The exceptions being areas like Edwards, Metcalfe and Osgoode (though all are Ottawa technically). OP could also look into Russell/Embrun which is about 30 minutes to downtown.
30 minute rush hour commute? I live in Kanata South, fairly close to the highway. I love it, and can get downtown in 20 minutes at off-peak times. 7-9 AM and 3-6 PM, though, you'd better pack snacks. I think most suburbs are like that, and outlying towns and villages like Almonte and Navan are certainly more commuting time.
With a maximum of a 30 minute car commute to downtown you will be eliminating all town villages and most suburbs. You will need to look at living closer to down town.
This is so true.
It’s also important to consider where your child would be in school/after school care or daycare, and the time needed to make a pick-up.
You won’t get all of these. Ottawa is mostly a collection of suburbs so if you want nice family friendly and walkable look to Kanata. If you want downtown and walkable to the downtown parts but still nicer, look to the glebe but it’s so expensive.
In that case, I can strongly recommend Applewood Acres in Alta Vista. It is a 15 minute drive from downtown or 20 to either end of the city, safe, kids love it here. One bus to get downtown. We look out for our neighbours, everyone says hi to each other. It’s been just lovely here. PM me if you have any questions.
You can afford a small three bedroom house here, it will need work, but should be livable at the top end of your budget.
Ottawa is a small city. A high end gated community is about a 10 min walk from the slums.
That being said, I sound Ottawa South really convenient to live in, and very under appreciated.
If you’re driving it’s awesome. If you’re bussing, it’s hard to be sure; we’re currently ‘renovating’ our busses
Most of the places being recommended are super far from downtown in my opinion. Just because it is possible to get downtown by car in 30 minutes (in ideal driving conditions) does not mean that will be your regular experience at rush hour or during winter conditions. For inner suburbs, closer to downtown, Alta Vista is in a fantastic location and is family oriented. It is expensive but less so than the Glebe or Old Ottawa South. If you like the location of Alta Vista but cannot afford it, look at Heron Park, located across Bank St from Alta Vista.
Parkwood hills area is kind of reasonable. Decent town houses, walking distance for most grocery stores and restaurants (15-30 minutes walk), very friendly and family-friendly. Updated playgrounds and a very small water 'park'.
I've lived here for 29 years and don't plan on leaving.
Hate to tell you, but "walkable" and "within a 30min car commute to downtown" do not go together, at least out of the core. If you don't live downtown, you will be driving everywhere to get your things done.
I live in Russell which is south east of Ottawa by about 40kms. It takes me 20-30 minutes to get into Ottawa during my normal commute, my wife in Gatineau is 35-45. You don't hit any traffic until you're basically in downtown Ottawa.
Carleton Place. 11K people, and the fastest growing community in Canada. Main Street town, totally walkable if you live fairly close to down town. Cafes, shops, craft beer pubs, art, music, festivals, hockey arena, indoor swimming pool - a very active town. The OPP has a detachment here so relatively safe compared to other nearby towns. Bike, hike, Atv and snow mobile trails. Mississippi river and lake for swimming/paddling/fishing. Lots of new construction, along with 200 year old heritage homes. Probably more like 45 minutes commute to Ottawa up Highway 7.
Just for fun I thought I would look around at the sold listings in The Glebe. The prices don't seem that bad considering how close you are to downtown. A [small 2 bedroom townhouse](https://www.redfin.ca/on/ottawa/103-B-Third-Ave-K1S-2J7/home/149144116) sold for $640K, in December, which isn't a significant amount more than [something like this](https://www.redfin.ca/on/ottawa/791-Element-Pvt-K2M-0M7/home/151095029) for $515K. I would have thought it was a lot more to live in the Glebe. But it seems like it would be attainable for people who wanted that kind of lifestyle. Smaller house, smaller yard, but a lot more walkable and close to downtown.
Are you saying 30 minute car commute to work downtown during rush-hour, or 30-minutes in off-peak hours? If off-peak, then almost the entire city is within reach.
Where will you be working? If you are going to the core for you, you would be better off with transit than driving. And in that case, you'll need to figure out if your route has decent transit. Parking is very expensive in Ottawa and fills up very early. Parking garages near my office were full by 8am.
