Townhouse vs Apartment: Which Rental is Right for You in Edmonton?

When searching for a rental in Edmonton, one of your first decisions is choosing between a townhouse and an apartment. Both have distinct advantages depending on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide.

Space and Layout

Townhouses

Townhouses typically offer significantly more square footage spread across multiple floors. This vertical layout provides natural separation between living, sleeping, and working areas.

Typical townhouse layout:

• Ground floor: Garage, entrance, den/office space
• Main floor: Open-concept kitchen, dining, and living room
• Upper floor: Bedrooms and bathrooms

At Cherry Hills, our townhomes offer 1,544 sq ft of living space with three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a versatile ground-floor den.

Apartments

Apartments provide single-floor living, which some people prefer for accessibility or convenience. However, square footage is typically lower, ranging from 500-1,200 sq ft for most Edmonton apartments.

Winner for space: Townhouses, especially for families or those working from home.

Privacy

Townhouses

With neighbors only on one or two sides (not above and below), townhouses offer more privacy and less noise transfer. You won’t hear footsteps overhead or worry about disturbing downstairs neighbors.

Corner units, like those available at Cherry Hills, provide even more privacy with neighbors on only one side and additional windows for natural light.

Apartments

Apartment living means neighbors above, below, and beside you. Noise can be a significant factor, especially in older buildings without modern soundproofing.

Winner for privacy: Townhouses

Parking

Townhouses

Most modern townhouses include attached garages—a significant advantage in Edmonton’s harsh winters. No more scraping ice off your car or walking through snowstorms to reach your vehicle.

Cherry Hills townhomes feature double-attached garages, providing secure, weather-protected parking for two vehicles plus storage space.

Apartments

Apartment parking varies widely:

• Underground parking (heated, usually extra cost)
• Surface lots (cold, often included)
• Street parking (inconvenient in winter)

Monthly parking fees in Edmonton apartments typically range from $75-$200.

Winner for parking: Townhouses with attached garages

Outdoor Space

Townhouses

Townhouses often include:

• Private balconies or patios
• Small yards (in some developments)
• Direct outdoor access

At Cherry Hills, every townhome includes a private balcony—perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation.

Apartments

Most apartments offer:

• Small balconies (not guaranteed)
• Shared outdoor amenities
• No private yard space

Winner for outdoor space: Townhouses

Monthly Costs

Townhouses

• Rent: Typically $1,800-$2,500/month in Edmonton
• Utilities: Often tenant responsibility (gas, electric, water)
• Parking: Usually included
• Total estimated: $2,000-$2,800/month

Apartments

• Rent: Typically $1,200-$2,000/month
• Utilities: Sometimes included, sometimes extra
• Parking: Often extra ($75-$200/month)
• Total estimated: $1,400-$2,400/month

Winner for budget: Apartments for lower upfront costs, but townhouses may offer better value per square foot.

Lifestyle Considerations

Choose a Townhouse If You:

• Have a family or plan to start one
• Work from home and need separate office space
• Have pets that need room to move
• Own multiple vehicles
• Value privacy and quiet
• Hate scraping ice off your car

Choose an Apartment If You:

• Live alone or with one other person
• Prefer minimal maintenance
• Want to be in urban core locations
• Prioritize lower upfront costs
• Don’t mind sharing walls on all sides
• Don’t own a vehicle

The Best of Both Worlds

Modern townhouse communities like Cherry Hills offer advantages of both:

• Apartment-like convenience: Professional property management handles exterior maintenance
• House-like space: Multi-floor layouts with attached garages
• Community amenities: Access to neighbourhood parks, trails, and facilities
• Suburban location: Quiet living with urban access

Making Your Decision

Consider these questions:

1. How much space do you actually need? Don’t pay for unused square footage, but don’t cramp your lifestyle either.
2. What’s your budget—all in? Factor in utilities, parking, and other costs.
3. How important is privacy? Noise sensitivity varies by person.
4. Do you have a vehicle? Edmonton winters make parking a serious consideration.
5. What about pets? Townhouses typically offer more pet-friendly space.

Experience Townhouse Living at Cherry Hills

If a townhouse sounds right for you, Cherry Hills at Orchards offers the best of Southeast Edmonton living:

• 1,544 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space
• 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms
• Double-attached garage for weather-protected parking
• Private balcony for outdoor enjoyment
• Ground-floor den perfect for a home office
• Pet-friendly community
• Starting at $2,195/month

Located in The Orchards neighbourhood with excellent schools, parks, and amenities, Cherry Hills delivers exceptional value for townhouse renters.

Book a tour today and see the difference townhouse living makes.