Some Edmonton neighbourhoods simply get better with age.
Old Riverbend is one of them.
I was reminded of this again this year while working with buyers and sellers in the area. I had several listings in Old Riverbend, including homes on Rooney Crescent and in Brookside, and both sold over asking price within a weekend.
These sales are a good example of the demand we are seeing for the right homes in this area.
While newer communities continue to grow throughout Southwest Edmonton, there is something you simply cannot recreate in a new development: mature trees, established streets, larger lots, privacy, ravines, river valley access and a location that has already proven itself.
Why Do People Love Old Riverbend?
For me, one of the biggest advantages is the location.
Riverbend is tucked into Southwest Edmonton with convenient access to Whitemud Drive, Terwillegar Drive and other major routes, making it easy to get around the city. The area is also close to the University of Alberta, University of Alberta Hospital, downtown Edmonton and major shopping and employment areas.
The ongoing improvements to the Terwillegar Drive and Whitemud Drive corridors are also expected to improve transportation connections in Southwest Edmonton. For people who commute, that connectivity matters.
And for people who are tired of spending so much time in traffic, an established location can become a very attractive alternative to moving farther south.
Mature Homes, Larger Lots & Privacy
This is one of the things I hear most often from buyers looking at Old Riverbend. They aren't necessarily looking for the newest house. They are looking for the right lot, the right street and the right location.
Many of the established Riverbend neighbourhoods have mature landscaping, larger residential lots and considerably more privacy than you typically find in newer subdivisions.
Brookside is a great example. The neighbourhood has a beautiful mature setting along the river valley and Whitemud Creek ravine, with established streets and a strong sense of privacy. And that is exactly why some buyers are willing to take an older home, renovate it and make it their own.
The River Valley & Ravines Are a Huge Part of the Lifestyle
If you enjoy walking, cycling, running or simply being surrounded by nature, this is one of the biggest advantages of living in Riverbend. The neighbourhoods are closely connected to Edmonton's river valley and ravine system, with trails and natural spaces right nearby. You can have a beautiful, established residential neighbourhood while still being minutes from some of Edmonton's best natural spaces. That combination is hard to beat.
Schools & Community
Schools are another reason Riverbend remains attractive to families. The broader area offers access to public and Catholic schools, along with parks, playgrounds, recreational facilities and community amenities.
The Riverbend communities also have a strong sense of community, which is something many families appreciate when choosing where they want to live long-term.
Why Are Renovated Homes Attracting So Much Attention?
This is where the real estate story becomes particularly interesting. Some of the homes in Old Riverbend were built decades ago. But that doesn't mean buyers don't want them. Quite the opposite. A well-located home on a large, private lot can be an excellent opportunity for someone who sees the potential.
I've seen homes in this part of Edmonton that were purchased in the $700,000+ range and later transformed and sold for well over $1 million, with some reaching the $1.1 million to $1.2 million range. The value isn't simply in the house. It is in the land, location, neighbourhood, privacy and lifestyle. That is one reason renovated and beautifully updated homes in the best pockets of Old Riverbend can attract significant attention.
Old Riverbend vs. Newer Southwest Edmonton Communities
I work extensively throughout Southwest Edmonton, including Windermere, Terwillegar, Magrath, Keswick and Riverbend, and I see the difference firsthand. Newer communities offer beautiful new homes, modern floor plans and excellent amenities. But some buyers eventually realize that what they really want is:
A bigger lot.
Mature trees.
More privacy.
Established streets.
River valley access.
A convenient commute.
A neighbourhood with history and character.
And that's when Old Riverbend starts to make a lot of sense.
A Neighbourhood That Continues to Attract Buyers
There is no single neighbourhood that is right for everyone, and the specific street, lot, condition of the home and price all matter. But if you are looking for established Southwest Edmonton real estate, large lots, mature landscaping, river valley and ravine access, good schools, convenient transportation routes and a strong community environment, Old Riverbend deserves a serious look.
The market activity I've experienced this year reinforces what I have been seeing for some time: buyers still want this location. And when the right home comes to market, they can move quickly.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Old Riverbend?
If you are considering buying a home in Riverbend, Brookside, Brander Gardens, Ramsay Heights, Ogilvie Ridge or another established Southwest Edmonton neighbourhood, I'd be happy to help you understand the differences between the communities, streets and properties.
If you've owned your Riverbend home for many years and are wondering what it could be worth today, I can also prepare a detailed market evaluation and help you understand what buyers are currently looking for.
About Nooran Ostadeian
I have been a REALTOR® in Edmonton since 2007, with a particular focus on Southwest Edmonton communities including Riverbend, Windermere, Terwillegar, Magrath, Keswick and the University area.
I am with RE/MAX Elite Windermere and have been recognized with the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award, Chairman's Club Award and RE/MAX Hall of Fame, and was ranked a Top 3 Individual RE/MAX Agent in Edmonton in 2024.
My approach is simple: know the neighbourhood, understand the numbers, negotiate carefully and put my clients' interests first.
Contact Nooran Ostadeian
TOP REALTOR® | RE/MAX Elite
Call at 780-953-0723
Website: realtyedmonton.ca