Location, location, location. This timeless real estate mantra still holds for Ottawa home buyers.
However, when it comes to looking for homes for sale in Ottawa, finding a home that meets all your needs is also essential. The right neighbourhood can make a world of difference in your daily life, from amenities and schools to commute times and community atmosphere.
You can count on the experienced real estate agents at Paul Rushforth to help you find the best of both worlds. No need to sell your own home privately.
Our agents have the expertise and local knowledge to guide you toward Ottawa neighbourhoods that align with your preferences, plus invaluable insights about market trends and future growth potential.
So, what are the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa? The answer inevitably varies based on a buyer’s circumstances and life stage.
Young families will naturally prioritize family-friendly areas with great schools within walking distance and lots of green space.
If you’re an empty-nester looking to downsize, a home with fewer stairs or lower maintenance requirements might be the perfect fit.
For investors, concentrating on well-priced properties near public transit to attract potential renters could be a great investment strategy.
Based on recent years’ data, we expect the following areas to experience high demand in 2026 and beyond.
Read our buying guide to purchasing a home in Ottawa.
Comparison Table: Best Neighbourhoods in Ottawa
| AREA | Pop. | Types of Housing | Vibe | Avg. Price | Best For | Commute Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hintonburg | 7,844 (Wikipedia) | Row houses, condos | Artsy, Trendy | $$$ | Creatives | High |
| Tunney’s Pasture | ~8,000 (Estimated) | Apartments, condos | Urban, Connected | $$$ | Gov. workers | High |
| Westboro | 22,725 (Wikipedia) | Detached, infills | Upscale, Active | $$$$ | Professionals | High |
| The Glebe | 13,055 (Wikipedia) | Heritage, condos | Charming, Vibrant | $$$$ | Families | High |
| Hunt Club | 65,749 (City of Ottawa) | Detached, townhomes | Suburban, Diverse | $$ | First-time buyers | Medium |
| Stittsville–Kanata | 137,0553 (City of Ottawa) | New builds, detached | Family-Friendly | $$$ | Tech workers | Medium |
| Carleton Place | 12,517 (Wikipedia) | Heritage, detached | Small-Town Charm | $$ | Nature lovers | Low |
| Barrhaven | 103,234 (Wikipedia) | New builds, condos | Community | $$ | Families | Medium |
| Orléans | 124,253 (City of Ottawa) | Detached, townhomes | Bilingual, Scenic | $$ | Francophones | Medium |
| Riverside South | 20,677 (City of Ottawa) | New builds | Emerging, Natural | $$$ | Young families | Medium |
| Sandy Hill | 12, 490 (Wikipedia) | Heritage, apartments | Historic, Central | $$$ | Students/Inv. | High |
| Alta Vista | 75,318 (City of Ottawa) | Bungalows, detached | Established | $$$ | Health workers | High |
| Old Ottawa South | 6,348 (Wikipedia) | Heritage, condos | Tight-Knit | $$$$ | Professionals | High |
Population figures are approximate and based on commonly referenced Census, City of Ottawa neighbourhood, and planning boundaries. Neighbourhood populations may differ from ward-level totals, which often include multiple communities.
The Top Neighbourhoods in Ottawa
The nation’s capital offers a remarkable living experience among Canadian cities.
Bear in mind, the list of top neighbourhoods Ottawa has to offer evolves as market trends shift.
For example, we’ve recently seen older areas in Ottawa become highly desirable due to limited inventory and outlying neighbourhoods (which have grown into self-sustained communities with abundant amenities) surge in popularity.
- Hintonburg
- Tunney’s Pasture
- Westboro
- The Glebe
- Hunt Club
- Stittsville – Kanata
- Carleton Place
- Barrhaven
- Orléans
- Riverside South
- Sandy Hill
- Alta Vista
- Old Ottawa South
1. Hintonburg
Population: 7,844
Types of Housing: Row houses, condos
Vibe: Artsy, Trendy
Avg Price: $$$
Best For: Creatives
Commute Score: High
Hintonburg is a vibrant neighbourhood known for its unique character, sense of community, abundant amenities and an exciting arts and culture scene.
