Community Spotlight: Parkview
Thu, 14 Oct
As soon as you move into Parkview you will feel like you have lived there all your life – the whole community becomes your family, and everyone will be waving to you on their morning walks.
Parkview is a mature, west-end neighbourhood bordered by the Edmonton’s River Valley to the east, 149th Street, 87th Avenue/Buena Vista Road, and MacKenzie Ravine. Those familiar with the area know that it is also informally split into two sub- neighbourhoods: Valleyview (east of 142nd Street) and Parkview (west of 142nd Street).
HOMES
With original homes dating back to the mid 1950s and brand-new infill homes, no two houses are alike. Parkview attracts residents in all stages of life: new families, retired couples, young professionals, and all those seeking an authentic community. It is also refreshing to see the community turn over after a few decades, as children who used to live in Parkview are now moving their own families back into the neighbourhood.
Real estate opportunities in Parkview consist predominantly of single-family homes, many with new upgrades and all with lots of character. However, there are also opportunities for semi-detached homes and walk-up apartment style condos. Because of its desirable location, many new homeowners are opting for the trendiest infill homes with less square footage to maintain but just as much pizazz.
If you’ve ever gone for a Sunday cruise or detoured your bike ride to Valleyview Drive, you’ll be familiar with Parkview’s well-admired luxury homes. Known for boasting some of the west-end’s most fabulous properties, there is no shortage of “ooh-ing” and “ahh-ing” at Parkview houses. All equally as memorable and inspiring as the next.
As the years pass, more and more irreparable mid-century homes are being replaced with infills or grand modern homes, a testament to the neighbourhood’s dynamism. But if you’re someone who loves the originality of old character homes, you’ll be pleased to see many homes with their original foundation, finishings, and flare. And if you’re lucky, you might run into someone who is the original owner of their home and would love to have you over for tea to tell you about the history of the neighbourhood.
SHOPS
As most of the neighbourhood can confirm, the hottest place to be is at the Valleyview Shopping Centre on 142nd Street. Home to the famous IGA and neighbourhood’s social hub, Rebel, this shopping centre is where you’ll run into your neighbours and catch up with old friends. We’ve been advised not to wear our pyjamas there as it’s rumoured you’ll always see someone you know!
A hat’s off to Parkview wouldn’t be complete without giving mention to Andy’s IGA. As a family-run business, Andy and his family have served Parkview and surrounding areas for countless years. As a strong supporter of the community’s youth and events, Andy’s IGA offers a warm welcome every time you go. The superb customer service, delicious doughnuts, and newly paved parking lot are reason enough to go back every single day. As a Century Hospitality Group restaurant, Rebel is a gathering place for family and friends in the community, offering an innovative selection of menu items. Whether it’s for brunch on the weekends or drinks after work, their casual but upscale dining experience will quickly convince you to become a regular. Fun fact: the manager of Rebel used to own and operate the Italian restaurant that occupied that space before – talk about commitment to the community!
COMMUTING
If the style of the homes, the culture of the neighbourhood, or the nearby amenities don’t win you over, Parkview’s proximity to every major commuting route will seal the deal. Here are some of the highlights:
- 8 minutes from downtown Edmonton
- 5 minutes from the Whitemud (and subsequently the Anthony Henday)
- 10 minutes from the Yellowhead
- 20 minutes from the University of Alberta campus
- 30 minutes to Edmonton International Airport
You’re never far from the action when you’re located in Parkview, including on foot or other! With maintained sidewalks, side roads, and trails, getting around via alternative methods of transportation is convenient and accessible.
SCHOOLS/RECREATION
Parkview is a great community to support families with school-aged kids. Right in the heart of the community sits Parkview School (elementary and junior high) and St. Rose Catholic Junior High. However, there are numerous schools in surrounding neighbourhoods including St. Francis Xavier, Archbishop MacDonald, and Ross Sheppard High Schools, Crestwood School, and St. Paul Elementary. For families with young children, Parkview Community League also offers Preschool and Kindercare programs. The Community League hosts community soccer teams, has tennis courts in the summer, and floods a community skating rink in the winter.
Living up to its name, there is no shortage of green space, parks, and places for outdoor recreation in Parkview. If you don’t feel like making your way down to the Buena Vista Dog Park, the Valleyview Drive off-leash area is easily accessible, offering a complete view of downtown Edmonton and the University of Alberta. This is also a great road for a family bike ride, to catch the Canada Day fireworks, or to watch the full moon rise over downtown every month. In the summer (post-COVID, of course), you may want to take your lawn chair to the lookout points to be serenaded by summer concerts in Hawrelak Park as the music drifts up the valley.
You’re also walking distance from Hawrelak Park so you’ll never have to fight for parking to attend Edmonton’s Heritage Days, the World Triathlon, or a casual park day picnic on the weekend.
As if anyone ever needed a reason to move into Parkview, we think there are many attractive qualities to Parkview and Valleyview. If you feel dazzled by the community and want to explore your residential options, reach out to one of our TruHome agents who will help you find the perfect home in Parkview – there is no shortage!