Moving to Ottawa – Where should I live? – 2024

Choosing the right neighborhood in Ottawa is an important decision that can impact your overall living experience in Canada’s Capital. Located along the scenic Ottawa River, this bilingual city harmonizes English and French cultures, offering a diverse and enriching lifestyle. Whether drawn to the academic environment of the University of Ottawa near Sandy Hill or seeking family-friendly neighborhoods like the Glebe or McKellar Park, Ottawa provides a dynamic blend of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities.

An essential factor that comes into play when deciding to live in Ottawa is the cost of living, which can be more affordable compared to nearby bigger cities. Ottawa has a strong focus on government, technology, and culture and is home to iconic landmarks like Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, contributing to its charm.

Read on to discover the top 7 neighborhoods in Ottawa that offer the best quality of life.

Methodology

Based on “Best” being a subjective word, below is our methodology to compile the best places.

Using our existing ranking of the safest and cheapest places to live in Ottawa, we based our ranking on 3 criteria: safety, affordability and quality of life. 

Our safety ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of the total number of crimes, which is derived from the crime trends report for the City of Ottawa by the Ottawa Police and recorded from each neighborhood’s ward data in 2022. The crime rate is calculated per 1,000 people. The data includes the total crimes in each ward to which the neighborhood belongs. The crimes are listed as crimes against the person, property, criminal code violations, and criminal code traffic offenses.

Affordability takes into account the prices of housing and renting. Statistics come from Redfin for the average cost of buying a property and Zumper for the average cost of rent for a 1-bed apartment.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, environment (cleanliness), as well as availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Moving to Ottawa – Best Neighborhoods in Ottawa with the Best Quality of Life

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1. The Glebe

Apartment in the Glebe
  • Crime rate: 47.70 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,900
  • Average property buying cost: $1,250,000

The Glebe is a southern neighborhood in Ottawa, renowned for its historic architecture and diverse shopping along Bank Street, where residents can find various dining options. It features tree-lined streets with single-family detached homes and condominiums. As of November 2023, the average rent for a 1-bed apartment is $1,900, with an average property price of $1,250,000.

Situated near Bronson Ave and Bank Street, The Glebe is perfect for those who prefer not to drive, with multiple bus stops offering easy access to Centre Town and a high walk score of 89. Lansdowne Park’s green spaces, including basketball courts, enhance The Glebe’s appeal, and it reports a crime rate of 47.70 crimes per 1,000 people.

Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Redfin (Nov 2023)

The Glebe, Ottawa

2. Rockcliffe Park

Apartment in Rockliffe Park
  • Crime rate: 49.90 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,459
  • Average property buying cost: $1,380,000

Rockcliffe Park, a residential neighborhood near the center of Ottawa, features lush areas such as Rockcliffe Park and the Rockeries, as well as natural spaces like the Ottawa River and McKay Lake. It is an ideal location for nature lovers who enjoy activities such as cycling, swimming, and sailing.

The area is characterized mainly by single-detached houses, with some apartments. As of November 2023, the average property price is $1,380,000, and a 1-bedroom apartment rents for about $1,459. With a population of around 40,400, Rockcliffe Park reports a crime rate of 49.90 per 1,000 people, providing a strong sense of security.

Rockcliffe Park (Dec 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zillow (Nov 2023) & Redfin (Nov 2023)

Rockliffe Park, Ottawa

3. Hintonburg

Apartment in Hintonburg
  • Crime rate: 52.10 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,875
  • Average property buying cost: $660,000

Hintonburg, located in Ottawa’s West End between Wellington West and Westboro, is a trendy neighborhood known for its vibrant food, fashion, art, and entertainment scene. You can easily walk or bike around Wellington Street. The Bayview and Westboro bus lines connect to Centretown, making transportation convenient.

With a reported crime rate of 52.10 crimes per 1,000 people, it ensures a secure living environment. Home to 43,430 residents, primarily aged from their 20s to 40s, it mainly features apartments and condominiums. As of November 2023, the average property price is around $660,000, with renting a 1-bed apartment costing approximately $1,875.

Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Redfin (Nov 2023)

Hintonburg, Ottawa

4. Westboro

Apartment in Westboro
  • Crime rate: 52.10 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,151
  • Average property buying cost: $760,000

Known as Westboro Village, this Ottawa neighborhood is located in the west end. Bordered by the Ottawa River to the north, it features cycling trails for its residents’ enjoyment. Additionally, it is home to Westboro Beach for relaxation and Hampton Park for recreational activities. The area has a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops along Richmond Road.

If you like a calm vibe, Westboro is for you, with a reported crime rate of 52.10 crimes per 1,000 people. Primarily families and individuals aged 20s to mid-60s live here, residing in single houses, apartments, and condos. As of November 2023, the average property price is about $1,120,000, and renting a 1-bed apartment is around $1,775.

Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Redfin (Nov 2023)

Westboro, Ottawa

5. McKellar Park

Apartment in McKellar Park
  • Crime rate: 52.10 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,775
  • Average property buying cost: $1,120,000

McKellar Park, a quiet family-friendly neighborhood in Ottawa’s west end, is near Westboro Village and bordered by the Ottawa River Pathway to the north. Known for its proximity to amenities like Carlingwood Mall, residents enjoy easy access to parks and schools. With excellent transportation connections, it’s convenient for commuting and walkable to grocery stores.

Featuring tree-lined streets and mostly single detached houses, the neighborhood provides mainly to single-family households. As of November 2023, the average property price is $1,120,000, with a 1-bed apartment rental costing around $1,775. With a reported crime rate of 52.10 crimes per 1,000 people, McKellar Park ensures a sense of security.

Area Vibes (Nov 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Redfin (Nov 2023)

McKellar Park, Ottawa

6. Sandy Hill

Apartment in Sandy Hill
  • Crime rate: 134.27 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,695
  • Average property buying cost: $510,000

Sandy Hill, located to the east of downtown Ottawa, is a quiet place with little traffic noise, especially away from Highway 417. People living here can easily access nearby green spaces. The neighborhood has wealthier residents near the embassies along the Rideau River, and closer to the University of Ottawa, you’ll find more students. The reported crime rate is 134.27 crimes per 1,000 people.

In Sandy Hill, with a population of 52,830 residents, about half are young, ranging from their 20s to mid-30s. Most households are single families, and housing options include apartments and low-rise buildings. As of November 2023, the average property price is $510,000, and renting a 1-bed apartment costs around $1,695.

Local Logic (Nov 2023), Ottawa.ca (Nov 2023) & Ottawa Police (Nov 2023)

Sandy Hill, Ottawa

7. Little Italy

ottawa little italy
  • Crime rate: 151.84 crimes per 1,000 people 
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,100
  • Average property buying cost: $448,000

Little Italy is a neighborhood in the west of downtown Ottawa, proud of its Italian heritage, especially along Preston Street. It’s the perfect spot for authentic Italian food, known for murals like the Corso Italia Mural and Da Vinci Mural along the sidewalk, representing its history.

The neighborhood is great for enjoying green spaces, including popular parks, with Dow’s Lake located in the southern part of the community. As of November 2023, the average home price is $448,000, with a 1-bedroom apartment renting for around $2,100. The reported crime rate is 151.84 crimes per 1,000 people.

Best in Ottawa (Sep 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Ottawa.ca (Nov 2023) & Ottawa Police (Nov 2023)

Little Italy, Ottawa

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Conclusion

When choosing the ideal neighborhood to call home in Ottawa, factors such as amenities, proximity to the city center, and the overall vibe of the community play crucial roles. Ottawa, being the capital city of Canada with a great urban landscape along the Ottawa River, offers a variety of family-friendly neighborhoods.

We recommend that you check in advance the best moving companies in Ottawa for a stress-free move.

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.

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