As lifelong residents of Ottawa, we might be a little biased when it comes to our hometown. If you’re thinking about moving to Ottawa, you’re making a great choice! As an incredibly diverse, safe, and welcoming city, Ottawa is the perfect place to start your career, raise a family, or even retire into your golden years. 

The first thing you probably think of when we talk about Ottawa might be the Parliament Buildings or the Rideau Canal. They are iconic landmarks, after all. However, there’s actually a lot more to this amazing city than meets the eye. 

Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know about relocating to Ottawa.

Ottawa Then and Now

As the capital city of Canada, Ottawa is the centre of the federal government. Just take a look around the city and you can see amazing heritage buildings and historic sites and monuments. The city was founded in the early 1800s as a hub for the sawed lumber industry. They would float logs down the Ottawa River to the St. Lawrence River and then to Quebec City, which had an exporting facility to send lumber across the Atlantic Ocean. 

Some of these salvaged logs have been used for art prints by the local wood crafting company, Na Coille Studios. You can buy your very own Ottawa Valley lumber print right here.

The lumber trade in Ottawa died out around the early 1900s. Since then, Ottawa has gained a reputation for being a traditional government town. With abundant public servant jobs in the city, Ottawa’s economy is stable and prosperous. Comparatively, the average salary in Ottawa is typically higher than in other Canadian cities. Ottawa is often ranked favourably as a great place to live and work. 

In the 1990s and early 2000s, the city did gain a reputation for being “sleepy” or “boring.” However, in recent years we’ve seen the city grow exponentially, becoming a fantastic tourist destination with world-class shopping, dining, recreation, and more. 

Discover how our personal and professional connections, industry knowledge, and community passion can help you find your perfect Ottawa home. See how we help buyers here.

Ottawa Neighbourhoods to Know 

One of our favourite parts about living in Ottawa is the atmosphere. Although Ottawa is a large city with over 1 million people, it still feels like a small community. That has to do, in part, with the incredibly diverse communities. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of our favourite neighbourhoods in Ottawa:

Kanata/Stittsville 

The most western neighbourhood in Ottawa, Kanata and Stittsville is a popular suburban community. Transformed in recent years from acres of farmland into one of Canada’s most exciting tech hubs, Kanata and Stittsville are home to many families with ties to the tech industry. 

Kanata and Stittsville have numerous recreational parks, complexes, and a large public library just off March Road. While Kanata has many large box stores and the impressive Tanger Outlets, Stittsville feels more like a village with cute coffee shops like Equator Coffee and access to the Trans Canada Trail, a popular walking path for many residents. 

You can see the latest homes for sale in Kanata and Stittsville and learn more about these great communities right here.

West Ottawa

With ample green space (The Greenbelt and Bruce Pit to name a few spots) and access to quality schools, and transit, West Ottawa is a great choice for families looking to stay a little closer to the city proper. 

West Ottawa is also home to numerous shopping centres like the newly renovated Bayshore Shopping Centre and the Pinecrest Shopping Mall, which includes a massive Ikea, Indigo, and the newly opened Home Societé for home goods at any budget. 

Are you ready to call Ottawa West home? Learn more about the neighbourhood and see the latest Ottawa West homes for sale here.

Crystal Beach/Lakeview Park 

Tucked just off the main roads, Crystal Beach and Lakeview Park is a tight-knit community on the shores of the Ottawa River, with easy access to transit, and beautiful homes, this is a great community for families and commuters looking to find peace and serenity within the city limits. 

Just east of Crystal Beach, you will come across the picturesque Andrew Hayden Park and Brittania Beach, two popular spots for enjoying the outdoors in Ottawa’s West End. While you’re there, make sure you stop by The Beachconers Creamery and try one of their creative ice cream flavours like London Fog or Lavendar.

See the latest homes for sale in Crystal Beach and Lakeview Park right here.

McKellar Park/Highland Park 

Just east of Crystal Beach, before you enter Westboro Village is the neighbourhood of McKellar Park and Highland Park. These communities are known for their beautiful mature, tree-lined streets, mid-century modern bungalows, and excellent proximity to trendy shopping and dining in Westboro. 

Great for families, McKellar Park is home to quality schools, recreational facilities, shopping, and more. The community is anchored by Dovercourt Recreation Centre, which offers excellent programs for children of all ages including art classes, after school programs, health and wellness classes, and more!