With a mix of residential streets, independent shops, and cozy cafes, it offers a lively and diverse atmosphere. Hintonburg real estate offers more affordable options as compared to real estate in trendy Westboro or the Glebe, just minutes away.
2. Tunney’s Pasture
Population: ~8,000
Types of Housing: Apartments, condos
Vibe: Urban, Connected
Avg Price: $$$
Best For: Gov. workers
Commute Score: High
Tunney’s Pasture, known for its proximity to government offices, major transit routes, and various amenities, is both convenient and well-connected.
With the implementation of a community Master Plan and Light Rail Transit project, the area has transformed into a thriving area with a mix of residential options, including apartments and townhouses.
3. Westboro
Population: 22,725
Types of Housing: Detached, infills
Vibe: Upscale, Active
Avg Price: $$$$
Best For: Professionals
Commute Score: High
Westboro is undeniably one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Ottawa. Just steps from the downtown core, it boasts immense popularity despite being an expensive area.
The prime location of Westboro Beach along the Ottawa River offers a plethora of activities and attractions. Whether you prefer condos, townhomes, or single-family detached homes, there are various options available to suit your lifestyle, provided you can afford the elevated Westboro real estate prices.
4. The Glebe
Population: 13,055
Types of Housing: Heritage, condos
Vibe: Charming, Vibrant
Avg Price: $$$$
Best For: Families
Commute Score: High
Living in Ottawa’s “The Glebe” is an experience filled with vibrant energy. The main strip, Bank Street, has shops and restaurants and offers a charming beach-like vibe in downtown Ottawa, where you’ll find plenty of dogs and friendly people. The tree-lined streets in the neighbourhood are home to beautiful heritage houses, cozy townhomes, and modern condominiums. But, like Westboro, the Glebe real estate is expensive compared to other areas in Ottawa.
5. Hunt Club
Population: 65,749
Types of Housing: Detached, townhomes
Vibe: Suburban, Diverse
Avg Price: $$
Best For: First-time buyers
Commute Score: Medium
Hunt Club is great for young and growing families and offers a comfortable, suburban lifestyle in Ottawa South.
You’ll find diverse housing options, including brand-new and older detached houses, townhomes, and condominiums.
In terms of affordability, Hunt Club real estate is more affordable than other, more central areas in Ottawa.
6. Stittsville – Kanata
Population: 137,053
Types of Housing: New builds, detached
Vibe: Family-Friendly
Avg Price: $$$
Best For: Tech workers
Commute Score: Medium
Situated just west of the downtown core, Stittsville and Kanata real estate offer peaceful and family-friendly suburban living.
Kanata and Stittsville real estate is known for newer developments and well-planned neighbourhoods, you can find spacious single-family homes, townhouses and condominiums at reasonable prices.
Many residents work locally in the high-tech sector, but commuting into Ottawa is a breeze.
Lucky Stittsville and Kanata residents have everything they need at their doorstep: amazing local schools, shopping centers, the Kanata Recreation Complex, campsites, parks and easy access to the Canadian Tire Centre, where the Ottawa Senators NHL team plays!
7. Carleton Place
Population: 12,517
Types of Housing: Heritage, detached
Vibe: Small-Town Charm
Avg Price: $$
Best For: Nature lovers
Commute Score: Low
Carleton Place, one of the fastest-growing towns in Ontario, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. Real estate in Carleton Place is nestled along the picturesque Mississippi River. This thriving town on the outskirts of Ottawa boasts stunning scenery and a family-friendly atmosphere.
With a vibrant downtown core, Carleton Place provides residents with a wide range of amenities and services, rivalling those found in larger cities. The town’s growing economy, coupled with its beautiful surroundings, attracts many newcomers seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
8. Barrhaven
Population: 103,234
Types of Housing: New builds, condos
Vibe: Community
Avg Price: $$
Best For: Families
Commute Score: Medium
Well-loved and highly desirable Barrhaven is affectionately nicknamed “the haven.”
This peaceful and community-oriented area southwest of downtown Ottawa offers a retreat from busy city life without sacrificing any urban conveniences. It has a great selection of schools, activities, shopping, and green spaces.
