Why I Live in Oakmont: A Realtor's Honest Take
Full disclosure: I bought in Oakmont in 2008. My kids grew up here. I walk the Red Willow Trail three times a week. I know the crossing guards by name. This isn't objectivity — it's lived experience.
Why I Chose Oakmont (And Still Would)
2008: We were expecting our third. Renting in Erin Ridge. Wanted: walk to schools, mature trees, trail access, resale liquidity, no HOA.
Oakmont delivered:
- Leo Nickerson (K-6) & Sir George Simpson (7-9) inside the neighbourhood. Our kids walked. No bus drama, no drive-through drop-off line.
- Red Willow Trail at the end of the street. Dog walks, bike rides, cross-country skiing, mental health breaks — all from the driveway.
- Mature canopy. 2000s builds = trees now 20-30 ft. Summer shade, winter windbreak, autumn colour.
- Alley-loaded (our street). Clean front streets, garage in back, kids play front yard without driveway traffic.
- Central but quiet. 5 min to Save-On, 8 min to Henday, but zero through-traffic on our crescent.
What I'd change: The vinyl siding on our 2008 build. Faded, dented, 20-year life. Replacing it is on the 5-year plan ($30K). Newer builds (2012+) used Hardie board — 50+ years, paintable. Check the cladding.
The Oakmont Reality (Not the Brochure)
| The Good | The Real |
|---|---|
| Walk to 3 public schools | School boundaries split streets — verify exact address |
| Direct Red Willow access | Informal trail entries — not all maintained in winter |
| Mature trees everywhere | Roots in sewer lines (camera it), shade on solar, leaves in gutters |
| Alley-loaded = clean streets | Alley snow clearing = yours. No city plow comes back here. |
| Strong resale, low DOM | Condition variance huge — reno vs original = $100K+ gap |
| No HOA fees | Encumbrances on some streets (fence, RV, roof colour) |
What I Tell Friends Looking in Oakmont
"Buy the lot, not the house." The 50-ft pie lot on Oakmont Drive backing the ravine? That's the asset. The 2005 2-storey on it? Renovate or rebuild. The lot doesn't depreciate.
"Verify the school boundary on the district map." Not the listing. Not the agent. The district map. One street over = different school. I've seen deals die at inspection because the buyer assumed.
"Camera the sewer. Always." $300 saves $15K. Mature trees = mature roots. I've paid for my own line replacement. Don't skip it.
"Alley or front garage — pick your trade-off." Alley: clean front, kids safe, but snow/garbage access back. Front: easier logistics, but driveway cuts the yard, cars in view. We chose alley. No regrets.
"Budget for the vinyl → Hardie swap if pre-2012." It's not urgent, but it's coming. Factor $25K-$40K into your 5-year plan.
The Neighbours Make the Neighbourhood
- The retirees who've been here since 2002 — they watch the street, know every kid, shovel the elderly neighbour's walk.
- The young families buying their "forever home" at 35 — they renovate, landscape, host the block party.
- The investors with half-duplexes — they maintain them well because long-term tenants stay.
Turnover is low. People stay. That's the real signal.
Would I Buy Here Again Today?
Yes. At current prices ($685K avg detached), Oakmont is still the best "walkable family + mature trees + no HOA + resale liquidity" package in St. Albert.
But I'd look for:
- 2012+ build (Hardie board, better insulation, modern layout)
- Front-garage on a pie lot (best of both worlds)
- Developed basement (rec room, 4th bed, bath = done)
- Ravine-back if budget allows (privacy premium holds)
The Bottom Line
I don't sell Oakmont because I live here. I live here because it's the best value for what matters — schools, trails, trees, community, resale.
If that's your list, we should talk. I'll show you the three best fits this week. One will feel like home.
Book an Oakmont tour — I'll drive.
Just Call John: 780-937-7534
John Carle, REALTOR® — Oakmont resident since 2008. 25 years, 1,000+ homes sold in St. Albert.
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