Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Ottawa: Where to Live and Why

Alta Vista

A classic suburban pocket just southeast of downtown, Alta Vista blends quiet residential streets with quick access to major hospitals, CHEO and The Ottawa Hospital, which is convenient for healthcare professionals and families alike.

Expect tree‑lined blocks, spacious parks and a wide mix of English and French schools within a short drive. Billings Bridge and Elmvale shopping areas cover groceries and daily needs, while nearby parks and the Rideau River corridor offer weekend space to roam. Families choose Alta Vista for its balance: suburban calm without feeling far from the core.

Community/Neighbourhood Association(s):

Alta Vista Community Association

The Glebe

Stylish yet community‑driven, The Glebe feels like a small town stitched into the city. Families walk to Lansdowne Park for festivals, farmers’ markets and sports, or head to the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for year‑round outings, from summer bike rides to winter skating.

Schools and daycares are close at hand; independent shops along Bank Street keep errands on foot; and the neighbourhood’s active BIA and community groups underpin that “we know our neighbours” feel. For families who want urban convenience without giving up green space or safety, the Glebe is a standout.

Community/Neighbourhood Association(s):

Glebe Community Association

Westboro

Outdoorsy families gravitate to Westboro for beaches, bike paths, and an easy downtown commute. The freshly redeveloped Westboro Beach now features a year‑round pavilion, improved amenities and accessible design, while Dovercourt Recreation Centre anchors a robust lineup of family programs and swim lessons.

Local schools such as Broadview Public School and Nepean High School are fixtures in the community, and the area’s cafes and patios are famously stroller‑friendly. If weekend plans swing between playgrounds, beach time, and errands on foot, Westboro makes it easy.

Community/Neighbourhood Association(s):

Westboro Community Association

Nepean (Centrepointe & Craig Henry)

In Nepean, especially Centrepointe and Craig Henry, families find quieter streets, plentiful parks and strong school zones (notably Woodroffe and Sir Robert Borden catchments). The Nepean Sportsplex is a citywide hub for swimming, skating and tournaments, and Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe plus the Nepean Centrepointe Library deliver year‑round arts, makerspace, and kids’ programming.

Housing options include townhomes and mid‑rise communities, with quick access to major roads for downtown or Kanata commutes. For families wanting suburban calm without a long drive for activities, Nepean hits a sweet spot.

Community/Neighbourhood Association(s):

Centrepointe Community Association   Craig Henry Community Association   The Glens Community Association

Kanata

Home to Canada’s largest technology park, Kanata mixes career opportunities with family‑oriented neighbourhoods, trails, arenas and shopping. The Kanata North Business Association and Hub350 highlight a dense cluster of tech employers, while master‑planned communities keep parks, schools and amenities close.

Families appreciate larger rental townhomes and easy access to recreation, from the Richcraft Recreation Complex to conservation areas and multi‑use paths. If you’re aiming for minimal commuting and maximum weekend playtime, Kanata’s live‑work‑play model is hard to beat.

Community/Neighbourhood Association(s):

Kanata Beaverbrook Community Association   Kanata Lakes Community Association

Orléans

On the city’s east side, Orléans is a favourite for bilingual households. Families can pursue French‑first education through CECCE and CEPEO schools, and spend weekends on the Ottawa River Pathway or at Petrie Island’s beaches and trails. The Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex adds swim, skate and fitness options under one roof.

With numerous parks and family programs, Orléans offers a slower pace while staying connected to the core via Highway 174 and the O‑Train extension corridor. It’s a natural pick for families wanting space, schools, and a tight‑knit community vibe.

Community/Neighbourhood Association(s):

Convent Glen Community Association

Barrhaven

Southwest of downtown, Barrhaven has grown into a self‑contained suburban centre with strong school zones, multi‑field parks and big‑box convenience. Secondary options include John McCrae Secondary School and St. Joseph High School. Community associations and the City run frequent family events, and OC Transpo connects the area to the rest of the city.

Expect modern subdivisions, playgrounds on repeat, and plenty of youth sports. For families who want newer homes and a calm street for bikes and chalk drawings, Barrhaven is a perennial contender.

Community/Neighbourhood Association(s):

Barrhaven East Community Association   West Barrhaven Community Association

How to Choose the Right Ottawa Neighbourhood for Your Family

Start with your must‑haves: school pathways (English/French), commute times, and the right mix of outdoor access and community programming (from Sportsplexes to library storytimes). Ottawa’s Capital Pathway and city recreation network mean you don’t have to trade green space for convenience; your ideal balance might be closer than you think.

InterRent offers a wide range of family‑friendly suites, from centrally located communities to suburban townhome options, so you can pick the lifestyle that fits, not just the floor plan.

Final Thoughts

Ottawa is tailor‑made for family life. Whether your heart is set on canal‑side living in the Glebe, sandy weekends in Westboro, hospital‑adjacent convenience in Alta Vista, or more space in Barrhaven, Kanata or Orléans, there’s a neighbourhood that matches your daily rhythm. With safety, parks and schools baked into the city’s fabric, and transit and libraries filling in the gaps, families don’t have to compromise to feel at home here.

Find your next home in one of Ottawa’s family-friendly communities