10 of the Best Places to Live in Ottawa
While there’s no objective way of saying which palace is the best one to live in Ottawa, there’s no denying the numerous locations that are simply incredible.
Having explored pretty much every area of the capital, recommending which neighborhood is the best for you is no easy task.
But despite that, I do have a few solid recommendations that I think you will love. Let’s go see what they are, shall we?
Downtown Ottawa

Key selling points:
- Central location
- Close to all kinds of amenities
- Vibrant nightlife
- Diverse community
Downtown Ottawa is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in this beautiful city. It offers a unique blend of charm and convenience that is hard to find elsewhere.

To live in this part of the capital means you’re at the heart of the action. You’re just a short walk away from some of the most iconic landmarks in the city, like Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Rideau Canal.
Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just a fan of leisurely walks, this central location makes it all accessible and adds a touch of history to your daily life.
Downtown residents enjoy a vast array of amenities right at their doorstep. There are numerous grocery stores, markets, and specialty shops to cater to your daily needs.

The Rideau Centre, a premier shopping destination, offers a wide range of stores, from high-end boutiques to well-known brands. You’ll never have to worry about being far from the essentials.
If you love the energy of city life, Downtown Ottawa gives you a vibrant nightlife that’s hard to beat. You can enjoy an impressive selection of bars, restaurants, and clubs that cater to all tastes.
Cozy pubs with live music, upscale cocktail lounges, or nightclubs with DJs, are just a few things you can expect. The ByWard Market, in particular, is a hub for night owls and food enthusiasts.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Downtown Ottawa is its diverse and welcoming community. The neighborhood is home to people from various backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life.
This diversity enriches the community spirit, making it an open and inclusive place to call home.
Westboro

Key selling points:
- Safe and family-friendly
- Close to downtown
- Trendy shops and restaurants
- Beautiful parks and trails
As someone with a deep appreciation for the city, Westboro is unquestionably one of the finest places to live in Ottawa, and for many good reasons.

Westboro is known for its safety and family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a place where you can stroll down the tree-lined streets without worry.
The low crime rate and tight-knit community make it an ideal location to raise a family. It’s common to see children playing in the parks and friendly neighbors looking out for one another.
While Westboro maintains its own unique charm, it’s incredibly close to downtown Ottawa. A short commute, either by car or public transportation, gets you to the heart of the city in no time.
This proximity to the downtown core ensures that residents have easy access to work, culture, and entertainment options.

We can’t talk about Westboro without mentioning its trendy shops and restaurants. The neighborhood boasts an eclectic array of these establishments.
Wellington Street, the area’s main thoroughfare, is lined with boutiques, artisanal stores, and culinary delights.
From stylish clothing stores to cozy coffee shops and gourmet restaurants, Westboro offers an array of options for every taste and preference. It’s a haven for foodies and shoppers alike.

Nature lovers will be delighted by Westboro’s proximity to beautiful parks and trails. The neighborhood is nestled along the Ottawa River, providing access to scenic riverfront pathways and green spaces, such as Westboro Beach and Hampton Park.
The district also hosts various events and activities throughout the year, including art fairs and cultural festivals that highlight its sense of community and vibrancy.
The Glebe

Key selling points:
- Historic neighborhood
- Charming tree-lined streets
- Independent shops and restaurants
- Close to the Rideau Canal
For history junkies out there, The Glebe is likely the best place in Ottawa for you to live in.
This part of the capital is steeped in history and has an undeniable charm that sets it apart. It was one of Ottawa’s earliest suburbs and has retained its historic character.

You’ll find beautiful heritage homes, some dating back over a century, which lend a timeless and elegant feel to the neighborhood.
One of the defining features of The Glebe is its picturesque, tree-lined streets. In the spring and summer, the canopy of trees provides a serene backdrop to leisurely strolls.

During the fall, the streets become a colorful spectacle as the leaves change, making for an enchanting atmosphere.
The Glebe is a haven for those who appreciate independent boutiques, unique shops, and diverse dining options.
Bank Street, the neighborhood’s main artery, is lined with an assortment of indie stores, ranging from artisanal establishments to vintage outlets.

The area’s culinary scene is equally diverse, with cozy cafes, gourmet eateries, and international dishes. Whether you’re looking for handmade crafts or a taste of world cuisine, The Glebe has it all.