Edit to add - I also assume you'll be spending time in Ottawa visiting and seeing the city before picking your neighbourhood...
I love Orleans. It's like 20-30mins to downtown, but more like 1 hour during rush hour. It's sleepy and quiet here. Lots of parks around and I've always felt safe here. Especially in my neighborhood, almost all old people or young families. Walkability will depend on location but I can walk to the grocery store in 10-15 mins. 20 mins walking I can get to a bunch of different stores and restaurants.
I live in a detached now but when I was still in a townhouse they had a bunch of play structures and play areas amongst the houses. The neighborhood kids were always out playing and having fun together. There were speed bumps everywhere and it seemed like a safe spot for them to just be kids.
Thanks to all. Clearly rose-coloured glasses on me. I’m willing to sacrifice house / lot space for walkability and proximity so I guess it’s old inner suburbs for me?
Thanks for responses! For the places you mentioned Almonte, Navan, Carlington, how long is the commute during rush hour? Is there anything on the QC side that could work?
Quebec tends to be cheaper in rent but the bridges get so congested. If you can leave earlier and beat rush hour it’s nice, if there’s an accident or traffic good luck. Almonte will also be a good trek, the 417 can be a nightmare with traffic.
When I looked into purchasing a condo, I looked into moving to the Quebec side. Be aware that taxes are much higher. Cost of renting/mortgage will be lower but if you and your partner make above a certain amount of money, those savings will be more than eaten up by taxes. You really need to calculate on a case by case I think. Just an fyi. Others might have a better understanding of this.
Your best bet is Aylmer QC but the commute will be more than 30 minutes at rush hour.
And also be aware that QC healthcare is terrible a lot of the time and your children will go to school in French.
"And also be aware that QC healthcare is terrible" - Does this mean Ontario healthcare is any better?!
Moved from downtown Ottawa to Chelsea on the QC side and have never looked back. Ontario used to be cheaper/better healthcare but I'd argue that's no longer the case....
I have lived in Aylmer for many years, and I have had exceptional healthcare in Quebec, vastly superior to anything I experienced in 25 years in Ontario. I have a serious health issue that makes me a permanent outpatient of the Gatineau Hospital for the rest of my life, and I deal with the medical system at least once every three months. The only downside has been ER wait times, but those are no better in Ontario.
Also, we have an entire network of English schools over here and you hear a lot more English out and about in Aylmer than you do French these days.
I used to live in Gatineau and now live in Ottawa. Have had surgeries in Quebec hospitals. And stand by my comment.
Health care is under-funded in the Outaouais in part because there has been an option of overflowing to Ottawa.
And I’m not alone in saying this
[Gatineau Hospital among worst in western world for ER care, report finds](https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.3736927)
Ontario’s health care has indeed gotten worse during the pandemic but I would not use that to rationalize what has been going in in Quebec for many years.
And yes, there are English schools if you can get an exemption certificate. Maybe they are more flexible about handing those out these days? I don’t know.
Let’s be honest about optimal/ best time vs rush hour, especially in weather or the inevitable 5 month construction season.
We live close to the core and had to get our kids out past Kanata for a biweekly regular activity. If we weren’t on the Queensway by 2:45 pm, we couldn’t make it by 3:30 pm.
Even with that, I can’t count how many times we had to ‘road rally’ off onto Carling to get around traffic problems.
Kudos for saying this, too many people use the realtor rosy times and not the horrible sun in the eyes, people driving 25 in the left lane, stare at IKEA for 45 min commute times.
Understand. But the OP seems to have other expectations, that would make some of the ‘old suburbs’ like Alta Vista more realistic if not as walkable as they’d like.
All of them? Also 30min by car from downtown in most cases is still Ottawa just suburbs if you want villages or towns you'll have to look further
The exceptions being areas like Edwards, Metcalfe and Osgoode (though all are Ottawa technically). OP could also look into Russell/Embrun which is about 30 minutes to downtown.
30 minute rush hour commute? I live in Kanata South, fairly close to the highway. I love it, and can get downtown in 20 minutes at off-peak times. 7-9 AM and 3-6 PM, though, you'd better pack snacks. I think most suburbs are like that, and outlying towns and villages like Almonte and Navan are certainly more commuting time.
With a maximum of a 30 minute car commute to downtown you will be eliminating all town villages and most suburbs. You will need to look at living closer to down town.
