Where to Live in Kanata?

Kanata—Ottawa’s tech hub and one of the fastest-growing suburbs—offers a diverse range of neighbourhoods to suit every lifestyle. Wondering which neighborhood is right for you? Let’s break down the best neighbourhoods Kanata has to offer and find out which one fits your needs.

Introduction

Today, we’re diving into the dynamic Kanata’s neighbourhoods. From established gems like Beaverbrook to modern developments like Morgan’s Grant, Kanata’s diverse areas offer something for everyone. As Ottawa’s tech capital and home to world-class amenities, Kanata is a hotspot for those seeking suburban living with urban perks. We’ll analyze each neighbourhood based on amenities, real estate, transit, and lifestyle to help you make an informed decision.

In this blog, we’ll compare the various Kanata neighbourhoods across four categories: Amenities, Real Estate, Transit and Commuting, and Lifestyle. Each category is scored out of 25 points, leading to a final tally that will help you decide which suburb is the right fit for your family.

These ratings are based on a mix of public data, local insights, and detailed research. Sources include Stats Canada, Census Reports, the Ottawa Equity Index, and the Ottawa Real Estate Board. We’ve worked hard to ensure accuracy, but the ratings are still subjective and meant as a general guide.

Your best choice will depend on your unique priorities. We encourage you to explore further and find what fits your needs.

We made sure to look at key factors like schools, education, and safety. These are top priorities for families thinking about moving. Many Ottawa neighborhoods offer strong schools, French immersion programs, and a close-knit community feel. That said, there are a few areas where it’s wise to be more cautious.

Planning a move to Ottawa? The right guidance can make all the difference. We’re here to offer expert insights on neighborhoods that could be the perfect fit for your family.

1. Amenities

Beaverbrook

As Kanata’s first planned community, Beaverbrook has great charm. This neighborhood is known for its unique mid-century architecture. Some homes were even designed by famed architect Bill Teron. It features mature, tree-lined streets and large parks. The Kanata Beaverbrook Community Centre serves as a hub for local activities. Walter Baker Park adds to the charm with sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas. For a touch of luxury, residents enjoy the renowned Brookstreet Hotel, complete with spa services, fine dining at Perspectives Restaurant, and live music at the hotel’s Options Jazz Lounge. The nearby Earl of March High School, with its strong academic reputation, adds to Beaverbrook’s appeal for families.

Bridlewood

Bridlewood is a family-friendly neighbourhood that combines suburban comfort with urban convenience. The area is home to top-rated schools like W.O. Mitchell Elementary and Roger-Saint-Denis Catholique School. It also has several parks, including Meadowbreeze Park, which features playgrounds, sports fields, and splash pads.

Shopping is a breeze with Hazeldean Mall, home to essential stores and services, along with nearby big-box options like Walmart and Costco. Local gems like Francesco’s Coffee Company and Poco Pazzo Italian Eatery add a personal touch, offering cozy spaces to relax or grab a bite. Trails like the Trans Canada Trail connect residents to nature, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Kanata Lakes

Known for its upscale vibe, Kanata Lakes features premium homes surrounded by scenic green spaces and a walkway path system. Outdoor lovers will appreciate access to Beaver Pond Trail, a serene area for walking and birdwatching. Centrum Shopping Centre offers plenty of shopping and entertainment options. Residents can catch a movie at Landmark Cinemas. They can enjoy a meal at Montana’s BBQ. Afterward, they can shop at well-known stores like Indigo and Winners.

Schools like Stephen Leacock Public School and All Saints High School enhance the area’s appeal for families.

Morgan’s Grant

Morgan’s Grant is a popular neighborhood. It’s especially attractive to professionals working in Kanata North’s tech hub. It offers a great mix of nature and convenience. Residents enjoy scenic walking trails like Shirley’s Brook Trail and parks like Brookshire Park. The park includes sports fields, a splash pad, and playgrounds.

The Richcraft Recreation Complex is a major draw, offering a state-of-the-art fitness center, swimming pools, and multi-purpose facilities. Schools like Jack Donohue Public School and Kanata Highlands Public School are highly regarded, making Morgan’s Grant a favorite for families.

Katimavik and Glen Cairn

Affordable and well-established, Katimavik and Glen Cairn are known for their sense of community and excellent amenities. Schools such as Katimavik Elementary and Glen Cairn Public School serve the community. Parks like Clarence Maheral Park provide open spaces for outdoor activities. Proximity to Hazeldean Mall and other major shopping centers ensures residents have easy access to everything they need. These neighborhoods also offer a wide network of walking and cycling paths. They connect residents to Kanata’s larger green spaces.

Emerald Meadows

Emerald Meadows, located in the south end of Kanata, is a rapidly growing neighbourhood known for its mix of modern housing developments and green surroundings. The area is ideal for families, with highly rated schools like St. Martin de Porres School and Élisabeth-Bruyère Catholic School. Deevy Pines Park and Kristina Kiss Park offer many outdoor recreation options. These include playgrounds, sports fields, and open green space. Emerald Meadows is well-connected by public transit, making it a practical choice for commuters seeking a peaceful suburban retreat with urban amenities close at hand.

2. Real Estate Overview

Kanata’s real estate market offers a diverse range of options, catering to buyers with varying needs and budgets. From affordable townhouses to luxury single-family homes, Kanata has something for everyone.

Beaverbrook

Known for its spacious lots and distinctive mid-century architecture, Beaverbrook stands out with homes averaging $647,947 as of late 2024—a 24.7% increase from the previous year. Many homes feature unique designs by architect Bill Teron, combining modernist aesthetics with practical layouts. Renovated properties blend mid-century charm with contemporary finishes, making this neighbourhood a favorite for buyers seeking character and style.

