Where to Live in Ottawa – A Guide to the City’s Most Desirable Neighborhoods
Did you know that Ottawa ranks seventh on the list of coldest capital cities in the world? Probably not. Named after the Ottawa river, the charming Canadian capital does not get as much attention as the bigger and brasher Toronto, its neighbour in Ontario. Ottawa, the largest bi-lingual city in Canada isn’t just the political hub – it also has a rich history with many national historic sites and museums. Several public and private universities, colleges, and professional schools dot the city and a well-rounded transportation system supports its residents. If you are one of the lucky ones thinking of moving to this quaint and bustling city, let us tell you where to live in Ottawa.
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Ottawa Vs. Toronto
Compared to Toronto, Ottawa is a cleaner, safer and more affordable place. The average home sale price in Ottawa’s housing market was $631,722 in January 2024, as against the average $1,026,703 you would shell out for Toronto houses for sale.
Living in Ottawa is an excellent idea for several reasons, including high-paying job opportunities, a balanced lifestyle, top-notch healthcare, and a strong community vibe. Ottawa has ample green spaces and is surrounded by farmland, rolling hills, and untouched wilderness – perfect for outdoor adventures.
Ottawa is an ideal setting for families to put down roots, with its tranquil ambiance, lower population density, and cosmopolitan flair. So, whether you’re basking in the serene landscapes or enjoying its vibrant festivals, Ottawa is a city that truly has it all.
The Best Neighbourhoods in Ottawa
If you are wondering where to live in Ottawa and which is the best neighbourhood in Ottawa, we have a few names here, which could be the perfect blend of urban energy and small-town magic.
Whether browsing houses for sale in Ottawa or simply curious about where to live, peek into Ottawa neighbourhoods like the fashionable The Glebe, where trendsetting is a way of life, or Westboro. This urban gem seems straight out of a sophisticated dream. From the serene avenues of Kanata to the pulsating streets of the ByWard Market, we ensure your quest to find the best neighbourhood in Ottawa is successful.
The Glebe – Ottawa’s Trendsetting Village
The Glebe is a neighbourhood with a rich history yet a contemporary beat. This is a neighbourhood that truly has it all – a rich history, a strong sense of community, and a dynamic lifestyle that caters to various tastes and interests.
Whether you like sports events at TD Place, strolling along the Rideau Canal, or exploring the latest in fashion and home décor, The Glebe stands out as one of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa. Modern families and young professionals blend seamlessly with the area’s rich heritage in this trendsetter.
Historic Roots with a Modern Twist:
Known as the glebe lands of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, deeded by the Crown in 1837, The Glebe’s historic charm is undeniable. Today, over 13,000 residents enjoy a lifestyle that respects the past while firmly stepping into the future. The area is south of Downtown Ottawa, bordered by the scenic Rideau Canal. When considering where to live in Ottawa, The Glebe is a name that should be on your list.
A Community with Heart:
The Glebe has an active community association, which focuses on local issues like traffic and development, bringing people together at its community center. It’s a family-friendly neighbourhood, reflected in its youth-oriented social services and the many children and families living here. Like the semi-detached houses for sale in Mississauga, this community welcomes those who love apartments on quiet residential streets.
Cultural and Social Hub:
Bank Street in The Glebe boasts an array of small stores, quaint wine bars, and restaurants that champion the farm-to-table concept. Art lovers and culture enthusiasts will rejoice in the local galleries, independent theatre, and cultural spaces that showcase the community’s creative spirit. The Great Glebe Garage Sale is an annual event transforming the neighbourhood into a treasure hunter’s paradise while supporting charity.
Westboro – Ottawa’s Urbanite’s Dream
Westboro is another Ottawa neighbourhood that effortlessly combines historic charm with urban sophistication.
If you are a first-time homebuyer pondering where to live in Ottawa, Westboro’s blend of history, culture, and modern amenities, coupled with its robust educational system—where public schools perform 10% above the national average—makes it an urbanite’s dream. With the warm community vibes, the easy getaways via the Queensway and Champlain Bridge, or the promise of future LRT access, Westboro stands out as an Ottawa neighbourhood that truly has it all.
