What are the best neighbourhoods to live in Ottawa?

What are the best neighbourhoods to live in Ottawa?

Ottawa's best neighbourhood depends entirely on what you're looking for. Young professionals love Westboro and Hintonburg for their walkability and café culture. Families flock to Barrhaven, Kanata, and Orleans for space and schools. Downtown renters gravitate to Centretown and the ByWard Market area. Here's a breakdown of Ottawa's top neighbourhoods by lifestyle.

Best for Young Professionals

Westboro is consistently ranked Ottawa's most desirable urban neighbourhood. It combines village-scale walkability with excellent transit (LRT + bus), top restaurants, and independent shops. Housing prices are high but it attracts buyers and renters alike.

Hintonburg (just east of Westboro) is the creative hub, home to artists, designers, and the city's best independent dining scene. Wellington Street West is one of the most vibrant commercial strips in Ottawa.

Centretown / Downtown offers the shortest commute, the most walkable streets, and the most transit options. Condos and rentals are plentiful. Best for those who work in government or the tech sector and don't want a car.

Best for Families

Barrhaven in Ottawa's south end is the go-to family suburb, newer housing stock, good schools, quiet streets, and expanding retail. The commute is the trade-off.

Kanata in the west is the tech corridor, close to companies like Shopify and Nokia. Strong school ratings and family amenities make it popular with professionals raising kids.

Orleans in the east is Ottawa's francophone suburb, with growing commercial areas and access to nature along the Ottawa River.

Alta Vista / Elmvale are established, tree-lined middle-ring neighbourhoods with larger lots and good hospital proximity.

Best for Character and Community

The Glebe is one of Ottawa's most storied and coveted neighbourhoods, walkable, architecturally beautiful, close to Lansdowne Park. High demand keeps prices elevated.

Old Ottawa South borders the Glebe and feels like a quieter, more residential version of it, tree-lined streets, community-feel, and proximity to Carleton University.

Sandy Hill near the University of Ottawa is diverse and lively, with a mix of students, families, and long-time residents.

For more detail on each area, visit the neighbourhoods guide or explore moving to Ottawa for a broader overview of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most expensive neighbourhood in Ottawa? Rockcliffe Park is traditionally Ottawa's most exclusive address, followed by Westboro, the Glebe, and Manor Park. These areas command premium prices due to character homes, large lots, and proximity to amenities.

What is the safest neighbourhood in Ottawa? Most Ottawa neighbourhoods are quite safe. Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, and Westboro consistently rank among the safest based on crime statistics.

Which Ottawa neighbourhood is best for transit? Centretown, Lees/Vanier, and the Rideau/Sandy Hill area have the best transit access, with multiple LRT stations and dense bus networks.

Is it better to rent or buy in Ottawa? This depends on your timeline and finances. See the Ottawa real estate market guide for current market conditions and analysis.