Living Near MacEwan University: Best Neighbourhoods for Students
MacEwan sits downtown. Here are the closest neighbourhoods, what rent looks like, and where to buy if you are staying long-term.
✅ Key Takeaways:
- MacEwan: 12,000+ students, 60 programs, downtown at 10700 104 Ave NW
- On-campus residence: $847-$963/month (cheaper than off-campus rent)
- Cheapest nearby condos: Central McDougall ($144K), Queen Mary Park ($185K)
- MacEwan LRT station 9 min walk, Corona station 12 min walk
- U-Pass covers all Edmonton + regional transit
12,000 Students. Downtown Campus. LRT at the Door.
Grant MacEwan University sits at 10700 104 Avenue NW in Edmonton's downtown core. Nearly 60 programs across four faculties: Fine Arts and Communications, Health and Community Studies (including nursing), Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Business. Approximately 12,559 students in credit programs, including 1,100+ international students from 80+ countries.
The university was founded as a community college in 1971 and granted university status in 2009. The main campus occupies several blocks of downtown, with the MacEwan LRT Station (Metro Line) a 9-minute walk and Corona Station (Capital Line) 12 minutes away.
On-Campus Residence
MacEwan operates its own residence. Current rates (2025-2026, 8-month term):
| Suite Type | Total (8 months) | Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Bedroom (shared) | $6,776 | ~$847/person |
| Two-Bedroom (shared) | $6,400 | ~$800/person |
| Bachelor (private) | $8,104 | ~$963 |
2026-2027 rates increase slightly: Four-Bed $7,105, Two-Bed $6,710, Bachelor $8,499.
The university notes that a bachelor suite at ~$963/month undercuts comparable off-campus rentals averaging $1,179/month, and includes utilities, internet, and furnishings.
Off-Campus: The Two Cheapest Condo Neighbourhoods
Central McDougall: $144K Median, 28 Active Condos
The lowest condo entry point in Edmonton's core. Along 107 Avenue north of downtown. Walking distance to MacEwan. A 1-bedroom, 1,003 sqft unit recently listed at $136K. If you are buying as a student investment (live in it during school, rent it after), this is where the math works.
Queen Mary Park: $185K Median, 50 Active Condos
Slightly higher quality stock. Near the Brewery District (grocery, restaurants, retail). A 1-bedroom, 750 sqft unit listed at $130K. Walking distance to campus and the 124 Street corridor.
Both neighbourhoods are within the mandatory U-Pass transit zone. The U-Pass covers Edmonton Transit plus Strathcona County, St. Albert, Leduc, Fort Saskatchewan, Spruce Grove, and Beaumont transit.
Transit from Campus
MacEwan LRT Station is on the Metro Line, connecting north to NAIT and south through downtown to Health Sciences/Jubilee. The Capital Line interchange is at Churchill Station (2 stops south), providing access to the full north-south LRT network.
Bus routes serving the area: 007, 008, 110X, 201, 411, 560, 208, 500X.
Monthly transit pass: $102 adult, but MacEwan students pay through the mandatory U-Pass, which is significantly cheaper (approximately $170/semester, covers all Edmonton and regional transit).
Nearby Amenities
- Brewery District (Unity Square): Grocery, restaurants, shops. Walking distance.
- 124 Street corridor: Weekly farmers' market, cafes, restaurants, galleries. 15-minute walk west.
- Rogers Place / ICE District: Entertainment, Oilers games. 10-minute walk east.
- On campus: Library, fitness centre, health clinic, academic advisors.
For Faculty and Staff
If you are buying long-term (not renting as a student), the closest established residential neighbourhoods are:
- Westmount ($740K median residential): 10-minute drive or bike, near 124 Street
- Glenora ($813K median): Premium inner-city, river valley access
- Strathcona ($200K condo, $870K residential): South of the river, Whyte Ave walkability
🎯 The Bottom Line: Central McDougall ($144K condo) and Queen Mary Park ($185K) are the cheapest options walking distance to campus. The U-Pass covers all regional transit. On-campus residence at $847-$963/month is actually cheaper than renting off-campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MacEwan cheaper to live near than the U of A? Yes. Central McDougall ($144K median condo) and Queen Mary Park ($185K) are cheaper than Garneau ($275K) and Strathcona ($200K) near the U of A.
Does MacEwan have parking? Yes, but it is limited and expensive downtown. Most students use transit (U-Pass included in tuition fees).
Can I rent out a condo near MacEwan after graduating? Yes. Rental demand is consistent due to the university. A $150K condo renting at $1,100/month is a strong yield.
Residence rates from macewan.ca. MLS data live from Repliers. Transit info from City of Edmonton.