Location, location, location. This popular real estate saying is not just empty words; it’s actually sound advice that has stood the test of time. As an Ottawa home buyer, this advice continues to hold true when looking for homes for sale in Ottawa.
Focus on finding the ideal location (not necessarily the ideal house) and it will pay off in spades; restaurants, schools, shopping, short commutes, and when you eventually decide to sell, you’ll tend to attract more of the right kind of buyers and command a higher selling price.
However, the definition of “the ideal location” tends to vary, depending on you as an individual and what stage of life you are at.
As a parent of young children, for instance, you’ll naturally want to live in a family friendly area and be close to good schools. When you are an empty nester planning to downsize, though, you’ll no longer consider local schools and playgrounds to be as important.
Instead, you may be looking for a home with fewer stairs and less upkeep, as well as a neighbourhood that offers the company of people your own age. If you’re buying property as an investor, a well-priced property near public transit and other amenities will be best for drawing potential renters.
So keep that information in mind during your search for a home to buy. And remember, whatever your individual preferences, there are still some Ottawa neighbourhoods that are considered especially desirable at this time.
How do we determine desirability? Simple. Price and interest are two of the most reliable measures of demand. So let’s look at 10 neighbourhoods that have shown increases in both selling price and buyer interest over the past several years, and where we expect demand to remain high into 2023.
Read our 2023 buying guide to purchasing a home in Ottawa.
The Top Neighbourhoods in Ottawa
Over last few years, some neighbourhoods have seen the biggest price increases, and that signals demand.
1. Hintonburg
A lively, livable neighbourhood, just 10 minutes walking distance from trendy Westboro real estate. Although Hintonburg’s real estate and house prices are climbing, you just might find the fixer-upper of your dreams for a reasonable sum.
2. Tunney’s Pasture
Once reserved exclusively for federal government buildings, the central west Ottawa locale is about to transform to a blossoming mixed use neighbourhood, as per the Tunney’s Pasture Master Plan. Together with construction of LRT Phase 2, scheduled for completion in 2023, the Tunney’s Pasture area is a great place to invest your real estate budget right now.
3. Westboro
This prime beachside location boasts a winning combination of low crime and lots to do. With condos, townhomes, and (yes) some single family detached houses for sale, there is an option to suit your lifestyle … if you can afford it.
4. Carlsbad Springs
A former spa and resort, this up and coming, mixed suburban/rural neighborhood offers a good selection of single family homes which are still affordably priced, as long as you don’t mind a bit of a commute.
5. Hunt Club-Windsor Park
Great for young families, here’s an area with attractive single family homes (many of them brand new) at equally attractive prices. Good schools, lots of green space, but quite a commute if you work downtown.
6. Billings Bridge
For folks who prefer “quiet” to “cool” and who’d love a pre-1960 detached home on a large treed lot, this is a desirable, accessible part of Ottawa, close to daycares, schools, and Carleton University.
7. Stittsville
Suburban living at its finest in this thriving small town just to the west of Ottawa near Kanata, with large appealing homes, schools, campsites, parks, local shopping – and a couple of excellent community hockey teams. TIP: A car is a must here. Our Stittsville real estate agents love this area!
8. Kanata
A fast-growing, family-friendly suburb with fine schools. Many residents work in the local high tech sector, but commuting to Ottawa is easy, especially if you take advantage of the many Park and Ride services. Homes for sale in Kanata are booming!
9. Barrhaven
Excellent location, excellent transportation (even a railway station). Great selection of schools, activities, shopping, and green spaces – no wonder locals nickname this southern neighbourhood the “Haven.” The real estate market in Barrhaven is red hot, with prices rising and minimal inventory.
10. Orléans
This eastern suburb is large – and growing larger, which means plenty of housing choices, in addition to the local attractions of friendly neighbours, excellent recreational activities, and schooling in English or French. Real estate in Orleans is a great option for families.
11. Riverside South
Located along the beautiful banks of the Rideau River, Riverside South is a growing suburban community that is the first choice for families, professionals, young couples and active seniors.
Looking To Buy? Get Great Representation
The Ottawa real estate market is hot and it’s not slowing down. Despite the pandemic, 2021 has fulfilled our predictions for growth and our Ottawa real estate predictions are trending in the same direction.
At the same time, prices and related factors are constantly changing. That’s why you need an experienced, up-to-date buyer’s agent to represent you. Only realtors have “insider access” to current Ottawa home prices – the actual selling prices, that is, which tend to be very different from asking prices.
Here’s what our great buyer’s agents will do for you:
- Talk with you to assess your needs, wants, and budget
- Spend the time to find and set up viewings for Ottawa homes for sale which meet your criteria
- Email daily updates on Ottawa homes for sale, customized to suit you, when you create a VIP Buyer Profile
- Tell you the current real market value of your dream home once you find it
- Negotiate on your behalf to get you the best deal
Don’t worry about realtor’s fees for all these valuable services. As a buyer, you will not pay a cent for your realtor’s invaluable knowledge and guidance – ever. Why not? Because when you buy, your agent’s commission will be paid out of the seller’s commission. That’s standard procedure.
Now let’s go ahead and find your dream home!
