Kanata vs. Stittsville: What’s the Difference?

Kanata and Stittsville—two neighbouring suburbs that share a lot in common, but offer a different vibe. Whether you’re all about established neighbourhoods or love that small-town feel, this breakdown will help you decide where you belong.

Kanata and Stittsville are west-end neighbours in Ottawa, but they each bring a unique flavour to the suburban lifestyle. Kanata is a hub for tech jobs, shopping, and recreation, while Stittsville offers a quieter, small-town charm with plenty of new developments.

In this Blog, we’ll compare these two suburbs across four key categories: Amenities, Real Estate, Transit and Commuting, and Lifestyle. Each category is scored out of 25 points to give you a clear picture of what each suburb has to offer.

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. While stats and data play a big role, we’ve also factored in personal observations and local feedback to ensure the scores reflect the true experience of living in these suburbs. Remember, every family is different, so the “best” choice for you might depend on your priorities.

It’s also important to mention that we did consider factors like schools and education as well as safety and community feel. These are critical elements for anyone relocating with their family. However, across Ottawa’s major suburbs, we found these factors to be consistently well-balanced. Most neighbourhoods offer access to quality schools, including French immersion options, and maintain a strong sense of community with relatively low crime rates. Since these aspects are fairly comparable across the board, we’ve decided to focus this comparison on other key factors that truly set these areas apart. So without further ado – let’s get into this…

1. Amenities

Kanata (22/25):
Kanata has the edge with its well-established amenities. Shopping includes Kanata Centrum, Tanger Outlets, and smaller centres like Hazeldean Mall, offering a variety of stores and services. Recreation is a strong point, with options like the Bell Sensplex for sports and the Kanata Leisure Centre for family fun. Keep in mind the geographical divide between Stittsville and Kanata is pretty narrow so residents on a daily basis use most of the same facilities. 

Dining and entertainment are diverse, with options ranging from casual spots like The Royal Oak to upscale eateries like La Roma. Nature enthusiasts also enjoy access to the South March Highlands Conservation Forest, a top spot for hiking and mountain biking.

Stittsville (19/25):
Stittsville offers a more limited range of amenities but excels in community charm. Shopping includes local centres like Jackson Trails Plaza, and while it lacks major hubs like Kanata, you’ll find boutique shops and local gems and all the necessities. Recreation facilities like the CardelRec Complex cater to families with skating, swimming, and sports programs.

Dining in Stittsville is a mix of cozy and trendy, with favourites like Cabotto’s for Italian cuisine and The Grounds Café for coffee lovers. For outdoor fun, Stittsville is close to the Trans Canada Trail, perfect for cycling and walking.

2. Real Estate

Kanata (21/25):
Kanata’s real estate market is diverse, offering established neighbourhoods like Beaverbrook alongside newer developments in Kanata Lakes and Emerald Meadows. The average home price is $748,418, with strong demand driven by its tech-sector proximity. Notable areas include Beaverbrook, where prices have surged by 25.6% year-over-year, and Rural Kanata, which offers high-end properties averaging over $1.5M.Stittsville (22/25):
Stittsville is slightly less affordable, with an average home price of $816,822. It’s a hotspot for new developments in the South end of Stittsville making it a great choice for families looking for modern homes. Neighbourhoods like Fairwinds and Westwood offer a mix of townhomes and single-family properties, while the quiet streets of Crossing Bridge Estates appeal to long-term residents. With strong demand and plenty of space for growth, Stittsville edges ahead for family driven neighbourhoods and small town community feel.

3. Transit, Commuting, Location

Kanata (20/25):
Kanata’s tech-sector proximity is a major advantage for local workers, but for downtown commuters, traffic on the Queensway (Highway 417) can be a challenge. While bus service is reliable, Kanata currently lacks LRT connectivity.Stittsville (18/25):
Stittsville’s location further west means longer commutes to downtown, making it less convenient for city workers. Public transit options are more limited compared to Kanata, relying heavily on buses. However, its quieter location appeals to those working in nearby areas or from home.

4. Lifestyle

Kanata (23/25):
Kanata offers a balanced lifestyle with a mix of urban conveniences and outdoor activities. Trails like the South March Highlands and access to Gatineau Park make it ideal for active families. The dining and entertainment scene is lively, and local events bring the community together.

Stittsville (20/25):
Stittsville’s lifestyle is all about small-town charm. Neighbourhood events like the Stittsville Villagefest create a strong sense of community, and local landmarks like the Trans Canada Trail add to its appeal. However, it lacks the same variety of activities and nightlife that Kanata offers.

Final Scores:

Stittsville: 79/100

Kanata: 86/100

Conclusion:

Kanata and Stittsville each have their own charm, but the best choice comes down to your lifestyle. Are you drawn to Kanata’s suburban convenience or Stittsville’s small-town feel? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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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