Since real estate in Barrhaven has seen significant growth and development in recent years, it is particularly known for its exciting new build communities, making it an attractive choice for homebuyers seeking modern living spaces.
9. Orléans
Population: 124,253
Types of Housing: Detached, townhomes
Vibe: Bilingual, Scenic
Avg Price: $$
Best For: Francophones
Commute Score: Medium
Orleans real estate has several housing options and lots of unique charm. With its strong Francophone influence, it’s a hub for French-speaking residents and culture.
Orleans is also renowned for its scenic nature trails, such as the Ottawa River Pathway and the Greenbelt, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and leisurely walks. In addition, Orleans has experienced significant growth in recent years and, as a result, is home to a range of amenities and activities.
10. Riverside South
Population: 20,677
Types of Housing: New builds
Vibe: Emerging, Natural
Avg Price: $$$
Best For: Young families
Commute Score: Medium
If you enjoy scenic walks and cycling on waterfront bike paths, you’ll appreciate Riverside South’s proximity to the stunning Rideau River.
This area south of Ottawa has recently expanded, and as a result, there is a high level of competition among home builders. With an influx of new housing developments, the well-planned community of Riverside South and nearby Findlay Creek are poised to become even more sought-after, especially once interest rates decrease.
11. Sandy Hill
Population: 12,490
Types of Housing: Heritage, apartments
Vibe: Historic, Central
Avg Price: $$$
Best For: Students/Inv.
Commute Score: High
With a mix of housing options, including apartments, townhouses, and heritage homes, the neighbourhood of Sandy Hill caters to just about everyone.
Its convenient location, close to downtown Ottawa, means residents have easy access to public transportation and are within walking distance of shopping options and schools.
As a result, the area attracts families and young professionals alike, who also love living so close to the picturesque Rideau Canal.
In addition, the area is popular among local students from the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, attracting investors who offer suitable housing options to them.
12. Alta Vista
Population: 75,318
Types of Housing: Bungalows, detached
Vibe: Established
Avg Price: $$$
Best For: Health workers
Commute Score: High
Alta Vista, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, is predominantly residential.
It provides diverse housing choices for residents across different income levels and particularly appeals to healthcare professionals because of its proximity to Ottawa hospitals.
Further, its central location is also close to major highways, making commuting hassle-free. Alta Vista real estate has a strong sense of community, with many schools, churches, community centres and green spaces around every corner.
13. Old Ottawa South
Population: 6,348
Types of Housing: Heritage, condos
Vibe: Tight-Knit
Avg Price: $$$$
Best For: Professionals
Commute Score: High
Old Ottawa South is truly exceptional among Ottawa’s neighbourhoods, seamlessly marrying historical allure with contemporary conveniences.
Here, we cherish our tight-knit community, where every resident contributes to the warm social tapestry we’ve woven together.
In this beloved neighbourhood, you’ll discover a plethora of recreational delights, from charming community gardens to bustling baseball diamonds, inviting basketball courts, to refreshing outdoor wading pools.
With amenities like sports fields, tennis courts, outdoor rinks, play structures, a vibrant community center, and inviting splash pads, there’s never a shortage of activities to enjoy.Old Ottawa South homes aren’t just a place to live; they’re a testament to the beautiful blend of our rich history, strong community bonds, and modern comforts, making this community one of the finest neighbourhoods in our city.
Get Help Choosing The Right Ottawa Neighbourhood
Ottawa’s 2026 real estate market is shifting, making it crucial to align yourself with qualified and experienced agents.
If you have a specific Ottawa neighbourhood in mind, reach out to a member of the Paul Rushforth team today!
Give us a call or click the chat box to speak with one of our dedicated agents in real time; we’d be happy to provide you with our latest insights and help you find your dream home in any of the communities listed above.
You’re welcome to search for homes for sale by neighbourhood, or explore the up and coming Ottawa neighbourhoods.
Whether you are selling a home, buying one, or investing, you can’t go wrong with the support of our top-selling team by your side. Paul Rushforth is the ultimate choice for all your residential real estate needs in Ottawa and throughout the Ottawa Valley.