Choosing the right neighbourhood is one of the most important decisions families make when buying a home in Ottawa. Choosing the right home isn’t just about the house itself. Schools, parks, walkability, safety, and commute times all affect long-term happiness, lifestyle satisfaction, and resale value.
As an Ottawa realtor, I work closely with families every day who are balancing lifestyle, budget, and future planning. Some families prioritize proximity to work or schools, while others are focused on space, outdoor amenities, or community feel. In this guide, we’ll explore some of Ottawa’s best neighbourhoods for families. You’ll see what makes each area unique, why they appeal to families, and important factors to consider when buying. By the end, you’ll better understand which neighbourhoods fit your family’s lifestyle. You’ll also see how they could support you in the years ahead.
What Makes a Neighbourhood Family-Friendly?
Before looking at specific neighbourhoods, it’s useful to consider what families usually prioritize when moving to and around Ottawa. Every family is different, but some factors consistently affect how well a neighbourhood meets day-to-day needs.
Some key things families typically consider include:
- Access to well-rated schools and how school catchment boundaries may affect your family
- Safe, quiet streets that feel comfortable for walking, biking, and outdoor play
- Parks, playgrounds, and greenspace, which are especially important for younger children and active families
- A strong community feel and family-oriented amenities, such as recreation centres, libraries, and local programs
- A reasonable commute to downtown or major employment hubs, factoring in daily routines, transit access, and flexibility for remote or hybrid work
- Long-term resale potential, particularly for families thinking ahead to future moves or changing needs
Not every neighbourhood checks every box, and priorities often shift as families grow and lifestyles change. That’s why finding the right fit usually matters more than choosing the most talked-about or popular area. Taking the time to understand how a neighbourhood functions on a day-to-day basis can make a meaningful difference in long-term satisfaction.
The Glebe: Walkable, Central, and Community-Driven
The Glebe consistently ranks as one of the most desirable family neighbourhoods in Ottawa, particularly for families who value walkability, community connection, and central living. Located just south of downtown, the Glebe offers a rare blend of urban convenience and residential calm, with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a strong neighbourhood identity. Many families are drawn to the area for its ability to support day-to-day life without relying heavily on a car, while still offering access to green space, cultural amenities, and well-established schools.
Why families love the Glebe
- Highly walkable with shops, cafés, and schools nearby
- Access to the Rideau Canal, Lansdowne, and multiple parks
- Strong sense of community and established schools
Things to consider about the Glebe
For families who decide that space, affordability, and suburban amenities are the priority, neighbourhoods like Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orléans are often top of the list. These areas tend to offer larger homes, newer construction, and family-focused amenities that support growing households and evolving needs over time. Suburban communities are often designed with access to schools, parks, recreation centres, and everyday services in mind, which can make day-to-day life feel more manageable for busy families. While commute times may be longer and daily routines more car-dependent, many families find the trade-off worthwhile for the added space, quieter streets, and overall lifestyle flexibility.
Westboro: Active, Trendy, and Family-Friendly
Westboro has evolved into one of Ottawa’s most sought-after neighbourhoods for young families, offering a balance of vibrant city energy and livable residential streets. Known for its active lifestyle, strong school options, and proximity to nature, Westboro appeals to families who want access to urban amenities without giving up green space or a sense of community. With a mix of established homes and newer developments, the neighbourhood attracts buyers at different life stages, from growing families to long-term residents looking to stay close to the core.
Compared to the Glebe’s more historic, tightly knit streets and older housing stock, Westboro tends to offer a wider variety of home styles and slightly more flexibility in terms of layout, age, and price point. Families deciding between the two often weigh the Glebe’s charm and centrality against Westboro’s outdoor lifestyle and housing diversity.
Why families choose Westboro
- Great schools and daycare options
- Proximity to beaches, bike paths, and the Ottawa River
- Strong mix of detached homes, townhomes, and condos
Things to consider about Westboro
Westboro offers a wide range of housing styles, but prices can vary significantly by street and proximity to Richmond Road. Homes closer to the main strip tend to command higher prices due to walkability and access to amenities, while quieter residential pockets slightly north or south often offer more privacy and a calmer feel. Many families focus their search on these side streets to balance convenience with a more traditional neighbourhood atmosphere.
Central Ottawa vs Suburban Living: What Families Should Consider
For many families, choosing the right neighbourhood in Ottawa comes down to a broader decision: central living versus suburban living. Neither option is better across the board. The right choice depends on lifestyle priorities, daily routines, and long-term plans.
Central Ottawa neighbourhoods, like the Glebe and Westboro, often appeal to families who value walkability, shorter commutes, and access to shops, schools, and amenities within a compact area. These neighbourhoods tend to offer a strong sense of community and convenience, but homes are often older, lot sizes are smaller, and prices can be higher for the amount of space. While central neighbourhoods offer walkability and shorter commutes, many families also consider suburban options for more space and newer homes.
Suburban neighbourhoods, such as Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orléans, typically offer more square footage, larger yards, and newer construction at more accessible price points. Families choosing the suburbs often prioritize space, quieter streets, and family-focused amenities, with the trade-off being longer commutes and a more car-dependent lifestyle.
Many families find that this decision isn’t about choosing one “better” option, but about picking the environment that best supports their day-to-day life. For some, that means walkable mornings and shorter drives. For others, it means extra space and room to grow.
For families prioritizing space, affordability, and suburban amenities, neighbourhoods like Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orléans are top choices. They offer larger homes, modern layouts, and family-focused amenities that support growing households, even if commutes to downtown are longer.
