November 18th, 2022 | Community
The Best Ottawa Neighbourhoods for Commuters
When the pandemic hit Ottawa in early 2020, one of the most interesting phenomena was the abrupt end to rush hour traffic. The bridges were empty, the 417 was clear, and finding a parking spot downtown was never easier.
The city’s stay-at-home order and the subsequent booming popularity of the WFH movement made Ottawa traffic jams a thing of the past.
However, today, traffic in Ottawa is coming back. With many professionals going back to their offices full-time or for hybrid WFH/office schedules, traffic in the city is almost at a pre-pandemic level.
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Ottawa in the near future, location and proximity to transit are probably two things you’re thinking about.
In this post, we’re sharing our top choices for Ottawa neighbourhoods for commuters.
For more information about moving to Ottawa, check out our complete Ottawa relocation guide here.
The Civic Hospital: Great for Healthcare Workers and Beyond
It’s no secret that we have a special place in our hearts for the Civic Hospital area. In addition to being our home, we love how central the neighbourhood is without sacrificing a safe and quiet ambience that’s hard to find so close to downtown.
The Civic Hospital is an excellent neighbourhood for healthcare workers who may take part in shiftwork at the neighbourhood’s namesake hospital. But more than that, the Civic Hospital area is close to major roadways like Carling, Island Park, and more. It’s easy to get around by car or foot when you live in the Civic Hospital.
And with the new light rail transit system connecting Bayview Station with Dow’s Lake and beyond, it will be even more convenient for Civic Hospital residents to get around the city.
Cycle commuting is also popular among residents of the Civic Hospital. With numerous bike lanes and multi-use paths, it’s possible to get around the neighbourhood without riding on the road. Proximity to the Ottawa River Parkway and the Experimental Farm makes it easy for residents to cycle east and west without hitting traffic if they choose.
Learn more about the Civic Hospital neighbourhood in on our blog and neighbourhood guides here:
- Community Guide: Civic Hospital Area
- 5 Reasons to Buy a Home in the Civic Hospital
- Ottawa’s Civic Hospital: Make it Your Home Too!
McKellar Park for West-End Transit Users
McKellar Park is another great neighbourhood for those looking to remain close to trendy amenities but wish to maintain easy access to a variety of transit. Located sandwiched between the Sir John A. MacDonald Parkway and the 417, McKellar Park residents can easily drive out of the neighbourhood and hit one of several main roadways.
However, one of the great appeals of the neighbourhood is its proximity to the OC Transpo transit way, making it easy to hop on a bus whenever you need to. Ottawa’s new light rail will also incorporate stops close to Lincoln Fields, New Orchard, and Sherbourne, giving McKellar Park residents, even more, access to Ottawa’s west, south, and east end
You can learn more about McKellar Park/Highland Park in our community guide here.
Work in Tech? Kanata is a Great Place to Call Home
With one of the largest tech parks in Canada, Kanata North is a great neighbourhood for professionals in various tech industries. With wide streets and ample OC Transpo service, Kanata North is a great neighbourhood for commuters.
Those living and working in the area also enjoy numerous local amenities, with the large Sobey’s grocery store nearby in addition to the Kanata Centrum and Tanger Outlets mall, you can find almost everything you need close to home.
South March Highlands and various local parks and trails are also prominent features of the neighbourhood, helping local Kanata residents enjoy nature and recreational activities right in their backyards.
Interested in Kanata? Read more about this exciting Ottawa suburb on our blog and community guide here:
- Discover Kanata: A Thriving Ottawa Suburb with Urban Amenities and Stunning Greenspace
- Community Guide: Kanata/Stittsville
Crystal Beach Has Limitless Options
If you’ve ever driven to work, noticed a traffic jam and then wanted to reroute your commute, you’ll know how important it is to live in a neighbourhood with transit options. For drivers, it doesn’t get much better than Crystal Beach.
With easy access to the 416 and 417 in addition to other major roads like Carling, Corkstown, Moodie, and Robertson, you will rarely get caught up in a traffic jam you can’t get out of. Phase three of the city’s light rail plans also include a station on Moodie Drive, which could be a gamechanger for commuters heading to work downtown or in the east end.
With proximity to the Queensway Carleton Hospital and the Carling DND campus, Crystal Beach is a great neighbourhood for a variety of professionals in the city.
Learn more about Crystal Beach in our community guide here.
Country Living at its Best in Greely
Moving out of the city might seem counterintuitive for commuters, but Greely is a great exception thanks to its relatively centred position between Ottawa’s east and west ends. Greely homes for sale are typically larger properties with spacious lots–perfect if you dream of country living.
However, access to major roadways like Albion, Mitch Owens, and Rideau Road provides a straightforward way to get around the Ottawa area. Phase two and four of the OC Transpo light rail plan will also include stops at Leitrim, Bowesville, and Limebank as well as Uplands and the Ottawa Airport, giving even more options to those living south of the city.
Also, did you know that it’s possible to drive from Downtown Ottawa all the way to Morrisburg without making a turn onto a different road? Bank Street is over 70km long, it’s the longest street in all of Ottawa!
Read more about Greely in our community guide right here.
There are almost too many great Ottawa neighbourhoods to name. Why not check out some of our other favourite communities for commuters in Ottawa here:
Thinking about buying a home in Ottawa in the near future? Reach out to our team today at 613.829.7484 or email us at mail@chellteam.com.
