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The Most Sought-After Neighbourhoods in Ottawa

Canada’s capital city is beloved because it’s a great place to live, work and enjoy a great, laidback lifestyle. With a population of 1.4 million, it’s hardly a small town. Still, it also avoids the frenetic pace of bigger cities like Toronto or Montreal. 

 

Right at Home Realty has only been lucky enough to be part of the Ottawa real estate community since 2018. But since then, we have become one of the best-performing offices in terms of listing and selling units in the region, ranking in the top 2% out of over 300 offices. We’re excited to be helping serve the Ottawa community, whether that's assisting them in selling their homes or finding their new dream home. 

 

Ottawa consistently scores high on “quality of life” lists: it’s very family-friendly and comfortably spread out, with tons of green spaces and opportunities for outdoor activities all year round. It’s also famous for being clean (a very Canadian thing to be known for). 

 

Although it may be quieter, Ottawa is never boring: with a diverse, highly educated population, world-famous events, incredible museums, and great shopping, dining, and entertainment options, it’s a sophisticated, appealing place to live.

 

“Proximity to major employment centers, public transportation options, parks, restaurants, and shopping are all draws for many Ottawa neighbourhoods. Areas with historic architecture or modern infrastructure can attract buyers looking for a specific aesthetic. As with any real estate market, supply and demand play a role in determining price in highly sought-after areas.” 

– Jim Norris, Branch Manager, Right At Home Realty Ottawa 

 

Ottawa has so many outdoor activities to choose from 

 

 

Made for outdoorsy types

If you like spending time outside, Ottawa is for you. It’s a city of expansive green spaces, with three scenic rivers, a historic canal, and countless parks, lakes, beaches, and trails. In the summer, you can kayak, swim, paddleboard, fish, walk, hike, and cycle. Ottawa is a dream for cyclists: with 170 km of cycling paths, it’s bike-accessible. It was the first city in Ontario to get a gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community Award.  

 

 

 

While it does get pretty cold in the winter around here, Ottawans are a hardy bunch who love snowy fun. You can skate, cross-country and downhill ski, toboggan, snowshoe, ice-fish, and snowmobile. And suppose the idea of gliding around on the world’s largest skating surface appeals to you. In that case, the Rideau Canal is a fantastic experience. Especially if Beavertails are involved, you can buy them from kiosks on the ice.

 

Diversity rules

Ottawa is officially bilingual, with over half of the population speaking French and English. The area also has a growing population of new Canadians: one in five Ottawa residents was born outside of Canada, with most immigrants coming from China, the Philippines, and Lebanon and contributing to the city’s rich ethnic and linguistic diversity. 

 

 

Winterlude fun in Ottawa, Ontario

 

The culture capital 

Ottawa is a city that loves its festivals and events. Winterlude is Canada’s biggest winter festival: a  three-week celebration of all things cold, with ice sculpture competitions, skating on the canal, snow games, and plenty of fun ways to warm up after being outside. There’s also Ottawa Bluesfest, the Canadian Tulip Festival (the largest tulip display in the world!), Canada Day and many other fun events. 

 

 

 

 

Love a good museum? Ottawa has seven acclaimed national museums: 

 

Popular Ottawa neighbourhoods

While the city boasts many incredible places to live, this article focuses on its four most popular suburbs: 

  • Barrhaven
  • Kanata
  • Orleans
  • Hunt Club 

 

 


Family-friendly Barrhaven, a haven south of the city

 

Barrhaven 

Barrhaven is an inviting suburb 17 km south of downtown Ottawa. Affectionately known as “Far Haven” or just “The Haven,” it’s a quiet, family-friendly, typically suburban bedroom town with excellent schools, parks and green spaces, and a close-knit community. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homes for sale in Barrhaven, Ottawa 

 

Homes in Barrhaven are a mix of old and new, built from the 1960s to the present day. You’ll find condos, townhomes, semis, detached houses and high-end executive homes, with a few historic homes that date back to when Barrhaven was an independent village. This neighbourhood makes you feel welcome, with a warm community feel and fun local events like movies in the park and Canada Day celebrations. 

 

 

 

 

“I raised my family in Barrhaven – it’s a safe, friendly community with a nice mix of seniors and young families, great schools, excellent family support, and extracurricular activities, and some great retirement communities. Plus, it’s much more affordable than downtown, and you don’t have to give up that urban vibe. For nature lovers and sports-minded folks, there is a world of activities to explore.”

 –  Sharon Forbes, Sales Representative, Right At Home Realty Ottawa

 

Everything you need is close by, including two rec centres with ice rinks, pools, and fitness facilities. There are big box stores, malls, and specialty shops nearby. And you have easy access to downtown Ottawa’s great restaurants, shopping, dining, and entertainment, too, just a short drive or transit ride away. 

 

Looking to buy or sell a property in Barrhaven? Find a Barrhaven real estate expert.

 

Are you an agent who specializes in Barrhaven homes for sale? Talk to us about why joining Right At Home could be the next big step in your real estate career. 

