Southeast Edmonton is defined by an array of family-friendly communities, including contemporary new residential areas still undergoing development and character neighbourhoods ripe with mature trees and historic charm.
One such neighbourhood includes Forest Heights – a wonderfully established community defined by river valley views, vast open green spaces and a diverse array of affordable homes suitable for every lifestyle, taste and budget.
Did you know? Forest Heights also borders Edmonton’s famous Riverside Golf Course. Suitable for golfers of all skill levels, this 18-hole course is highlighted by some of the city’s most beautiful scenery.
Forest Heights Homes For Sale
As mentioned above, Forest Heights houses a broad range of homes in all styles and price points. Though the neighbourhood became part of the greater City of Edmonton in 1913, development didn’t begin until the early 1940s and was mostly complete by the late 70s/early 80s. As such, Forest Heights features a large number of character bungalows on expansive lots, many having been outfitted with the latest upgrades and features, including:
- Natural and engineered hardwood flooring
- Stone countertops (granite, quartz, etc.)
- Eat-in kitchen islands
- Stainless-steel appliances
- Tile backsplashes
- New natural and engineered cabinetry
- Built-in shelving
- Gas ranges and double ovens
- Formal dining areas
- Modern light fixtures and hardware
- Gas and wood-burning fireplaces
- Finishes basements
- In-home saunas
- Brand-new energy-efficient appliances and systems
- Updated roofs, windows and siding
- Double and triple-car garages
- Mature landscaping and trees
- Outdoor entertainment spaces
- Golf course, park and tree-backed lots
- Fully finished basements including additional bedrooms and bathrooms, family and games rooms and, in some cases, income-generating suites – a perfect investment opportunity!
- And much more!
Forest Heights is known for its eye-catching infill homes thanks to its fantastic location and convenient, established amenities. As many of the neighbourhood’s older properties are being replaced (with two-story single-family residences, in particular), Forest Heights represents the best of both worlds for Edmonton buyers looking for a modern home in a mature setting.
While single-family homes account for most real estate opportunities in Forest Heights, those in search of a lower-maintenance home style are also in luck. Contemporary, low-rise apartment-style condos are also readily available in the area, followed by a smaller number of affordable, semi-detached homes.
Apartment-Style Condos in Forest Heights – Low-rise condos account for roughly 12% of home styles in Forest Heights. Concentrated mainly in the neighbourhood’s north end, Forest Heights apartments are ideal for working professionals looking to stick close to the downtown core. One-bedroom homes typically start in the low to mid 100s.
Duplexes and Townhomes in Forest Heights - Forest Heights also features a small number of townhomes and duplexes, equipped with an average of three bedrooms and two bathrooms. These include both renovated models and brand-new builds, offering around 1,500 square feet of living space. These properties offer a more affordable alternative to the neighbourhood’s detached homes yet provide many of the same benefits, such as private ensuites, garages, private yard spaces and family-friendly layouts.
Infill Homes in Forest Heights – As infill homes become more common in Forest Heights, buyers can benefit from contemporary and, in some cases, luxury features. Custom homes in the area are equipped with high-end finishes, including everything from chef-inspired kitchens and six-piece ensuites (home gyms, wet bars, etc.) spread across 3,000+ square feet of living space.
Average Forest Heights Home Price: $602,000
See homes for sale in Southeast Edmonton
Did you know? Forest Heights was recently featured in our latest downloadable guide: Edmonton’s Top Infill Communities.
Abundant Family-Friendly Amenities
Forest Heights is transected by several significant roadways (106th Ave, 101st Ave and 79th Street NW.). The majority of the community’s commercial amenities can be found along these thoroughfares- including medical centres and other healthcare services, daycares, local eateries and more. To the west (a stone’s throw away, across Wayne Gretzky Drive) also sits Capilano Mall, featuring a grocery store, Walmart, banking institutions, restaurants and numerous big-box retailers.
