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Comprehensive Ottawa Neighborhood Guide

Here is the comprehensive Ottawa neighborhood guide updated with details on home types, prices, schools, crime, major attractions, and public transportation, incorporating the latest Ottawa Police crime data for 2025.

Here's a comprehensive list of Ottawa's major neighborhoods and communities, organized by region. This covers urban, suburban, and rural areas across the city and provides a solid starting point for detailed guides or exploration.

Central Ottawa

Neighborhoods:

Home Types & Prices

Heritage homes, condos, and townhouses. Prices range from about $450,000 for condos up to $1.8M for premium homes in Westboro and the Glebe.

Schools

Includes top-ranked schools like Lisgar Collegiate, Glebe Collegiate, Immaculata High School, plus proximity to University of Ottawa and Carleton University.

Crime

Higher crime rates are typical in busy urban cores. Areas like Somerset Ward show some of the highest crime rates in Ottawa, including property crimes and incidents related to nightlife and tourism activity.

Attractions

Rideau Canal, Lansdowne Park, Canadian Museum of Nature, ByWard Market, boutique shopping, and vibrant dining scenes.

Public Transportation

Well-served by the O-Train Confederation Line (LRT) with stations in Centretown, ByWard Market, Sandy Hill, and Hintonburg. Extensive OC Transpo bus routes and major transit hubs like Rideau Centre and Tunney's Pasture provide excellent connectivity.

East Ottawa

Neighborhoods:

Home Types & Prices

Mix of detached homes, townhomes, and condos. Orleans sees average homes around $680,000; Rockcliffe Park features estate homes from $1.25M upwards. Beacon Hill and Manor Park mostly range between $550,000 and $850,000.

Schools

Strong public and French immersion options, with prominent institutions like Colonel By Secondary School and Montfort Hospital nearby.

Crime

Moderate levels overall; neighborhoods like Overbrook have higher crime incidents, while Rockcliffe Park and Manor Park report relatively low crime rates.

Attractions

Petrie Island (great for outdoor activities), Aviation Museum, parks, and cultural events tied to francophone communities.

Public Transportation

Orleans is served by the Transitway (bus rapid transit) with a Confederation Line extension underway to directly link the area to downtown. Beacon Hill and Manor Park rely on frequent OC Transpo bus service.

South Ottawa

Neighborhoods:

Home Types & Prices

Predominantly single-family homes and townhouses, with luxury properties in Manotick. Prices range from about $600,000 in Alta Vista up to $2M+ in Manotick.

Schools

Multiple English, French, and Catholic options including Canterbury High School and Alta Vista Public School.

Crime

Generally low crime rates across this family-focused and suburban area.

Attractions

Mooney's Bay, Billings Estate Museum, Rideau River, Manotick Village shops and festivals.

Public Transportation

Served by OC Transpo's Trillium Line expansion (soon connecting Riverside South), South Keys transit hub, and major bus routes crossing Hunt Club and Alta Vista.

West Ottawa

Neighborhoods:

Home Types & Prices

Bright family neighborhoods with new builds, detached and townhouse options. Kanata's prices range from $600,000 to over $1.2M; Barrhaven homes average $620,000–$860,000; Stittsville homes average $720,000–$950,000.

Schools

Excellent schools including Earl of March Secondary and John McCrae Secondary, plus Algonquin College nearby.

Crime

Low crime area, popular among families seeking safe, planned communities.

Attractions

Canadian Tire Centre (sports & concerts), Kanata Centrum shopping, Britannia Beach, and extensive park trails.

Public Transportation

Kanata, Stittsville, and Barrhaven are served by the Transitway's express OC Transpo buses, with LRT expansion plans to Barrhaven improving connectivity.

Rural & Outlying Areas

Neighborhoods:

Home Types & Prices

Larger lots, bungalows, hobby farms, estate homes. Prices range from $450,000 to over $1M for upscale properties.

Schools

Local rural schools with access to city secondary schools via bus.

Crime

Among Ottawa's lowest crime rates—quiet, tight-knit communities.

Attractions

Carp Farmers' Market, Richmond Fairgrounds, Ottawa River access, rural trails and conservation areas.

Public Transportation

Limited to OC Transpo commuter bus routes with park-and-ride options; most residents rely on private vehicles.

Crime Overview (2025)

According to the Ottawa Police Service's Community Safety Data Portal:

For detailed, neighborhood-specific crime maps and data, visit Ottawa Police Community Safety Data Portal.

Why Choose Ottawa?

These areas represent Ottawa's diversity—from historic urban cores to modern suburbs and rural communities. Each neighborhood has unique character, local amenities, housing styles, and investment potential. For in-depth guides, explore resources like Ottawa Neighbourhood Study, real estate agency sites, or city maps for detailed demographics and insights.

Whether you're looking for a vibrant urban lifestyle, family-friendly suburban living, or peaceful rural retreat, Ottawa offers something for everyone. Contact Sue Patel Real Estate to explore these neighborhoods and find your perfect home in Canada's capital.