Do you want to live in a neighbourhood that’s never boring? Are you looking for a trendy atmosphere and beautiful houses? Hintonburg may be the place for you.
I’ve worked with both buyers and sellers in Hintonburg, and I’m excited to share with you what this neighbourhood has to offer.
Hintonburg is part of the recently emerged ‘it’ area in the city: Ottawa’s West End. This is the local name for the area west of downtown, and it extends into Carlington and beyond.
Hintonburg is located between Wellington West and Westboro, it’s a hub for emerging trends in food, fashion, art and fun.
Hintonburg is highly walkable and bicycle-friendly thanks to development on Wellington Street, and is extremely accessible by both bus and train.
The majority of buyers I work with who are interested in Hintonburg real estate are young families and retiring baby boomers. The homes are a great size – just right for a new family or a couple looking for a more manageable space.
The majority of the homes are older single detached properties, but as the neighbourhood grows and becomes more popular, there’s more redevelopment. It’s not uncommon to see a property lot with recently-built semi-detached homes.
This area is a a burgeoning market, so this may not be the right neighbourhood if you’re a first-time buyer or have a strict budget. Most of the single detached homes are priced in the range of $500,000 and up.
Remember: Prices are entirely dependent on the market and property values at the time you look for a home. Get in touch with me or another agent, and we can help you find a great house and a great neighbourhood that works with your budget.
I also wouldn’t recommend this area to people who want (or need) to have multiple cars or want larger back yards. While the houses in Hintonburg have a great footprint, the yards are small – in line with urban areas.
Parking can also be tricky, as there are few garages and the driveaways aren’t particularly long or wide. But if you’re looking for a great home to go with your busy, active lifestyle, keep reading!
Hintonburg is a small borough, but it’s close to a lot of great schools. These are the ones in the immediate area.
Devonshire Community Public School
Connaught Public School
École élémentaire publique Centre-Nord
Fisher Park/Summit Alternative Middle School
École élémentaire catholique Saint François-D’Assise
There are many other schools in the Ottawa West. A full list can be viewed on the Ottawa Carleton District School Board’s website.
It seems every year a new store pops up in Hintonburg – everytime I’m there, I notice something new. Here are just a few of the cool retail spots in the area.
If you like crafting, you’ll love Wabi-Sabi. This yarn and fibre store doesn’t just have the supplies: they also offer classes for all skill levels. It’s your one-stop shop for creative crafts.
It’s the most wonderful time of year all year round at Tinseltown Christmas Emporium. They carry ornaments, candles, stockings, and more. You’ll love the vintage choices and the nostalgic feel of your shopping experience.
The Hintonburg Market is a family-owned and operated grocery store and butcher shop that prides itself on fresh quality food and homemade meals.
If you love handmade gifts, jewellery and home goods, you’ll love JV Studios and Boutique. All products in the store are made by emerging Canadian artists and companies.
Another community favourite is Maker House, a gift and furniture store focused on selling local. Not only does this place sell furniture and home decor, but they also run vibrant workshops and events for the community.
Victoire was started in 2006 by two women who wanted to create a better clothes-shopping experience. They stock predominantly Canadian designers, and focus on ethical brands that women can feel confident in.
Flock Boutique/Workshop Boutique are all about the fun, the fresh, and the unique. This store stocks ethical and sustainable fashion, homeware, and jewellery from over 150 Canadian designers. The owners are designers themselves, and people are welcome to visit their Ottawa workshop.
Hintonburg is surrounded by all the amenities you could ever need, including public transportation.
You can easily reach Hintonburg using the Bayview and Westboro bus lines, which connect you to Centretown and beyond.
If the train is more your speed, Hintonburg is located about a 10-minute walk away from the Bayview Station on the O-Train Trillium line. It’s also on the future Confederation Line, part of the light rail transit expansion plan set to become operational in 2019.
Living in Hintonburg, you’re in close proximity to the following institutions:
Hintonburg is also home to several professional dental centres, family doctors, and pharmacies, including Rexall, Wellington Pharmacy, and Watson’s Pharmacy
I always tell people that Hintonburg is all about lifestyle and entertainment. It’s why so many millennials want to look in this area.
Here is just a taste of some trendy entertainment options.
One of the biggest trends for group get togethers is to try your luck at an escape room. If you have family or friends coming to town, you’ll have to take them to Escape Manor. You can choose from a selection of themed rooms, and work together to solve elaborate puzzles and discover clues that will ultimately lead to your escape. This is a great option for all ages.