Another charming point of living in The Glebe means you’re just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This gorgeous landmark transforms into the world’s longest skating rink in the winter, providing residents with a unique and beloved winter activity.

In the summer, it’s the perfect place for leisurely walks, picnics, and boat rides. The canal adds a touch of natural beauty and recreational opportunities to your doorstep.
Additionally, The Glebe is renowned for its community spirit. Residents often come together to celebrate local events, such as the Great Glebe Garage Sale, neighborhood festivals, and charity runs.
There’s a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie, which makes living here all the more enjoyable.
Hintonburg

Key selling points:
- Hip and trendy neighborhood
- Eclectic mix of shops and restaurants
- Vibrant arts scene
In just a few years, Hintonburg has changed a lot, becoming one of the coolest and most fashionable places to live in Ottawa.
There are bright murals on the streets, and the whole place feels creative and young. This is the area to be in if you want to live in a neighborhood with a strong urban feel.

People who love going on shopping sprees are going to enjoy Hintonburg. There is a wide range of shops, from specialty stores and vintage clothes outlets to artisanal food establishments and gift boutiques.
There are also a lot of different kinds of restaurants and cafes serving dishes from around the world, as well as local tastes and new ways to eat.
If you like farm-to-table food, fusion cuisine, or just a coffee and a snack, Hintonburg has what you’re looking for.

In addition to that, the area is known for having a fantastic arts scene. Artists and art lovers from all over the world come to the neighborhood to visit its many galleries, studios, and cultural events.
You can get involved with local art, find one-of-a-kind works, and even attend classes to improve your own skills.
Hintonburg is located west of downtown Ottawa, which is a great spot for getting to the city’s center while still enjoying the slower pace of a lively and creative neighborhood.
Of course, I also have to mention Hintonburg’s strategic location. It has easy access to Ottawa’s core thanks to the many public transportation lines that run through the area, making it easy to get to work or play.
Orleans

Key selling points:
- Suburban neighborhood with a variety of amenities
- Good schools
- Close to the Greenbelt
Orleans is perfect for people who want to live in the suburbs but still have access to Ottawa’s many great services. There are plenty of different kinds of amenities and facilities, from food stores and shopping malls to hospitals and sports centers.

Tanger Outlets, in particular, is a great place to shop because it has so many stores for you to choose from.
For families, schooling is very important, and Orleans does an excellent job in this area. The kindergarten and middle schools in the vicinity are top-notch, which makes this quite a nice place if you are someone with children.
A strong focus on education, along with dedicated teachers and groups that help each other, makes sure that students can have good learning experiences.

One of the best things about Orleans is how close it is to the Greenbelt, a huge wild area that surrounds Ottawa. There are many things to do here, such as climbing, biking, cross-country skiing, and watching birds.
Along with the Greenbelt, the area has numerous parks, walking paths, and sports facilities. Petrie Island, which is on the Ottawa River, is a hidden gem in the locale that is known for its sandy beaches and relaxed vibe.
This gives you plenty of opportunities to swim, have picnics, and do water sports with your friends and family.
Being strategically located in the eastern part of the city, Orleans makes the commute to the city center quicker than in many other suburbs.
It goes without saying that getting to work or enjoying the arts and culture in downtown Ottawa is easy and quick thanks to the excellent road system and public transportation.
Kanata

Key selling points:
- Suburban neighborhood with a strong tech sector
- Good schools
- Easy access to highways
Kanata is often called “Silicon Valley North” as a result of its strong tech industry. It’s home to a lot of technology companies, from small start-ups to big names in the field.
As such, Kanata offers plenty of job possibilities.
Access to good schools is also easy for families in Kanata to get to, which is important for kids’ growth and development.

