Introduction
Summerlea is a west Edmonton neighbourhood located east of 178th street and north of 87th avenue. The neighbourhood was named for a summertime meadow when development began in the 1970s. The amount of parkland in the community is true to its name, but sharing the neighbourhood with West Edmonton Mall is what it’s known for. This mall is one of the largest in the world and Alberta’s biggest tourist attraction.
Lifestyle
Those who call Summerlea home seem to dig in, put down roots, and take advantage of the benefits Edmonton’s west end offers. With everything located so close there is little need to travel far from home. Residents take advantage of the comprehensive commercial services. Exercising seniors can be found walking through the mall in groups. They might stroll by the Edmonton Oilers practicing at the Ice Palace or a sea lion performance at the Sea Life Caverns.
Dollars & Sense
Being in the same neighbourhood as Edmonton’s best known tourist attractions has its pros and cons. It’s nice to be walking distance from West Edmonton Mall, but residents might grow tired of constant flow of traffic. Unfortunately, the property crime rate in Summerlea has increased along with the mall’s popularity.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Beyond the obvious retail, dining, entertainment and other commercial services available at West Edmonton Mall, Summerlea is also close to the commercial area of Mayfield Common. The Misericorida Hospital can be seen from 170th street and schools are located in nearby neighbourhoods
9.0 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
One of Edmonton’s busiest transit stations is located in Summerlea, with many Edmonton residents traveling to the mall for work. As a result, Summerlea residents can take advantage of major bus routes leading to other parts of the city. Major freeways like Whitemud Drive, the Yellowhead and Anthony Henday Drive are all easily accessible from Summerlea.
In the Area
There is such a diverse range of retail stores, restaurants and cafes in Summerlea that there is literally something for every budget. Fast food joints share a sidewalk with high class restaurants while jewellers play neighbour to dollar stores. Even the housing in Summerlea offers a wide price range.
Meet the Neighbours
Summerlea is mainly a family neighbourhood, but retirees live here too. The diverse employment opportunities at West Edmonton Mall attract a variety of ethnicities, creating a neighbourhood vibrant with cultural diversity. Because of the wide range of housing available at Summerlea, all with a different price tag, the neighbours will differ in income and lifestyle.
The Vibe
The main arteries that provide access to West Edmonton Mall are busy. Tourists, along with Edmontonians from other neighbourhoods, create quite the bustle around this world renowned destination. Tucked away behind fences and parkland, the residential areas of Summerlea are quiet, close to the busyness, but not trapped in the middle of it.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Galaxy Land
Walk through the doors and underneath the looping tracks of the Mindbender, an adrenaline pumping roller coaster and one of 24 rides home to the world’s largest indoor amusement park.
more infoScotia Bank Theatres & IMAX
This massive theatre houses 13 big screens with half of them playing movies in Real D 3D. Catch the best blockbusters or treat yourself to an IMAX 3D film experience.
more infoThe Comic Strip
Professional comedians create laugh out loud, knee slapping evenings of entertainment at the Comic Strip, located in West Edmonton Mall’s Bourbon Street. Eat, drink and get ready to laugh.
more infoT&T Supermarket
The T&T Supermarkets are Canada’s biggest chain of Asian supermarkets. Here you’ll find imported Asian food products, fresh produce, and an incredible sea food section. It’s the “Best of Asian Fresh.”
more infoRed Piano Duelling Piano Bar & Bistro
Taste flavours from around the world in this casual fine dining establishment. Talented pianists provide live entertainment while diners enjoy gourmet menus and an award winning wine list.
more infoWest Edmonton Mall
Shops, restaurants, bars, theatres, attractions, hotels and even a handful of radio stations all call West Edmonton Mall home. It’s no wonder it’s the comprehensive retail, hospitality and entertainment complexes on Earth.
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