Your Guide to Centretown, Ottawa’s Vibrant Hub (Featuring Pros and Cons, History, and Must-See Attractions!)
For us city dwellers always on the move, we know Centretown better than the back of our hands. And that’s saying a lot for a digital nomad like me, constantly typing on her laptop.
I mean, who can forget the rush hour traffic that doubles as our daily cardio, or the parallel parking challenges that feel more like an extreme sport?
But beyond the hustle and bustle, and the symphony of city sounds that rivals a rock concert, Centretown holds is home to many Ottawans drawn to its lively atmosphere.
Today, I’m peeling back the layers to reveal what makes this neighborhood both wonderful and, well, not-so-great, including answering the burning question: is it really worth calling home?
Is Centretown, Ottawa a good place to live?
Centretown, Ottawa is a good place to live. It has an 84/100 livability store on Area Vibes.
This high rating is due to its abundance of amenities, excellent public transit accessibility, rich green spaces, and outstanding walkability.
Abundance of Amenities
If you’re seeking a bustling neighborhood that has almost everything you need within walking distance, then look no further.
Centretown has it all – a wide array of shops, restaurants, and pubs, along with supermarkets and entertainment options, ensuring that everything’s easily accessible.
Public Transit Accessibility
Since Centretown is located in the heart of the city, residents find it easy to access public transit from here, making the use of the OC Transpo seamless and convenient.
This includes quick access to train and bus stations, putting the entirety of Ottawa at your fingertips.
According to Statistics Canada, 16,685 residents rely on private vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and vans, while 4,665 or 27.9% opt for the convenience of public transit.
Additionally, 6,615 prefer to walk, 1,580 choose bikes, and 1,165 reported using other methods.
Rich Green Spaces
There’s a wealth of green spaces in Centretown, which usually comes off as a surprise to other folks, considering its central urban location.
Residents and visitors alike can enjoy this feature by going to city parks like Dundonald Park, St. Luke’s Park, Mcnabb Park, and many others.
Walkability
Centretown is a walkable neighborhood, thanks to its well-maintained sidewalks.
If you don’t want to use public transit, you can always walk around the area, which can also help in discovering new gems.
How many residents are there in Centretown, Ottawa?
According to the most recent data from Statistics Canada, there are 126,360 residents in Centretown, Ottawa as of 2021.
What are the boundaries of Centretown, Ottawa?
On the northern side, Centretown, Ottawa is bounded by Gloucester Street, on the south by The Queensway, on the east by the Rideau Canal, and on the west by Bronson Avenue.
What is the history of Centretown, Ottawa?
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Centretown, Ottawa was predominantly residential and aimed to provide housing near government offices and Parliament Hill.
Centretown, most specifically the Bank Street area, was teeming with stores, factories, and even Chinese laundry shops.
While it has been completely revamped today, you can still expect to see a lot of commercial sites in the neighborhood.
What are the pros and cons of living in Centretown, Ottawa?
Like any other neighborhood, living in Centretown, Ottawa has its own pros and cons. Considering what they are should help you make better decisions if you’re planning on moving here.
Pros of Living in Centretown, Ottawa
Variety of Housing Options
There’s a wide variety of housing options in Centretown, Ottawa, making it suitable for a diverse type of individuals.
Folks can expect to find an array of high-rise apartments, as well as single-detached and row housing while looking for their new home in the neighborhood.
Diverse Community
The neighborhood is home to a diverse population, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
On Statistic Canada, it has been reported that there are 10,980 Canadians, 25,400 Irish, 29,150 Irish, 26,090 Scottish, 5,945 Chinese, 3,555 Indian, 1,075 Filipinos, and more groups with different origins.
Varied Job Opportunities
There’s a wide range of job opportunities found in Centretown, Ottawa.
Statistic Canada states that there are 1,745 residents in legislative and senior management roles, 15,315 in business, finance, and administration, 10,950 in natural and applied sciences, and many more in fields such as sales and service, as well as manufacturing and utilities.
Short Commuting Duration
Another highlight of living in Centretown is how its residents experience a short commuting duration.
According to Statistic Canada, 10,255 individuals reported spending less than 15 minutes to get to work.
Meanwhile, 13,545 individuals stated that it takes them 15 to 29 minutes, 4,465 reported 30 to 44 minutes, 1,200 indicated 45 to 59 minutes, and 1,235 said it takes them over an hour.
Central Location
Centretown is situated in the heart of Ottawa, providing easy access to downtown amenities, government offices, and cultural attractions.
It doesn’t take too long to go from here to any of the popular destinations in the capital
Cons of Living in Centretown, Ottawa
Expensive Rent
According to Zumper, the average monthly rent in Centretown, Ottawa is $2,100, indicating that it’s 4% higher than the national median which would be $2,016.
Noise and Traffic
Being located in the downtown core, Centretown can experience higher levels of noise and traffic congestion, especially during peak hours or special events.
This might not be ideal for those who prefer quieter environments or have a low tolerance for fast-paced city life.
Crowded During Events
Centretown, Ottawa hosts several major events and festivals throughout the year, which can make the neighborhood even more congested.
These events include Canada Day celebrations, the Ottawa International Jazz Festival, and the Ottawa International Writers Festival.
Things to See and Do in Centretown, Ottawa
Shop gourmet at Arya Food Market
Media credit: @thewastepolice
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/F7apXeqJvubhe7JP6
Address: 508 Gladstone Ave
Contact number: +1 613-594-3636
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Residents of Centretown have easy access to Arya Food Market, a local store that sells a variety of gourmet products, catering to those with discerning tastes and a penchant for high-quality culinary delights.
From nuts and spices to drinks and snacks, Arya offers an extensive selection of premium ingredients and goodies to stack your pantry with.
Aside from that, they also have a wide selection of Iranian dishes like pastries and baklava, so you can even indulge in a culinary adventure after shopping.
Experience the cool and charming Art House
Website: https://www.thearthousecafe.ca
Address: 555 Somerset St W.
Contact number: +1 613-230-9555
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, and Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 12 AM
I’m not exaggerating when I say Art House might just be one of the coolest places in Centretown, and I’m sure a lot of locals will agree with me.
This cafe-slash gallery offers a chance to enjoy local art while sipping on a delicious cup of coffee.
Every corner is adorned with art, resulting in a charmingly unique interior with a vibrant ambiance, perfect for fostering an art-loving community.
Additionally, they regularly host events such as open mics, writing events, and even life drawing sessions. I highly recommend checking it out if you’re in the area.
For the complete calendar of events, be sure to visit their website.
Immerse yourself in the city’s buzzing nightlife at Pourboy
Website: https://www.pourboypub.com
Address: 495 Somerset St W
Contact number: +1 613-695-7687
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 2 PM to 2 AM
Pourboy is one of Centretown’s bustling hotspots – a friendly neighborhood bar teeming with delicious bar bites and crafty drinks.
It’s a great location to go to if you want to get a taste of the city’s nightlife, especially considering its lively atmosphere and convenient location near other popular venues and attractions – that is, if you don’t mind a dive bar ambiance.
Visit the Canada Museum of Nature
Website: https://nature.ca/en/
Address: 240 McLeod St
Contact number: +1 800-263-4433
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Tuesday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday – 9 AM to 8 PM
Centretown is also home to the Canada Museum of Nature, a wonderland for those seeking to explore the wonders of the natural world.
Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in various exhibitions, where they can explore the enchanting habitats of owls, wolves, and other fascinating creatures, as well as marvel at ancient fossils preserved within the museum’s collections.