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

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 in 2024.

Methodology

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.

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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Safest Neighborhoods to live in Ottawa

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The Glebe

Apartment in the Glebe
  • Population: 43,420
  • Crime Rate: 47.70 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 47.70 crimes per 1,000 people.

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

The Glebe, Ottawa

Rockcliffe Park

Apartment in Rockliffe Park
  • Population: 40,400
  • Crime Rate: 49.90 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 49.90 per 1,000 people, providing a strong sense of security.

Rockcliffe Park (Dec 2023), Ottawa Police (Nov 2023) & City of Ottawa (Nov 2023)

Rockliffe Park, Ottawa

McKellar Park

Apartment in McKellar Park
  • Population: 43,430
  • Crime Rate: 52.10 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 52.10 crimes per 1,000 people, McKellar Park ensures a sense of security.

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

McKellar Park, Ottawa

Westboro

Apartment in Westboro
  • Population: 43,430
  • Crime Rate: 52.10 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 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. 

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

Westboro, Ottawa

Hintonburg

Apartment in Hintonburg
  • Population: 43,430
  • Crime Rate: 52.10 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 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. 

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

Hintonburg, 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.

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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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