March 30th, 2025 | Community

Best Neighbourhoods in Ottawa: A Guide

Best Neighbourhoods in Ottawa: A Guide

Has the beautiful City of Ottawa captured your attention lately? As a safe and vibrant family-friendly environment, it’s no wonder that many home buyers are starting to consider Canada’s Capital as a place to put down roots.

Whatever you are looking for in a neighbourhood, you will find it here. Trendy and exciting, quiet and picturesque, luxurious and convenient, you name it, Ottawa offers it! Perhaps what you’re looking for is a combination of all of the above. In this post, we’ll dive into a few of our favourite neighbourhoods in our favourite city.

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A Taste for History

If being surrounded by history fills you with joy, then Ottawa life might just be for you. Established neighbourhoods like New Edinburgh, Civic Hospital and Centretown are filled with stories of the past.

Stroll by the parliament buildings, and you can almost see and hear our founding fathers lay the foundation of what is now our beloved nation. The streets of Civic Hospital are lined with heritage homes that reflect historical charm and unique architectural elements that look like they’ve appeared straight out of a history textbook. The wartime houses that welcomed our returning veterans are still standing in Carlington. Though many have been upgraded and remodelled, they ring true to the past they represent.

New Edinburgh (despite the name) is actually one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. As you drive or walk through any of these mature communities, you’ll feel an unmistakable connection to the past – while enjoying every modern convenience and looking forward to whatever the future holds.


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A Foodie and Shopping Enthusiasts Dream

Does your idea of the perfect neighbourhood involve a host of fantastic restaurants and great shopping on every corner? You can’t go wrong searching for a house in either The Glebe, Old Ottawa South, or Little Italy, where you’ll find some of Ottawa’s best entertainment districts.

Lansdowne Park lies at the centre of The Glebe, with 40 acres of independent shops and boutiques, courtyards, green space, and more. There’s even an epic skating rink for ice skating in the winter amid a backdrop of seasonal lights and roller skating once the snow begins to melt. If you want to escape the elements, you can take in the latest blockbuster at the 10-theatre Cineplex Cinemas Lansdowne and VIP.

Little Italy, or if you really want to be authentic, Corso Italia, is practically synonymous with incredible food. It may seem outrageous to choose a neighbourhood primarily to please your taste buds. But it makes perfect sense once you start sampling a few of the local offerings.

Unsurprisingly, you’ll find a wide variety of Italian eateries in Little Italy, each more scrumptious than the last. That’s not all! Ottawa’s primary dining district also boasts sensational cuisines such as Mediterranean, Greek, and Canadian restaurants, along with an array of gourmet food shops where you can try your hand at your own original recipes.

Are you ready to start the search for your Ottawa home? You just might find your ideal home in our featured listings right here.

Trendy and Happening

Do you crave the excitement of Toronto without its outrageous cost of living? Turn your attention to Ottawa. More specifically, consider neighbourhoods like Westboro, Hintonburg, and Wellington Village. Each of these has a thriving arts and entertainment scene of its own!

Spend your days shopping at high-end boutiques in Westboro while enjoying the sight of green space and picturesque parks all around. Trendy cafes provide the perfect pit stop for refreshments. An abundance of reputable schools also makes this area a top choice for families.

Browse the galleries and displays at Wellington Village. With a mix of older and newer homes, it’s like being part of the past and the future. You’ll also love the convenience of having everything you need close by in one of Ottawa’s most walkable neighbourhoods.

Take in some live music at a pub in Hintonburg. This hip and artistic community is home to numerous local artists and performers. The neighbourhood offers the perfect blend of urban living with a close-knit, community vibe. Known for its eclectic charm, Hintonburg has become one of the city’s most desirable areas to live, work, and play. Restaurants and shops are close by, often within easy walking or cycling distance, making it a great place to get out and meet your neighbours. It’s hard to get trendier than this!


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Suburban Yet Convenient

Are you dreaming of a peaceful environment with quiet streets and wide open spaces? Look no further than one of Ottawa’s suburban communities, like Kanata, Barrhaven, and Greely.

Kanata lies 22 km from downtown Ottawa, and is quickly becoming an economic powerhouse of its own. Still, it has a lower population density than Ottawa proper, which automatically lends itself to a more tranquil setting. Kanata is also home to a thriving tech park providing ample opportunities in multiple high-paying fields. As its population grows, so does the number of places to shop, dine, and enjoy a night out.

Barrhaven consists primarily of newer residential developments, and it’s quickly growing in popularity among families and young professionals. All the while, its scenic location along the Ottawa Greenbelt provides access to incredible parks and trails. If you love nature, but don’t want to sacrifice convenience, Barrhaven just might be the ultimate compromise.

If you really want to get away from it all, the Village of Greely offers unmatched tranquility in what used to be known as the Township of Osgoode. Golf, hiking, cycling, and visiting local farmer’s markets are among the top activities residents enjoy. For a rural community, Greely still offers its share of conveniences, while the excitement of downtown Ottawa is just a 30-minute drive away.

Do you want personalized guidance to find your perfect home in just the right neighbourhood? Our Ottawa real estate agents are happy to give you the grand tour! Reach out to us anytime at 613.829.7484 or email mail@chellteam.com to begin a conversation.