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. From young professionals climbing the corporate ladder to expats arriving with their children, Ottawa has something for everyone.

The decision on where to live in Ottawa is critical in allowing expats to transition well into their new life. Luckily for new arrivals, Ottawa is a welcoming and hospitable city. Particularly in the suburban neighbourhoods, expats will find that the locals are quick to get new arrivals integrated into the community.

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City living in Ottawa

Most of Ottawa’s nightlife and entertainment centres are in the downtown area. The city has some great accommodation options for young expats with a large chunk of disposable income and those that want quick access to Ottawa's many exciting amenities.

ByWard Market

ByWard Market lies in the heart of Ottawa’s city centre and is popular with young professionals 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 area is full of trendy bars and restaurants and is at the core of the city’s nightlife. Those who enjoy cultural activities will 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.

Westboro Village

Westboro Village is an up-and-coming area of western Ottawa. The neighbourhood’s street scene is lively and animated, 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 access to public transport links.

The range of housing options includes loft apartments and townhouses, and many residents in this area enjoy stunning views of the Gatineau Hills and the Ottawa River.

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Family-friendly suburbs in Ottawa

Expats moving to Ottawa with children will certainly prioritise finding a home close to good schools. New arrivals needn't worry, as Ottawa boasts many family-friendly suburbs.

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 neighbourhood is home to many families with children and has plenty of excellent schools nearby. There are also several social services to support the suburb's youth.

Alta Vista

Located in southern Ottawa, Alta Vista is an incredible suburb for expats with children because of its abundance of green spaces that allow the kids to get involved in outdoor activities. Alta Vista has strong community ties which focus on local churches, schools and community centres.

The neighbourhood is also well-connected to the city centre with links to the O-Train, and has numerous bus routes passing through. It is also a great base for frequent local and international travellers due to the nearby Ottawa International Airport.

Rockcliffe Park

Expats living in prestigious Rockcliffe Park are usually ambassadors, diplomatic personnel, politicians or senior businesspeople. The suburb boasts extensive public transport and road links, making for easy commutes.

Properties here are large and luxurious, with enormous gardens. The area is home to some of Ottawa's first-rate public, private and international schools, making it perfect for expat families. Rockcliffe Park claims the highest property and rental prices in Ottawa, owing to the highly sought-after amenities in the suburb.