For those considering a downtown neighbourhood based on proximity to work or play, you're probably considering one of these, so you don't need the use of a vehicle. If you're a professional who wants to live, work, and play 'car-free' in Ottawa, these are some of the best locations. We've come by, and walkability, Transit access, amenities, and proximity to downtown employment hubs are all of the top options that make them ideal.
Centretown - The Urban Core
Centretown or Central Ottawa is between the Rideau Canal and the Rideau River. It's ideal for downtown professionals, featuring a lot of condo living and a walkable lifestyle.
From this area, you can easily walk to Parliament Hill and many federal Offices. Most jobs in downtown are within a 10 to 20-minute walk.
There are also a lot of Transit options with multiple OC Transpo bus routes and the O train line one or the Confederation Line stations. There are several amenities such as grocery stores, fitness centers, cafes, Parks, and restaurants all within walking distance.
This is a great lifestyle for those looking for high-density living with modern condos, row houses, and Heritage buildings. There's a strong rental and resale appeal for many professionals with easy access to Pathways and green spaces.
ByWard Market - Lower Town
The byword market area is a Social Hub directly east of Parliament Hill. It's ideal for young professionals with a happening nightlife and great food scene Vibe.
This area works well without a car because it is served by several bus routes and it's close to the Rideau Station and the O-Train Confederation Line. You can pretty much walk to everything you would need on a daily basis such as restaurants and shopping, bars, great farmers markets, and other amenities. This is one of ottawa's most vibrant and historic areas with a strong nightlife and entertainment vibe and a great pedestrian environment with a lot of mixed-use streets.
Sandy Hill - School and Work
Sandy Hill is just east of downtown, adjacent to the Rideau Canal, and is ideal for those looking to be close to the universities, embassies, and government buildings. It's within walking distance to downtown offices, the University of Ottawa, and great shopping. There are several bus routes that run frequently throughout the community and it's a short walk to Rideau and Nicholas Transit stations.
Folks choose this area for its little bit quieter streets with Heritage homes and mid-rise Condominiums. It's close to Canal Pathways and parks and offers a good mix of residential and local services.
Westboro - Trendy and Transit-Friendly
The Westboro area is located on the West End west of Wellington Street. It's filled with trendy boutiques and coffee shops, and a lot of outdoor parks and spaces. It's served by local bus routes, and future train expansions will improve many of these links. The Main Street in Westbor offers shops and restaurants that are easily walkable. This Vibe offers a strong community emphasis with outdoor shops and fitness culture, and it has a great biking Community. It's also close to the Ottawa River Pathways.
Hintonburg - Creativity Meets Urban
Hindenburg is west of downtown near Wellington West and is ideal for Creative professionals, artists, Foodies, and a lot of local businesses. This has a good proximity to the Bayview station on the Confederation Line and Wellington West and surrounding blocks offer a very walkable Community with cafes, boutiques, and services. The lifestyle Vibe is an emerging cultural scene with art galleries and local breweries. It's more affordable than the downtown core and very pedestrian and bike-friendly.
The O-train line, one or the Confederation Line, is an East-West light rail line connecting many hubs, including Tunney's Pasture, Lion's Park, and Parliament in the central business district, and Rideau. All these neighbourhoods are near stations or frequent bus corridors. Many of these neighbourhoods also score very high on walkability scores, which contributes to a healthier lifestyle, less commute stress, and lower living costs without parking or car expenses. If you're in the market for this, you'll want to look for areas with grocery stores and pharmacies close by and easy access to Transit hubs. Make a list of your most common daily activities and see what's nearby.
At any time, we would love to work up a list of properties that match your search criteria and price in specific areas that also meet your lifestyle needs. Give us a call today or browse any of the available listings in these neighbourhoods above.