South Edmonton Common is one of the largest open-air retail centres in Western Canada. If you work there, shop there regularly, or just want convenient access to a major commercial hub, living nearby makes daily life easier.
But “near South Edmonton Common” can mean very different things depending on the neighbourhood. Some are a 5-minute drive. Others advertise proximity but are 20 minutes away in rush hour traffic.
Here is an honest breakdown of which neighbourhoods are actually close and what rental options exist in each.
Where Is South Edmonton Common?
South Edmonton Common runs along 99 Street between 23 Avenue and Ellerslie Road in south Edmonton. It includes major retailers like Costco, Walmart, Canadian Tire, Best Buy, HomeSense, and dozens of restaurants and services.
For renters, proximity to South Edmonton Common means:
- Quick access to major grocery and retail
- Short commute if you work in the area’s retail or commercial sector
- Easy access to Whitemud Drive and Anthony Henday Drive from nearby
Neighbourhoods Near South Edmonton Common
Ellerslie — 5 to 8 Minutes
The closest residential neighbourhood. Ellerslie sits directly south of South Edmonton Common along Ellerslie Road. A mix of older and newer townhomes and apartments. Good transit options with Century Park LRT station nearby.
Rental townhome pricing: $1,700 - $2,100/month for 3 bedrooms
Pros: Closest neighbourhood, LRT access, established retail
Cons: Older stock, variable quality, traffic on Ellerslie Road during peak hours
The Orchards — 10 Minutes
Southeast of South Edmonton Common via Ellerslie Road and 66 Street. A newer community with modern townhome rentals, extensive parks, and family-oriented amenities.
Rental townhome pricing: $2,000 - $2,300/month for 3 bedrooms
Cherry Hills at The Orchards offers brand new 3 bedroom townhomes starting at $2,125/month — 10 minutes from South Edmonton Common, 15 minutes from Nisku, 15 minutes from the airport.
Pros: Brand new homes, double garage, 98 acres of parks, walking-distance schools
Cons: Slightly farther than Ellerslie (10 min vs 5 min)
Summerside — 12 to 15 Minutes
South of Ellerslie, centred around a community lake. Established and family-friendly with good parks.
Rental townhome pricing: $1,800 - $2,200/month for 3 bedrooms
Pros: Lake community, established neighbourhood feel
Cons: Limited rental townhome inventory, farther from South Edmonton Common
Walker — 10 to 12 Minutes
West of The Orchards with good Anthony Henday access. Growing community with newer construction.
Rental townhome pricing: $1,900 - $2,200/month for 3 bedrooms
Pros: Newer homes, good highway access
Cons: Amenities still developing, less rental inventory
Blackmud Creek / Twin Brooks — 8 to 10 Minutes
Northwest of South Edmonton Common. More established, with a mix of single-family homes and some townhome rentals.
Rental townhome pricing: $1,600 - $2,000/month for 3 bedrooms
Pros: Established, close to Whitemud ravine trails
Cons: Older stock, limited new build options
Quick Distance Comparison
| Neighbourhood | Drive to South Edmonton Common | 3-Bed Townhome Rent | Build Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ellerslie | 5-8 min | $1,700-$2,100 | 5-15 years |
| The Orchards | 10 min | $2,125 | Brand new |
| Walker | 10-12 min | $1,900-$2,200 | 3-8 years |
| Blackmud Creek | 8-10 min | $1,600-$2,000 | 15-25 years |
| Summerside | 12-15 min | $1,800-$2,200 | 5-12 years |
What Matters Beyond Distance
A 10-minute drive to South Edmonton Common from The Orchards versus a 5-minute drive from Ellerslie is a minimal difference. What separates these neighbourhoods in daily life is:
Home Quality
A brand new 1,544 sq ft townhome with a double garage and modern finishes feels very different from a 12-year-old 1,100 sq ft unit with a single garage and dated interiors. The extra 5 minutes of driving buys a significant upgrade in living space.
Winter Commute
Edmonton winters turn a 10-minute summer drive into a 15-minute winter drive. The difference between neighbourhoods shrinks when road conditions are factored in. What does not change is whether you start your commute from an attached garage or an icy parking lot.
Neighbourhood Amenities
South Edmonton Common handles your shopping needs. But parks, trails, schools, and community spaces come from your neighbourhood, not the mall. The Orchards’ 98 acres of green space, walking trails, and community facilities provide a daily quality of life that retail proximity alone does not.
If You Work at South Edmonton Common
For retail and service workers at South Edmonton Common, keeping rent reasonable and commute short is the priority. From The Orchards or Ellerslie, you are looking at a consistent sub-15-minute drive even in winter.
Cherry Hills’ 1-month-free incentive on a 13-month lease brings the effective monthly rent closer to $1,962 — competitive with older, less equipped rentals that are slightly closer to the mall.
Tour a Townhome Near South Edmonton Common
Book a tour at Cherry Hills in The Orchards to see a brand new 3 bedroom townhome 10 minutes from South Edmonton Common. Call (587) 409-9635 or email [email protected].
Ready to See Cherry Hills?
Experience our spacious 3-bedroom townhomes in Edmonton's Orchards neighbourhood.
