Moving to Ottawa – Where should I live? – 2024

• Crime rate: 16.54 crimes per 1000 people 
• Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,050
• Average property buying cost: $487,000

Orleans Village, located along the Ottawa River, offers stunning natural surroundings and easy access to outdoor recreational activities. The neighborhood features a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. With affordable housing—an average property price of $487,000—combined with a high quality of life and an impressively low crime rate of 16.54 crimes per 1,000 people, it’s a top choice for families and individuals looking to settle in Ottawa. The only downside is its distance from downtown Ottawa.

This community is conveniently close to essential amenities and boasts access to a sprawling 100-acre green space with scenic walking trails. One of its standout features is direct access to Petrie Island, a unique 12-kilometer beachfront along the Ottawa River, offering endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment.

Redfin (Dec 2024) & RentCafe (Dec 2024)

• Crime rate: 54.66 crimes per 1,000 people
• Average 1-bed apt rent: 1,922.50
• Average property buying cost: $935,000

McKellar Park, a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood in Ottawa’s west end, is conveniently located 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, schools, and grocery stores. With excellent transportation connections, the area is also ideal for commuters.

The neighborhood features tree-lined streets and mostly single-detached homes, primarily catering to single-family households. With a reported crime rate of 54.66 crimes per 1,000 people, McKellar Park is considered safe, making it one of the top neighborhoods on our list. However, housing prices can be quite expensive.

Redfin (Dec 2024) & Zumper (Dec 2024)

• Crime rate: 33.14 crimes per 1000 people
• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,679
• Average property buying cost: $530,000

Carlington is an affordable and historic residential neighborhood in Ottawa, known for its rich history and abundance of amenities. Bordered by Carling Avenue to the north, Fisher Avenue to the east, the NCC bicycle path to the west, and Merivale Road to the south, it is steeped in military history, notably its “war homes” built for returning soldiers after World War II.

While Carlington generally has a low crime rate, the perception of safety varies. Some areas experience higher crime, which has led to mixed feelings among residents. As a result, it didn’t make our list of the safest neighborhoods in Ottawa, despite how it may appear on paper.

The neighborhood also features Carlington Hill, a former ski tow lift now designated as an official sledding site by the City of Ottawa. Its expansive area offers a range of amenities, including proximity to the Ottawa Hospital, several parks, excellent public transit access, and a strong sense of community.

Redfin (Dec 2024) & Zumper (Dec 2024)

• Crime rate: 57.81 crimes per 1,000 people
• Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,029
• Average property buying cost: $470,000

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 57.81 crimes per 1,000 people, it offers a secure living environment and is regarded as one of the best places to live in Ottawa. Home to 43,430 residents, primarily aged from their 20s to 40s, it mainly features apartments and condominiums. 

Redfin (Dec 2024) & Zumper (Dec 2024)

• Crime rate: 57.81 crimes per 1,000 people
• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,990
• Average property buying cost: $675,000

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 57.81 crimes per 1,000 people. Primarily families and individuals aged 20s to mid-60s live here, residing in single houses, apartments, and condos. 

Redfin (Dec 2024) & Zumper (Dec 2024)

• Crime rate: 56.28 crimes per 1,000 people
• Average 1-bed apt rent: 1,943.75
• Average property buying cost: 2,360,000

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.  Rockcliffe Park is an upscale neighborhood with higher housing costs, but it offers numerous benefits that make it a desirable place to live.

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 56.28 crimes per 1,000 people, providing a strong sense of security.

Redfin (Dec 2024) & Kijiji (Dec 2024)

• Crime rate: 145.25 crimes per 1000 people
• Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,751
• Average property buying cost: $388,000

Sandy Hill, located just east of downtown Ottawa, is a peaceful neighborhood with minimal traffic noise, especially in areas further from Highway 417. Residents enjoy easy access to green spaces, creating a pleasant balance between urban living and nature. The neighborhood has a mix of demographics: wealthier residents tend to live near the embassies along the Rideau River, while the area closer to the University of Ottawa is home to more students.

Housing in Sandy Hill is relatively affordable compared to other parts of Ottawa, making it a popular choice despite the area not having the lowest crime rate. It earns its spot on the list of the best places to live in Ottawa primarily due to its affordability and central location.

With a population of 52,830, about half of the residents are in their 20s to mid-30s. Most households are single families, and housing options range from apartments to low-rise buildings, offering a variety of choices for buyers and renters alike.

Redfin (Dec 2024) & Zumper (Dec 2024)