Looking for a night out in McKellar Park? The Keg Manor is one of the most interesting restaurants in the neighbourhood, enjoy a steak and cocktail from the beautiful stone heritage building situated on lush, landscaped grounds.

Learn more about McKellar Park and Highlight Park or see the latest homes for sale in the neighbourhood here.

Westboro Village 

In recent years, Westboro Village has emerged as one of the top neighbourhoods in Ottawa for everything from living an active, healthy lifestyle to having access to the city’s best dining and shopping.

Westboro is an extremely walkable neighbourhood, filled to the brim with local businesses such as Bridgehead Coffee, Wall Space Gallery, Magpie Jewellery, Bushtukah for all your outdoor needs, and your new go-to brunch spot, The Savoy.

This neighbourhood backs onto the fantastic Ottawa River Pathway in the summer and the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail for cross-country skiing and winter cycling in the winter months. Westboro Beach is also a popular spot to enjoy a sunny summer afternoon!

Learn more about this highly sought-after neighbourhood and see the most recent Westboro Village homes for sale here.

Wellington Village

Wellington Village, or Wellington West as it’s sometimes called, is the burgeoning trendy sister to Westboro’s classic mainstay. Featuring a mix of both newly-built homes, older craftsman style homes, and modern condo buildings, Wellington Village is a great place if you’re looking for a fun, vibrant community close to all the action. 

There’s always something new popping up in Wellington Village from the uber-trendy Parlour for a fantastic dining experience to the vegan and gluten-free bakery, Little Jo Berry’s. You will discover something new every time you talk a walk down Wellington Street. The Wellington West BIA is also a great resource in the community, promoting local events and shops. You can even sign up for their Weekly Wednesday newsletter to get weekly updates from the community. 

See the latest Wellington Villages houses for sale here.

Hintonburg

If Wellington Village is Westboro’s sister, then Hintonburg must be its funky younger brother. Hintonburg has gained a reputation over the past several years as a buzzing community filled with arts and culture. 

Like the other nearby communities, Hintonburg is home to countless amazing local businesses, schools, parks, and more. Check out Oresta Organic Skincare with its gorgeous apothecary style shelves and high-quality self-care goods, grab a Nutella latte at The Ministry of Coffee or treat yourself to a slice of pizza from the wood-fired oven at Tennessy Willems. Anchoring this part of the city is the iconic Parkdale Market where locals get everything from fresh produce in the summer to freshly-cut Christmas trees in November. 

Check out the latest properties for sale in trendy Hintonburg, right here.

Civic Hospital 

As one of the more desirable residential neighbourhoods in Ottawa, the Civic Hospital community is a must-see for those looking for unique properties that have a rich history. Homes in this neighbourhood are beautiful and architectural, with mature trees and plenty of green space. 

The Civic Hospital area is the home of the famous ‘Younghusband’ home, named after prominent Ottawa architect David Younghusband who helped craft the look and feel of this neighbourhood in the 1940s. 

With the Civic Hospital campus nearby and many beautiful parks including Princess Margriet Park, Reid Park, and the  Experimental Farm to the south, this neighbourhood is perfect for professionals and families looking for a stately home that remains close to Ottawa’s best amenities. 

Learn more about the Civic Hospital neighbourhood and see the latest homes for sale here.

Little Italy 

Centred around Preston Street, Little Italy is one of the busiest and most exciting parts of town! Head through the striking “Little Italy” archway and be transported to La Corso Italia. Little Italy is home to a variety of pubs, bars, restaurants, and more. 

But it’s much, much more than that. Homes in Little Italy are often located on side streets, and include many new high-rise condo buildings. Running parallel to Preston Street is another bike path that provides easy access to Ottawa’s City Centre (home to local favourites like Beyond the Pale Brewing Company, Wheelhouse Cycle Studio, and Orange Art Gallery) and the Ottawa River Pathway.

Whether you’re craving a laugh at Absolute Comedy or want to experience authentic Italian cuisine at one of the many local trattorias, there’s always something to do and eat in Little Italy. 

Learn more about Little Italy and view the most recent listings in the area here.

The Glebe

One of Ottawa’s oldest neighbourhoods remains the most aspirational for families and professionals. The Glebe is a fantastic community that borders the Rideau Canal and Centretown and has incredible amenities to offer. 

