Best Places to Live in Ottawa 2025: Top Neighborhoods To Live

You’re considering a move to Ottawa and wondering which neighbourhood will really feel like home. Canada’s capital offers something for everyone, from bustling downtown living steps from Parliament Hill to quiet suburban streets perfect for raising families and working remotely.

Ottawa combines the energy of a major city with the charm of a smaller community. You’ll find excellent schools, green spaces along the Ottawa River, and neighborhoods where French and English cultures blend seamlessly. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or a newcomer to Canada, finding the right neighbourhood makes all the difference.

The city’s real estate market offers diverse housing options, from historic homes in the Glebe to modern developments in Kanata. With light rail connecting suburbs to downtown and nature trails throughout the city, Ottawa residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life year-round.

20 Best Places to Live in Ottawa as of 2025 | Updated List

These neighborhoods appeal to academics, young families, and those seeking an established community feel. For those considering temporary accommodation while house hunting, short term rentals ottawa provide flexibility to explore different neighborhoods before committing to purchase.

Top 7 Best Neighbourhoods in Ottawa 2025

1. Downtown Ottawa and Centretown

Living in downtown Ottawa puts you at the heart of Canada’s capital. You’re walking distance from Parliament Hill, major employers, and cultural attractions. The area offers excellent public transit connections and a vibrant urban lifestyle.

Downtown residents enjoy easy access to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment along Bank Street and the Rideau Centre. However, housing costs are higher, and parking can be challenging. 

This neighbourhood works best for young professionals and those who prefer city living over suburban quiet. When planning your move, consider working with Corporate Stays for temporary housing that lets you explore different neighborhoods before making permanent decisions.

2. The Glebe – Tree-Lined Streets and Character

The Glebe combines urban convenience with neighborhood charm. Tree-lined streets feature character homes, local shops, and excellent schools. Families love the community feel and walkability to Lansdowne Park and the Rideau Canal.

This established neighbourhood attracts professionals and families who want urban amenities without downtown density. Housing prices reflect the area’s desirability, but residents gain access to some of Ottawa’s best schools and community programs.

3. Westboro and Hintonburg – Trendy Areas for Young Professionals

Westboro and neighboring Hintonburg offer trendy urban living with character. These areas feature renovated heritage homes, local restaurants, and easy access to the Ottawa River pathway system.

According to the City of Ottawa’s 2024 Neighborhood Study, Westboro ranks highest for walkability and cycling infrastructure, with 78% of residents using active transportation for daily commutes.

Young professionals choose these neighborhoods for:

• A walkable lifestyle with local shops and cafes
• Cycling access along the Ottawa River
• Character housing in converted heritage buildings
• Social scene with restaurants and nightlife

Housing costs are rising as these areas become more popular, but they offer urban living without downtown density.

4. Barrhaven – Family-Friendly Suburban Living

Barrhaven offers modern suburban living with excellent schools and family amenities. New developments provide contemporary homes with larger lots, while shopping centers and recreational facilities serve growing families.

The neighbourhood appeals to families seeking:

• New construction with modern layouts and energy efficiency
• Good schools include both English and French immersion options
• Family recreation with community centers and sports facilities
• Value compared to more established areas closer to downtown

Transit connections to downtown make Barrhaven practical for commuters who want suburban family life.

5. Kanata – Tech Hub with Modern Amenities

Kanata serves as Ottawa’s technology corridor, home to major tech companies and modern residential developments. The neighbourhood combines suburban family living with proximity to high-tech employment.

Residents tend to benefit from:

• Employment opportunities in the tech sector
• Modern infrastructure, including schools and community facilities
• Shopping and dining at Tanger Outlets and local centers
• Recreational access to golf courses and nature trails

Kanata attracts tech workers and families who want newer housing with suburban amenities.

6. Orléans and Riverside South

Orleans provides affordable family living with strong francophone community ties. Located east of downtown, it offers newer developments and excellent schools while maintaining reasonable housing costs.

Riverside South attracts growing families with modern developments along the Rideau River. Both neighborhoods provide:

• Affordable housing compared to central Ottawa
• Family amenities, including schools and recreation centers
• Natural access to river trails and green spaces
• Community feel in newer suburban developments

These areas work well for families prioritizing space and value over proximity to downtown.

7. Sandy Hill and Old Ottawa South

Sandy Hill, home to the University of Ottawa, combines student housing with family neighborhoods. The area offers character homes and easy access to downtown via cycling or transit.

Old Ottawa South provides established neighborhood charm with tree-lined streets and community spirit. Both areas feature:

• Character housing with heritage homes and mature trees
• University access for students and faculty
• Transit connections to downtown and other areas
• Community programs and local business districts

8 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Where to Live in Ottawa

• Affordability and Cost of Living

Ottawa’s cost of living remains reasonable compared to Toronto or Vancouver, but varies significantly by neighbourhood. Downtown areas and established communities like the Glebe command higher prices, while suburbs like Barrhaven and Orleans offer more affordable housing options.

Key affordability factors include:

1. Housing costs – detached houses in suburbs vs condos downtown
2. Property taxes – vary by area and home value
3. Transportation expenses – proximity to transit vs car dependency
4. Utilities and services – heating costs for older homes vs new construction

Many newcomers to Ottawa find that suburban areas provide better value for families, while young professionals often prefer paying more to live closer to downtown amenities.

• Safety, Transportation, and Amenities

Ottawa consistently ranks among Canada’s safest cities, though some neighborhoods offer better security and peace of mind than others. Most areas provide excellent access to schools, healthcare, and recreational facilities.

Transportation considerations include:

1. Public transit access – light rail and bus connections to downtown
2. Cycling infrastructure – bike paths along the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River
3. Highway access – easy routes to Gatineau and other Ottawa area communities
4. Walking scores – walkable neighborhoods with local shops and services

According to Statistics Canada’s 2021 Census, Ottawa has one of the highest quality of life ratings among Canadian cities, with 89% of residents reporting satisfaction with their neighborhood amenities and safety.

Living in Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Advantages of Ottawa Living

Ottawa offers an exceptional quality of life with distinct advantages:

1. A bilingual environment enhances career opportunities and cultural richness
2. Four seasons with beautiful fall colors and winter activities like skating on the Rideau Canal
3. Cultural attractions, including museums, festivals, and Canada Day celebrations
4. Education quality at the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and excellent schools
5. Healthcare, including the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and other facilities

Challenges to Consider

Living in Ottawa also presents some challenges:

1. Winter weather with cold temperatures and significant snowfall
2. Limited nightlife compared to larger cities like Toronto or Montreal
3. Transit limitations in suburban areas without light rail access

Most residents find Ottawa’s advantages outweigh these challenges, especially for families and those seeking work-life balance.

Comparison with Other Canadian Cities

Ottawa compares favorably to other major Canadian cities:

• Housing affordability: More affordable than Toronto or Vancouver, similar to Calgary
• Employment: Stable government jobs plus a growing tech sector 
• Quality of life: Consistently ranked in the top 10 globally for livability 
• Education: Excellent universities and schools in both official languages 
• Recreation: Unique access to both urban amenities and natural spaces

For newcomers to Canada, Ottawa provides an excellent introduction to Canadian culture while offering career opportunities and community support. Many residents appreciate the city’s manageable size – large enough for urban amenities but small enough to feel like home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Ottawa neighborhood is best for families? 
2. Where should young professionals live in Ottawa?.
3. Is Ottawa expensive compared to other Canadian cities?.
4. What’s the best neighborhood for newcomers to Canada? 
5. How important is proximity to transit in Ottawa?