It can be hard to find the best neighbourhood for you and your family to move to.
Beautiful and green with a low crime rate, Ottawa offers lots of advantages. But when you’re looking for a great place to raise your children, whether you’re moving long distances or planning a local Ottawa move, you also want easy access to family-friendly infrastructures like schools, recreation, and grocery shopping.
With those criteria in mind, find out 7 of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa for families.
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Barrhaven is a great Ottawa neighbourhood to move to with kids. This flourishing suburb boasts plenty of amenities such as nearby grocery stores and doctor’s offices. At the same time, it’s quiet, friendly, and safe.
Local schools are excellent, especially John McCrae Secondary.
Barrhaven used to be nicknamed “Farhaven” due to the longish commute to downtown Ottawa, but today that’s a non-issue when Mom and Dad work from home.
Kanata
Kanata has tons to offer growing families. It’s a beautiful, diverse suburb close to downtown. High-quality schools abound, including Stephen Leacock Public School, one of the best in Ottawa. After class, your kids will definitely not be bored; the area is full of parks, trails, and community centres. For winter fun, try the skating rinks and toboggan hill at Kanata Recreation Complex. Cheer the Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre.
In terms of job opportunities, Kanata is home to a number of thriving high-tech companies.
Orleans
There’s a lot to love about Orleans, starting with reasonably priced real estate — townhomes, semi-detached, and detached homes — ideal for young couples who are first-time homebuyers.
The strong French-language presence will encourage your kids to grow up bilingual. Also, Orleans is surrounded by green spaces and boasts bike paths, picnic areas, soccer fields, and various winter activities for the snowy months. Though it’s a 30-40 minute drive to the city, you’ll find most of the shops and services you need right in this attractive neighbourhood.
Stittsville
In Stittsville, grownups and youngsters alike will enjoy the peaceful village-like atmosphere and the super-friendly neighbours. In fact, it’s one of the most family-oriented Ottawa neighbourhoods, thanks to the active Stittsville Village Association.
There are good local schools for all ages, both public and private, such as the Frederick Banting Secondary Alternate Program. In addition to the many parks (check out Coyote Run and the Trans-Canada Trail!), families will appreciate the local library, theatres, and the Goulbourn Museum’s interactive exhibits.
Westboro
Within Ottawa’s core, Westboro rates as the most family-oriented place to live. Residents are within walking distance of schools, libraries, shops, child-friendly dining spots, recreation facilities, and even Westboro Beach. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the convenient OC Transpo service.
Be prepared, though. Because it’s such a hip, in-demand area, real estate in this quaint urban village falls into the more expensive range.
The Glebe
There are definitely more pros than cons when moving to the Glebe. Less than 5 kilometres from the heart of Ottawa, life in the Glebe provides a strong sense of community. Your family will be able to walk everywhere… to the great schools (including Carleton University for post-secondary studies), grocery stores, a year-round farmers’ market, quirky boutiques, parks, and more. However, the area’s real estate — consisting mainly of lovely early 20th-century single-family homes surrounded by mature trees — is pricey.
Alta Vista
Back in the 1960s, Alta Vista was initially designed as a family neighbourhood. And it maintains this character today, with a generous selection of schools, parks, community centres, and houses of worship.
When you move to this close-knit southeastern community, you’re only a short drive from downtown, yet housing costs are still relatively affordable.
Wherever you decide to move to in Ottawa, choosing a mover will be easy. Cassidy’s is your professional moving company, with over a century’s experience moving families in the Ottawa area.
Here’s a review from a recent customer:
“My employer chose Cassidy’s to move my family across Canada. The people scheduled for my move were nothing short of professional. Zach, the driver, went over and above to see we were satisfied. His team worked hard to ensure all of our household effects and home were treated with respect. Well done! I would recommend this company, and especially Zach and his team anytime.”
- Jennifer F, Carp, ON
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