Top 5 Safest Neighborhoods to live in Ottawa with the Best Quality of Life - 2024

Studies
Canada
Ontario
Ottawa

Ottawa, Canada’s capital, boasts a vibrant mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Its renowned museums, such as the National Gallery, and thriving arts scene at the National Arts Centre provide rich cultural experiences. For locals, particularly federal government employees, Ottawa’s appeal lies in its diverse career opportunities within the government sector, facilitating professional growth.

Nestled along the picturesque Ottawa River, Ottawa stretches across two provinces, Ontario and Quebec, creating a bilingual and diverse atmosphere. Its continental climate provides warm summers and snowy winters, perfect for outdoor pursuits year-round. Yet, when considering life in Ottawa, factors like cost of living and safety are important.

To help you compare, read on to discover the top 5 safest neighborhoods in Ottawa that offer the best quality of life this year.

Methodology

Our safety ranking methodology is based on a detailed analysis of crime data, sourced from the Ottawa Police’s crime trends report for 2022-2023. This report compiles crime statistics by ward, with crime rates calculated per 1,000 residents for each neighborhood. The data includes total crimes reported in each ward, categorized into crimes against persons, property crimes, Criminal Code violations, and traffic-related offenses.

The “Best Quality of Life” metric is assessed using feedback from individuals who have moved to this area, as well as insights from trusted online forums. This evaluation considers positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education and healthcare, safety perception, public transportation, environmental cleanliness, and access to recreational facilities and parks.

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Safest Neighborhoods to live in Ottawa

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1. McKellar Park

  • Population: 43,430
  • Crime Rate: 54.66 crimes per 1,000 people

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. With a reported crime rate of 54.66 crimes per 1,000 people, McKellar Park ensures a sense of security.

Ottawa Police (2022) & City of Ottawa (2023) (2023)

McKellar Park, Ottawa

2. Rockcliffe Park

  • Population: 40,400
  • Crime Rate: 56.28 crimes per 1,000 people

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. With a population of around 40,400, Rockcliffe Park reports a crime rate of 56.28 per 1,000 people, providing a strong sense of security.

Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa Police (2022-2023) & City of Ottawa (2023)

Rockliffe Park, Ottawa

3. Westboro

  • Population: 43,430
  • Crime Rate: 57.81 crimes per 1,000 people

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 57.81 crimes per 1,000 people. Primarily families and individuals aged 20s to mid-60s live here, residing in single houses, apartments, and condos. 

Ottawa Police (2022-2023) & City of Ottawa (2023)

Westboro, Ottawa

4. Hintonburg

  • Population: 43,430
  • Crime Rate: 57.81 crimes per 1,000 people

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 57.81 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. 

Ottawa Police (2022-2023) & City of Ottawa (2023)

Hintonburg, Ottawa

5. The Glebe

  • Population: 43,420
  • Crime Rate: 69.85 crimes per 1,000 people

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.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 69.85 crimes per 1,000 people.

Ottawa Police (2022-2023) & City of Ottawa (2023)

The Glebe, Ottawa

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Conclusion

Moving to Ottawa offers many advantages, making it appealing to many. The city’s endless opportunities for exploration, bilingual and diverse population fosters a vibrant community. From a safety perspective, Ottawa stands as one of the safest places compared to other major Canadian cities, offering residents peace of mind. 

In summary, Ottawa provides a perfect balance of cultural richness and safety, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a high quality of life in a dynamic urban setting. 

Are you moving to Ottawa, soon? We recommend that you check in advance the best moving companies in Ottawa for a stress-free move.

 

Last year’s ranking (2024)

  1. The Glebe
  2. Rockcliffe Park
  3. McKellar Park
  4. Westboro
  5. Hintonburg

 

Our rankings are meticulously curated with a focus on safety, affordability, and quality of life. Please note that some locations from last year’s rankings may have been excluded from this year’s list due to deviations from our methodology. This could include areas with insufficient rental/safety data or those with higher/lower averages compared to the previous year. We encourage readers to consider these rankings in conjunction with their individual needs and preferences to make well-informed decisions.

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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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