Bridlewood

Offering more contemporary builds, Bridlewood homes average $762,472. With a wide selection of townhouses and detached homes, this neighbourhood is perfect for families looking for modern conveniences and access to top-rated schools. Quiet streets, proximity to green spaces like Meadowbreeze Park, and nearby shopping hubs add to its family-friendly appeal.

Kanata Lakes

Kanata Lakes offers upscale homes with single-family properties averaging $891,533 in 2024. These homes feature premium finishes, spacious layouts, and proximity to the Kanata Golf and Country Club. Scenic green spaces like Beaver Pond and access to shopping at the Centrum Mall enhance the area’s allure, making it a prime choice for those seeking elegance and convenience.

Morgan’s grant

Morgan’s Grant is a neighbourhood that combines affordability and access to high-quality amenities, with homes averaging $719,113. This area is particularly attractive to tech professionals due to its proximity to Kanata North’s technology park. With walking trails, parks like Brookshire Park, and the Richcraft Recreation Complex nearby, Morgan’s Grant offers a balanced lifestyle of work and leisure.

Katimavik and Glen Cairn

Affordable and family-oriented, Katimavik and Glen Cairn are known for their mix of townhouses and detached homes, with prices ranging from $561,158 to $578,677. These well-established neighbourhoods are ideal for first-time buyers and families, offering easy access to parks, schools, and shopping at Hazeldean Mall. The community’s quiet streets and close-knit feel make it a welcoming place to call home.

Emerald Meadows

Located in Kanata’s south end, Emerald Meadows is a growing neighbourhood that features a mix of modern townhouses and single-family homes. The average home price is $631,200, making it an appealing option for families and young professionals. With parks like Kristina Kiss Park and Deevy Pines Park, residents have access to plenty of outdoor activities.

3. Transit, Commuting, Location (worth 25 Points)

Kanata is well-connected, but commuting times and transit options vary by neighbourhood.

Beaverbrook: Positioned close to Highway 417, Beaverbrook offers quick access to Ottawa’s downtown core—typically a 20–30 minute drive in light traffic. OC Transpo services are regular, with park-and-ride options nearby.

Bridlewood is a bit farther from Highway 417. However, the area is well-served by efficient bus routes and will benefit from the upcoming expansion of Ottawa’s LRT system. Kanata Lakes: Excellent location for commuters, with easy highway access and proximity to Kanata Centrum, a transit hub. Morgan’s Grant lies slightly to the north. It has direct routes to Kanata’s tech hub and easy access to downtown Ottawa. Commute times during peak hours are usually between 30 and 40 minutes.

Katimavik and Glen Cairn: Centrally located within Kanata, these areas offer great connectivity to shopping centres, schools, and transit options.

4. Lifestyle Factors That Influence Health Outcomes

Each Kanata neighbourhood offers a unique lifestyle, catering to a wide range of preferences and demographics.

Beaverbrook

Ideal for those who value community charm, Beaverbrook is characterized by mature trees, walkable parks, and a relaxed atmosphere. The neighbourhood features spacious lots, unique mid-century architecture, and abundant recreational spaces like Walter Baker Park. Local events and the amenities at the Kanata Beaverbrook Community Centre foster a strong sense of community among residents.

Bridlewood

A favorite among families, Bridlewood combines a strong sense of community with plenty of family-oriented amenities. Parks like Meadowbreeze offer playgrounds, splash pads, and open fields for recreation. Shopping is easy with nearby big-box stores and Hazeldean Mall. Quiet streets and green spaces make the area ideal for those seeking a suburban lifestyle.

Kanata Lakes

Kanata Lakes offers a blend of upscale living and natural beauty. Its elegant homes are surrounded by green spaces like Beaver Pond Trail, which provides scenic walking and cycling paths. The nearby Centrum Shopping Centre offers a variety of dining, entertainment, and retail options, making it a vibrant hub for residents.

Morgan’s Grant

Morgan’s Grant is an excellent choice for professionals working in Kanata North’s tech hub and for outdoor enthusiasts. The neighbourhood features modern housing options, scenic trails like Shirley’s Brook, and parks equipped with sports fields and splash pads. The Richcraft Recreation Complex provides a wide range of fitness and leisure activities, making it easy to maintain an active lifestyle.

Katimavik and Glen Cairn

Known for their affordability and practicality, Katimavik and Glen Cairn are ideal for first-time buyers and families looking for a balanced suburban lifestyle. These well-established neighbourhoods feature a variety of housing options, from townhouses to detached homes, and offer excellent access to parks, transit, and shopping centers like Hazeldean Mall.

Emerald Meadows

Located in Kanata’s south end, Emerald Meadows provides a tranquil suburban environment with modern conveniences. The area is home to parks like Kristina Kiss Park and Deevy Pines Park, offering outdoor activities for all ages. With nearby retail options, walking trails, and a peaceful residential atmosphere, Emerald Meadows is an appealing choice for those seeking a quiet yet connected lifestyle.

FINAL SCORES

Emerald Meadows 20/25 21/25 19/25 20/25 80/100

Conclusion:

Kanata’s neighbourhoods cater to a variety of lifestyles, from the established charm of Beaverbrook to the upscale allure of Kanata Lakes. Kanata offers something for everyone. Families will love the green spaces. Professionals enjoy being close to the tech park. And buyers appreciate the area’s affordability.

What’s your favourite Kanata neighbourhood? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Planning a move? Contact us today for expert advice and personalized support. See you next time on Living in Ottawa!

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

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