Introduction – Why Walkability Matters in 2025

Benefits of Walkable Living

Living in a walkable neighborhood means better health, reduced transportation costs, and a deeper connection to your community. It's no wonder urban buyers increasingly prioritize pedestrian-friendly areas.

What Makes a Neighborhood 'Walkable'?

We rank based on Walk Score, access to daily essentials, transit availability, street design, and an inviting streetscape.

Methodology – How We Ranked Them

Walk Score & Street Connectivity

We used Walk Score ratings and analyzed block patterns, sidewalk quality, and traffic calming.

Amenities, Green Spaces & Transit

Also considered were nearby parks, grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and transit access.

#10 – Vanier

A multicultural hub with vibrant dining options, parks like Beechwood, and transit links—making Vanier an accessible, emerging walkable community.

#9 – Westboro

Packed with boutiques, coffee shops, fitness studios, and riverfront paths, Westboro combines nature and walkability in a friendly urban-suburban mix.

#8 – Hintonburg

Home to galleries and indie cafés, Hintonburg’s compact streets and artistic flair earn it a top walkability spot.

#7 – Glebe

With Bank Street’s shops, canal pathway, and Lansdowne Park events, the Glebe makes walkability vibrant and fun.

#6 – Sandy Hill

Student-filled streets offer diverse dining and easy access to downtown, parks, and University of Ottawa campuses.

#5 – Old Ottawa East

Just south of downtown, this riverside village features specialty markets, café culture, trail access, and calm streets.

#4 – Centretown

Everything’s within reach—groceries, nightlife, schools, and transit—making Centretown the epitome of urban walkability.

#3 – Little Italy

Italian flair and cafés north of Preston, combined with streetcar-style streetscapes and community vibrancy, push Little Italy high on the list.

#2 – West Centretown (Tunney’s / Little Italy)

Enhanced by the O-Train station, mixed-use blocks, and residential options, this area offers transit-first walkability.

#1 – Downtown Core (ByWard Market / Parliament)

With restaurants, entertainment, grocery, transit, and historic sites all a few steps away, downtown offers an unbeatable walk-first lifestyle.

Honorable Mention – Alta Vista Village

Not fully urban core—yet its compact plaza, parks, and local services make Alta Vista Village surprisingly pedestrian-friendly and worth consideration.

How to Choose the Right Walkable Neighborhood

Budget vs Lifestyle

Walkability often commands a premium. Compare costs per square foot and choose what aligns with both your lifestyle and budget.

Transit Needs & Future Growth

Consider the LRT expansion, new pathways, and infrastructure plans that could boost walkability further in areas like Old Ottawa East and Sandy Hill.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Walk Score? A measure of how friendly an area is to walking and accessing daily needs.

• Are these neighborhoods expensive? Generally, yes—walkable areas tend to have higher prices than outer suburbs.

• Is car ownership necessary? Not essential in top walkable areas, but a vehicle helps for weekend trips.

• Which area is best for families? Glebe, Alta Vista, Old Ottawa East, and Vanier offer a balanced approach.

• Can I invest in a walkable neighborhood? Absolutely—central walkable areas often retain or grow in value.

• Does walkability affect resale value? Yes—studies point to higher resale prices in walkable communities.

Conclusion – Walk Your Way to a Better Lifestyle

If you're searching for convenience, community, and well-being, walkable neighborhoods deliver on all fronts. While living steps from everything comes at a price, the payoff is a richer, more connected urban experience. Explore these areas, walk the streets, and find the one that truly feels like home.