When is a city not a city? In Alberta, the easy answer is when it’s Sherwood Park. The hamlet just outside Edmonton has enough residents to make it the fifth biggest urban centre in the province, yet it has chosen to remain a specialized municipality.

But whether it’s a city or not, Sherwood Park is still an amazing place to live.

According to the Strathcona County website, it the most populous municipality in the county with just under 75,000 residents. It functions as an urban service area, representing a significant portion of the county’s total 2024 municipal census population of 103,829.

Today, more young families continue to be attracted to Sherwood Park as a place to live with its attractive recreational amenities, proximity to employment hubs, and tons of affordable new-built communities. Not the least of which is Cambrian, the new, dynamic development by the Rohit Communities in north Sherwood Park.

Growth on the horizon

Sherwood Park is located just east of Edmonton, and growth is the abiding promise here. It is a community that continues to prosper with well over two-thirds of Strathcona County residents residing here. And more growth is assured, as Rohit Communities ramps up efforts for the opening of its first development here.

The small-town values that prevail in Sherwood Park is a big part of its appeal to new homebuyers, and the young community of Cambrian – and the wide range of homes and lifestyle it offers – is certainly attracting plenty of attention.

“Sherwood Park consistently ranks as one of Alberta’s most desirable places to live,” says Scott Rudman, Rohit’s Senior Development Manager for Cambrian. “It offers top-rated schools, extensive parks and recreation facilities, strong community programming, and easy access to Edmonton – without feeling like a big city.”

He adds that for people relocating to the Edmonton area, Sherwood Park offers something rare: the ability to build a brand-new home in an established, family-oriented community with excellent amenities already in place. “Cambrian is the newest residential development in Sherwood Park, which makes it a unique opportunity.”

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.

“For dining, locals love places like Branches in Greenland Garden Centre, The Italian Centre at Emerald Hills, and La Patrona (a Mexican favorite),” says Rohit Communities Senior Marketing Coordinator, Trisha Poitras. “Shopping is equally convenient, with Emerald Hills, Sherwood Park Mall, and a variety of local boutiques and services close by. Everything from groceries to fitness studios is easily accessible.”

Festival Place has always been the centre for enjoying live music in the past and into the future. It is a vibrant multi-use centre for the arts, community and business that informs the cultural and social life in the county.

Minutes away from Cambrian, and one of Sherwood Park’s hidden gems, is the Greenland Garden Centre, a family-run business and a year-round destination for gardening, home décor, and other delightful finds, Poitras says.

Within the store is a full restaurant, Branches Fresh Food Experience, that offers delicious food, beautiful views of the outdoors from the dining space all year round, and offers outdoor seating surrounded by lush plants in the summer.

L’OCA Quality Market is becoming a mecca for foodies in the region with a collection of restaurants and retail shops that promises a unique shopping and dining experience. Its flagship location is in Sherwood Park.

Within Cambrian itself, residents enjoy playgrounds, a dog park, a growing trail network, and easy access to preserved natural areas. “The community is designed to encourage time outdoors – whether that’s walking the trails, spending time at the dog park, or kids meeting their friends at the exclusive parkour park,” Rudman says.

Cambrian

Cambrian continues to build on strong momentum it gained last year. Heading into 2026, buyers can expect a more complete and connected community experience as additional phases move forward. This includes continued home construction, the introduction of new streetscapes product, and progress on future parks, ponds, and trail connections.

“The focus remains on delivering a thoughtfully planned neighbourhood where homes, nature, and daily conveniences come together in a way that feels intentional and lasting,” Rudman says.

Rohit Communities continues to grow in Sherwood Park, recently being recognized for Business of the year by the Sherwood Park & District Chamber of Commerce.

Homebuyers appreciate Cambrian’s natural setting, its walkability, and the community-focused design. Add to the fact that Cambrian is a ravine community offering fantastic views.

“What makes Cambrian special is how it balances nature and neighbourhood living,” Rudman says. “The community preserves the Old Man Creek ravine and integrates it directly into daily life through trails, viewpoints, and natural landscaping. It’s not an afterthought – it’s the backbone of the community.”

Cambrian also offers a diverse mix of housing, including single-family homes, rear-lane homes, townhomes, duplexes and thoughtfully designed options that support a range of lifestyles and budgets. Architectural styles blend farmhouse, craftsman, and modern prairie influences, creating a cohesive yet varied streetscape.

“Single-family homes have been especially popular, particularly with young families and move-up buyers looking for more space, access to nature, and long-term value,” Rudman says. “One-of-a-kind ravine lots have also piqued interest of those wanting to go the custom route and building their dream home,” he adds.

Residents get to choose among award-winning builders, including ART Homes, Bedrock Homes, Gill Built Homes, Rohit Homes, and San Rufo Homes.

There are a variety of home styles offered to suit every lifestyle, including single-family front-attached garage homes, Zero Lot Line front and rear detached garage homes; as well as duplexes (Front-Back Duplexes) and townhomes.

“Many buyers are drawn to Cambrian because it supports an active, balanced lifestyle – close to schools, trails, and daily amenities – while still offering the pride of building a brand-new home in a community designed to grow with them. A new fire hall is set to be built in the community as well as a new four Rink partnership with Strathcona County and the Crusaders Hockey Organization. Go to liveincambrian.com for more.