Pros And Cons Of Living In Devon, Alberta 2023

Are you planning a move to Alberta but would prefer to live in a peaceful rural location to a big city? If so, you may be interested in living in Devon, Alberta, an attractive riverside town with easy access to Edmonton City.

Although not as well known as the popular Calgary commuter towns of Okotoks and Cochrane or the incredibly picturesque mountain towns of Banff, Canmore and Jasper, Devon, Alberta, offers many advantages for those wishing to move to Alberta, Canada.

Devon is located in a beautiful river valley with an extensive trail network and a popular day-use area. It has a small-town feel to it, but with easy access to the amenities of a large city.

This article will give you all the key information you need about living in Devon, Alberta. In addition, we will provide you with an unbiased view of the pros and cons of living in Devon to help you decide whether it is the place for you.

Living In Devon – The Facts

Here are some key facts about this small town for anyone interested in living in Devon.

Where Is Devon?

Devon is an attractive community nestled along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, around a 40-minute drive southwest of downtown Edmonton.

It has an excellent strategic location, with great road connections, and is just a 15-minute drive from Edmonton International Airport.

What Is The Population Of Devon in 2023?

The population of Devon in 2023 is 6,689, according to the latest Alberta provincial data.

The town’s numbers have been relatively stable in recent years. The latest federal census data (released in 2022) showed a population of 6,545 living in Devon, representing a marginal decline in the population living in Devon of 0.5% between 2016 and 2021.

The average age of the population of Devon is 40, around 2 years younger than the national average. The majority of those living in Devon are white and English-speaking. Just 5% are classed as visible minorities, and the largest minority group is Filipino.

What Is The Devon Weather Like?

Most of Canada experiences cold, harsh winters with pleasant, moderately hot summers, and Alberta is no different. However, the good news is that with 2,300 hours of sunshine in the south annually and 1900 hours in the north, it is Canada’s sunniest province.

Grande Cache has an average January low of -17 deg C, and an average July high of 23 deg C. Annual precipitation is relatively low at around 450mm, and it has the high sunshine hours typical of much of Alberta.

What Is The Cost of Living Like In Devon?

Most Albertans have a high disposable income compared to other provinces of Canada. Income tax and sales tax are lower than in many provinces. Sales tax is just 5%, compared to 12% in BC, 13% in Ontario and 15% in Nova Scotia.

Overall the cost of living in Devon is lower than provincial and national averages. This is mainly due to the low cost of housing in the town.

What Is The Devon Economy Based On?

Devon owes its existence to the discovery of the Leduc No1 oil well in 1947. The oil industry continues to play a significant role in the town’s economy, but the town has diversified into tourism and manufacturing and is home to a major technological research facility.

The town’s development is boosted by its proximity to the provincial capital and Edmonton International Airport. It is home to several new residential developments, as well as many new retail businesses and restaurants.

Is Devon A Safe Place To Live?

Canada is one of the safest countries in the world to live in. Crime rates are low, and the country always features near the top of the annual Global Peace Index rankings.

Within Canada, Quebec, Ontario and the Maritime provinces have the lowest crime rates, while rates are highest in the territories.

Crime rates in Alberta are generally higher than national averages. However, the good news is that Devon has very low crime rates, significantly below the provincial average. It is a very safe place to live.

What Are The Schools In Devon Like?

Canada has a strong and publicly-funded education system, which consistently ranks as one of the best in the world. Education is administered at a provincial level, and the Alberta education system is considered one of the best in Canada.

Devon is home to five schools covering Kindergarten to Grade 12. There are three public schools John Maland High School, Riverview Middle School, and Robina Baker Elementary School. Other school options are the Holy Spirit Catholic School and the Devon Christian School.

The town is also close enough to Edmonton to benefit from numerous excellent post-secondary institutions.

What Is The Healthcare In Devon Like?

Canada has an excellent publicly-funded healthcare system which covers “medically necessary” care. Generally, hospital and doctor visits are covered, while other types of care, such as dental, optical and prescriptions, are funded for certain groups of people.

In Canada, healthcare is administered at a provincial level, so anyone living in Devon would be covered through Alberta Health Services.

You should be aware that there is currently a shortage of family doctors in Alberta, and it can be difficult to find clinics taking on new patients. This is especially true of the smaller towns and cities.

At the time of writing, we could not find any family doctors within Devon that were taking on new patients. For more information about doctors accepting patients in any area, you can use Alberta Health’s online tool.

Devon has its own general hospital, which offers a range of services and 24/7 emergency care. For more specialized care, Edmonton is close at hand.

Pros And Cons Of Living In Devon Alberta

The pros and cons of living in Devon will vary from person to person, but whatever you are looking for, these are key factors for you to consider.

If you are interested in checking out other small towns in Alberta, you may be interested in our article on the 16 Best Small Towns In Alberta To Live In 2023.

FAQ – Living In Devon Alberta