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Watch This Before You Move to Orleans

Moving to Orleans, Ottawa? Well, get ready for a fun ride, my friend. Well, you’ve come to the right place! Let me tell you, this charming suburb is not your average boring concrete jungle.

This vibrant community is located in the eastern part of the city and is known for its family-friendly environment. Orleans is filled with parks, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces where residents can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. It’s also home to several great schools, making it an ideal spot for families with children,plus, you’ll find plenty of shopping and dining options in Orleans, as well as easy access to public transit and major highways. Overall, Orleans is a wonderful place to call home in the Ottawa area.

The Neighbourhoods

Orleans is a rapidly growing suburb in the east end of Ottawa and is home to several distinct neighbourhoods that cater to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets.

Each neighbourhood possesses unique characteristics that set it apart from the others, offering prospective residents a variety of living experiences to choose from. For instance, Avalon is a newer, master-planned community known for its modern homes, well-maintained parks, and family-friendly atmosphere. The area features a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condos, making it an attractive option for young families and first-time homebuyers.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is characterized by its beautiful tree-lined streets, larger lots, and a mix of both older and newer homes. This well-established neighbourhood appeals to those seeking a more tranquil, suburban setting while still being in close proximity to amenities and recreational facilities. Convent Glen, another popular neighbourhood in Orleans, offers a diverse range of housing options, including affordable townhomes and semi-detached houses.

The area’s close proximity to the Ottawa River, bike paths, and green spaces make it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and active families.

Fallingbrook

A well-regarded neighbourhood in Orleans, is known for its strong sense of community and excellent schools, making it a popular choice for families with school-aged children.

The area features a mix of housing types, from starter homes to upscale residences, catering to a variety of budgets and preferences.

Queenswood

Heights is a well-established neighbourhood that boasts a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and semi-detached properties.

The area is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and abundance of parks and green spaces, making it an attractive option for families with children of all ages, its convenient location near shopping centres and recreational facilities further enhances its appeal as a sought-after place to live in Orleans.

Queenswood Village

Situated adjacent to Queenswood Heights, offers a similar mix of housing types, with a focus on affordability and accessibility. This neighbourhood is characterized by its quiet, tree-lined streets, and proximity to essential amenities such as grocery stores, schools, and public transportation.

With its welcoming community vibe and budget-friendly housing options, Queenswood Village is an ideal choice for first-time homebuyers and young families looking for a comfortable suburban lifestyle.

A newer development in Orleans, is known for its modern homes, meticulously planned streetscapes, and well-maintained parks. The neighbourhood offers a range of housing options, from starter homes to upscale residences, catering to different budgets and tastes.

Springridge’s strong sense of community, coupled with its access to excellent schools and recreational facilities, make it a popular choice for families seeking a contemporary suburban living experience.

Springridge

These varied neighbourhoods contribute to the appeal of Orleans as a whole, providing residents with a range of living experiences that cater to different needs and desires.

As the community continues to grow and evolve, each neighbourhood retains its unique charm and character, ensuring that Orleans remains an attractive destination for those seeking a fulfilling suburban lifestyle in Ottawa’s east end.

Schools

Orleans boasts numerous schools that cater to different educational needs and age groups, these schools belong to both the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) as well as French-language school boards.

While it’s not possible to provide an exhaustive list of all the schools in Orleans, here is a selection of some notable ones:

Public Schools (OCDSB):

  1. Avalon Public School (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 5.5/10)
  2. Convent Glen Elementary School (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 8.8/10)
  3. Fallingbrook Community Elementary School (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 7/10)
  4. Dunning-Foubert Elementary School (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 6/10)
  5. Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 6/7/10)
  6. Trillium Elementary School (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 6.2/10)
  7. Chapel Hill Catholic Elementary School (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 7.3/10)
  8. Carine Wilson (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 7.3/10)
  9. Maple Ridge Elementary School (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 7.1/10)

*Due to the Covid-19 policy response, many provinces temporarily suspended their testing programs for two years. As a result, the historical results for those periods will not be available.

**The ratings provided are solely for informational purposes and should not be the sole factor in making your decision.

Catholic Schools (OCSB):

  1. Divine Infant Catholic School (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 7.1/10)
  2. Good Shepherd Catholic School (Fraser Institute School Ranking: /10)
  3. Holy Redeemer Catholic School (Fraser Institute School Ranking: /10)
  4. St. Clare Catholic School (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 7.8/10)
  5. St. Francis of Assisi School (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 6.2/10)
  6. St. Peter High School (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 6.8/10)
  7. St. Matthew High School (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 7.4/10)
  8. St Theresa Elementary School (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 7.6/10)

*Due to the Covid-19 policy response, many provinces temporarily suspended their testing programs for two years. As a result, the historical results for those periods will not be available.