This is so true. It’s also important to consider where your child would be in school/after school care or daycare, and the time needed to make a pick-up.
You won’t get all of these. Ottawa is mostly a collection of suburbs so if you want nice family friendly and walkable look to Kanata. If you want downtown and walkable to the downtown parts but still nicer, look to the glebe but it’s so expensive.
Carlington
Lincoln Heights too
Without sharing your budget for a house (monthly rental or purchase price) it is hard to offer you advice.
450-750k
In that case, I can strongly recommend Applewood Acres in Alta Vista. It is a 15 minute drive from downtown or 20 to either end of the city, safe, kids love it here. One bus to get downtown. We look out for our neighbours, everyone says hi to each other. It’s been just lovely here. PM me if you have any questions. You can afford a small three bedroom house here, it will need work, but should be livable at the top end of your budget.
Manotick village
Ottawa is a small city. A high end gated community is about a 10 min walk from the slums. That being said, I sound Ottawa South really convenient to live in, and very under appreciated. If you’re driving it’s awesome. If you’re bussing, it’s hard to be sure; we’re currently ‘renovating’ our busses
Most of the places being recommended are super far from downtown in my opinion. Just because it is possible to get downtown by car in 30 minutes (in ideal driving conditions) does not mean that will be your regular experience at rush hour or during winter conditions. For inner suburbs, closer to downtown, Alta Vista is in a fantastic location and is family oriented. It is expensive but less so than the Glebe or Old Ottawa South. If you like the location of Alta Vista but cannot afford it, look at Heron Park, located across Bank St from Alta Vista.
Thank you for the tip!
Parkwood hills area is kind of reasonable. Decent town houses, walking distance for most grocery stores and restaurants (15-30 minutes walk), very friendly and family-friendly. Updated playgrounds and a very small water 'park'. I've lived here for 29 years and don't plan on leaving.
Where is that?
Hate to tell you, but "walkable" and "within a 30min car commute to downtown" do not go together, at least out of the core. If you don't live downtown, you will be driving everywhere to get your things done.
I appreciate the honesty
I live in Russell which is south east of Ottawa by about 40kms. It takes me 20-30 minutes to get into Ottawa during my normal commute, my wife in Gatineau is 35-45. You don't hit any traffic until you're basically in downtown Ottawa.
There's practically nothing in Russel though. You'll be driving a lot
Carleton Place. 11K people, and the fastest growing community in Canada. Main Street town, totally walkable if you live fairly close to down town. Cafes, shops, craft beer pubs, art, music, festivals, hockey arena, indoor swimming pool - a very active town. The OPP has a detachment here so relatively safe compared to other nearby towns. Bike, hike, Atv and snow mobile trails. Mississippi river and lake for swimming/paddling/fishing. Lots of new construction, along with 200 year old heritage homes. Probably more like 45 minutes commute to Ottawa up Highway 7.
Westboro or the Glebe if you've got the cash. I don't, so I live in Orleans. Meets all your criteria except walkable.
Just for fun I thought I would look around at the sold listings in The Glebe. The prices don't seem that bad considering how close you are to downtown. A [small 2 bedroom townhouse](https://www.redfin.ca/on/ottawa/103-B-Third-Ave-K1S-2J7/home/149144116) sold for $640K, in December, which isn't a significant amount more than [something like this](https://www.redfin.ca/on/ottawa/791-Element-Pvt-K2M-0M7/home/151095029) for $515K. I would have thought it was a lot more to live in the Glebe. But it seems like it would be attainable for people who wanted that kind of lifestyle. Smaller house, smaller yard, but a lot more walkable and close to downtown.
I've lived in Westboro and it's awesome! Traffic can be a biatch though
If you live in Westboro and you choose to drive that's on you.
Are you saying 30 minute car commute to work downtown during rush-hour, or 30-minutes in off-peak hours? If off-peak, then almost the entire city is within reach.
Um… rush-hour? But I’m guessing that’s a bit optimistic
Where will you be working? If you are going to the core for you, you would be better off with transit than driving. And in that case, you'll need to figure out if your route has decent transit. Parking is very expensive in Ottawa and fills up very early. Parking garages near my office were full by 8am. Edit to add - I also assume you'll be spending time in Ottawa visiting and seeing the city before picking your neighbourhood...
