5 Underrated Neighbourhoods for Families Living in Ottawa

5 Underrated Neighbourhoods for Families Living in Ottawa. Today, we’re diving into five hidden gem neighbourhoods in Ottawa that are perfect for families but somehow fly under the radar. Whether you’re dreaming of suburban serenity or urban convenience, these spots have a lot to offer— great schools, gorgeous parks, and fantastic amenities. So, if you’re new in town or just hunting for a new place to call home, stick around as we uncover 5 underrated neighbourhoods for families in Ottawa.

When families think about relocating to Ottawa, they often focus on well-known areas like Barrhaven, Kanata, or Orléans. But today, we’re shining a spotlight on five underrated neighbourhoods that are perfect for families but often get overlooked. We’ll explore a neighbourhood known for its strong sense of community and proximity to nature, another that blends urban and suburban living with ample parks and shopping options, and a peaceful area near the river with excellent schools and green spaces. We’ll also visit a well-planned community with extensive parklands and cultural activities, and finally, a hidden gem perfect for those seeking a rural lifestyle with all the modern conveniences nearby.

5 Underrated Neighbourhoods for Families Living in Ottawa:
– BELLS CORNERS

Let’s start with Bells Corners. It’s located in Ottawa’s west end, about a 20-minute drive from downtown. This neighbourhood strikes a nice balance between city convenience and a suburban vibe.

You’ll find a variety of shopping centers and local eateries along Robertson Road. Some favorites include The Brew Table for a great meal and Bell’s Corners Bakery for delicious pastries. For your shopping needs, there’s the Lynwood Centre and Bell Mews Plaza, which have everything from grocery stores to fitness centers, making daily life pretty convenient.

For families, Bells Corners has some excellent schools like Bell High School, known for its strong academic programs, and Knoxdale Public School, which has a great reputation in the community.

Nature lovers will be happy here too. With the National Capital Greenbelt nearby, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring nature trails. One of the local gems is the NCC Trail 27, which offers a serene escape into nature. Plus, local spots like Lynwood Park, with its splash pad and playground.

The real estate here is quite varied. There’s a mix of older homes with a lot of character and newer developments, so there’s something for every family and budget.. The area features a mix of mid-century homes and newer developments, reflecting its growth over the decades. Many of the original homes, built in the 1950s and 1960s, are single-family houses with spacious yards, often characterized by their classic brick facades and charming, traditional designs. These homes are spread across well-established streets, giving the area a cozy, settled feel.

The layout of Bells Corners is quite easy to navigate, with residential streets branching off from the main thoroughfares like Robertson Road and Richmond Road. This layout ensures that most homes are just a short walk or drive from essential services, schools, and parks. The community is designed with convenience in mind, allowing residents to enjoy a suburban lifestyle without sacrificing easy access to urban amenities.

The lifestyle in Bells Corners is very family-friendly. You’ll find a mix of young families, professionals, and retirees who enjoy the blend of suburban living with easy access to the city. The community spirit is strong, with lots of local events and activities that bring everyone together. The Bells Corners Community Centre hosts various programs and events that are great for kids and adults alike.

Overall, Bells Corners is a great spot if you’re looking for a neighbourhood that offers excellent schools, great amenities, and plenty of outdoor activities. It’s definitely a hidden gem in Ottawa.

5 Underrated Neighbourhoods for Families Living in Ottawa
– BEL AIR

Next up is Bel Air. It’s a centrally located neighbourhood in Ottawa, just a 15-minute drive from downtown. This place strikes a great balance between urban and suburban living, making it ideal for those who want the convenience of city life without all the hustle and bustle.

In terms of amenities, Bel Air has everything you could need. You’ve got shopping centers like College Square nearby, which has grocery stores, pharmacies, and a variety of retail shops. Public transit is super accessible here, with multiple bus routes connecting you to other parts of the city. Plus, there are several community centers in the area that offer recreational programs and activities for all ages.

For families, Bel Air is well-served by some great schools, including Agincourt Road Public School and St. Daniel Catholic School. These schools are known for their strong academic programs and active community involvement, so you can be sure your kids are getting a quality education close to home.

If you love the outdoors, Bel Air won’t disappoint. The neighbourhood is rich in green spaces. Bel-Air Park is a popular spot with playgrounds and sports facilities, perfect for family outings. Navaho Park is another great option, offering open spaces and walking trails for leisurely strolls or active play.

When it comes to real estate, Bel Air offers a diverse mix of homes. You’ll find a lot of mid-century houses from the 1950s and 1960s. These homes often feature brick exteriors, spacious interiors, and lots of charm with their classic architectural styles. They typically sit on large lots with mature trees, which gives the neighbourhood a really cozy, established feel.

