The Glebe vs. Westboro: Ottawa’s Trendiest Neighbourhoods Compared!
The Glebe and Westboro—two of Ottawa’s most vibrant urban neighbourhoods. From trendy cafes to waterfront views, these areas offer a city lifestyle like no other. But which one’s right for you?
The Glebe and Westboro are two of Ottawa’s most desirable neighbourhoods, known for their charm, walkability, and vibrant community vibes. The Glebe, nestled south of downtown along the Rideau Canal, offers historic homes, boutique shopping, and iconic landmarks like Lansdowne Park. Westboro, situated in the west end, combines a trendy atmosphere with access to the Ottawa River and plenty of outdoor activities.
In this video, we’ll compare these two 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 to help you decide where you might want to plant your roots.
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 popular neighbourhoods, we found these factors to be consistently well-balanced. Most neighborhoods 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 (25 Points)
The Glebe (23/25):
The Glebe is packed with amenities, from boutique shopping along Bank Street to popular dining spots like The Rowan and Flora Hall Brewing. Lansdowne Park is the neighbourhood’s crown jewel, offering a mix of entertainment, dining, and sports facilities, including the home of the Ottawa Redblacks.
With its proximity to downtown and the Rideau Canal, residents enjoy easy access to cultural attractions, recreational pathways, and seasonal events like the Ottawa Farmers’ Market. It’s hard to beat the mix of urban and community-focused amenities here.
Westboro (22/25):
Westboro is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and urbanites alike. The neighbourhood boasts shopping along Richmond Road, featuring trendy boutiques and big-name stores like Mountain Equipment Co-op. Dining ranges from cosy cafes like The Bower Cafe to upscale spots like Supply and Demand.
For recreation, Westboro Beach and access to the Ottawa River Pathway are standout features, offering year-round outdoor activities. While Westboro offers a great mix of amenities, it lacks a central hub like Lansdowne Park to anchor the community.
2. Real Estate (25 Points)
The Glebe (21/25):
The Glebe is known for its historic charm, with tree-lined streets and classic homes. The average home price is $1,198,947, reflecting its desirability. Housing stock includes single-family homes, condos, and a few luxury properties, though inventory can be tight due to high demand.
The Glebe’s long-term value growth remains strong, but affordability is a barrier for many buyers. Its historic appeal is unmatched, but the premium price tag may be a sticking point.
Westboro (22/25):
Westboro offers a mix of housing types, from modern condos to detached homes. The average home price is $910,846, making it slightly more accessible than The Glebe. The neighbourhood has seen significant redevelopment, with trendy infill homes and new condo projects transforming the area.
Its mix of modern and classic housing styles appeals to a broad range of buyers, and its location near the Ottawa River boosts its desirability. With more inventory and slightly lower prices, Westboro edges out The Glebe in this category.
3. Transit, Commuting, Location (25 Points)
The Glebe (22/25):
The Glebe’s central location makes it incredibly walkable, with downtown Ottawa just a short trip away. Public transit options are plentiful, with OC Transpo buses servicing the area regularly. Proximity to major roadways ensures easy car access, though parking can be a challenge in some areas.
Westboro (23/25):
Westboro has excellent transit connections, including access to the Tunney’s Pasture – Westboro and Dominion Stations, which provides fast links to downtown. The neighbourhood’s walkability and bikeability are top-notch, with the Ottawa River Pathway connecting residents to various parts of the city. For drivers, proximity to the Queensway (Highway 417) is a bonus, making Westboro slightly more commuter-friendly than The Glebe.
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4. Lifestyle (25 Points)
The Glebe (23/25):
The Glebe’s lifestyle is all about charm and community. Events like the Great Glebe Garage Sale and the Ottawa Farmers’ Market foster a strong local vibe. Its proximity to the Rideau Canal adds to its recreational appeal, offering skating in the winter and boating in the summer.
Dining and nightlife are lively, with plenty of spots to enjoy a night out or a quiet evening with friends. Its community-focused atmosphere and connection to nature make it a standout for families and professionals alike.
Westboro (24/25):
Westboro combines trendy urban living with outdoor adventure. The Ottawa River Pathway and Westboro Beach are perfect for weekend warriors, while Richmond Road provides plenty of dining and shopping options. The neighbourhood also hosts community events like the Westboro Fuse Festival, which draws residents and visitors alike.
Westboro’s blend of modern vibes and nature access gives it a slight edge, appealing to those who want the best of both worlds.
Final Scores:
- The Glebe: 89/100
- Westboro: 91/100
The Glebe and Westboro both offer a fantastic urban lifestyle, but the choice depends on your priorities. Are you drawn to The Glebe’s historic charm or Westboro’s trendy vibe? Let us know 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, or send us an email—we’re here to help. Moving to Ottawa or anywhere in Canada? We’ve got your back. You can even wrap it in a bow and send it first class—we’ll be ready!
You can learn more about the city of Ottawa by visiting its official website: https://ottawa.ca/en.
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