Areas and suburbs in Ottawa

The best places to live in Ottawa

Ottawa is a patchwork of different neighbourhoods, each with unique styles and characteristics. Whether you’re a young professional climbing the corporate ladder or arriving with your family, Ottawa has something for you. The city consistently ranks among the most liveable in the world, offering a high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, and a unique bilingual environment where you can express yourself in both English and French.

Deciding where to live in Ottawa is critical for your smooth transition into a new life here. Luckily for new arrivals, Ottawa is a welcoming and hospitable city. Particularly in the suburban neighbourhoods, you’ll find that locals are quick to help you integrate into the community.

Various programmes, such as those run by the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization, offer settlement services to help you feel at home quickly. The city’s multicultural environment and frequent cultural events make it easy to meet people and foster a sense of belonging.

City living in Ottawa

Most of Ottawa’s nightlife and entertainment centres are in the downtown area. City living in Ottawa is ideal if you’re a young professional with a large chunk of disposable income and want quick access to exciting amenities. Downtown, you’ll find diverse restaurants, a lively social scene, and plenty of recreational facilities. The proximity to work also means you can ditch the long commute and enjoy more of what the city has to offer.

Lifestyle in Ottawa
Working and Work Culture in Ottawa

ByWard Market

ByWard Market lies in the heart of Ottawa’s city centre and is popular thanks to its proximity to office buildings and entertainment facilities. Most of the accommodation in ByWard Market comes in the form of luxury high-rise complexes with pricey apartments.

The market itself is bustling with a mix of artisan shops, diverse eateries, and an active nightlife scene that makes it a popular destination for both work and play. If you enjoy cultural activities, you’ll be close to some of Ottawa’s best art galleries and museums. Fitness enthusiasts will love ByWard Market’s proximity to the river and green spaces, which are perfect for a morning run or weekend stroll.

Westboro Village

Westboro Village is an up-and-coming area of western Ottawa. City living in Westboro Village offers a lively and animated street scene, with plenty of boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Westboro is particularly popular among young professionals and couples, owing to the fantastic lifestyle on offer and excellent access to public transport links.

The neighbourhood’s diverse dining and shopping options provide a rich culinary experience and unique boutiques, perfect for those who love exploring. Westboro’s proximity to the Ottawa River and Westboro Beach makes it ideal for outdoor recreation, from paddleboarding to cycling along scenic pathways.

The sense of community is further enhanced by numerous events, such as pop-up markets and outdoor movie screenings, creating a buzzing social life. Many residents here enjoy stunning views of the Gatineau Hills and the Ottawa River, adding to the area’s natural charm.

Public Transport and Driving in Ottawa

Family-friendly suburbs in Ottawa

If you’re moving to Ottawa with children, you’ll certainly want to find a home close to good schools. There’s no need to worry, as Ottawa boasts many family-friendly suburbs. The city offers exceptional educational facilities, numerous parks, community centres, and active community associations that organise events and activities perfect for families. Ottawa’s reputation as a family-friendly city is bolstered by its safety and low crime rates, making it an ideal place for raising children.

Education and Schools in Ottawa

The Glebe

The Glebe in central Ottawa is one of the city’s most affluent residential areas. Accommodation in The Glebe includes condos, apartments, single-family homes, and townhouses. The Glebe is home to many families with children and offers access to several excellent schools and social services to support the community’s youth.

The Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group (GNAG) provides a variety of recreational, cultural, and social activities, including summer camps and after-school care. Its proximity to Lansdowne Park provides plenty of recreational opportunities, including farmers’ markets, playgrounds, and sports events, making it a stimulating place to raise a family.

Alta Vista

Located in southern Ottawa, Alta Vista is an incredible suburb for families because of its abundance of green spaces that allow your kids to get involved in outdoor activities. Parks like Balena and Hurdman offer spaces for picnics, sports, and leisure, while the Alta Vista Trail is perfect for walking, running, and cycling.

Alta Vista has strong community ties, with local churches, schools, and community centres fostering a sense of belonging. The Canterbury Community Association organises events such as annual picnics and local garage sales, enhancing the sense of community.

The area is also well-connected to the city centre, with links to the O-Train and numerous bus routes. It’s a great base for frequent local and international travellers due to the nearby Ottawa International Airport, adding convenience if you often need to travel for work or pleasure.

Rockcliffe Park

If you’re living in prestigious Rockcliffe Park, you’re likely an ambassador, diplomatic personnel, politician, or senior businessperson. Rockcliffe Park offers an exclusive and serene atmosphere, boasting extensive public transport and road links, making for easy commutes.

Properties here are large and luxurious, with enormous gardens, perfect for those seeking a bit of privacy. The area is also home to some of Ottawa’s first-rate public, private, and international schools, making it ideal for families looking to provide their children with a top-tier education.

The neighbourhood’s historical significance, established in 1864 and recently recognised as a national historic site, adds a unique charm that continues to attract affluent residents. With its lush surroundings and low-density housing, Rockcliffe Park maintains its position as one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Ottawa.