Forest Heights also sits less than a 10-minute drive from Edmonton City Centre. Known as downtown Edmonton’s premier shopping destination, the centre features two stories of shops as well as a number of restaurants, services and a movie theatre.
Other nearby amenities include:
- Art Gallery of Alberta
- Borden Park
- Citadel Theatre
- Edmonton Convention Centre
- Edmonton Expo Centre / Northlands
- East Edmonton Health Centre
- Edmonton Public Library
- Kingsway Mall
- Muttart Conservatory
- Rogers Place / Ice District
- Royal Alberta Museum
- Royal Alexandra Hospital
- Unity Square
- Winspear Centre
- Winston Churchill Square
- Etc.
The Top 10 Amenities Near Forest Heights
Riverside Golf Course: As its name implies, Riverside is an 18-hole golf course overlooking Edmonton’s beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley. A challenging course that has served Edmontonians for 60 years, Riverside is designed to test all skill levels. The club also offers men’s, women’s and youth leagues, in addition to PGA pro-led golf lessons.
Dawson Park: Located in the ultra-desirable Riverdale neighbourhood, Dawson Park sits tucked alongside the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Jasper Ave. In addition to walking and cycling trails, picnic sites, a boat launch (home to the Edmonton Dragon Boat Racing Club) and an off-leash dog area, Dawson Park features a gravel path specifically designed for visually impaired visitors. The path includes raised wooden edges meant to help with white canes and Braille signs.
Forest Heights Park: Forest Heights homeowners love having this not-so-hidden gem bordering their neighbourhood. Forest Heights Park features many intersecting riverside trails as well as scenic viewpoints and picnic areas. The park houses several sports fields, including tennis courts, baseball diamonds and a soccer field.
Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre: Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre features over 60 stores and services, including grocers, restaurants and banking institutions. Situated less than 10 minutes south of Forest Heights, the shopping centre is a convenient option for locals, and will also include a stop along Edmonton’s up-and-coming Valley LRT line.
Gallagher Park: Gallagher Park is well known as the home of the Edmonton Folk Music Festival (EFMF). Since its humble beginnings in 1980, the festival has grown to include countless established and new performers from across Canada and around the world. It has also become one of the leading folk festivals internationally. But the Edmonton Folk Fest isn’t Gallagher Park’s only claim to fame. Gallagher also happens to be home to one of Edmonton’s best tobogganing hills and the Edmonton Ski Club (more on that below).
Muttart Conservatory: With three glass pyramids backing onto Edmonton’s scenic downtown cityscape, the Muttart Conservatory remains one of Edmonton’s most recognizable landmarks. The conservatory is one of Canada’s largest indoor botanical gardens and includes over 700 species of plants spread across three climate-regulated biodomes – temperate, arid and tropical. An outdoor gazebo, celebrated café and seasonal events are also popular attractions at the Muttart.
Jasper Avenue: Jasper Avenue is one of Edmonton’s most historical (and trendiest) hubs. Recognized as Edmonton’s original “main street,” Jasper Ave has always been the center of attention for popular shops, services and restaurants. Today, the avenue is one of the city’s most frequented nightlife destinations known for its trendy eateries, pubs, bars and entertainment venues.
Edmonton Ski Club: Edmonton’s iconic river valley ski and snowboard destination since 1911 (source: Edmonton Ski Club). The non-for-profit Edmonton Ski Club is situated in Gallagher Park and features machine-made groomed snow for skiing and snowboarding during the winter (including surface lifts, T-Bar and carpet lift) and one-day bike clinics, mountain bike and trails and track programs in the summer.
Accidental Beach: Accidental Beach is the result of the construction of an LRT bridge over the North Saskatchewan River - which lead to the creation of a large sandbar downstream. A popular destination for locals and visitors alike, the beach provides scenic riverfront views and is bordered by mature trees, walking trails and picnic areas.