**The ratings provided are solely for informational purposes and should not be the sole factor in making your decision.

French-Language Schools:

  1. École élémentaire catholique Alain-Fortin (Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est) (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 6.1/10)
  2. École élémentaire catholique des Pionniers (Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est) (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 7.2/10)
  3. École secondaire catholique Béatrice-Desloges (Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est) (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 7.2/10)
  4. École secondaire publique Gisèle-Lalonde (Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario) (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 7.3/10)
  5. École élémentaire catholique Des Voyageurs (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 7.7/10)
  6. École élémentaire catholique Saint-Joseph d’Orléans (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 7.9/10)
  7. École élémentaire catholique L’Étoile-de-l’Est (Fraser Institute School Ranking: 9.3/10)

*Due to the Covid-19 policy response, many provinces temporarily suspended their testing programs for two years. As a result, the historical results for those periods will not be available.

**The ratings provided are solely for informational purposes and should not be the sole factor in making your decision.

These schools represent just a portion of the educational institutions available in Orleans. To explore additional options or gather more specific information, it is recommended to visit the respective school board websites or contact the schools directly.

One of the factors that make these schools great is their commitment to academic excellence, with many institutions offering specialized programs to support student learning and development.

For instance, several schools provide enrichment opportunities such as Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and gifted education, ensuring that students of all abilities can reach their full potential.

Another aspect that sets Orleans schools apart is their focus on creating inclusive and supportive learning environments,many schools prioritize fostering a strong sense of belonging among students by offering extracurricular activities, sports teams, and clubs that cater to various interests and talents. This emphasis on community involvement and personal growth helps students develop essential life skills and build lasting friendships.

Recreational Facilities and Major Parks

Orleans is home to several picturesque parks and nature trails that provide residents with opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Below is a list of some of the major parks and nature trails in the area:

  1. Millennium Park: A popular park featuring sports fields, a splash pad, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for families to spend a day outdoors.
  2. Petrie Island Park: Located along the Ottawa River, this park is known for its beautiful beaches, picnic areas, walking trails, and unique wetlands, offering a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.
  3. Princess Louise Falls Park: This park boasts a stunning waterfall, scenic walking trails, and a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls or photography.
  4. Cardinal Creek Valley: A beautiful conservation area with walking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation.
  5. Bilberry Creek Ravine Forest: This protected natural area features walking trails through lush forests and wetlands, providing a serene escape from the urban environment.
  6. Gardenway Park: A multi-use park with sports fields, playgrounds, and a skating rink in the winter months, catering to a range of recreational activities for residents of all ages.

These parks and nature trails are just a few examples of the green spaces available in Orleans, offering residents a chance to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature amidst the suburban landscape.

Shopping and Dining

Orleans offers its residents an array of shopping and dining options that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. One of the key shopping destinations in the area is Place d’Orleans, a popular shopping mall featuring over 175 stores and services, including major retailers, specialty shops, and a food court. This mall provides a convenient one-stop destination for residents to shop for clothing, electronics, groceries, and more.

In addition to Place d’Orleans, the Innes Road shopping district boasts a collection of big-box stores, supermarkets, and local boutiques, ensuring that shoppers have access to a wide range of products and services. This vibrant commercial area continues to grow and evolve, providing even more opportunities for retail therapy in the near future.

When it comes to dining, Orleans offers a diverse culinary landscape that features a mix of popular chain restaurants, cozy cafes, and independently-owned eateries. Residents can indulge in a variety of cuisines, ranging from classic Canadian fare to international delights such as Italian, Indian, Thai, and Lebanese. Food enthusiasts can also enjoy a selection of fast-food outlets, pizzerias, bakeries, and pubs, making it easy to find something that suits every palate and occasion.

Overall, Orleans provides a well-rounded shopping and dining experience for its residents, ensuring that they have access to a variety of choices within their community. Its thriving retail scene and diverse culinary offerings contribute to the area’s appeal as a sought-after suburb in Ottawa’s east end.

Real Estate Market

The Orleans real estate market, situated in the eastern suburbs of Ottawa, has been experiencing steady growth and development over the past few years. This vibrant community offers a diverse range of housing options that cater to various budgets and lifestyle preferences, making it an attractive destination for homebuyers in the region. The Orleans real estate market comprises a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, semi-detached properties, and condominiums, providing potential buyers with numerous choices to find their ideal residence.

One of the key factors contributing to the appeal of Orleans’ real estate market is its affordability compared to other parts of Ottawa. Homebuyers can find competitively priced properties that offer excellent value for money, making it an ideal location for first-time buyers and young families looking to enter the housing market. Additionally, the area’s strong sense of community, excellent schools, and abundant green spaces further enhance its reputation as a desirable place to live.

Another notable aspect of Orleans’ real estate market is the ongoing development and expansion within the community. New residential projects continue to emerge, offering modern housing options and amenities that cater to contemporary lifestyles. This growth not only increases the variety of housing options available to buyers but also contributes to the overall vitality and appeal of the suburb.

CONCLUSION

Orleans is a great option for families looking to move to a community that offers excellent educational opportunities, abundant green spaces, and convenient access to amenities and services. Its family-friendly atmosphere and strategic location make it an ideal place for families to establish roots and enjoy a well-rounded, fulfilling lifestyle.

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.

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