Fort McMurray neighbourhoods
Buying in Thickwood
The established neighbourhood on the hill — mature trees, larger lots, and direct access to the Birchwood Trails.
Mostly 1970s–1990s single-family homes and bungalows on larger, treed lots, with pockets of townhouse and apartment condo.
- Move-up buyers
- Established families
- Trail access
Thickwood was Fort McMurray’s first big residential expansion up onto the hill, and it still feels different from anything built since: bigger lots, established trees, wider streets and a layout that predates modern cul-de-sac subdivision design.
The Birchwood Trails run straight through it, which for a lot of residents is the whole argument. You can be on a forested trail two minutes after leaving your front door, and stay on it for an hour without repeating.
Because the housing stock is older, there is real variation in condition — some homes have been renovated end to end, others are close to original. That spread is an opportunity if you are willing to renovate, and it is exactly the situation a purchase-plus-improvements mortgage is designed for.
Financing a home in Thickwood
Older homes mean the age of the roof, furnace, shingles and electrical actually shows up in the appraisal. A purchase-plus-improvements mortgage lets you finance the renovation into the mortgage at mortgage rates rather than putting it on credit — worth structuring before you make the offer, not after.
Ask me about ThickwoodQuestions about Thickwood
What kind of homes are in Thickwood?
Mostly 1970s–1990s single-family homes and bungalows on larger, treed lots, with pockets of townhouse and apartment condo.
Who does Thickwood suit?
Thickwood tends to suit move-up buyers, established families, trail access. The established neighbourhood on the hill — mature trees, larger lots, and direct access to the Birchwood Trails.
Is there anything unusual about getting a mortgage in Thickwood?
Older homes mean the age of the roof, furnace, shingles and electrical actually shows up in the appraisal. A purchase-plus-improvements mortgage lets you finance the renovation into the mortgage at mortgage rates rather than putting it on credit — worth structuring before you make the offer, not after.