 

 


 

 

Kanata, Ontario – Ottawa’s favourite “meeting place” 

 

Kanata 

 

The name Kanata comes from the Huron-Iroquois word  “meeting place.” This thriving Ottawa suburb lives up to that name. Located just west of the greenbelt, Kanata is the largest of the residential communities that ring central Ottawa. With plenty of character and charm, it offers an excellent quality of life for families, professionals and seniors. 

 

 

 

 

Typical Kanata real estate 

 

Kanata is a planned community with a mix of older and more recently built housing and a convenient combination of residential and commercial that makes for easy commutes. The area has a thriving tech sector, with many businesses operating out of this part of Ottawa. 

 

There’s no shortage of wonderful outdoor spaces here: Kanata boasts 110 parks, three golf courses and miles and miles of inviting paths and trails through peaceful green spaces. There’s always a great ski or toboggan hill close by. For nature lovers, there’s the Kanata Lakes area with beautiful parks and provincially protected wetlands with beaver ponds. 

 

Hockey fans love Kanata for one undeniable reason: it’s where the Ottawa Senators play! The Canadian Tire Centre is home to the capital’s hockey franchise – and many other big concerts and events. There’s a ton of other fun stuff to do in the area, from splashing around at Kanata Leisure Centre and Wave Pool to playing a round at The Marshes Golf Club.

 

Looking to buy or sell a property in Kanata? Find Kanata real estate agents who can help. 

 

Are you an agent who specializes in real estate in Kanata? Give us a call! 

 

 


 

 

Looking for charm and affordability? Orleans real estate fits the bill. 

 

Orleans 

Known for its high francophone population, this Ottawa suburb of 110,000 east of the city offers a short commute to downtown – plus some pretty affordable home prices.  Everyone from families and professionals to empty nesters and retirees love the laid-back vibe. It’s a friendly, active community with many good schools and recreation options.

 

 

 

 

 

Orleans real estate on the east end of Ottawa

 

The original town of Orleans dates back to the 1930s, so the housing mix has some historical options. In general, Orleans real estate comprises subdivisions with detached homes, semis, townhouses, and condos for various budgets. 

 

Like most of Ottawa, Orleans has many outdoor options for residents. It has excellent views of the Ottawa River, with many parks, nature trails, sports fields, sledding hills and skating rinks. Petrie Island is a local favourite with sandy beaches, trails, a nature centre, a popular canoe club and lush, protected lagoons where you can spot turtles.  

 

Orleans offers great shopping and dining (try the Confit de Canard at St. Martha’s Brasserie and the Jeanne D’Ark Oatmeal Stout at Stray Dog Brewing; you can thank us later). Shop national and international chains at Place D’Orleans Shopping Centre. Sip and savour to your heart’s content at the annual Orleans Cork and Fork Festival hosted at the incredible Shenkman Arts Centre.  

 

Thinking about buying or selling Orleans real estate? Find Orleans real estate agents here. 

 

Orleans real estate agents: if you’re looking to switch to a great Ottawa brokerage, get in touch!  

 

 


 

Hunt Club Ottawa real estate offers a great quality of life 

 

Hunt Club

You’ll love the Hunt Club neighbourhood if you’re looking for quiet streets, landscaped boulevards, lots of green space and a family-friendly vibe.. Named after the landmark Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, the area is a quick 15-minute drive to downtown. 

 

 

 

 

 

Hunt Club Ottawa real estate has a great mix of housing options 

 

The area is diverse, with a significant Asian population and a good mix of age groups, ethnic backgrounds and socio-economic levels. Hunt Club real estate is diverse as well, with detached houses, semis, townhouses, condos, apartment buildings, co-op housing and luxury homes. 

 

Love spending time outside? Hunt Club is the community for you. A remarkable 16% of the area is green space – three times the already generous Ottawa average – with wetlands, the Rideau River shoreline, and seven city parks. It’s also bike-friendly t and has miles of trails for hiking, running, cycling, and walking your dog. 

 

Hunt Club has excellent schools with many options for French or bilingual curriculums and a tight-knit community that’s warm and welcoming. It has had a strong community association since 1979, advocating for better public services for residents, organizing local social events and more. 

 

It’s also home to The Landmark, a wonderful community for older adults that’s a popular choice for local downsizers. 

 

“Living at the Landmark in Hunt Club myself was the perfect answer to downsizing: it’s all on one floor, with Mother Nature’s gardens at my doorstep and neighbours who are like family. The setting is incredible: a private enclave in the old Hunt Club quarry with trees, foxes and birds. It offers all the benefits of condo living without the responsibilities of home ownership.” 

– Linda King, Sales Representative, Right At Home Realty Ottawa

 

Looking for Hunt Club or south industrial Ottawa real estate? Start your search here. 

Are you an agent who specializes in Hunt Club Ottawa real estate? Right At Home is looking for local specialists – get in touch today.

 

 

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