Need info about moving to Edmonton

Depma,

I too have stayed in Toronto before & I find Edmonton is less crowded, more relaxed & very very friendly, helpful people than Toronto. Climate is of course different & not that many Indian/Asian grocers like Toronto.

The areas North of Central Edmonton are a big NO !! More crime, mostly Catholic or French immersion schools as population has more French/Canadians.
Central Edmonton in the downtown/business region. Only suitable for singles, students -- certainly not for family living.
The Westend [ below the central region, in the southern part of Edmonton] has good scenery, River valley views, closer to downtown etc. but traffic becomes an issue in peak time.

A majority of Asians [ Indian/Pakistani/Chinese/Fillipinos] and Westindians prefer the Southern region of Edmonton . It is very safe & family friendly. Esp. the southwest is very good , but more expensive than the southeast. Avoid the areas close to downtown, Whyte Avenue and anywhere north side.
Indians are mostly residing in the area called Millwoods (which is in the southeast). In Millwoods itself, some neighborhoods are much better than others.

How old is your kid ? Must consider the school for that particular locality also, before you decide on the flat.

There is another forum called connect2edmonton.com. There is a section in that called AskEd. You can browse thro' that also.

IF you need any more info. , I'm ready to share what I know .
All the best

 

Depma,

Most welcome

It also depends on whether you like the community/environment, so better to come here & personally get the feel of the place. I would recommend Jackson Heights, Pollard Meadows , Silver Berry, Wild Rose communities within Millwoods as they are newer, less shabby looking & much safer than those around the Millwoods Town Mall [ that area is called Lee Ridge i think ].

You would've done some research online to book accomodation for initial months ? Are you looking for furnished , with bed/sofa/kitchen appliances etc.If you've not yet found anything satisfactory, you can find very good quality / reasonable rates at bwalk dot com ; good service also & located all over the city.

It also depends on where your / husband's office is located, and how you plan to commute to work. Though the ETS [ Edmonton Transit System ] is very good & a popular choice, most newcomers prefer to stay close to the place of work in the initial months at least. So if your office is in downtown area, then probably the Boardwalk Center [ can find it in the link above ] would be the right choice.

On weekends can drive thro' the city & see which area/community you prefer.

When is your scheduled move by the way ?

 

Good idea Depma.
Enjoy the move and good luck

 

Depma,

Just wanted to attach a map of the communities in Edmonton. Hope you find it useful.

 

Hi Depma,

It has been a few weeks under one year, since we moved from Montreal.

In Montreal there was TONS of snow & near constant rains ... always wet, damp, slushy because within 15 mins. of snow the whole roads would be blocked in piles. Here there is not that many mountains of snow + very milder, pleasant rains. Yes, you do get temp. of -36 + windchill etc. gives it blizzard conditions but that is just few days in a year.

Though Edmonton is more chilly than either Toronto or Montreal, it gets the max. amount of sunlight in entire Canada ! Yes, even when temp. is -27 , it will be a bright & sunny day