Setting down new roots in the northeast

Kin at Schonsee

by PePPer rodriguez

In the heart of the new northeast, growth is the long-range forecast. New families have taken to the fresh, dynamic, young communities that have blossomed mostly along Anthony Henday Drive and 187 Avenue NW.

What used to be a more industrial part of the city is now gaining a reputation for the wide range of family-friendly, nature-centric, amenity-rich residential communities that are found in this New Northeast

Many offer designs centred on nature and recreation that offer residents an environment they can enjoy and a shared space they can meet their neighbours. But the astounding array of housing options, offered in prices to fit almost any budget, is what the New Northeast has become known for. Crystallina Nera by Genstar and Citadel by Hopewell Residential are among the best-selling young communities here. And one of the latest ones, Kin at Schonsee, has been so successful it has been 100 percent sold out to third party homebuilders, its developers say.

“We are welcoming our first residents in April 2022,” says Jesse LaFrance of JLDevelopments, Kin at Schonsee’s developer.

Genstar says a little over half of Crystallina Nera has been developed and that over 3,000 residents already call the community home.

Crystallina Nera is a vibrant and dynamic neighbourhood with housing options for everyone. It is ideally located with quick access to 82 Street, 66 Street and the Anthony Henday. Crystallina has ample green space with an urban forest and kilometers of walking trails winding through the community and around stormwater management ponds. The first commercial site is under construction and the Shell Gas Bar and Carwash is now open.

It has an appealing range of home types from front-attached garage homes on traditional lots or zero lot lines from the $500,000s, laned homes from the high $400,000s and townhomes from the $400,000s.

Citadel by Hopewell Residential has also been a favourite among new home buyers, as it offers a diverse range of lifestyle-oriented, first-time homebuyer and move-up homes. Hopewell Residential is the land developer and a builder in this community just off 153 Avenue and Victoria Trail NW.

Citadel is surrounded by plentiful amenities, including shopping centres, parks and recreational facilities helping it achieve its vision as a family-friendly community. The Fraser Community League and Park is just two minutes away and accessibility is no problem as it is close to Anthony Henday Drive

Kuhlmann’s

Crystallina Nera

and Manning Drive. The Clareview Train Station is also just seven minutes away.

Excel Homes is a new builder in Citadel and their new duplex with attached garage showhomes have been a hit.

Excel Homes Marketing Manager, Kristina Plank, says the new show homes have been very well received since they opened in October. One of the features that makes them stand out is that both models have double front-attached garages, a rarity in the duplex line.

“Front attached garages on duplexes are unique. Plus, all our duplexes offer the option to fully develop the basement, which provides homeowners with even more space to fit their lifestyle. Buyers receive all the benefits of a singlefamily lifestyle at a multi-family home price, without being saddled with condo fees,” she says.

She says the dynamic community of Citadel makes it even more attractive to young families. “This community appeals to families just starting out or moving up. We offer both duplex models and front drive homes – we can help you find the right size home for the right price.”

The borders of the NE Edmonton quadrant are commonly seen as the Yellowhead Trail to the south, the city limits to the north and east, and 97 Street to the west. Our NextHome Northeast Map shows no less than 15 new communities and three major multi-family developments in the vicinity.

Growth in the future is seen, and the relative affordability of homes here will likely make it a certainty.

Life is that much easier too, as they are surrounded by amenities including the Manning Town Centre, Clareview Rec Centre as well as Londonderry Leisure Centre. “Clareview LRT access is a short drive away from most new communities and provides extra transit options for those in need.

Besides the big box stores that bring convenience to life, NE Edmonton is also replete with boutique stores and family-owned diners and eateries that bring so much character to the neighbourhood.

There is no shortage of dining options nearby, especially Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. There’s the Kabsa The Ultimate Cuisine along 153 Ave. NW, that is famous for their traditional Middle Eastern dishes. Popular dishes include the lamb kabsa, the chicken mendi, and the vegetarian kabsa. Eddie’s Donair take you on

Excel Homes in Citadel Kabsa

Fuss Cupcakes

an exquisite experience with our offerings that are always rich in flavour, perfect for whole family or ordering late-night food with friends.

There’s also Fuss Cupcakes, Edmonton’s Original Cupcake Bakery! A city favourite for 10 years. Locally owned and 100 per cent nut free. They have cakes, cupcakes and sweet treats, including gluten-free and vegetarian friendly cakes. They are a favourite caterer for birthdays, weddings and corporate events. It has three locations, but the one in the Namao Centre serves the northeast residents.

Green thumbs will find the charms of Khulmann’s Greenhouse, Garden, Market and Flower Shop on 167 Ave. NW irresistible. Kuhlmann’s continues to offer the best in locally grown produce, plants, trees and much more, in their over 300,000 square feet of greenhouse space. They have an incredible selection of unique gift ideas, garden décor, tools, and a fantastic floral shop that can cater to any need.

Check out some of these outstanding local stores the next time you visit the NE Edmonton showhomes.