In recent years, newer townhouses and condo complexes have been added to the area. These modern homes usually feature open-concept layouts, high-efficiency appliances, and stylish finishes. The layout of Bel Air is well thought out, with residential streets tucked away from the main roads, creating a quiet and safe environment for families. Most homes are within walking distance of parks, schools, and essential services, making day-to-day living really convenient.

Bel Air is a diverse and welcoming community. You’ll find a mix of young families, professionals, and retirees here, all enjoying the blend of suburban peace and urban convenience. The area’s quiet residential streets and abundance of parks make it especially attractive for families. At the same time, the proximity to downtown and great public transit options are a big draw for working professionals. There’s a strong sense of community, with lots of local events and recreational programs that bring residents together.

WOODPARK

Let’s talk about Woodpark. This neighbourhood is a real hidden gem located near the Ottawa River, which makes it perfect for families who love being close to nature. It’s about a 15-minute drive to downtown Ottawa, so you get the best of both worlds—easy access to the city and a peaceful, green environment to come home to.

When it comes to amenities, Woodpark has plenty to offer. There are shopping options nearby, like Carlingwood Mall, where you can find everything from groceries to fashion. The area is also well-served by public transit, making it easy to get around the city without a car. And for recreational facilities, there’s the Dovercourt Recreation Centre just a short distance away, offering programs and activities for all ages.

For families, the local schools are a big draw. Woodroffe Avenue Public School and D. Roy Kennedy Public School are both well-regarded and provide excellent educational opportunities for kids in the neighbourhood.

One of the highlights of Woodpark is its green spaces and parks. Woodroffe Park is a great spot for family activities, with playgrounds and sports fields. Frank Ryan Park offers more of the same, plus it’s a beautiful place to just relax and enjoy the outdoors. The bike paths along the Ottawa River are fantastic for those who enjoy cycling or walking, offering stunning views and a great way to stay active.

Now, let’s dive into the real estate scene in Woodpark. The neighbourhood features a mix of architectural styles, reflecting its development over the years. You’ll find charming mid-century homes that were built in the 1950s and 1960s. These houses often have brick exteriors, spacious interiors, and large lots with mature trees, giving the area a well-established, cozy feel. Many of these homes have been well-maintained or renovated, preserving their original charm while offering modern conveniences.

In addition to these older homes, there are also newer developments that provide more contemporary living options. These include townhouses and condos with open-concept layouts, energy-efficient designs, and modern finishes. The layout of Woodpark is quite appealing, with quiet residential streets that branch off from the main roads, ensuring a peaceful living environment. Most homes are within easy reach of parks, schools, and other amenities, making it a very convenient place to live.

The lifestyle in Woodpark is relaxed and family-friendly. The neighbourhood attracts a diverse mix of residents, including young families, professionals, and retirees. People here enjoy the blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. The strong sense of community is evident in the local events and activities that bring residents together, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Overall, Woodpark is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a neighbourhood that combines natural beauty, excellent amenities, and a variety of housing options. It’s a perfect blend of nature and city living, making it an ideal place for families and anyone looking to enjoy a high quality of life in Ottawa.

CENTREPOINTE

Now let’s take a look at Centrepointe. This neighbourhood is a real standout in Ottawa, known for being a well-planned community with everything families need. It’s located about a 20-minute drive from downtown Ottawa, giving you easy access to the city while offering a quieter suburban environment.

Centrepointe is packed with amenities. One of the highlights is the Centrepointe Theatre, which hosts a variety of performances and events throughout the year. There’s also the Nepean Centrepointe Library, a fantastic resource for both kids and adults. For those who rely on public transit, the major transit station nearby makes commuting a breeze.

When it comes to schools, Centrepointe is well-covered. Centrepointe Elementary School and École secondaire publique Omer-Deslauriers are both excellent choices, providing high-quality education for children in the neighbourhood.

Nature lovers will appreciate the extensive parklands in Centrepointe. Centrepointe Park is a great place for outdoor activities, with plenty of space for picnics, sports, and playground fun. Ben Franklin Park is another nearby spot that offers wide open spaces and recreational facilities, perfect for family outings.

The real estate in Centrepointe is quite varied, catering to different needs and preferences. You’ll find a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condos. Many of the homes were built in the late 1980s and 1990s, featuring modern designs and spacious layouts. These houses often come with large yards and mature landscaping, creating a pleasant and established feel.

