February 13, 2026 | Buying

Best Neighbourhoods in Ottawa for Families

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Best Neighbourhoods in Ottawa for Families

Fast-growing and welcoming, one of Ottawa’s best features is its communities. All across the city, you’ll find sought-after neighbourhoods offering great homes and properties, well-ranked schools, easy access to desirable amenities, and more.

Whether you’re a proud Ottawa local searching for an idyllic place to buy a home, lay roots and raise children, or you are relocating to Canada’s Capital and wish to get acquainted with the city’s best residential communities, this article is for you.

Continue reading for our selections of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa for families.

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Why Raise Your Family in Ottawa?

Ottawa is an exceptional place to call home, particularly for families. Beyond its desirable communities, life in the National Capital Region is all about balance.

As a city, Ottawa is safe, welcoming, and close-knit. It’s large enough to provide all the amenities, conveniences, and perks of urban and suburban living, without the harsher realities of denser, more hectic metropolitan areas.

That said, Ottawa is also very vibrant. Being Canada’s political epicentre, it boasts an impressive collection of cultural amenities, from art galleries and museums to charming historical markets, world-class restaurants, and beyond.


Getting ready to buy a house in Ottawa? Explore these related readings for more helpful advice.


Best Neighbourhoods in Ottawa for Families

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill has long been considered one of the most desirable communities in Ottawa. Nestled towards the city’s eastern fringes in the district of Orleans, this tranquil yet amenity-rich neighbourhood is a top choice among families in particular.

The community is distinctly suburban, boasting a safe, down-to-earth atmosphere. Homes in Chapel Hill are primarily detached, offering space for families to grow and thrive. Local schools rank highly, including top options for Francophone learning.

Chapel Hill also features expansive parks and green spaces, creating inviting opportunities for quality time outdoors. The neighbourhood is also located along the National Capital Greenbelt, creating an additional layer of natural immersion and limiting disruptive developments in the surrounding area.

Kanata

On the city’s west side, Kanata is a well-rounded and thoughtfully designed community specifically developed with family living in mind. Like the other neighbourhoods on this list, you’ll find all the family essentials in Kanata, including functional homes, top ranked education, seamless access to everyday amenities, healthcare, and beyond.

While rich in history, Kanata is still evolving. In addition to the area’s residential profile, it’s quickly becoming one of Canada’s top hubs for tech and digital innovation. This growth has inspired all kinds of localized investment, further elevating everyday life for Kanata residents.

Although Kanata is an exceptional choice for any family, the neighbourhood is particularly popular among CAF families, including those who have recently been posted to Ottawa. This unique demographic creates a strong sense of community for military families.

Posted to Canada’s Capital?
Find out where to live in Ottawa if you’re in the military

Riverside South

Riverside South may be one of Ottawa’s newer communities, but it hasn’t taken long for it to become a first choice for families. The neighbourhood’s relaxed pace, close-knit environment, and numerous parks present an idyllic picture of family life. Riverside South is also known for its selection of modern, spacious homes. No matter your family’s unique needs, you will find great properties that combine everyday functionality with strong appreciation potential in the long term.

Stittsville

Located in the southwest of Ottawa (close to Kanata), Stittsville is one of the best Ottawa suburbs, especially for families. This pleasant, stand out neighbourhood has a rustic flair tracing back to its days as an independent village.

Today, Stittsville is a quaint and convenient place to buy and home and raise a family. The area’s welcoming atmosphere, charming homes, and strong schools make it an easy choice for those who appreciate a slightly quieter pace without being fully removed from the city.

Find Your Perfect Home & Neighbourhood

As a full service real estate team in Ottawa, we help families find their perfect home every single day. We take great pride in matching our clients to the communities that suit their needs best, and we can do the same for you.

Not only will we find you a great place to call home, but we’ll also guide you towards a seamless investment, ensuring you’re securing a high-value asset with strong resale potential. If you’re moving to Ottawa from elsewhere in Canada (or outside of Canada), our specialized relocation services or military relocation services can help make your move feel as seamless as possible.

Buying a house in Ottawa? We can help! Reach our team at 613-909-4565 or contact@pelletierteam.ca

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