Moving to Edmonton
Moving to Edmonton: your local guide
Thinking about a move to Edmonton? Here’s what it’s really like to live here, what homes cost, which neighbourhood might fit you, and every step to make the move easier.
Photo: Redd Francisco / Unsplash
Edmonton at a glance
Big-city life without big-city prices
Edmonton is Alberta’s capital and one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada. People come for jobs, space and affordability, and stay for the river valley, the festivals and the friendly, down-to-earth vibe.
1.24Mpeople live in the City of Edmonton, and 1.69 million in the metro area (2025)
$457,641average home price, all types, Greater Edmonton (October 2026)
$0land transfer tax in Alberta, and no provincial sales tax
2,345hours of sunshine a year, more than Toronto or Vancouver
160+ kmof maintained trails through the river valley
5%sales tax total. Alberta only charges the federal GST
Sources: City of Edmonton Spring 2026 Economic Outlook; REALTORS® Association of Edmonton, October 2026; Current Results (1981 to 2010 sunshine averages); Government of Alberta.
Why people love it here
What living in Edmonton actually feels like
- The river valley is your backyard. More than 160 km of maintained trails wind through the middle of the city, with ski hills, golf courses and swimming spots tucked inside it.
- Festival City is real. From the Fringe and Folk Fest in summer to winter light-ups and Deep Freeze, there’s almost always something on.
- Your money goes further. No land transfer tax, no provincial sales tax and home prices well below Canada’s other big cities.
- Neighbourhoods with personality. Walkable heritage streets, lake communities, new family suburbs and small cities next door.
- It’s friendly. People here help push your car out of a snowbank. It’s that kind of city.
Photo: Earl McKenzie / Unsplash
Lifestyle guides
Get to know Edmonton before you arrive
My local guides to the things that make a city feel like home. Each one includes my favourite spots, the neighbourhoods that fit that lifestyle and tips for newcomers.
Earl McKenzie / UnsplashFood & Drink
Farmers’ markets, patios, coffee and the spots locals actually go back to.
Read the guide →
Darby P. / UnsplashOutdoors & Nature
The river valley, trails, lakes and how to love all four seasons.
Read the guide →
Darin Wicentowich / UnsplashFamily Fun & Festivals
Playgrounds, rainy-day spots and Canada’s Festival City with kids.
Read the guide →
Steven Fortier / UnsplashArts & Culture
Galleries, theatre, the Fringe and the neighbourhoods where artists live.
Read the guide →
Tyler Clemmensen / UnsplashEntertainment & Nightlife
Live music, comedy, game nights and date-night ideas.
Read the guide →Things to do this month
Every month my newsletter rounds up local events, a neighbourhood spotlight and a quick market update.
Neighbourhoods
Find the neighbourhood that fits your life
The right home starts with the right area. Here are a few favourites to start with. My neighbourhood guides compare prices, home styles, commutes and the pros and cons of each.
SummersideLake living, south sideWindermereNewer homes, shops, southwestTerwillegar TowneFamilies, parks, trailsWîhkwêntôwin (Oliver)Walkable, condos, near downtownGarneauU of A, cafés, characterOld StrathconaWhyte Ave, festivals, heritageHighlandsHistoric homes, river viewsWestmount124 Street, character homesMcKernanMature trees, LRT, U of AMill WoodsValue, diversity, amenitiesGriesbachPlanned community, north sideSt. AlbertSmall city feel, next door
Buying in Alberta
What it costs to buy a home here
Moving from Ontario or B.C.? Buying in Alberta is a pleasant surprise. There’s no land transfer tax. You pay land title and mortgage registration fees instead, which are small.
Example: $400,000 home, $320,000 mortgage
- Land title registration: about $210
- Mortgage registration: about $146
- Total government fees: about $356
Fees: $50 plus $2 per $5,000 of value for the title, and $50 plus $1.50 per $5,000 of mortgage. Budget separately for legal fees, a home inspection, moving and insurance.
Moving checklist
Your Edmonton moving timeline
A simple plan for moving to Edmonton from another province. Want the full printable version, with vendors and utilities? It’s in my free Relocation Guide.
8 to 12 weeks before
Get clear on budget and areas.
- Talk to a mortgage specialist and get pre-approved for Alberta
- Shortlist 2 or 3 neighbourhoods using my neighbourhood guides
- Book a video call with me to plan a house-hunting trip
4 to 8 weeks before
Find the home and lock in the details.
- Tour homes in person or by live video
- Write an offer with the right conditions (financing, inspection)
- Book movers early, especially for summer moves
Moving month
Set up your new home.
- Choose an electricity and natural gas retailer. Alberta’s energy market is open, so compare plans
- Set up water and waste service for your address
- Arrange home insurance before possession day
Your first 90 days
Make it official.
- Apply for Alberta Health Care within 3 months of arriving
- Exchange your driver’s licence within 90 days at a registry agent
- Register and insure your vehicle in Alberta
- Explore your new neighbourhood. Start with my food guide
FAQ
Questions people ask before moving to Edmonton
Is Edmonton a good place to live?
For a lot of people, yes. You get big-city jobs, festivals and food with home prices well below Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary, plus Canada’s largest stretch of connected urban parkland in the river valley. The trade-off is winter. Most people who move here say the space, the sunshine and the community win them over.
How much does a home cost in Edmonton?
The average price for all home types in the Greater Edmonton Area was $457,641 in October 2026, according to the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. Detached homes averaged $550,510 and condos sit much lower. Prices vary a lot by neighbourhood, so ask me for numbers on the areas you like.
Does Alberta have a land transfer tax?
No. Alberta has no land transfer tax. You pay small land title and mortgage registration fees instead. On a $400,000 home with a $320,000 mortgage, those fees work out to about $356 total. You still need to budget for a lawyer, a home inspection and other closing costs.
When does Alberta health care start after I move?
If you’re moving from another province, Alberta Health Care coverage starts on the first day of the third month after you establish residency. Apply within 3 months of arriving. Your old province usually covers you in the meantime, so check with them before you go.
How long do I have to switch my driver’s licence?
If you’re coming from another Canadian province, you have 90 days after becoming an Alberta resident to exchange your licence at a registry agent.
How cold are Edmonton winters, really?
Cold. January days often sit between about -5°C and -20°C, with the odd colder snap. But Edmonton gets about 2,345 hours of sunshine a year, more than Toronto or Vancouver, so winter days are often bright and blue. Good boots, winter tires and a block heater go a long way, and the city leans in with winter festivals, skating and ski hills right in the river valley.
Which Edmonton neighbourhood is best for families?
It depends on your budget and commute. Newer southwest communities like Summerside, Windermere and Terwillegar Towne are popular for parks and schools. Established areas like McKernan, Laurier Heights and Bonnie Doon give you mature trees and character close to the core. My neighbourhood guides compare prices, commutes and the vibe of each.
Facts current as of November 2026. Always confirm government rules on alberta.ca.
Moving to Edmonton? Let’s talk.
I’m Sarah Jackson, an Edmonton REALTOR® with REMAX River City. I help people moving here figure out which neighbourhood fits their life, then find the right home in it. Ask me anything, even if your move is a year away.
Sarah Jackson, REALTOR® · REMAX River City · Edmonton, Alberta
