The promise of finding a better life in the small-town environs of Leduc has always been a big part of the appeal of Edmonton’s sister city to the south, even as its rapid pace of growth has given rise to even more new opportunities for homebuyers to find the life they want here.

Growth is looming large on the horizon and the city is ready for it. City council had recently approved the Urban Centre Redevelopment Plan (UCRP), the first area redevelopment plan for theCity of Leduc.

The plan encourages mixed-use development, walkability, and a cohesive neighbourhood design while maintaining flexibility for future growth in the City of Leduc’s Urban Centre.

It aims to make the Urban Centre an area that is accessible, safe, and inclusive with diverse housing, business opportunities, high-quality urban design, and transportation connection options.

“We’re excited to move forward with this plan, which represents years of collaboration, community input, and thoughtful planning for the Urban Centre area,” says Bob Young, Mayor of City of Leduc. “The Urban Centre Redevelopment Plan will help unlock the area’s potential while honouring its character and history—a thriving downtown is a reflection of the culture and wellbeing of a city.”

Young, in fact, has seen this growth first-hand, living here since his family moved to Leduc in 1962. “It was very different then, but even back then Leduc already held the appeal as a place where families can find a fulfilling life,” he tells Edmonton New Home + Condo Guide. “It’s a community you want to stay in from cradle to grave, and we’re on the path for further growth.”

Booming growth

According to Alberta provincial government records, Leduc had a population of 38,543 in 2024, the 13th highest in the province. It added that the population of Leduc increased 3.75 per cent year-over-year and increased 15.7 per cent in the last five years.

“There are many reasons we grow every year,” Young says. “With a bustling arts and culture scene, ample natural spaces, and community groups run by dedicated volunteers, Leduc is as friendly as it is active,” he says.

The city is steadily growing and remains at the heart of the province’s economic engine, with the thriving Nisku and Telford industrial parks as key parts to this drive. But for residents, Leduc represents the opportunity of living a life of peace and prosperity.

Small town style, big city living

Located about 33 km south from Edmonton, Leduc has become a top choice for homebuyers looking for affordability and a safe, secure community where they can plant the roots of family. But it has more to offer than just that.

Leduc truly has a small town feel with the big city amenities. Parks, walking trails, water features and anything outdoor related is very important in Leduc, says Emily Stamper, Marketing Coordinator at Qualico Communities, that is developing the fast-growing community of Meadowview.

“Residents enjoy the family-friendly, small town feeling of Meadowview and Leduc compared to the hustle and bustle of a larger city,” she adds. “There are nearby schools, greenspaces, walking paths around the pond, and the famous dinosaur playground. Meadowview’s location off Highway 2A also provides quick access to shopping and services in Leduc, to the airport and its surrounding amenities like Costco.”

Raj Atwal, Development Manager at Jayman Living, agrees. “Leduc has the small-town charm and feel that people are craving – where you actually know your neighbours by name!

Only 10 minutes south of Edmonton, residents experience small town living but with the same big-city amenities as Edmonton.” Jayman Living develops the dynamic community of Southfork in Leduc.

Affordability key

All types of homes can be found in Leduc’s new residential communities, including townhomes, duplexes, laned homes, front-drive homes, and even estate homes. And the city’s growth continues to be fuelled by the relatively inexpensive housing prices compared to those in Edmonton.

“Home prices in Southfork can be over $50,000 less in Leduc compared to the same model in Edmonton,” Atwal says, citing numbers from Leduccountybusiness.com. “It also has the lowest taxes in the region!”

Qualico’s Meadowview and Jayman Living’s Southfork are two of the most popular new communities in Leduc and have attracted many of its newest residents.

Meadowview

Meadowview is flourishing, Stamper says. “Last year we reintroduced Front Garage Duplexes and Townhomes back into the community, which were previously sold out. This provided a wider budget range and more choices for our home buyers in Leduc. The Townhomes have already sold out but expect to see more in future stages!”

Development of Meadowview is moving steadily along, and Qualico is currently constructing a new phase on the west side of the community. “We anticipate these lots to be ready for home construction in late 2025. The phase consists of Single-Family Front Attached Garage and Front Attached Garage Duplexes.” Single Family Rear Lane homes are also available.

“It will depend on the lot, home style and finishes selected, but home prices (in Leduc) are often less expensive than in Edmonton. Visit the Showhomes and talk to the builders, they will be able to find the best home for your budget and lifestyle,” Stamper says.

The builder group in Meadowview includes Art Custom Homes, Cranston Master Builder, and Victory Homes. “Additionally, Pacesetter Homes will be joining the community in this latest stage. Three new Showhomes opened last fall from Art, Cranston, and Victory – you can find them on Meadowview Way just off Pioneer Road,” she says. Find out more at liveinmeadowview.com.

Southfork

Established in 2004, covering 376 acres, Southfork has been one of the top selling communities in Leduc for over a decade, Atwal says.

Southfork, he adds, is designed for families. “There is abundant green space with over two kilometres of pathways, three parks and three playgrounds. We also have a covered picnic area, including barbecue and seating area, plus a landscaped pond with water feature.”

Southfork is currently selling in phases 11, 12, 14 & 15. “The community is well established and built out, with many people already choosing to right-size, downsize or move up from their current Southfork homes into a newer phase, and also lots of development still to go!”

Builders are Jayman BUILT and Homes by Avi. Currently available are laned and front-attached garage homes from both Jayman & Avi, and a villa bungalow phase exclusively built by Jayman. “The focus is to provide on lifecycle housing throughout the community.”

Currently available homes are right near the Father Leduc Catholic School, which is very desirable for young families to walk their kids to school. “We currently have eight showhomes to tour: two front-attached garage, four laned and two villa bungalows,” he says. Go to southforkleduc.com for more.

Enjoy Leduc

Mayor Young says the entertainment and foodie scene in Leduc is growing as fast as the city. Family activities in the U-pick farms in Leduc County is quite popular, as is strolling around the various farmers markets to see all the local produce and vendors. “The local restaurants are awesome with a variety of different cuisines.”

“Fox Burger is a great local Edmonton business that also has a location in Leduc,” Stamper says. “The garlic fries are a must if you visit! You can eat in the restaurant, or you can take your food to go and walk over to Leduc Brewing Company right across the parking lot for some great local craft beers. They also host lots of fun events like trivia, name that tune, karaoke, and live music.”

For a relaxing day outdoors, Atwal recommends walking the trails along Telford Lake. “It’s great for bird watching. Perfect for family walks any time of the year.”

He says locals also love the Leduc locals love the 309,000-square-foot Leduc Recreation Centre, where young and old can burn off some energy at the three NHL-sized ice rinks, aquatic centre or field house.