Little Brick Café: Aptly named, the Little Brick Café is an early 1900s brick house turned coffee shop located in the popular community of Riverdale. As the former home of Edmonton’s first brickyard owner, the café offers plenty of historical character as well as some of the best coffee and sandwiches around. Little Brick also features a local general store with the latest in local goods and wares, featuring everything from coffee and craft spirits to socks and handmade soap.
Did you know? The Little Brick Café and General Store has repeatedly been recognized as one of Edmonton’s Best Independent Coffee Shops.
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Educational Opportunities
Yet another feature that makes Forest Heights so family-friendly is the number of schools situated in the immediate area. In addition to two local public schools (elementary and senior high), the community also houses a local private school (Headway School) and a French-language junior high/high school.
Other educational opportunities, including Catholic schools and additional private options, can be found just a short distance away (less than a 5-minute drive) in the adjoining community of Ottewell.
Forest Heights Designated Public Schools:
- Forest Heights School (Designated Grade K-6 School)
- Hardisty School (Designated Grade 7-9 School)
- McNally School (Designated Grade 10-12 School)
Forest Heights Designated Catholic Schools:
- St. Brendan (Designated Grade K-9 School)
- St. Monica (Designated Pre-Kindergarten)
- Austin O’Brien (Designated Grade 10-12 School)
Other:
- École Michaëlle-Jean
- Children’s Day Out Play School
- Headway School
- The Waldorf School of Independent Thought
Did you know? Forest Heights is also home to Newman Theological College and the St. Joseph Seminary (one of only two major Roman Catholic seminaries in Western Canada).
Parks and Recreation
A nature lover’s delight, Forest Heights sits surrounded by some of the best outdoor amenities southeast Edmonton has to offer. In addition to both the North Saskatchewan River Valley and a popular 18-hole golf course, the neighbourhood provides convenient access to the Capilano Ravine, local pocket parks, bike trails, walking paths, picnic sites and much more.
The Forest Terrace Heights Community League also takes an extremely active role in the community. It offers various indoor and outdoor programming for residents of all ages (including soccer, pilates, swim programs, community garden initiatives, etc.).
Other nearby recreational amenities:
- Bonnie Doon Leisure Centre
- Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre
- Gold Bar Park
- Hardisty Fitness and Leisure Centre
- Henrietta Muir Edwards Park
- Highlands Golf Club
- Louise McKinney Riverfront Park
Did you know? Forest Heights Park is one of the largest parks in Edmonton’s North Saskatchewan River Valley parks system and features a four-kilometre Riverside looping trail.
An Ultra-Convenient Commute
Forest Heights is bounded by 84th Street to the west, 106th Ave / Rowland Road to the north, Wayne Gretzky Drive to the east, and 98th Ave to the south. Rowland Road and 98th Ave are incredibly convenient for those who work in downtown Edmonton which can be reached in under 10 minutes. Additionally, nearby Wayne Gretzky Drive provides direct access to the Yellowhead Trail (north), Anthony Henday via Baseline Road (west), the Sherwood Park Freeway (82nd Ave) and Whitemud Drive (south).
Several bus stops can also be found throughout the community. The future LRT Valley Line will also see the development of two LRT stations in the nearby neighbourhoods of Holyrood and Strathearn.
See also: Edmonton Community Spotlight: Strathearn in Southeast Central Edmonton
Learn more about Forest Heights or any one of Edmonton’s other diverse communities by reaching out to us or visiting our exclusive Communities Blog. And don’t forget to take advantage of our free home buyer’s resources below:
- Home Buyer Guide – Step by step, we’ll walk you through the home buying process from start to finish
- Choosing The Right Neighbourhood – Your all-in-one guide to finding the right Edmonton community
- The Terry Paranych Real Estate Group Blog – Featuring everything you need to know about Edmonton real estate.
Originally published February 17, 2021, updated April 11, 2023
Posted by Terry Paranych on
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