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🔥 Top 10 Most Desirable Neighbourhoods in Ottawa for Families in 2025

🔥 Top 10 Most Desirable Neighbourhoods in Ottawa for Families in 2025

Discover the top 10 family-friendly neighbourhoods in Ottawa for 2025. Explore schools, safety, amenities, and home prices in each area.

Why Ottawa is Ideal for Families in 2025

Ottawa, Ontario’s vibrant capital, has become a magnet for families seeking a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle. With its clean, safe streets, top-notch public services, and scenic green spaces, Ottawa offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. In 2025, Ottawa continues to shine as one of Canada’s best cities to raise children.

Families are flocking here thanks to:

  • Excellent education systems in both French and English

  • Expansive parks and riverside trails

  • Community-focused neighbourhoods with strong support networks

  • Growing transit options including the expanding O-Train LRT

  • Affordable housing options compared to Toronto or Vancouver

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or upsizing for more space, Ottawa offers something for every stage of family life.


What Makes a Neighbourhood Family-Friendly?

Before diving into the top neighbourhoods, here’s what makes an area stand out for families:

CriteriaWhy It Matters
School QualityKids thrive with access to top-rated schools
SafetyLow crime helps kids play and walk freely
AmenitiesParks, pools, libraries = healthy development
Community FeelStrong neighbourhood ties mean better social support
AffordabilityFamilies need room to grow without breaking the bank
Transit & CommuteEasy access to work reduces stress

1. Westboro

A perfect mix of urban flair and cozy charm, Westboro is one of Ottawa’s trendiest neighbourhoods with a strong family-friendly side. Think artisan bakeries, tree-lined streets, and splash pads galore.

  • Top Schools: Churchill Alternative, Broadview PS

  • Highlights: Westboro Beach, boutique shopping, and the Farmers Market

  • Vibe: Hip, walkable, safe

It’s ideal for active families who love to be in the heart of it all while staying grounded in community life.


2. Barrhaven

Known as the "suburban dream," Barrhaven has evolved into a booming family hotspot packed with schools, sports complexes, and shopping plazas.

  • Top Schools: Longfields-Davidson Heights SS

  • Highlights: Minto Recreation Complex, Costco, Transitway access

  • Vibe: Modern, spacious, and growing fast

With newer developments and easy access to downtown via transit, it's perfect for growing families.


3. Kanata Lakes

Home to tech professionals and suburban bliss, Kanata Lakes blends prestige with practicality.

  • Top Schools: Earl of March Secondary School

  • Highlights: Centrum Plaza, Beaver Pond Trail, tech corridor proximity

  • Vibe: Upscale, peaceful, high-achieving

It’s an excellent choice for families wanting excellent education, green space, and access to high-income opportunities.


4. The Glebe

Historic charm meets lively community in The Glebe, one of Ottawa’s oldest neighbourhoods.

  • Top Schools: Mutchmor PS, Glebe Collegiate

  • Highlights: Lansdowne Park, Whole Foods, annual festivals

  • Vibe: Heritage-rich, tight-knit, dynamic

Families enjoy walkability, cultural events, and strong community bonds.


5. Alta Vista

Alta Vista offers mature trees, spacious yards, and proximity to healthcare services—ideal for multigenerational families.

  • Top Schools: Ridgemont HS, Canterbury HS (Arts)

  • Highlights: CHEO & Ottawa General Hospital nearby

  • Vibe: Quiet, classic, close to everything

Its mix of older charm and central location appeals to families valuing space and serenity.


6. Orleans (Fallingbrook & Avalon)

A favourite for bilingual families, Orleans delivers affordability, newer builds, and excellent French immersion programs.

  • Top Schools: École secondaire BĂ©atrice-Desloges

  • Highlights: Millennium Park, Place d'Orleans Mall

  • Vibe: Affordable, diverse, community-focused

Families love the newer homes and vibrant cultural scene.


7. Riverside South

An up-and-coming gem, Riverside South is gaining serious traction with the expansion of the LRT.

  • Top Schools: Steve MacLean PS

  • Highlights: New homes, nature trails, short downtown commute

  • Vibe: Quiet, green, growing

Great for families who want peace and modern living with easy city access.


8. Rockcliffe Park

If prestige and privacy top your list, Rockcliffe Park is your dream neighbourhood.

  • Top Schools: Elmwood School, Ashbury College

  • Highlights: Embassies, mansions, private parks

  • Vibe: Elegant, elite, quiet luxury

Though pricey, it offers unmatched beauty and security.


9. Stittsville

Stittsville brings small-town energy with big-city convenience. Families here enjoy wide streets, spacious homes, and vibrant sports programs.

  • Top Schools: Sacred Heart HS

  • Highlights: Trans Canada Trail, Carp Road shopping

  • Vibe: Suburban charm, family-focused, growing fast

Perfect for active families wanting a tight community.


10. Beacon Hill

Nestled near the Ottawa River, Beacon Hill is an underrated treasure for families.

  • Top Schools: Colonel By SS (IB program)

  • Highlights: NCC trails, Gloucester Centre

  • Vibe: Peaceful, bilingual, affordable

Its proximity to nature and value homes make it a smart pick.


Tips for Choosing the Right Ottawa Neighbourhood for Your Family

  • Tour multiple areas at different times of day

  • Talk to locals or visit community Facebook groups

  • Use school catchment maps before buying

  • Balance commute times with lifestyle needs

  • Don’t forget future resale value


The Future of Family Living in Ottawa

Ottawa is only getting better for families:

  • New LRT lines in progress

  • More school expansions in suburbs

  • Improved green infrastructure and trails

  • Continued stable real estate growth

Whether you’re planting roots or relocating, 2025 is a fantastic year to explore Ottawa’s family neighbourhoods.


FAQs about Family Neighbourhoods in Ottawa

1. What is the safest neighbourhood in Ottawa for families?
Westboro and Rockcliffe Park consistently rank as some of the safest areas.

2. Where can I find French immersion schools in Ottawa?
Orleans and Beacon Hill are known for strong Francophone education options.

3. What Ottawa suburb offers the best value?
Barrhaven and Riverside South offer great home size-to-price ratios.

4. Which area has the best public schools?
Colonel By in Beacon Hill and Earl of March in Kanata Lakes are top-rated.

5. Is downtown Ottawa good for families?
Yes, especially The Glebe and areas near parks like New Edinburgh.

6. How much should I budget for a family home in Ottawa?
Expect $650K–$900K depending on area and size as of 2025.


Conclusion: Making the Move to Ottawa’s Best Family Neighbourhoods

Ottawa has something for every kind of family—from bustling city charm to suburban tranquility. By choosing the right neighbourhood, you're not just buying a house—you’re investing in a lifestyle that nurtures your family’s growth and happiness.

Thinking about making a move in 2025? Ottawa’s family-friendly communities are ready to welcome you home. 🏡

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