Barrhaven’s Neighbourhoods: Suburban Stars Compared!

What if I told you there’s a part of Ottawa where suburban charm meets modern convenience—where every neighbourhood offers something unique for families and young professionals? Welcome to Barrhaven, a vibrant community with so much to offer, it can be tough to choose just one area to call home. But don’t worry—we’re breaking it all down for you today.

Located in Ottawa’s South end, Barrhaven has evolved into more than just a suburb. With excellent schools, shopping centres, and parks, it’s become a mini city that’s ideal for families who want room to grow while staying close to downtown.

But Barrhaven isn’t one-size-fits-all. From the upscale homes of Stonebridge to the cozy streets of Longfields, each neighbourhood offers a different take on suburban life. In this video, we’ll walk you through Barrhaven’s top areas to help you find one that matches your lifestyle.

We’re comparing neighbourhoods across four key categories: Amenities, Real Estate, Transit & Commuting, and Lifestyle. Each is scored out of 25 points, giving you a final tally to help guide your decision.

Scores are based on public data, local insights, and trusted sources like Stats Canada, Census Reports, the Ottawa Equity Index, and the Ottawa Real Estate Board. While we’ve aimed for accuracy, these rankings are meant as a general guide. Your perfect neighbourhood will depend on your personal needs and preferences.

We’ve also factored in schools, education, and safety—key for families relocating to Ottawa. While most areas offer quality schooling and community, some may require closer evaluation. That’s where the right guidance matters.

Let’s dive into the neighbourhoods of Barrhaven—and help you find the right place to call home.

1. Amenities

Stonebridge

Is an upscale neighbourhood is anchored by the Stonebridge Golf Club, a gem for golf enthusiasts. Beyond the greens, you’ll find trails, parks, and easy access to Strandherd Crossing for dining and shopping.

Half Moon Bay

Is a newer development, Half Moon Bay is designed with families in mind. With modern parks, splash pads, and access to Minto Recreation Complex, it’s perfect for active lifestyles.

Cedarhill Estates

Is a exclusive area offering larger lots and luxury homes. Its proximity to Cedarhill Golf and Country Club makes it a serene, upscale enclave.

Longfields and Chapman Mills

Are Known for their walkability, these neighbourhoods offer convenient access to grocery stores, cafes, and the popular Barrhaven Town Centre. Schools like Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School make this area a family favourite.

Hearts Desire

Is Tucked away, Hearts Desire offers a quiet retreat from city life while staying close to essential amenities like Strandherd Drive’s retail and restaurants.

Davidson Heights

Davidson Heights blends modern suburban living with convenience. Its proximity to schools, parks, and the Minto Recreation Complex makes it ideal for families, while nearby Strandherd Drive offers plenty of shopping and dining options.

Barrhaven on the Green

Is A charming neighbourhood with tree-lined streets and a strong community feel, Barrhaven on the Green offers easy access to parks, playgrounds, and local schools. Its central location near Walter Baker Sports Centre and shopping hubs adds to its appeal for families.

Old Barrhaven West

Old Barrhaven West boasts a mix of established homes and mature greenery, creating a cozy, suburban atmosphere. Close to schools, recreation facilities, and the bustling Chapman Mills Marketplace, it offers both charm and convenience.

Old Barrhaven East

Is Characterized by its quiet streets and welcoming vibe, Old Barrhaven East features well-maintained homes and excellent access to amenities. Parks and trails provide outdoor opportunities, while Strandherd Crossing ensures shopping and dining are never far away.

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2. Real Estate

Barrhaven’s real estate market is as diverse as its neighbourhoods, offering everything from townhomes to sprawling estates.

Stonebridge

Homes here are among Barrhaven’s most luxurious, with an average price point of $810,000. Detached homes average $1,075,329 making it ideal for buyers looking for upscale living in Barrhaven.

Half Moon Bay

Has an average home price of approximately $683,000 – this neighbourhood is more affordable than Stonebridge while still offering modern builds. Townhouses average $590,906, great for first-time buyers.

Cedarhill Estates

The average home price here is $1,827,167, reflecting its exclusivity and luxury appeal. If you’re looking for space and privacy, Cedarhill Estates delivers.

Longfields

Longfields strikes a balance between affordability and convenience, with an average price of $622,674. Townhouses here average around $595,000.

Chapman Mills and Davidson Heights

Chapman Mills and Davidson Heights
These neighbourhoods saw average prices of $681,544 in 2023, with single-family homes averaging $836,352. Their mix of affordability and location appeal to many young families.

Hearts Desire

With an average price of $782,633 in 2023, Hearts Desire combines luxury with a cozy neighbourhood feel.

Barrhaven on the Green

Barrhaven on the Green offers affordable options with 23 homes sold in late 2024 at an average price of $584,480, up 6.4% from the previous year. In 2023, the average price was $605,795, with single-family homes averaging $732,177, bungalows $690,000, and townhouses $557,933. Its mix of housing types and proximity to parks and schools make it appealing for families and professionals.