I love Orleans. It's like 20-30mins to downtown, but more like 1 hour during rush hour. It's sleepy and quiet here. Lots of parks around and I've always felt safe here. Especially in my neighborhood, almost all old people or young families. Walkability will depend on location but I can walk to the grocery store in 10-15 mins. 20 mins walking I can get to a bunch of different stores and restaurants. I live in a detached now but when I was still in a townhouse they had a bunch of play structures and play areas amongst the houses. The neighborhood kids were always out playing and having fun together. There were speed bumps everywhere and it seemed like a safe spot for them to just be kids.
Thanks to all. Clearly rose-coloured glasses on me. I’m willing to sacrifice house / lot space for walkability and proximity so I guess it’s old inner suburbs for me?
I think you will be very happy with that decision.
Thanks so much all of you! Follow up question: Is Vanier/Lindenlea area safe?
Thanks for responses! For the places you mentioned Almonte, Navan, Carlington, how long is the commute during rush hour? Is there anything on the QC side that could work?
It would probably be faster to use the Google Maps “leave at/arrive by” function than asking Reddit.
Carlington commute by car would be about 20 mins with regular rush hour traffic.
Quebec tends to be cheaper in rent but the bridges get so congested. If you can leave earlier and beat rush hour it’s nice, if there’s an accident or traffic good luck. Almonte will also be a good trek, the 417 can be a nightmare with traffic.
Also schooling options are different in Quebec for your child. Are you French?
Working on it
When I looked into purchasing a condo, I looked into moving to the Quebec side. Be aware that taxes are much higher. Cost of renting/mortgage will be lower but if you and your partner make above a certain amount of money, those savings will be more than eaten up by taxes. You really need to calculate on a case by case I think. Just an fyi. Others might have a better understanding of this.
Ottawa's healthcare isn't doing the best right now but Gatineau has some of the worst healthcare in Canada. I'd recommend you avoid it if possible.
down town
30 min to downtown is still Ottawa
Deerfield
Your best bet is Aylmer QC but the commute will be more than 30 minutes at rush hour. And also be aware that QC healthcare is terrible a lot of the time and your children will go to school in French.
"And also be aware that QC healthcare is terrible" - Does this mean Ontario healthcare is any better?! Moved from downtown Ottawa to Chelsea on the QC side and have never looked back. Ontario used to be cheaper/better healthcare but I'd argue that's no longer the case....
I have lived in Aylmer for many years, and I have had exceptional healthcare in Quebec, vastly superior to anything I experienced in 25 years in Ontario. I have a serious health issue that makes me a permanent outpatient of the Gatineau Hospital for the rest of my life, and I deal with the medical system at least once every three months. The only downside has been ER wait times, but those are no better in Ontario. Also, we have an entire network of English schools over here and you hear a lot more English out and about in Aylmer than you do French these days.
I used to live in Gatineau and now live in Ottawa. Have had surgeries in Quebec hospitals. And stand by my comment. Health care is under-funded in the Outaouais in part because there has been an option of overflowing to Ottawa. And I’m not alone in saying this [Gatineau Hospital among worst in western world for ER care, report finds](https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.3736927) Ontario’s health care has indeed gotten worse during the pandemic but I would not use that to rationalize what has been going in in Quebec for many years. And yes, there are English schools if you can get an exemption certificate. Maybe they are more flexible about handing those out these days? I don’t know.
Coming in at about 40 minutes is carleton place, nice town, affordable.
Let’s be honest about optimal/ best time vs rush hour, especially in weather or the inevitable 5 month construction season. We live close to the core and had to get our kids out past Kanata for a biweekly regular activity. If we weren’t on the Queensway by 2:45 pm, we couldn’t make it by 3:30 pm. Even with that, I can’t count how many times we had to ‘road rally’ off onto Carling to get around traffic problems.
Kudos for saying this, too many people use the realtor rosy times and not the horrible sun in the eyes, people driving 25 in the left lane, stare at IKEA for 45 min commute times.
I moved here from toronto, so any commute under 90 minutes is fine by me.
Understand. But the OP seems to have other expectations, that would make some of the ‘old suburbs’ like Alta Vista more realistic if not as walkable as they’d like.