Living in Craig Henry Ottawa

Nestled between Centrepointe and Manordale, Craig Henry is a peaceful suburban neighbourhood in Ottawa’s west end. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, green spaces, and excellent access to transit and amenities, it’s a popular choice for families, professionals, and students alike.

Developed in the 1970s, Craig Henry was designed with families in mind. The area features a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and low-rise apartments. Its location—bordered by Woodroffe Avenue and close to major roads and public transit—makes commuting to downtown Ottawa easy.

Green spaces are a standout in Craig Henry. The neighbourhood is filled with parks that include playgrounds, sports fields, and walking paths, offering plenty of outdoor activities. Mature trees and well-kept gardens enhance the neighbourhood’s charm and livability.

Nearby, the Nepean Sportsplex provides a wide range of recreational facilities, including swimming pools, ice rinks, fitness centres, and indoor courts. It’s a local hub for sports leagues, fitness programs, and community events throughout the year.

Craig Henry also benefits from its proximity to Algonquin College, one of Ottawa’s largest post-secondary institutions. Just a short drive away, the college adds to the area’s vibrancy and brings in students, faculty, and staff who contribute to the local community.

With its balance of suburban comfort, accessibility, and recreational amenities, Craig Henry offers a welcoming environment for a variety of residents.

Real Estate Market and Architecture

Craig Henry’s real estate market reflects its roots in the 1970s and 1980s, offering a mix of architectural styles and spacious, well-built homes. The neighbourhood has remained stable over time, with steadily rising property values thanks to its desirable location and family-friendly appeal.

The market is competitive, and updated homes tend to sell quickly. Buyers include young families drawn to nearby schools, as well as investors interested in student rentals. Housing options range from single-family homes to townhouses and low-rise apartments, offering something for everyone across a subtly varied landscape.

Single-family detached homes dominate the area. Most were built in the ’70s and ’80s, with two-story and split-level layouts. These homes typically feature three to four bedrooms, finished basements, attached garages, and generous backyards—ideal for families looking for space and functionality.

Townhouses and low-rise apartments offer more accessible entry points for first-time buyers or young professionals. These homes provide the benefits of the neighbourhood without the maintenance of a larger property.

Architecturally, Craig Henry homes often feature brick facades, gable roofs, and large windows. Many have been updated over the years with modern kitchens, renovated bathrooms, and energy-efficient upgrades. These improvements have helped maintain the neighbourhood’s strong appeal.

A few custom-built homes add unique touches to the area, contributing to its architectural diversity and character.

Schools in Craig Henry

Manordale Public School:

Manordale Public School is a well-regarded elementary school located in the nearby Manordale neighbourhood, serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 6. The school is known for its strong academic programs and its commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Manordale Public School offers a balanced curriculum that includes core subjects, as well as arts, physical education, and technology. 

St. John XXIII Catholic Elementary School:

St. John XXIII Catholic Elementary School is a Catholic school located near Craig Henry, serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 6. The school is known for its close-knit community and its focus on creating a supportive and nurturing environment for all students. In addition to its core academic programs, St. John XXIII offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and arts programs

Knoxdale Public School:

Knoxdale Public School is another highly regarded elementary school located near Craig Henry, serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 6. The school is known for its strong academic programs, as well as its emphasis on character education and social responsibility. The school also provides a range of support services, including special education and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed. 

Sir Robert Borden High School:

Sir Robert Borden High School is a well-regarded secondary school just north of Craig Henry. It serves students in Grades 9 through 12 and offers a broad range of academic programs. These include Advanced Placement (AP) courses, technology education, and a strong arts curriculum.

The school is known for its focus on academic success. It also has a vibrant extracurricular scene with sports teams, music groups, and a variety of student clubs.

Parks and Recreation:

Craig Henry gives residents access to several parks and recreational facilities, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. One of the most important facilities nearby is the Nepean Sportsplex. This large multi-purpose complex offers a wide range of amenities for all ages.

The Sportsplex includes swimming pools, ice rinks, fitness centres, and indoor courts. These features give residents many ways to stay fit and have fun. The facility also hosts sports leagues, fitness programs, and community events. It serves as a lively hub for people in Craig Henry and nearby neighbourhoods.

In addition to the Nepean Sportsplex, Craig Henry offers several parks and green spaces. These areas give residents places to relax, play, and enjoy the outdoors. Craig Henry Park, located in the centre of the neighbourhood, is a community favourite.

The park features sports fields, playgrounds, and walking paths. It’s ideal for families and individuals looking to spend time outside. Well-maintained and welcoming, the park also hosts community events and recreational activities throughout the year.

Shopping and Amenities

Craig Henry is close to several major shopping centres, including College Square and Merivale Mall. These locations offer a wide range of retail stores, grocery outlets, and services. Residents can shop at large retailers like Loblaws and Winners, as well as specialty shops and local boutiques.

For healthcare, residents have access to family doctors, dental clinics, and pharmacies in nearby areas. For specialized care, the Queensway Carleton Hospital is the closest major facility. It provides full medical services and emergency care.

Public transit is convenient in Craig Henry. Several major bus routes run along Woodroffe Avenue and nearby Baseline Road. These routes connect residents to downtown Ottawa and other parts of the city.

Craig Henry combines suburban comfort, green space, and urban convenience. The neighbourhood offers diverse real estate, excellent schools, and beautiful parks. A strong sense of community adds to its appeal.

Whether you’re raising a family, seeking a convenient location, or looking for a welcoming place to live, Craig Henry has something for everyone.

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