Here’s why Westboro might top your list of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa:
A Rich History and Diverse Community:
Westboro started as a farming community in the early 1800s – today, this bustling urban village is home to about 25,000 residents. The diverse neighbourhood has a mix of townhomes, single-family homes, and stylish condos. Highly sought-after areas like Westboro-North offer quick sales and high prices, while Westboro-South presents more affordable opportunities.
The Heart of Urban Living:
In Westboro Village, historic buildings stand shoulder-to-shoulder with designer boutiques and hip coffee shops. The urban village atmosphere is best enjoyed on a stroll through the many shops and restaurants that cater to every taste and preference. Events like the Fuse Street Festival and WestFest showcase local and Canadian talent.
Natural Beauty and Accessibility:
Beyond its urban flair, Westboro is blessed with natural beauty with parks like Fletcher Wildlife Garden and Westboro Beach, while the Ottawa River’s rapids attract adventurer-junkies. The neighbourhood is easily accessible, from the road network to the anticipated Ottawa LRT, providing rapid transit to the city’s heart, the airport, and beyond.
Kanata – Suburban Perfection in Ottawa
Moving on to the third spot on our list of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa, let’s take a scenic drive to the suburban community of Kanata. With its expansive area of 139 km² and a thriving population of 98,938, Kanata perfectly blends residential charm and modern convenience. If you are browsing for properties on the best real estate websites in Canada, Kanata is an ideal spot for those looking to find their next home in Ottawa’s diverse landscape.
When considering where to live in Ottawa, Kanata stands out as a high-quality-of-life suburb. Its well-designed neighbourhoods, an abundance of green spaces, and the convenience of local shopping and dining options make it a top contender among the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly community, Kanata offers suburban perfection just a stone’s throw from the heart of the city.
A Community Designed for Living:
Kanata is a well-planned suburb known for its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent amenities. You’ll find various Ottawa real estate options within this extensive area, ranging from cozy townhomes to spacious detached houses – all catering to diverse preferences and budgets.
A Hub of Activity and Employment:
In addition to being a residential paradise, Kanata is a high-tech hub, and the Kanata North Technology Park houses numerous tech companies and startups. This blend of residential and commercial development ensures you can enjoy a career in cutting-edge industries without facing a daily commute.
ByWard Market – The Heartbeat of Ottawa
The last name on our list of the top 4 best neighbourhoods in Ottawa is the vibrant ByWard Market. Established in 1826, this historic market spans roughly four city blocks, making it one of the oldest and largest in Canada.
Byward Market showcases the essence of Ottawa’s community spirit and entrepreneurial flair with its unique blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
Art enthusiasts will find plenty to explore with institutions like the National Gallery of Canada and the Ottawa Art Gallery nearby. The streets are adorned with murals, art installations, and street performers, bringing creativity and positive energy to the area.
Major’s Hill Park and the Rideau Canal offer year-round outdoor activities, and the ByWard Market is a mix of urban living and natural beauty. Its accessibility by car, bus, LRT, biking, and walking, along with available parking, makes it an ideal destination for locals and tourists.
When considering where to live in Ottawa or looking for Ottawa homes for sale, the ByWard Market’s dynamic atmosphere and rich cultural heritage make it a standout choice among the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa.
Come, Fall in Love with Ottawa!
Throughout this exploration of Ottawa’s vibrant neighbourhoods, a common theme of diversity is richly evident, reflecting the country’s multicultural ethos. A world away from Brampton homes for sale, houses in Ottawa are a rich mix of small-town charm and big-city amenities, all wrapped up in history.
Each of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa has a unique character that contributes to the appeal of Canada’s capital city. The Glebe offers a blend of history and modern lifestyle, Westboro presents an urbanite’s paradise with its mix of culture and convenience, Kanata delivers suburban perfection with its planned communities and high-tech employment hub, and ByWard Market pulses with the heartbeat of Ottawa’s cultural and social scene.
If you are still considering where to live in Ottawa, contact us to know what the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa have to offer. With their vibrant community life, Ottawa neighbourhoods are ideal places to live, highlighting the city’s sophistication, green spaces, and historical roots with modern amenities.
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