In addition to these older homes, there are newer developments as well. These newer builds typically offer contemporary designs, with open-concept layouts, high-end finishes, and energy-efficient features. The layout of the neighbourhood is very family-friendly, with quiet residential streets and cul-de-sacs that make it safe for children to play outside. The community is well-organized, with schools, parks, and amenities all conveniently located within walking distance.

Centrepointe is a diverse and welcoming community. You’ll find a mix of young families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate the neighbourhood’s convenience and community spirit. The area is vibrant and active, with plenty of local events and activities that bring residents together. Whether it’s a theatre performance, a community picnic, or a library event, there’s always something happening in Centrepointe.

GREELY

Let’s talk about Greely. If you’re dreaming of a rural lifestyle but still want to be within reach of the city, Greely might just be the perfect spot for you. It’s located about a 30-minute drive south of downtown Ottawa, offering a peaceful, country-like setting with all the convenience you need.

Greely has a unique charm, combining rural living with the benefits of nearby amenities. You’ll find everything you need close by, from local shops and grocery stores to recreational facilities. The community is tight-knit, with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for families.

For schools, Greely is well-served by Castor Valley Elementary School and St. Mary Catholic School. Both schools are known for their strong educational programs and active community involvement, ensuring that your kids get a great education in a supportive environment.

Nature lovers will feel right at home in Greely. The area is filled with green spaces and parks. Andy Shields Park is a fantastic spot for family activities, featuring playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails. Centennial Park offers even more outdoor fun with its open spaces and recreational facilities, making it perfect for picnics, sports, and leisurely walks.

Now, let’s dive into the real estate scene in Greely. One of the biggest draws here is the spacious properties. The homes in Greely typically sit on large lots, providing plenty of space for gardens, outdoor activities, and privacy. The architecture varies, with a mix of traditional and modern styles. Many homes are custom-built, offering unique features and designs that reflect the rural charm of the area.

You’ll find everything from sprawling bungalows to two-story family homes, often with large yards and beautiful landscaping. These homes are perfect for those who want plenty of room to spread out and enjoy outdoor living. The newer developments in Greely also offer modern amenities and energy-efficient designs, catering to families who want the best of both worlds—rural living with modern comforts.

The layout of the neighbourhood is thoughtfully planned, with wide streets and open spaces that enhance the rural feel. Most homes are within easy reach of parks, schools, and local amenities, making day-to-day living convenient and enjoyable.

The lifestyle in Greely is laid-back and family-oriented. The community attracts a diverse mix of residents, including families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate the slower pace of life and the strong sense of community. Local events, community picnics, and recreational activities bring everyone together, fostering a close-knit, friendly environment.

HONOURABLE MENTION – Findlay Creek

And with honourable mention is Findlay Creek, one of Ottawa’s newer communities. Located just a 20-minute drive south of downtown, and just down the road from Greely. it’s perfect for families who want modern amenities and a suburban feel while staying close to the city.

Findlay Creek has a lot to offer in terms of amenities. The community is home to new shopping centers, like Findlay Creek Centre, where you’ll find grocery stores, restaurants, and various shops. Public transit is easily accessible, making it convenient to get around the city.

For schools, there’s Vimy Ridge Public School and St. Bernard Catholic School, both known for their strong academic programs and supportive environments.

If you love spending time outdoors, you’ll appreciate the parks and green spaces in Findlay Creek. Diamond Jubilee Park and Butterfly Park are perfect spots for family outings, with playgrounds, walking trails, and plenty of open space for activities.

The real estate in Findlay Creek primarily consists of new builds, offering modern designs and energy-efficient features. You’ll find a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condos. These homes often feature open-concept layouts, spacious rooms, and contemporary finishes. The neighbourhood is well-planned, with residential streets that are safe and quiet, perfect for raising a family.

The lifestyle in Findlay Creek is vibrant and family-friendly. The community is engaged, with lots of local events and activities that bring residents together. It attracts young families and professionals who appreciate the modern amenities and the close-knit community vibe.

Well we hope you enjoyed the uncovering of these five underrated neighbourhoods in Ottawa that are perfect for families. From the suburban charm of Bells Corners and Bel Air’s blend of urban and suburban living to the natural beauty of Woodpark, the well-planned community of Centrepointe, and the rural appeal of Greely, these hidden gems offer excellent schools, great amenities, and a strong sense of community. 

And if you are thinking of relocating to Ottawa feel free to reach out to us. Give us a call – shoot us a text – send us an email – or even wrap it in a bow and send it first class because we got your back when moving to Ottawa or anywhere across Canada.

You can learn more about the city of Ottawa by visiting its official website: https://ottawa.ca/en.

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