East Ottawa vs. West Ottawa: Which Side is Right for You?

East or West—Ottawa’s ultimate debate. We’re breaking down both sides of the city. From family living to commuting, and everything in between — this comparison will help you decide which area fits you best.

East Ottawa and West Ottawa represent two distinct lifestyles within the city, each with its own advantages and appeal. East Ottawa, including areas like Orleans and Beacon Hill, is known for its affordability and family-friendly neighbourhoods. West Ottawa, home to Kanata and Stittsville, combines suburban charm with access to nature and tech-sector jobs.

We’ll break down these two regions across four categories: Amenities, Real Estate, Transit and Commuting, and Lifestyle. Each category gets a score out of 25 points. We’ll total everything at the end to help you choose which side of Ottawa fits your lifestyle best.

Before we get into the scores, let’s talk about how they’re calculated. Our scoring system considers real-world factors like access to amenities, housing affordability, transit options, and overall lifestyle quality. Stats and data matter. But we’ve also included local feedback and personal observations. That way, the scores reflect the real experience of living in these Ottawa suburbs. Remember, every family is different, so the “best” choice for you might depend on your priorities.

We also looked at key factors like schools, education, safety, and community feel. These elements helped shape the overall scores.These are critical elements for anyone relocating with their family. However, across Ottawa’s popular neighbourhoods, we found these factors to be consistently well-balanced. Most neighbourhoods have access to quality schools, including French immersion. They also offer a strong sense of community and relatively low crime rates. Because these features are similar in both areas, we’ve shifted focus to the key differences that set them apart. So without further ado – let’s get into this…

1. Amenities

East Ottawa (20/25):
East Ottawa offers a good mix of amenities, though they vary by neighbourhood. Shopping hubs like Place d’Orleans and the retail centres along Innes Road cover day-to-day needs. Recreational options are plentiful. Petrie Island offers sandy beaches and scenic views. Mer Bleue Bog is another local gem — a conservation area with peaceful boardwalk trails..

Dining in East Ottawa is mostly family-friendly. You’ll find local favourites like Taproom 260. However, the area lacks the variety and upscale options seen in other parts of the city.

West Ottawa (22/25):
West Ottawa has a slight edge when it comes to amenities. It features established spots like Kanata Centrum, Tanger Outlets, and top-tier recreational facilities in Stittsville. The area also boasts some of Ottawa’s best nature trails, including the South March Highlands and the Trans Canada Trail. It’s a great region for outdoor enthusiasts.

Dining and entertainment options are more diverse, ranging from casual spots like Big Rig Brewery to upscale venues like Central Bierhaus. Add in attractions like the Canadian Tire Centre, and West Ottawa pulls ahead in this category.

2. Real Estate

East Ottawa (21/25):
East Ottawa is known for its affordability, making it a popular choice for first-time buyers and families. The average home price in Orleans is $653,935, with neighbourhoods like Fallingbrook seeing steady growth. Newer developments in areas like Avalon cater to families seeking modern homes.

While East Ottawa is more affordable, its long-term growth potential isn’t as strong as the west end, which may appeal more to investors.

West Ottawa (22/25):
West Ottawa offers a diverse range of housing options, from townhomes in Emerald Meadows to luxury homes in Kanata Lakes. The average home price in Kanata is $748,418, reflecting its desirability and proximity to tech-sector jobs. Stittsville, with its average home price of $816,822, offers newer developments and strong family appeal.

The west end’s real estate market has shown consistent long-term growth, making it a solid choice for families and investors alike.

3. Transit, Commuting, Location

East Ottawa (22/25):
East Ottawa benefits from the Stage 2 LRT expansion, which connects neighbourhoods like Orleans directly to downtown Ottawa. This drastically improves commute times and reduces reliance on driving. Access to the 417 and 174 highways also ensures decent connectivity to the rest of the city, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours.

West Ottawa (20/25):
West Ottawa’s transit options are more limited, with no LRT connection yet. Bus rapid transit (BRT) is the primary public transit option, and while it’s reliable, it doesn’t match the convenience of the LRT. Commute times via the Queensway (Highway 417) can be long during rush hours, particularly for residents traveling to downtown.

4. Lifestyle

East Ottawa (21/25):
East Ottawa offers a family-focused lifestyle with plenty of parks, trails, and community events. Highlights include outdoor spaces like Petrie Island, which is perfect for summer picnics, and Mer Bleue Bog, ideal for nature walks. The area’s quieter vibe appeals to families and retirees, though it may not offer the same level of excitement or variety as the west end.

West Ottawa (23/25):
West Ottawa delivers a more dynamic lifestyle with its mix of suburban charm and access to nature. Trails like the South March Highlands attract hikers and mountain bikers, while family-friendly events like the Kanata Farmers’ Market add to the community feel. For those seeking a balance of outdoor adventure and urban convenience, West Ottawa hits the mark.

Final Scores:

West Ottawa: 87/100

East Ottawa: 84/100

Conclusion:

East Ottawa and West Ottawa each offer something unique. The east is perfect for families on a budget, while the west shines for nature lovers and those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Which side of the city do you prefer? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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.

RECOMMENDED VIDEOS:

THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF MOVING TO OTTAWA

TOP FUN AND AFFORDABLE NEIGHBORHOODS FOR YOUNG FAMILIES IN OTTAWA