A historic community, Oliver was considered Edmonton’s original “West End.” The neighbourhood’s roots date back to the late 1800s when the Hudson’s Bay Company established its land reserves. By the 1900s, the area was home to two hospitals (Misericordia and General) as well as several churches and schools. The community was officially named in 1937 and is now known as one of the trendiest and most-amenity friendly neighbourhoods in the entire capital region.
Did you know? The Oliver Community League has launched a neighbourhood renaming initiative. The process, which will be Indigenous-led and involve as many diverse communities as possible, seeks to better represent the neighbourhood’s values.
Real Estate and Homes For Sale in Oliver
Apartment-style condos account for nearly all residential real estate opportunities in Oliver. Most residences were built after 1960 and consist mainly of high-rise units. Two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos are most common, featuring an average of 1,000 square feet, open floor plans and modern upgrades (stainless steel appliances, stone countertops, master ensuites, etc.). However, there is no shortage of luxury condos in Oliver, offering upwards of 2,000 square feet of lavish living space and panoramic views.
Oliver’s high number of multi-family homes, combined with its proximity to downtown, make it perfect for working professionals and first-time buyers. Oliver also has many rental units, providing lucrative real estate opportunities for Edmonton real estate investors. Common onsite amenities to expect from an Oliver condo may include any (or all) of the following:
- In-suite laundry
- Fitness facilities
- Underground heated parking
- Private patios and terraces
- Downtown/river valley views
- Night security
- Car washes
- Concierge service
- Social rooms
- Wood burning and gas fireplaces
- Indoor pools and saunas
- BBQ hookup
- Storage lockers
- And more!
There are also a small number of duplexes, townhomes, and single-family homes scattered throughout the neighbourhood.
Average Listing Price in Oliver: $337,000*
Did you know? Oliver was once home to some of Edmonton’s wealthiest individuals, including Dame Eliza Chenier. Chenier was a local female entrepreneur and owner of several Central Edmonton homes that now maintain historical designation.
Awesome Central Edmonton Amenities
One of Oliver’s most prominent features is a large commercial complex located in the neighbourhood’s north end. Unity Square features numerous shops, restaurants and big box retailers. It’s also known as Edmonton’s brewery district due to the number of brewpubs and eateries in the area. Oliver is home to west Jasper Ave, providing residents access to further shops and services and a vibrant nightlife.
Other notable nearby amenities include:
- 124th Street Grand Market / High Street
- Art Gallery of Alberta
- Blue Plate Diner
- Bodega (124th street)
- Chocorrant Patisserie and Café
- Craft Beer Market Edmonton
- Duchess Bake Shop
- Edmonton City Centre
- GRETA Bar YEG
- OEB Breakfast Co
- Rogers Place / ICE District
- Royal Alexandra Hospital
- Tiramisu Bistro (featured in our previous post: Edmonton’s Best Brunch: Our Top 12 Picks)
- Toast Culture Food and Drink
- Violino Ristorante
- The Wine Gallery
- And much, much more
Did you know? Violino’s, Bodega, and CRAFT Beer Market are just a few of the many great restaurants featured on our Edmonton’s Best Patios list.
Parks and Recreation
In addition to several pocket parks, Oliver houses an outdoor pool, playgrounds, sports fields and an active community league. The North Saskatchewan River Valley (including Victoria Park, Alberta Legislature Grounds and Government House Park) is also within walking distance, providing ample opportunity for bike rides, trail walks, family picnics, skating, festivals and other recreational activities.
Other nearby parks and recreational amenities:
- Kinsmen Park
- Kinsmen Pitch and Putt
- Kinsmen Sports Centre
- MacEwan University Sport and Wellness
- MacKinnon Ravine Park
- Peter Hemingway Fitness and Leisure Centre
- Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool
- Royal Glenora Club
- Royal Mayfair Golf Club
- Victoria Golf Course
Did you know? Victoria Park was named in honour of Queen Victoria and features picnic sites, baseball diamonds and walking and cycling trails. It is also home to the Edmonton IceWay and the Victoria Skating Oval.
Oliver Schools
There is one school in Oliver, a public elementary school. Established in 1910, Oliver School remains one of the oldest schools in Edmonton. Constructed of stone and brick, it was the largest school of its kind built west of 109th Street. The school also served as a hospital for victims of the Spanish flu epidemic in 1918. (source: Edmonton Historical Board)
Designated Public Schools:
- Oliver School (Designated Grade K-6 School)
- Westminster School (Designated Grade 7-9 School)
- Victoria School (Designated Grade 10-12 School)
Designated Catholic Schools:
- St. Catherine School (Designated Grade K-6 School)
- St. Catherine School (Designated Grade 7-9 School)
- St. Joseph School (Designated Grade 10-12 School)
Other:
- Aurora Academic Charter School
- Edmonton Christian West School
- Edmonton Christian High School
- Headway School
- Progressive Academy
- The Waldorf Independent School of Edmonton
Did you know? Oliver also sits close to numerous post-secondary institutions, including NAIT, Grant MacEwan and NorQuest College. The University of Alberta can also be reached in 10-miutes via 109th Street and 87th Ave.
5 Minutes to Downtown Edmonton
Oliver is bounded by 124th Street to the west, the community of Queen Mary Park to the north, 109th Street to the east and the North Saskatchewan River Valley to the south. The neighbourhood is transected by 104th and Jasper Ave, providing residents with a straight shot to downtown Edmonton (accessible in 5 minutes by car and 15 minutes by foot). Adjoining 109th Street offers a streamlined commute to North Central Edmonton and Southwest Edmonton.
Oliver is also considered extremely walkable (most errands can be accomplished on foot), bikeable, and transit friendly.
Did you know? Oliver will include two stops along Edmonton’s future West Valley LRT line via 100th Ave and 120th and 124th Street.
For more information on Oliver or Central Edmonton’s many other fantastic neighbourhoods, check out our exclusive Communities Blog or contact us. You can also have the latest Edmonton real estate market updates, home-buying tips, home-selling information and more delivered directly to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter below.
Posted by Terry Paranych on
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