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The Safest Neighbourhoods in Ottawa: Where Peace of Mind Meets Quality Living
What Makes a Neighbourhood Safe?
When choosing a place to live, renters everywhere tend to weigh the same key safety factors:
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Low crime levels. People want neighbourhoods with fewer violent and property crimes. In Ottawa, the CSI sits below the Canadian average overall, and the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Annual Report and Crime Trends by City Ward dashboard let you scan high‑level trends across the city.
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Engaged communities. Neighbourhood Watch programs, community associations, and active local groups help residents look out for one another; this extra visibility can deter opportunistic crime. Ottawa’s many community associations are good examples of this.
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Well-lit, walkable spaces. Streets, parks, and retail areas that feel lively and well-maintained encourage everyday use and add natural oversight. Ottawa’s investment in pathways and public-space upgrades, like the Westboro Beach redevelopment, reinforces this.
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Proximity to services. Community Police Centres and City safety initiatives provide practical support, which is useful for reporting concerns and staying informed.
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Safe, reliable transit. A strong transit system supports secure daily routines. Ottawa’s expanding OC Transpo bus and O‑Train network connect suburban and central areas, supporting safe, predictable commutes.
InterRent communities add another layer of reassurance with secure building access, on-site management, and responsive maintenance teams.
Ottawa is frequently cited as one of Canada’s most livable, secure cities. Its overall Crime Severity Index (CSI) remains below the national average, and local programs, from community policing to neighbourhood safety initiatives, add everyday reassurance for residents.
This guide highlights safe places to live in Ottawa through a renter’s lens: what each community feels like, the resources that support safety, and how to pick the right fit for your routine.
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
Alta Vista
With broad, tree‑lined streets and a suburban rhythm, Alta Vista offers calm daily living and practical proximity to major medical campuses like CHEO and The Ottawa Hospital. The area’s family orientation, wide parks, and active community association support that “we know our neighbours” feel. When you need assistance or to report a concern, East Side Community Police Centres are part of the OPS network of local supports.
Community/Neighbourhood Association(s):
Westboro
Westboro mixes upscale urban living with outdoor life on the Ottawa River. The renewed Westboro Beach now features a zero‑carbon pavilion, improved accessibility, new pathways and all‑season amenities. These public‑space upgrades encourage regular, positive use and visibility. The Westboro Community Association stays active on local issues, adding that neighbour‑to‑neighbour layer of oversight.
Community/Neighbourhood Association(s):
Westboro Community Association
Kanata
In Kanata, planned subdivisions, parks, and recreational hubs create an easy‑to‑navigate suburban setting. As Ottawa’s major tech centre, Kanata balances employment, schools and open space; features that support predictable routines and well‑used public areas.
Community/Neighbourhood Association(s):
Kanata Beaverbrook Community Association
Barrhaven
Barrhaven has grown into a modern suburban centre with multi‑field parks, schools, and consistent community programming, making it great for residents wanting a quiet street and lots of kid‑friendly activity. Local associations coordinate seasonal events and rink operations that keep parks lively and connected in winter.
Community/Neighbourhood Association(s):
Barrhaven East Community Association West Barrhaven Community Association
Orléans
On the east side, Orléans pairs a family pace with bilingual services and regular access to community programs. Residents benefit from East-End Community Police Centres and active associations, which organize local engagement around mobility, environment and neighbourhood quality of life. With O‑Train extensions strengthening east‑west connections, Orléans offers calm living with practical links to the rest of the city.
Community/Neighbourhood Association(s):
Other Honourable Mentions
- Nepean (Centrepointe & Craig Henry): Suburban calm, big recreation footprint (e.g., Nepean Sportsplex), and strong school zones
- Riverside South: Master‑planned growth, trails and parks, and quick access to Line 2 connections; a good fit if you want newer builds in a quieter setting.
- New Edinburgh: Leafy streets and diplomatic residences create a calm, heritage feel just minutes from downtown; community associations are very active.
Tips for Renting Safely in Ottawa
- Use trusted sources. Professional providers like InterRent verify listings, offer controlled access and on‑site teams, and outline policies in writing, which are all key for peace of mind.
- Check official safety data. Review OPS Annual Reports and the Crime Trends by City Ward dashboard to understand high‑level patterns where you plan to live.
- Walk the area day and night. Visit at different times to gauge lighting, foot traffic and noise.
- Ask residents and associations. Community groups and Neighbourhood Watch leads can share practical, block‑by‑block insights.
- Confirm security features. Look for secure entry, cameras, well‑lit entrances, and a visible staff presence.
- Stay informed. Know your local Community Police Centre and how to report non‑emergencies to the OPS Police Reporting Unit.
Final Thoughts
From walkable urban enclaves like the Glebe and river‑side Westboro to family‑oriented suburbs such as Kanata, Barrhaven and Orléans, Ottawa offers a wide choice of neighbourhoods where safety, routine and community connection come naturally. Pair the City’s high‑level crime data with your own walk‑throughs and conversations, and you’ll quickly narrow down the spots that feel right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Ottawa’s overall crime levels sit below the national average, and most communities feel calm day-to-day. As with any city, safety can vary block-to-block, so pair data with on-the-ground impressions.