seven-acre central lake and smaller water features, offering residents ample green spaces, walking trails, and mature landscaping for a natural retreat. The neighbourhood also features the Genesis Centre, providing dining, gas, and local businesses.

Home options in Genesis on the Lakes consist mainly of single-family, detached residences, ranging from three-bedroom homes with 1,300 to 1,600 square feet and prices starting from the high $300s to low $400s, to larger homes with up to five bedrooms and nearly 3,000 square feet that can approach $1 million.

Another great place to live in Stony Plain is The Fairways, located near the Stony Plain Golf Course. This community offers an 18-hole golf course, driving range, and a popular local dining spot, Station 83 Restaurant. The Fairways homes are set along winding roads, either adjacent to the golf course or overlooking rural areas, providing a quiet and secluded atmosphere.

The housing options here are mainly single-family detached homes, with three to four bedrooms, spanning 1,300 to 1,500 square feet, and prices ranging from the low $400s to around the mid-$700s.

Lake Westerra is another excellent neighbourhood in Stony Plain, situated on the southern edge near Alberta Route 779 and Township Road 524. This modern community offers a variety of homes and green spaces, with easy access to western Edmonton and Highway 2. Lake Westerra features community parks for outdoor activities and relaxation and is also home to Memorial Composite High School.

The neighbourhood offers a range of housing options, including condos, semi-attached, and single-family detached homes. Condos and semi-attached homes are more affordable, ranging from the mid-$100s to under $300,000, while larger detached homes, providing up to four bedrooms and 2,400 square feet, are typically priced from the mid-$400s to the mid-$600s. These homes offer privacy, backing onto undeveloped agricultural land or mature landscaping, and were primarily built between the mid-2000s and mid-2010s.

Things to Do in Stony Plain

When it comes to things to do in Stony Plain, residents and visitors have a variety of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a great place to eat, a vibrant arts and culture scene, or beautiful trails and parks to explore, Stony Plain has it all.

From local restaurants serving delicious cuisine to art galleries showcasing talented artists, and from scenic trails for hiking and biking to well-maintained parks for relaxation and recreation, there is something for everyone in Stony Plain.

Where to Eat

A variety of dining options await residents and visitors in Stony Plain, Alberta, offering a culinary experience that caters to diverse tastes and preferences.

For a casual dining experience with a wide range of options, Twenty-Eight Urban Kitchen is a popular choice, serving breakfast, burgers, fish tacos, pasta, Asian bowls, and steak. Fresh Grill Kitchen is a rustic and inviting restaurant and bar that promotes its butter chicken, steaks, burgers, pasta, and Asian rice bowls, along with draft beer.

If you're in the mood for Chinese food, reviewers highly recommend New Red Pepper Cafe as the best in the area. And for a local gem serving pizza, fries, and burgers, Maeva's Family Restaurant is a must-visit. Whether you're craving international flavors or classic comfort food, Stony Plain has something to satisfy every palate.

Arts & Culture

With a thriving arts and culture scene, Stony Plain offers residents and visitors a vibrant array of activities and events to explore.

One of the town's standout features is its magnificent outdoor paintings, with over 40 murals located throughout downtown and surrounding areas. Created by 23 different artists from across Canada, these stunning artworks can be admired during a self-guided tour using the online map or through a professional guided tour.

In addition to the murals, Stony Plain hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, including Winter Fest, Farmers' Days Rodeo, and a summer concert series. These events provide opportunities to immerse oneself in the town's rich cultural heritage and experience the lively atmosphere that Stony Plain has to offer.

Trails & Parks

Stony Plain offers a variety of hiking and biking trails and parks for residents and visitors to enjoy.

One of the highlights is Umbach Off-Leash Dog Park located at 969 Boulder Boulevard in the North Business Park. Named after Israel Umbach, Stony Plain's first Sheriff, this park features naturalized trails through fields and forests. It is open all year and provides amenities such as parking, paths and benches, a sheltered area, a dog agility course, grass fields, a wooded area, and a stormwater pond.

Another option is the Outdoor Wellness Park, situated at 4210-44 Avenue, which offers sturdy outdoor workout equipment and a resilient Play Core cushioned surface.

Additionally, there are over 30 community playgrounds, including those in schools and surrounding areas, with a playgrounds map available.

Schools in Stony Plain

Schools in Stony Plain offer students a supportive learning environment. The town is home to several schools that cater to students of all ages, providing them with a strong educational foundation. Stony Plain has both public and Catholic schools, ensuring that families have a variety of options to choose from. These schools are known for their dedicated and experienced teachers who are committed to helping students succeed academically and personally.

Stony Plain's schools also offer a range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams, clubs, and arts programs, allowing students to explore their interests and develop their talents outside the classroom. Additionally, the schools in Stony Plain benefit from the town's close-knit community, with parents and community members actively involved in supporting the education system.

Furthermore, Stony Plain's schools have access to modern facilities and resources, ensuring that students have the tools they need to thrive in their studies. The schools also foster a sense of community and pride, organizing events and initiatives that bring students, parents, and staff together.

Stony Plain Economy

One of the factors contributing to the thriving community of Stony Plain is its diverse and resilient economy. The town is home to several major industries, including mining and gas, construction, retail, transportation and warehousing, and health care. These industries provide a strong foundation for employment opportunities and economic stability in the area.

Additionally, a significant portion of the population in Stony Plain works from home, showcasing the town's adaptability to the changing work landscape.

While many residents commute to nearby Spruce Grove, a substantial portion of the workforce also commutes to jobs in Edmonton. This highlights the town's strategic location, offering residents access to a wider range of employment opportunities in the larger metropolitan area.

Stony Plain's economy is further supported by its relatively high median household income, which stands at approximately $92,000 before tax and $79,500 after tax.

What's the Weather Like in Stony Plain?

The climate in Stony Plain, Alberta, is characteristic of the Alberta prairies, experiencing warm, dry summers and notably cold winters. During the summer months, residents can expect temperatures to reach as high as 30°C. The warm weather creates an ideal environment for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and enjoying the town's numerous green spaces. However, it is important to note that the summers in Stony Plain can also be quite dry, with lower levels of precipitation.

When winter arrives, the temperature in Stony Plain can drop significantly, often falling below -20°C. The cold weather brings a winter wonderland to the town, with opportunities for activities such as ice skating, skiing, and snowshoeing.

Getting Around Stony Plain

Stony Plain offers residents convenient transportation options to navigate the town and the Tri-Municipal Region, enhancing accessibility and connectivity for both local and regional travel.

As of 2023, Stony Plain Transit Route 565 has transformed into a regional on-demand system, collaborating with the City of Spruce Grove and Parkland County. This new system covers the Tri-Municipal region as a single extensive zone, serving Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Parkland Village, and Acheson. With over 90 pick-up/drop-off points in Stony Plain and more than 400 throughout the region, travel in the Tri-Municipal Region has been significantly simplified.

The on-demand local transit service operates from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday within Stony Plain and Spruce Grove, while in Parkland Village and Acheson, it runs from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again from 2:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Driving is also convenient, with primary highways such as Highway 16A, Yellowhead Highway (east-west), and Provincial Highway 779 (north-south) providing efficient routes for motorists.

Whether by transit or car, getting around Stony Plain is made easy for residents and visitors alike.

Discover Your New Home in Stony Plain

With its strong sense of community, dedication to preserving heritage, and wide range of housing options, Stony Plain, Alberta, attracts homebuyers looking for a cozy atmosphere. The town's vibrant arts and culture scene and ample green spaces make it a welcoming environment. Overall, Stony Plain provides an inviting and warm place to settle down in one of Edmonton's best suburbs.