Why Live in Allard? A Southwest Edmonton Neighbourhood Guide
People choose Allard for three reasons: schools inside the neighbourhood, a short drive to the Edmonton International Airport, plus easy access to the rest of the city. Add a community lake, a trail network and a growing list of shops minutes away and it is not hard to see why families keep moving here.
Here is what you need to know before you buy in Allard.
Where is Allard?
Allard sits in southwest Edmonton, inside the larger Heritage Valley area. It is bounded by James Mowatt Trail to the west, Blackmud Creek to the east and 41 Avenue SW to the south, which is also Edmonton's southern city limit.
The neighbourhood started developing in 2007, so most homes are newer builds. You will find single family homes, duplexes, townhomes and a handful of condo buildings, which makes it one of the more accessible southwest communities for first-time buyers.
What schools serve Allard?
This is the question I get asked most, so let's start there.
Edmonton Public Schools
- Dr. Lila Fahlman School — Kindergarten to Grade 9, located directly in Allard
- Dr. Anne Anderson High School — Grades 10 to 12, just across James Mowatt Trail
Having a K-9 school inside the neighbourhood is a real advantage. Kids walk. Parents skip the drive. The playground was expanded to keep up with the growing population.
Edmonton Catholic Schools
- St. Thomas Aquinas School — Kindergarten to Grade 9
- Mother Margaret Mary School — Grades 10 to 12
A quick note: school designations change as new schools open in fast-growing areas. Always confirm current boundaries with the school division before you write an offer not just confirm but double check.
How close is Allard to the airport?
Close. Allard sits right beside 41 Avenue SW, which connects to Highway 2 (the Queen Elizabeth II Highway) heading south. From there the Edmonton International Airport is roughly 15 to 20 minutes in normal traffic.
If you travel for work, this matters more than almost anything else on a map. It is a common reason buyers pick Heritage Valley over a north side neighbourhood at a similar price.
Getting around: transportation in Allard
By car. Anthony Henday Drive is minutes north, which puts west Edmonton, the industrial areas and Sherwood Park within reach without touching city traffic. Highway 2 handles trips south to Leduc, Beaumont, Calgary or the airport.
By transit. The Heritage Valley Transit Centre and Park & Ride sits at Ellerslie Road and 127 Street with free parking and a bus shuttle to the Century Park LRT station. Several local routes run through Allard itself.
LRT is coming. The Capital Line South extension is under construction right now. Phase 1 runs from Century Park to a new Heritage Valley North station beside the existing Park & Ride. Phase 2 is planned to continue south into the Allard and Desrochers area, though that phase has not been built yet.
For buyers, this is worth understanding clearly. Phase 1 is real and underway. Phase 2 is planned. I would not pay a premium today for a station that does not have a confirmed completion date, but the long-term direction of transit in this area is a genuine positive.
What people love about living in Allard
The lake and the trails. There is a stormwater lake in the middle of the neighbourhood with paths around it, plus smaller parks scattered throughout. The trail network connects to the Blackmud Creek ravine on the east side.
The outdoor rink. Allard Rink on Allard Boulevard gets used all winter.
Shopping close by. Heritage Valley Town Centre is a few minutes away with groceries, pharmacy, restaurants and services. South Edmonton Common is a straight run north on the Henday when you need the bigger stores.
A community that shows up. The Allard Community League was founded in 2023 and runs events like BBQs and movie nights. For a newer neighbourhood, that is a good sign.
What to know before you buy in Allard
I would rather you hear this from me than find it after possession.
There is a homeowners association. The Allard Homeowners Association charges an annual fee to property owners, separate from any condo fees. Budget for it. Ask for the current amount during your conditions period.
Construction is ongoing. Both the neighbourhood itself and the LRT project mean noise, dust and detours in some areas. Drive the route you would actually take at rush hour before you commit.
New build versus resale. Newer homes come with warranty coverage but often no landscaping, fencing or window coverings. Resale homes in Allard are usually finished, which can save you real money in year one.
Is Allard right for you?
Allard fits well if you want a newer home, need schools within walking distance and value quick highway access. It is a strong option for first-time buyers who want the southwest without the southwest price tag.
It fits less well if you want mature trees, a short downtown commute or a fully built-out neighbourhood with no construction around you.
Thinking about buying or selling in Allard?
I have spent 18 years helping Edmonton area buyers and sellers, with a focus on first-time buyers. If you want honest numbers on what homes in Allard are actually selling for, or a plain-language walk through what the buying process looks like, reach out.
Brenda Patton, REALTOR® Homes & Gardens Real Estate Limited 780-297-8437
Helping first-time buyers and sellers move with confidence.
