Southeast Edmonton is where most of the city’s new rental townhomes are being built. But “new build in the southeast” covers a lot of ground — literally. The communities differ in age, amenities, commute access, and what is actually available for rent versus purchase.
This guide compares the major SE Edmonton communities so you can narrow your search to the one that fits.
What Makes a Good New Build Rental Community?
Before comparing specific neighbourhoods, here is what separates a good rental community from a mediocre one:
- Age of construction — newer means better insulation, modern layouts, and fewer maintenance issues
- Garage type — attached double is the Edmonton winter standard worth paying for
- Community amenities — parks, trails, and recreation that exist now, not just on a developer’s future plan
- School access — walking distance versus a 15-minute drive matters daily for families
- Commute routes — Anthony Henday access, proximity to QE2, and distance to major employers
- Rental availability — some communities are almost entirely ownership; rental stock is thin
Southeast Edmonton Communities Compared
The Orchards
Overview: A 500-acre master-planned community designed around green space. One of the newest communities in SE Edmonton with active development still underway.
Rental Townhomes Available: Yes — Cherry Hills offers 80 brand new purpose-built rental townhomes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Build age | Brand new (2025) |
| Townhome size | 1,544 sq ft |
| Bedrooms/bathrooms | 3 bed / 2.5 bath |
| Garage | Double attached (every unit) |
| Park space | 98 acres |
| Schools nearby | Jan Reimer K-9, Divine Mercy K-6 (walking distance) |
| Commute to Nisku | 15 minutes |
| Commute to airport | 15 minutes |
| Shopping | Orchards Plaza (5 min walk), South Edmonton Common (10 min drive) |
| Pet-friendly | Dogs and cats welcome |
| Starting rent | $2,125/month |
| Incentive | 1 month free on 13-month lease |
Best for: Families, Nisku/airport commuters, pet owners, anyone who wants brand new construction with real community amenities.
Summerside
Overview: An established community centred around a man-made lake. One of the first major developments in SE Edmonton’s suburban expansion.
Rental Townhomes Available: Limited. Most townhomes are owner-occupied. Rental units appear occasionally on the secondary market.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Build age | 5-12 years |
| Townhome size | 1,000 - 1,400 sq ft typical |
| Garage | Usually single attached |
| Park space | Lake and surrounding parks |
| Schools nearby | Dr. Roy Wilson School, Good Shepherd Catholic |
| Commute to Nisku | 18-20 minutes |
| Shopping | Summerside retail, South Edmonton Common (12 min) |
| Pet-friendly | Varies by landlord |
| Typical rent | $1,800 - $2,200/month |
Best for: Renters who want a lake community and do not need the newest construction.
Walker
Overview: A growing community west of The Orchards. Still developing with new phases under construction. Strong Anthony Henday access.
Rental Townhomes Available: Some. Mostly individual landlords renting purchased units.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Build age | 3-8 years |
| Townhome size | 1,100 - 1,400 sq ft typical |
| Garage | Usually single attached |
| Park space | Growing, some areas still under development |
| Schools nearby | Limited — most students bus to nearby communities |
| Commute to Nisku | 20 minutes |
| Shopping | Walker retail developing, South Edmonton Common (10 min) |
| Pet-friendly | Varies by landlord |
| Typical rent | $1,900 - $2,200/month |
Best for: Renters who want a newer community with good highway access and are flexible on amenities.
Ellerslie
Overview: One of the more established SE Edmonton communities. Mix of older and newer construction. Close to Century Park LRT station.
Rental Townhomes Available: Moderate. Mix of older rental stock and individual landlord units.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Build age | 5-15 years |
| Townhome size | 900 - 1,300 sq ft typical |
| Garage | Varies — many older units have single detached or none |
| Park space | Established parks, less extensive trail network |
| Schools nearby | Several within driving distance |
| Commute to Nisku | 20-25 minutes |
| Shopping | Ellerslie Road retail, South Edmonton Common (8 min) |
| Pet-friendly | Varies by landlord |
| Typical rent | $1,700 - $2,100/month |
Best for: Renters who want LRT access, established retail, and lower rent over newer construction.
Chappelle / Desrochers
Overview: Southwest Edmonton communities with rapid growth. Primarily ownership-focused but some rental inventory exists.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Build age | 2-8 years |
| Townhome size | 1,000 - 1,400 sq ft typical |
| Garage | Usually single attached |
| Park space | Developing |
| Commute to Nisku | 20-25 minutes |
| Pet-friendly | Varies by landlord |
| Typical rent | $1,900 - $2,300/month |
Best for: Renters who work in the southwest or want newer construction outside the SE corridor.
Quick Comparison Table
| Community | Build Age | Sq Ft | Garage | Park Space | Nisku Commute | 3-Bed Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Orchards (Cherry Hills) | Brand new | 1,544 | Double attached | 98 acres | 15 min | $2,125 |
| Summerside | 5-12 yrs | 1,000-1,400 | Single | Lake + parks | 18-20 min | $1,800-$2,200 |
| Walker | 3-8 yrs | 1,100-1,400 | Single | Growing | 20 min | $1,900-$2,200 |
| Ellerslie | 5-15 yrs | 900-1,300 | Varies | Established | 20-25 min | $1,700-$2,100 |
| Chappelle | 2-8 yrs | 1,000-1,400 | Single | Developing | 20-25 min | $1,900-$2,300 |
How to Choose
- If commute to Nisku or the airport is your priority — The Orchards has the shortest drive at 15 minutes.
- If you want a lake community — Summerside is the clear choice, though rental inventory is limited.
- If LRT access matters — Ellerslie is closest to Century Park station.
- If you need a double garage — Cherry Hills in The Orchards is the only rental community offering it as standard.
- If you want brand new with no compromises — Cherry Hills is the newest purpose-built rental community in SE Edmonton.
Visit Before You Decide
Every community feels different in person. We would suggest touring at least two communities before signing anywhere.
To tour Cherry Hills in The Orchards, book an appointment or call (587) 409-9635. Tours are available 7 days a week.
Ready to See Cherry Hills?
Experience our spacious 3-bedroom townhomes in Edmonton's Orchards neighbourhood.
