Sherwood Park: a fairy tale lifestyle

The name Sherwood Park certainly sounds like a fairy tale town, and with its idyllic nature and romantic allure it can definitely live up to it. But what this hamlet of Strathcona County has become for many is a viable homeowning option where they can find their happily-ever-after.

The community of Sherwood Park is located just east of Edmonton. It is a community that has seen tremendous growth over the past two decades with well over two-thirds of Strathcona County residents residing here.

Growth is the abiding promise in Sherwood Park. Even now, there are several ongoing residential developments that make it the perfect place to put down roots in. There is the ambitious Centre in the Park at the heart of the community, Aspen Trails and Summerwood to its north, and Salisbury Village and the Sherwood Golf & Country Club to the south.

“Sherwood Park is a great community that caters to all lifestyles,” says Eiblis Doherty,Business Development and Tourism Assistant at Strathcona County. “It has tons of fun outdoor recreation opportunities for any time of the year with its many hiking trails, snow-trekking and river valley access.”

Affordability and accessibility

Doherty says that Sherwood Park had been a haven for senior living in the past, and it continues to be with several 55+ living facilities available, including the new Emerald Hills Landing that offers studio apartments up to two-bedroom-plus den suites.

But Doherty says younger families are now becoming more prominent in the hamlet, attracted by the affordable housing, plentiful amenities and easy-living lifestyle Sherwood Park offers.

“Average housing price is about $465,000, and you get a lot more home for that price here compared to Edmonton,” Doherty says. Those working in the city will find its accessibility a big factor as well as Sherwood Park is just about a 25-minute drive to Edmonton’s downtown. “We’re also just half an hour drive to the international airport,” Doherty says.

Residents have a wide choice of housing options to choose from, including multi-family housing, single-family, and executive estate homes. The largest growth of structure type between 2011 and 2016 continues to be single- detached homes with 1,265 new homes added. The second largest growth in structure types was in low-rise apartment buildings (fewer than five storeys) and semi- detached homes.

New residential developments

Centre in the Park is the centrepiece of Sherwood Park as it combines municipal services, local government, residences, retail services and inviting public spaces. It will complete a core for the community, linking to existing amenities such as Broadmoor Lake Park, Festival Place, the trail system, businesses and schools. Centre in the Park is designed to be a model of a sustainable community that optimizes environmental innovation.

Sherwood Park also boasts the affluent Sherwood Golf and Country Cub Estates community (www.landrex.com). Developed by Landrex, it offers some of the most luxurious homes this side of Edmonton. Homebuyers also get a terrific amount of choice for front drive, laned and duplex homes in Qualico Communities’ Summerwood (www.summerwood.qualicocommunitiesedmonton.com). SummerWood is conveniently located near grocery stores, shopping, restaurants and recreation facilities. For ease of access, the Yellowhead Highway and Highway 21 are just minutes away.

Salisbury Village (www.salisburyvillage.ca) is Sherwood Park’s newest community, located on Wye Road between Sherwood Drive and Brentwood Boulevard. It is mixed use residential/commercial with large wetlands, tree stands, and green spaces. This 70-acre community offers a variety of well-designed housing types that will cater to diverse lifestyles. The two integrated commercial sites in Salisbury Village offer local and area-wide services – including a brand new Browns Socialhouse.

Family friendly

But why will people want to live in Sherwood Park? Well, for one thing, there is no shortage of amenities, including boutique shops, delicious diners and various points of interests that make it a great place to live.
Festival Place has always been the centre for enjoying live music in the past and into the future when it’s safe to gather again. It is a vibrant multi-use centre for the arts, community and business that informs the cultural and social life in the county.

There is a lively art and culture scene as well with Gallery@501, which just celebrated its 10th anniversary. The historic, 100-year-old Smeltzer House offers art and culture programs that keeps the artistic legacy alive.

Sherwood Park has a multitude of recreational opportunities within its borders by just a 20-minute drive east is the Beaver Hills Biodiversity Trail and a little further on to Elk Island Park and all the outdoor fun they offer, including stargazing as part of Alberta’s Dark Sky preserve.

There are a lot of unique restaurants and diners to quell any foodie craving in Sherwood Park, but La Patrona is a particular favourite among locals. Serving authentic Mexican food, it’s humble beginnings as a food truck grew from a dedicated following that seems to multiply every year. Their tortas and tacos are some of the best this side of the border.

70 Acre Brew Co. is also a fun place to hangout for a cold one and they have certainly put Sherwood Park on the craft beer map.