Kanata: Space, Schools, and Suburban Comfort
For families seeking more space and newer homes, Kanata remains a top choice in Ottawa’s west end. The neighbourhood is known for its planned communities and family-friendly amenities. It appeals to families who prioritize room to grow and a quieter, suburban lifestyle.
Kanata offers a wide range of housing options, from established neighbourhoods to newer developments. This variety makes it particularly attractive for families looking for larger homes and functional layouts without leaving the city.
Compared to central Ottawa neighbourhoods like the Glebe or Westboro, Kanata generally provides more square footage and larger yards. The abundance of newer construction communities add to the competition in the market. The trade-off is longer commute times and less walkability. For many families, the choice comes down to whether daily convenience or long-term space better fits their lifestyle.
Why Kanata works for families
- Excellent schools and recreation facilities
- Larger homes and yards compared to central neighbourhoods
- Strong employment presence in Kanata North (tech sector)
Things to consider about Kanata
Commutes can be longer, so families may need to plan daily routines carefully. Public transit options continue to improve, but many families rely on cars for school runs, errands, and extracurricular activities. While the commute may be longer, Kanata’s larger homes and family-focused amenities make it an attractive choice for many households.
Barrhaven: Growing, Affordable, and Family-Focused
Barrhaven continues to attract families looking for value without sacrificing everyday amenities. As one of Ottawa’s fastest-growing suburban communities, it appeals to buyers who want newer homes and family-oriented neighbourhoods. The area also offers family-friendly amenities such as schools, parks, and shopping within a short drive. Barrhaven is especially popular with families balancing space and affordability. Housing options range from townhomes to larger detached properties.
Compared to central Ottawa neighbourhoods, Barrhaven typically offers more home for the budget and newer construction. The trade-off is longer commutes and a more car-dependent lifestyle. When compared to other suburbs like Kanata, Barrhaven often stands out for relative affordability and rapid development. This makes it a strong option for families prioritizing value and future growth over proximity to downtown.
Why families move to Barrhaven
- Newer developments with modern layouts
- Plenty of schools, parks, and shopping centres
- More affordable price points compared to central Ottawa
Things to consider about Barrhaven
Some areas of Barrhaven are still under development. This can mean ongoing construction, changes to neighbourhood amenities, and evolving traffic patterns. Public transit is improving, but many families still rely on cars for school runs, errands, and activities. Despite this, Barrhaven’s affordability, newer homes, and family-friendly amenities often make the longer commute worthwhile.
Orléans: Waterfront Access and Community Feel
Located in Ottawa’s east end, Orléans offers a strong sense of community along with access to nature and waterfront amenities. Many families are drawn to the area for its established neighbourhoods. Family-friendly features like green space and waterfront trails, and proximity to the Ottawa River, which encourages an active, outdoor lifestyle. Orléans also has a mix of older, well-established homes and newer developments. This appeals to families at different stages and budgets.
Compared to central Ottawa neighbourhoods, Orléans generally provides more space and affordability. Commute times are longer, and the area is less walkable and more car-dependent. When compared to west-end suburbs, families often choose Orléans for its strong community feel and access to waterfront trails. Especially if work, family, or lifestyle connections are already rooted in that part of the city.
Why families consider Orléans
- Access to the Ottawa River and green spaces
- Established schools and family services
- More affordable detached homes
Things to consider about Orléans
Commutes to downtown Ottawa can be longer, particularly during peak hours, so daily routines may require planning. While the area is more car-dependent, upcoming transit expansions are expected to improve connectivity and access over time. Families often prioritize the neighbourhood’s community feel and waterfront access over travel time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest neighbourhood in Ottawa for families?
Many family-friendly neighbourhoods, such as the Glebe, Westboro, Kanata, and parts of Barrhaven, consistently rank well for safety. The best option often depends on street-by-street dynamics rather than neighbourhood names alone.
Are suburban neighbourhoods better for families than central Ottawa?
Not necessarily. Suburbs offer space and affordability, while central neighbourhoods provide walkability and shorter commutes. The right choice depends on lifestyle priorities.
Which Ottawa neighbourhoods have the best schools?
Neighbourhoods like the Glebe, Westboro, Kanata, and Orleans are known for strong school options, though specific school catchments matter more than neighbourhood reputation.
How to Choose the Right Neighbourhood for Your Family
Every family is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. When evaluating neighbourhoods, I always recommend considering:
- Your daily routine and commute: How far are you willing to travel for work, school, or extracurricular activities? Factor in traffic patterns and public transit options.
- Future family plans: Will your family grow? Do you need space for children, pets, or home offices? Planning ahead can save stress later.
- Budget flexibility: Consider not just the purchase price, but also property taxes, maintenance, and potential renovations.
- Long-term resale value: Even if you plan to stay for years, choosing a neighbourhood with strong demand helps protect your investment.
- Street-level feel, not just neighbourhood reputation: Walk the streets, visit parks, and talk to residents to get a real sense of everyday life.
Visiting multiple areas in person often makes the decision much clearer. A short drive or walk can reveal details you won’t notice online or on a map.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa offers an incredible variety of family-friendly neighbourhoods, each with its own strengths. Some might be drawn to the walkability and historic charm of the Glebe and the active lifestyle of Westboro. Others to the extra space and modern layouts in Kanata, Barrhaven, or Orléans. The key is finding a neighbourhood that fits your current lifestyle while also supporting your family’s future.
Buying a home is more than just a transaction. It’s about choosing a community where your family can thrive. The right neighbourhood makes daily life smoother, supports your family’s routines, and provides a foundation for memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Ottawa, guidance tailored to your family’s needs can make all the difference. From narrowing down neighbourhoods to helping you envision life in each area, I’m here to help you make a confident, informed decision.