Any fan of art will enjoy spending time at the Orange Art Gallery. Not only does it have wonderful local exhibits, but there are music nights and art classes too! It opened its doors in 2010, and is a family-run business. It’s also conveniently located next to the ‘Art is In’ bakery.
The Hintonburg Community Centre (HCC) is home to the following amenities:
The centre is accessible to all, and hosts recreational activities throughout the year. You can find a current list here.
While technically next to Hintonburg, the Westboro Brainery definitely makes our entertainment list. This establishment offers single-session classes and workshops on every food, art, and DIY.
Made possible by the Dovercourt Recreation Centre, the classes are always changing thanks to the people who volunteer to share their knowledge. Past classes include Intro to Crocheting, how to live a zero-waste life, making chainmail jewellery, and winter camping skills.
See? There really is no limit to what you can learn. If you have a skill you’d like to share, you can even sign up to teach a class!
Glassblowing is an incredibly cool and complex art. At Flo’s, you can now learn it! It’s a teaching facility with multiple glass blowing, flame-working, fusing and casting classes at all skill levels. There’s also a retail space and workshop open to the public in case you want to check out some pros in action.
A hip and trendy neighbourhood wouldn’t be hip and trendy without really, really good food. Here are some of the top spots in Hintonburg, Ottawa.
An exciting blend of pub and comfort food, everything in this restaurant is made from scratch using local Canadian ingredients. Commonly known as the HPH, this place is constantly hosting events including the Happening Festival, live music, and special brew nights
Absinthe has been known since 2003 for fine food. The plating is inventive, the ingredients are local, and the flavours are indescribable. The closest we could come? Yum.
If you enjoy classic French cuisine with a Canadian twist, you’ll love eating here.
This restaurant has been serving contemporary Canadian cuisine since 2004.
The romantic atmosphere makes it a great date-night spot. Their ever-changing Monday night tapas menu makes for a fun night out with friends. And if you’re feeling adventurous? Ask for the chef’s choice, and be surprised!
Petit Bill’s is all about family values, delivered through French food with a Newfoundland twist.
This bistro doesn’t just pack a punch with excellent food sourced locally – they also have an award-winning wine list and 3 sommeliers on their team. Whether you want a cozy dinner for two or a fun setting for as many as 60 people, Petit Bill’s can accommodate you.
This lovely cafe/catering company has become a Hintonburg staple. Their main location serves up coffee, amazing sandwiches, and desserts made fresh. There’s also a section devoted to pre-made hor d’oeuvres and dinners, perfect if you need homemade-on-the-go.
This vegetarian restaurant is the perfect choice for anyone who is vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for fresh, organic meals. They have a pay-by-weight buffet so you get exactly what you want in the serving size that suits you. They also have a take-out grocery shoppe of prepared foods that you can have at home.
Ms. Montha McGinnis used to teach Thai cooking classes in Ottawa. Now she serves up some of the best Thai food in the city. The atmosphere is described as intimate and relaxed, and the food is varied and authentic.
When you search this restaurant online, the first thing you’ll find are glowing articles about the back-to-basics food and service. The name comes from an old sociology theory that everyone should have 3 places: the home, the office, and a social gathering place.
The food is classic, simple, and family-friendly. The portions are smaller and affordably priced. It’s also friendly to laptopers who want to work and stay awhile. You’re sure to become a regular here.
No neighbourhood restaurant guide would be complete without a pizza spot. Tennessy Willems make scrumptious wood-fired pizzas with fresh house dough and ingredients from local farmers.
Their menu is small but varied, with authentic Italian flavours. You can enjoy these flavours in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere designed with relaxation in mind. The best part? If you want to eat in your own home, they offer take-out.
Every great neighbourhood has a great park. In Hintonburg, there are 3 of them!
A great place for kids, dogs, and adults alike. This park includes:
This park is great if you have young kids. It includes:
While the name is a bit of a tongue-twister, this is a seriously good park for families. It includes:
I’m a huge fan of Hintonburg, and I know you will be too! If you want to call Hintonburg, Ottawa home, I can help you.
I have years of experience finding homes, negotiating offers and ultimately helping buyers get into the right neighbourhood. It’s my goal to make the entire process as stress-free as possible – all you have to do is get in touch with me!
A licensed realtor since 2008, Ryan has many years of experience to draw on when helping his clients. He is equally at home with buyers, sellers, and investors alike, and has owned his own income-generating properties. He is also a Certified Negotiations Expert. Learn more about Ryan.
Paul Rushforth Real Estate Inc
3002 St Joseph Boulevard
Orleans, Ontario K1E 1E2
Phone: 613-788-2122
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