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in an idyllic neighbourhood surrounded by historic properties, fantastic local businesses, and some of the best schools in the city, The Glebe is where your heart will take you. 

Whether you are walking up Bank Street to the farmer’s market at Lansdowne Park or taking your weekly bagel run at the popular Kettleman’s Bagels, The Glebe offers it all.  

Ready to call The Glebe home? Learn more about homes for sale in The Glebe here.

Old Ottawa South 

Further south on Bank Street, before you cross the Rideau River towards Billing Bridge, you’ll find Old Ottawa South. This community features much of the same charm as The Glebe, with beautiful historic homes, leafy green streets, and a family-friendly atmosphere. However, Old Ottawa South could be considered more residential. It’s quieter and far less bustling than a little further north. 

Old Ottawa South is also quite close to Carleton University, making it a popular choice for students and investors. This is a fantastic community with access to numerous great schools, sports fields, recreational facilities at Brewer Park, and incredible access to bike paths and transit. 

Old Ottawa South homes for sale give the best of both worlds. See our latest listings and learn more about the neighbourhood here.

New Edinburgh/Lindenlea

Another one of Ottawa’s oldest and most prestigious neighbourhoods. New Edinburgh and Lindenlea are the last stop before you enter the highly affluent Rockcliffe Park neighbourhood. Despite its status and prestige, New Edinburgh remains a trendy and fun community with vibrancy and diversity. 

The neighbourhood features numerous historic buildings, gorgeous older homes, and renovated townhouses and condos. But don’t let the neighbourhood’s proximity to downtown fool you, there is still a lot of stunning greenspace. The New Edinburgh Park (or Stanley Avenue Park as some call it), is a gorgeous piece of green space complete with the picturesque Rideau Falls. 

By placing a big emphasis on heritage, preservation, and community, this neighbourhood strikes a perfect balance between old and new. Make sure you check out the incredible cafes including Red Door Provisions on Beechwood, and Union Street Cafe on the corner of Crichton and Union. 

Thinking about moving to New Edinburgh? Learn more about the community and see New Edinburgh homes for sale here.

Greely 

For those looking for the ultimate village experience, Greely is an excellent choice because it’s removed from the city centre, but remains well-connected to the best parts of Ottawa. Greely is a highly sought-after village and is currently experiencing expansion, with more new homes going up each year. 

Greely residents enjoy living in the south end of Ottawa, still close to major roadways while getting the space and privacy afforded to those who live in the country. Homes here are larger than city homes with bigger lots and more space. 

Greely is close to the Ottawa International Airport, The Greenbelt, and is surrounded by numerous golf clubs including Falcon Ridge, Emerald Links, and more. Greely is also close to several recently opened schools boasting fantastic resources for students. 

Ready to live the country life in Greely? Take a peek at our current homes for sale in Greely here.

Orleans 

Ottawa’s east end is home to one of the most popular and fastest-growing communities: Orleans. Although comprised of several smaller neighbourhoods, the area remains suburban and residential. Most homes in Orleans were built within the past 20 years with many new developments continuing to appear.

In addition to big-box shopping, Orleans is also home to great schools, community centres, parks, fields, playgrounds, splash pads, and more. Surrounded by rural land, Orleans feels more like a small town within a city. 

You can enjoy easy access to Ottawa proper via Highway 417 and to the north of Orleans, you’ll find Petrie Island, a beautiful beachy area complete with nature trails, children’s programs, lookouts, and more. 

Orleans is a great place to raise a family. Learn more about the community and check out the latest houses for sale in Orleans right here.

Are You Ready to Make the Move to Ottawa?

At its core, Ottawa is a vibrant, safe, and exciting city. With a diverse economy and population, Ottawa shines its brightest when our local gems are highlighted. People in Ottawa are passionate about their communities and are always looking for ways to lift the local scene up higher and higher. 

If you’re looking for a place where you can rest easy knowing your kids are safe and well-cared for, where you can enjoy nature while still remaining close to urban amenities, and where you can meet friendly and like-minded neighbours; Ottawa is the place for you. 

We’re pretty sure that you’ll love it as much as we do. Give us a call at 613.829.7484 to chat more about what to expect when you arrive.