Old Barrhaven West

Old Barrhaven West, developed in the 1970s and 80s, features spacious lots and mature trees, offering a blend of split-level homes, bungalows, and traditional two-story designs. These character-rich homes often provide larger yards and a family-oriented atmosphere, with easy access to Walter Baker Sports Centre and Barrhaven Town Centre.

Old Barrhaven East

Old Barrhaven East showcases homes from the 1960s and 70s, including bungalows, Cape Cod-inspired houses, and two-story family homes. Known for its tree-lined streets and larger lots, this area combines suburban charm with convenience, offering proximity to schools, parks, and Strandherd Drive’s shopping and dining options.

3. Transit, Commuting, Location

Barrhaven is well-connected, making it an excellent choice for commuters.

Public Transit

OC Transpo’s Rapid Bus Transit (RBT) network serves all major Barrhaven neighbourhoods. Routes like 74 and 75 connect residents to Tunney’s Pasture and downtown Ottawa. Future plans for LRT extensions promise even better connectivity but that could be a while from now based on the slow progress of the LRT expansion and issues they have run into.

Highway Access

Barrhaven’s proximity to Highway 416 means easy drives to downtown Ottawa or further south to Kingston. The new Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge also offers quick access to Riverside South and Manotick.Walkability and Cycling
Neighbourhoods like Longfields and Chapman Mills are walkable, with trails connecting parks and schools. Cyclists can enjoy dedicated bike lanes throughout the suburb.

4. Lifestyle

Stonebridge

Stonebridge offers upscale living with its centerpiece, the Stonebridge Golf Club, providing scenic views and recreational opportunities. The neighbourhood is ideal for those seeking luxury, with elegant homes, manicured streets, and a serene suburban feel. Residents enjoy easy access to walking trails, parks, and Strandherd Drive’s amenities.

Half Moon Bay

A modern and family-friendly neighbourhood, Half Moon Bay features newer developments with parks, splash pads, and proximity to the Minto Recreation Complex. The area’s active lifestyle and community events make it a vibrant place for families and young professionals.

Longfields

Known for its walkability, Longfields combines convenience and charm. Its well-planned streets provide easy access to grocery stores, cafes, and schools, while green spaces and playgrounds make it perfect for families. Its central location connects residents to Barrhaven’s best amenities.

Cedarhill Estates

Cedarhill Estates offers an exclusive, luxury lifestyle with sprawling lots and high-end homes. Surrounded by the Cedarhill Golf and Country Club, it’s a serene area ideal for those seeking privacy and refined living within a short drive to urban conveniences.

Strandherd

Strandherd is a bustling neighbourhood known for its accessibility and amenities. With a variety of restaurants, shops, and services along Strandherd Drive, it’s a hub for Barrhaven residents. The mix of modern housing and proximity to transit options makes it a practical and vibrant place to live.

Chapman Mills

Chapman Mills combines suburban charm with natural beauty, thanks to the Chapman Mills Conservation Area along the Rideau River. Residents enjoy picturesque trails, a strong sense of community, and easy access to shopping and dining at nearby Barrhaven Town Centre.

Davidson Heights

Davidson Heights blends modern suburban living with convenience. Its proximity to schools, parks, and the Minto Recreation Complex supports an active lifestyle, while nearby Strandherd Drive ensures plenty of dining and shopping options.

Hearts Desire

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, Hearts Desire offers a quiet, retreat-like atmosphere. With its tree-lined streets, larger lots, and proximity to Strandherd Drive’s amenities, it’s perfect for those seeking tranquility without sacrificing convenience.

Cedarview

Cedarview is a peaceful, well-established neighbourhood characterized by mature trees and a close-knit community vibe. Its spacious homes and easy access to green spaces make it ideal for families, while nearby transit links provide quick connections to Barrhaven and Ottawa.

Barrhaven on the Green

This charming neighbourhood features tree-lined streets and a mix of housing options, appealing to families and professionals. Residents enjoy close proximity to parks, playgrounds, and schools, along with easy access to shopping and dining hubs.

Old Barrhaven West

With its established homes, mature greenery, and spacious lots, Old Barrhaven West offers a cozy, suburban atmosphere. Residents benefit from nearby amenities like the Walter Baker Sports Centre and Barrhaven Town Centre, adding convenience to its timeless charm.

Old Barrhaven East

Old Barrhaven East is known for its quiet streets and character-rich homes, ranging from bungalows to larger family houses. Its tree-lined avenues and close-knit community feel create a welcoming atmosphere, while Strandherd Drive provides shopping, dining, and entertainment options just minutes away.

Final Scores:

Stonebridge 84/100

Half Moon Bay  80/100

Longfields 81/100

Cedarhill Estates 84/100

Strandherd 77/100

Chapman Mills 80/100

Davidson Heights 79/100

Hearts Desire 78/100

Cedarview 79/100

Barrhaven on the Green 78/100

Old Barrhaven West 79/100Old Barrhaven East 79/100

Conclusion:

Barrhaven offers a neighbourhood for everyone, whether you’re drawn to the luxury of Cedarhill Estates, the family-friendly vibe of Half Moon Bay, or the convenience of Longfields. With its strong sense of community, top-notch amenities, and excellent transit options, it’s no wonder Barrhaven is one of Ottawa’s most sought-after suburbs.

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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