There are many public and private schools in the area that are known for their dedication to providing high-quality education. This focus on intellectual excellence definitely makes it a good choice for parents wishing to give their kids quality education.
Another great thing about Kanata is its strategic location. It makes it easy for people to get to major highways like the 417 and the 416.
For this reason, it’s highly convenient to get to other parts of Ottawa and to cities nearby. The highway system makes it easier to get to work every day, whether you are situated in downtown Ottawa or need to go further away.
Kanata has a strong business community besides its tech industry. There are many shops, restaurants, and services in the area to meet the needs of residents.
Finally, Kanata is also known for its parks and other outdoor activities. You will be able to enjoy the numerous green spaces, sports centers, and hiking trails in the area and have a great time with your friends and family.
Carlington

Key selling points:
- Suburban neighborhood with a growing population
- Good schools
- Easy access to highways and public transportation
As the number of people living in Carlington grows, the neighborhood has been getting attention from both newcomers and long-time residents.
Its family-friendly atmosphere, tree-lined streets, and friendly community spirit have made it a more and more popular choice for individuals who want to settle down and enjoy the best of Ottawa’s suburban life.
For many families, schooling is very important, and Carlington does a great job in this area. Different elementary and middle schools in the vicinity are all very well-known and respected.
These facilities are known for their dedication to giving students a good education and creating an atmosphere that supports learning and personal growth.
Besides that, Carlington’s strategic location near important highways like Highway 417 makes it easy to get to other parts of Ottawa. The area also has a good public transportation system that gives you a lot of options to move around the city.

Along with the private streets and schools, there are a number of parks, such as the large Alexander Park and the beautiful Carlington Park.
These green areas make the neighborhood more appealing by letting people play outside, have picnics, and get together with their families.
Carleton Place

Key selling points:
- Small town charm
- Close to Ottawa
- Good schools
- Affordable housing
Carleton Place has a lot to offer those who appreciate a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle, making it one of the best places to live in the region.
The small-town charm of this locale is one of the more prominent features that people love most about it. Life moves at a nice pace here, and you’ll quickly learn that everyone knows your neighbor’s name.
With its pretty streets and vintage buildings, the historic downtown area has a timeless charm that you don’t always find in bigger cities.

Just like some of the other neighborhoods in this list, its close proximity to Ottawa makes it a flexible location. It’s easy and quick for them to get to the nation’s capital, whether they drive or take public transportation.
To add to that, Carleton Place is a nice break from the crazy high prices of bigger towns for individuals who want their own homes but don’t like the expensive price tags attached to them.
As far as affordable living goes, the town has a lot to offer, whether you desire a cute old house or a new family home.
Carleton Place is even more appealing because it is right next to the beautiful Mississippi River. The town’s natural beauty welcomes outdoor enthusiasts with a peaceful setting for walks along the river, sports on the water, and quiet picnics.
Carp

Key selling points:
- Rural setting
- Good schools
- Family-friendly activities
- Deifenbunker
Carleton Place has a special kind of country charm that you don’t find in many cities. There is peace and quiet in the farmland, and life moves more slowly there.
The residents are surrounded by open places, lots of plants, and the beautiful Mississippi River, which makes the area feel calm and peaceful.

Not only is Carleton Place unique because of its countryside location, but it also has rather distinct features. The Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum, is one of the most notable landmarks here.
People in the area can visit this historic site and learn about Canada’s Cold War past by exploring the underground bunkers.
As for families that care a lot about schooling, there are great schools in the town for both elementary and senior students that offer quality education.

The town also has a lot of fun things to do with your family and for relaxation, like having a picnic in one of the many beautiful parks, learning about the past of the area, or going to community events.
Gloucester

Key selling points:
- Suburban neighborhood with a variety of amenities
- Close to the Greenbelt
- Diverse Community
The suburban neighborhood of Gloucester offers lots of great features that make it an awesome place to live.
You can easily find what you need here, whether you’re shopping for necessities, going out to eat, searching for medical facilities, or looking for fun things to do.
But what really makes Gloucester stand out is how close it is to the Greenbelt. Residents can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, hike along the trails, have picnics, and watch birds in this large and lush green area.

One thing worth mentioning here is Gloucester’s incredibly diverse culture. This has given the town a reputation that welcomes everyone and is considered to be quite a warm place.
Because the community is so varied, it encourages tolerance, acceptance, and cultural enrichment. This makes it a fun and friendly place to live.

Besides these things, Gloucester is known for being safe, having a family-friendly vibe, and having great schools. The district’s strong dedication to education makes sure that kids have good learning experiences.
Also, Gloucester has a strong sense of community, which can be seen in the many cultural events, fairs, and neighborhood get-togethers that happen all year long.
These events bring neighbors together and create a sense of belonging that really makes this suburban gem stand out.