In the northwest corner of Edmonton, adjacent to Big Lake, Starling will capture nature-lovers’ hearts with its walking trails and picturesque views. The neighbourhood is located west of Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park, a forested wetland paradise, away from the noise and light pollution often encountered in other neighbourhoods.
If total isolation isn’t the goal, do not worry, as the surrounding communities often come together for events. Big Lake operates the single-largest community league by geographic area, which qualifies it as a “superleague,” representing six established and developing neighbourhoods: Hawks Ridge, Kinokamau Plains (the only one of the group inside the Henday), Kinglet Gardens, Pintail Landing, Starling and Trumpeter.
Whether you are part of a family looking for your forever home or a retired couple looking to downsize to a peaceful oasis, Starling has single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes. It offers a perfect balance between wetland oasis and urban convenience. For example, West Edmonton Mall is just 15 minutes away by car.
The Big Lake area has grown in popularity because of its 60 acres of protected environmental reserves and proximity to the Anthony Henday, the Yellowhead and St. Albert. While there is no school built yet, Starling is a short drive away from Edmonton schools, such as David Thomas King School, a K-9 school in nearby Secord. Students of the Big Lake area will be redesignated to the Bishop David Motiuk K-9 Catholic school starting next school year and a new public K-6 school is anticipated in Hawks Ridge in the near future. Developers have ensured enough space for more retail and professional amenities to grow with the community. Aside from the major grocery stores in northeast Edmonton and St. Albert, which are a 10-minute or less drive away, you can also enjoy the slower pace of the St. Albert Farmers’ Market for a change. — Julietta Harvey
Living in the west part of Starling for nearly nine years, Bronte Phillips and her family have watched the Big Lake community grow from a few houses under construction to a thriving community. When she first moved to Starling, her family was one of the youngest. Soon after, she watched her children making friends with new neighbourhood kids as they moved in.
“Within a 10-house radius, I know all of my neighbours,” says Phillips. And, like good neighbours, they borrow from each other, offer to babysit and upcycle children’s toys and clothes. “It stays in your community, and your neighbour can pick up your kids’ books.”
She says the friendly energy isn’t limited to her street. “We see people chatting with their neighbours, being friendly. The kids will play road hockey and block off the whole street, or have water fights. It’s awesome.”
Big Lake neighbourhoods are named after birds that frequent the area, an intentional nod to the natural beauty of the wetlands and wildlife surrounding the homes.
Where you live shapes how you live. From a serene, secluded space to a bustling hub, the choice you make will define your lifestyle. Your home is part of your personal narrative and each neighbourhood holds its own story. Each city is a collection of small worlds, and Edmonton is home to neighbourhoods that possess their own identities.
We have compiled a guide of some neighbourhoods that we thought were worth highlighting. Not just for their structure but for their philosophy. Some might be familiar to you — as they hold more than 50 years of history — and some are just starting to make a name for themselves.
Have we found the perfect neighbourhood for you?
This article appears in the April 2026 issue of Edify
