10 best neighbourhoods in Ottawa

Methodology

When deciding what made our top 10 list of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa, we relied on a variety of data, including the cost of housing and rentals, community engagement, school quality and the availability of amenities such as parks, restaurants and shopping options. We also looked at safety, how easy it was to access public transportation and the kinds of housing available. When gathering this information, we did a lot of research on community and city websites and local real estate sites. To calculate the cost of an average home and rental rates, we used sources like Zumper and Zolo, as well as numerous local real estate platforms.

1. The Glebe

Key features: Historic neighbourhood with heritage homes, lively Bank Street is loaded with amenities such as restaurants and shops, close community

Average median price for single-family home: $1.1 million

Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,000

The Glebe is among the city’s most expensive and prestigious places to live. Heritage homes with mature lots, tree-lined streets and several active community organizations are just some of the reasons this trendy, eclectic area in the city’s south end is so beloved. Anchored by Bank Street, the area offers lots of shopping, independent cafes and some of Ottawa's best restaurants. Residents also enjoy easy access to Lansdowne Park, which hosts sports events, concerts and a farmers’ market. Running along the eastern edge is The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with plenty of walking and biking paths and skating in the winter. Reputable schools, good public transportation and a friendly vibe are just icing on the cake of this exceptional neighbourhood.

2. Centretown

Key features: Urban living, mix of housing, nightlife, great walkability

Average median price for single-family home: $777,279

Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,000

Just south of the downtown core, Centretown is a diverse ‘hood with everything you’d expect from an urban centre. It features a variety of housing types, including beautifully restored pre-war homes, modern condos and low and high-rise apartments. There are lots of amenities (such as bars, nightclubs and restaurants) to be found along its two main commercial arteries, Bank and Elgin Streets. The neighbourhood houses the Canadian Museum of Nature and several small parks. Excellent transit links, bike infrastructure and proximity to the 417 make it easily accessible from anywhere in the city.

3. Alta Vista

Key features: Family friendly, active community association, good schools and green space

Average median price for single-family home: $750,000

Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,877

Just minutes from downtown, Alta Vista is one of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa for families thanks to its large yards, plentiful greenspace and strong community spirit. It also gets top points for its public transportation access and its proximity to hospitals and schools. Alta Vista Park, a favourite, is dog friendly and features sports fields, a wading pool, a modern playground and more.The neighbourhood also possesses multiple shopping plazas within quick driving distance, as well as some restaurants. The Alta Vista Community Association is active and plans numerous events throughout the year.

4. Hintonburg

Key features: Strong sense of community, artsy, great amenities like restaurants and galleries

Average median price for single-family home: $900,000

Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,000

One of the city’s hippest neighbourhoods, Hintonburg is located in Ottawa’s west end and is a nexus for food, fashion and the arts (including Ottawa’s acclaimed Great Canadian Theatre Company). The main commercial strip along Wellington Street West features trendy cafes, independent shops, art galleries and some of the city’s hottest restaurants. The community is known for its friendly, welcoming ambiance, and the Hintonburg Community Association even hosts an annual ArtsPark event. The area offers a mix of housing, from charming older homes to modern infills, and is popular with young professionals, artists and families.

5. Westboro

Key features: Historic, mature neighbourhood, riverside location, lively main street packed with restaurants and shops

Average median price for single-family home: $1,1 million

Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,085

This historic and charming area dates back to the 19th century and is prized for its riverside location, lively main street and mix of old and new homes. Lovely, mature lots, a reputation as a safe district and highly ranked schools all contribute to Westboro’s allure. Ideal for park lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, its riverside location means residents have easy access to the Ottawa River’s multi-use paths and Westboro Beach.Those who prefer to exercise their wallet will appreciate the multitude of shops that line the area’s main street, Richmond Road. Its rare combination of urban assets and natural beauty make Westboro one of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa.

6. Orléans

Key features: Strong Francophone culture, wealth of green space and recreational centres, lots of amenities

Average median price for single-family home: $700,000

Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,600

Orléans is known for its strong French influence, family-friendly vibe and scenic trails along the Ottawa River. On the outskirts of the city’s east end along the Ottawa River, the neighbourhood offers excellent schools (in both English and French), as well as a wealth of restaurants, shopping (in the form of big box stores and local establishments) and recreational facilities. Those with active kids will appreciate the abundance of parks like Petrie Island Beach, Millenium Park and dog-friendly Apollo Crater Park. Public transportation is made easy with numerous OC Transpo bus lines and the city is working on extending the O-Train.

7. Rockcliffe Park

Key features: Prestigious, some of the city’s costliest real estate, home to Canada’s powerful and political elites, upscale amenities

Average median price for single-family home: $2 million

Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: Not available (rentals are almost non-existent in this upscale community)

If price is no object and expansive estates, tree-lined boulevards and sharing a postal code with Ottawa’s elite are among your must-haves when house hunting, then this exclusive (and very expensive) neighbourhood is just the ticket. One of the most attractive features of the area is the tranquil, park-like atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustle of downtown though it’s not far from the city’s core. Peaceful parkland, Rockcliffe Park has mature trees, walking trails and the picturesque Rockcliffe Pavilion overlooking the Ottawa River. Ottawa River Pathway, which runs through Rockcliffe Park, is a popular public trail for walking, cycling and gorgeous river views.

8. Sandy Hill

Key features: Large student population, close to University of Ottawa, walkable to downtown and major attractions

Average median price for single-family home: $900,000

Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,700

The student-heavy populace (thanks to its proximity to the University of Ottawa) of Sandy Hill may not be for everyone, but the historic neighbourhood is popular with young professionals who appreciate nightlife, local coffee roasters, vintage shops and a plethora of restaurants that fit all budgets. Parliament Hill, the ByWard and downtown are also within walking distance. Despite its youthful energy, Sandy Hill boasts a strong economic and social mix, including middle-class and affluent families, especially near the embassies along the Rideau River. Verdant Strathcona Park, set along the Rideau River, is a local gem with play structures, bike paths and BBQ areas.

9.Barrhaven

Key features: Family friendly suburb, diverse housing, state-of-the-art recreation centre

Average median price for single-family home: $700,000

Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,800

Southwest of the downtown core, this fast-growing, affordable suburban area has a variety of housing, from townhomes to large single-family houses. One of the best neighborhoods in Ottawa for families, it’s known for its excellent schools and abundance of parks and recreational facilities. Residents enjoy easy access to shopping centers, restaurants and the Minto Recreation Centre, which offers NHL-sized rinks, a six-lane 25-metre lap pool and a gymnasium.

10. Kanata

Key features: High-tech hub, excellent schools, abundant parks and recreation

Average median price for single-family home: $750,000

Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,600

In 2001, Kanata (along with several other cities and townships) was amalgamated into a new, larger City of Ottawa. Considered Ottawa’s high-tech capital, the neighbourhood is home to the Kanata North Business Park, the country’s largest technology park, making it especially appealing for professionals and young families seeking both career opportunities and a suburban lifestyle. It includes top rated schools and is packed with parks, trails and green spaces, such as the South March Highlands Conservation Forest for hiking and mountain biking, and Walter Baker Park for sports, splash pads and community events.