Short answer: If you want the river valley at your door and quieter streets, look at Rossdale. If you want the most walkable, café-heavy streets, look at Wîhkwêntôwin, the neighbourhood most people still call Oliver. If you want to be steps from work, the arena and the LRT, the downtown core is the shortest commute. Downtown rents usually run above the Edmonton average, but a few buildings start well below it.
Quick comparison
- Rossdale: quiet streets on the river valley edge, low-rise homes and older rental towers. Best for outdoor people who want calm close to downtown. Walk or bike to work. GSK has Rossdale House here.
- Wîhkwêntôwin (Oliver): dense and walkable, mostly 1960s to 1990s walk-ups and towers with some new builds. Best for walkers and Jasper Ave and 124 Street regulars. Walk, bus or LRT.
- Downtown core: office towers, the ICE District and the busiest streets, in new high-rise and converted buildings. Best for the shortest commute, events and nightlife. LRT and walking.
Rossdale: river valley living, minutes from downtown
Rossdale sits on the flats below downtown, along the North Saskatchewan River. You get trail access to the river valley, the biggest urban park system in North America, while staying a short walk or bike ride from the office towers.
It's quieter than the core and better for people who run, bike or walk dogs. The trade-off is fewer shops and restaurants on your block than in Wîhkwêntôwin.
Photo: [Kurt Bauschardt](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rossdale_Streets_(34751627422).jpg), CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rossdale House
Rossdale House at 9825 103 St NW is a GSK building on the edge of downtown. It has one- and two-bedroom suites, and heat, water and internet are included in the rent. Check the listing for current availability and rents.
Amenities in the building:
- Fitness area, sauna and yoga room
- Games and media room
- Covered parking
- Secure storage lockers
- Dog wash area
- Pet-friendly suites
Watch the Rossdale House tour or see available suites.
Wîhkwêntôwin (formerly Oliver): the most walkable option
Wîhkwêntôwin is the neighbourhood west of downtown along Jasper Avenue toward 124 Street. The City renamed it from Oliver in 2021, and you'll still see both names on listings and maps. It's one of the densest neighbourhoods in Edmonton, with grocery stores, cafés, restaurants and parks all within walking distance.
Photo: [The Relaxing Channel](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Royal_Glenora_Club_and_Oliver_Skyline_Edmonton_2023.png), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Expect lots of older walk-ups and towers. They're often cheaper per square foot but may lack in-suite laundry, modern insulation or underground parking. Check those three things at every viewing.
The downtown core: shortest commute
The core is where the office towers, Rogers Place and the ICE District are. It's ideal if you work downtown and want to skip the car. LRT stations put the university and the south side within easy reach.
Photo: [TagaSanPedroAko](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jasper_Avenue_and_101_Street_at_dusk,_11-16-2023.jpg), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
It's also the busiest and most expensive part of downtown, and street noise is a real factor on lower floors.
What to check before you rent downtown
- Parking. Downtown street parking is limited and paid. Ask whether underground or covered parking is included or extra.
- Noise. Visit in the evening. Event nights near the arena are loud.
- Winter access. Is there a heated parkade or covered entry? It matters in January. See our Edmonton winter renting guide.
- Utilities. Older buildings often include heat; newer ones may bill electricity separately. Compare with our true monthly cost tool.
- Amenities you'll actually use. A building gym can replace a $50 to $80 monthly membership.
FAQ: Renting in downtown Edmonton
Is downtown Edmonton a good place to rent?
Yes, if you value a short commute, walkability and river valley access. It costs more than suburban Edmonton on average, but buildings with amenities can offset a gym membership and transit costs.
Does GSK Properties have an apartment building near downtown Edmonton?
Yes. Rossdale House at 9825 103 St NW sits on the edge of downtown, with one- and two-bedroom suites, heat, water and internet included, and a fitness area, sauna and covered parking on site.
Is Rossdale part of downtown Edmonton?
Rossdale is the river valley neighbourhood directly south of the downtown core. Most of it is within a 10 to 20 minute walk of the office towers.
Is Wîhkwêntôwin the same as Oliver?
Yes. The City of Edmonton renamed Oliver to Wîhkwêntôwin in 2021. It's the same neighbourhood west of downtown, and many listings still use the old name.
Rossdale or Wîhkwêntôwin: which is better for renters?
Rossdale suits people who want quieter streets and trails. Wîhkwêntôwin suits people who want shops and restaurants on every block.
Want to see Rossdale House in person? Book a viewing or call (780) 406-5218.
Header photo: Walterdale Bridge by [Chris Woodrich](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Walterdale_Bridge,_Edmonton,_Alberta,_2026-09-27_02.jpg), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
