October 29, 2026
If you’re looking for a house to rent in Edmonton, southwest and west Edmonton are two of the first places to look. Both have newer family neighbourhoods, quick access to Anthony Henday Drive and plenty of single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses for rent. They suit different budgets and commutes, though. This guide walks through the main neighbourhoods in each area, what rent looks like right now and what to check before you apply.
Southwest or west Edmonton: which fits you?
| Southwest Edmonton | West Edmonton | |
| Best For | Families wanting newer homes, south side commuters | Renters wanting more space for the money |
| Getting Around | Anthony Henday, Terwillegar Drive, Century Park LRT station | Anthony Henday, Whitemud Drive, Stony Plain Road |
| Shopping | The Currents of Windermere | West Edmonton Mall |
| Rent Level | Higher than the city average | Lower than the city average |
Southwest Edmonton neighbourhoods
Windermere. One of Edmonton’s newest areas, with modern single-family homes and duplexes, walking trails and The Currents of Windermere for shopping, restaurants and a cinema. It’s a popular choice for families who want a newer house close to the Anthony Henday.
Terwillegar. Established family neighbourhoods with parks, ponds and the Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre, one of the largest recreation centres in the city. Terwillegar Drive gives a direct route north towards the university and downtown.
Rutherford and Heritage Valley. Newer communities such as Rutherford, Chappelle and Allard, with plenty of townhouses and starter homes. They’re a short drive from Century Park, the south end of the Capital Line LRT, which makes them a good fit if you work downtown or at the university.
Riverbend. An older, quieter area with mature trees, larger lots and direct access to the river valley trails. Houses here come up for rent less often, so it pays to check listings regularly.
West Edmonton neighbourhoods
Lewis Farms (Rosenthal, Secord and Webber Greens). Newer neighbourhoods on the city’s west edge, close to the Anthony Henday and Whitemud Drive. The Valley Line West LRT will run from downtown to Lewis Farms, with construction expected to finish in 2028, which will make this area even easier to commute from.
The Hamptons and Glastonbury. Family neighbourhoods with parks, schools and good road access, a short drive from West Edmonton Mall. They offer a mix of single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses.
Callingwood and Lymburn. Established communities with mature trees and larger lots, close to West Edmonton Mall and Whitemud Drive. Older homes here often come with more yard space for the rent.
What rent looks like right now
Rent varies by home type and size, but the citywide picture helps. In August 2026, the average unfurnished one-bedroom in Edmonton rented for $1,264 a month, about 3% lower than a year earlier, according to liv.rent’s monthly rent report. By area, southwest Edmonton was the most expensive sector for one-bedroom rentals, at $1,344, and west Edmonton was the most affordable, at $1,197.
Houses rent for more than apartments, and the gap between the two areas tends to carry over: you’ll usually get more space for your budget in the west, while the southwest asks a premium for newer builds. The best way to compare is to look at what’s available today.
Before you apply for a house to rent
- Know the deposit rules. In Alberta, a landlord can’t ask for a security deposit of more than one month’s rent.
- Ask what’s included. Check which utilities you pay, whether there’s a garage, and who handles snow removal and lawn care.
- Check for a separate suite. Some houses have a basement suite rented to another tenant, which affects shared utilities and parking.
- Ask about pets before you apply, not after, so there are no surprises later in the process.
- Insist on a move-in inspection. A photographed inspection report protects your deposit when you move out.
- Have your documents ready. Proof of income, employment details and references help your application move faster.
Find a house to rent with Best Step
Best Step manages rental homes across Edmonton, including southwest and west Edmonton, as well as St. Albert. Every home we lease comes with a photographed move-in inspection, online rent payments and 24/7 maintenance support from a real person.
Browse our available rentals and book a viewing online. New homes are added regularly, so check back often.
Own a rental home in Edmonton? Learn about our property management in Edmonton and find out what your home could rent for.
Sources: liv.rent August 2026 Calgary and Edmonton rent report · City of Edmonton: Valley Line West
