Top 12 Best Neighbourhoods in Ottawa for Students

Have you dreamt of studying in Canada? Have you made sure that Canada is one of the top favourite countries for students wanting to study abroad. Apart from offering one of the best education systems, the country is known for its diverse yet inclusive culture. Furthermore, it also offers post-graduate work permit that allows students to work after completing their education in any of the Canadian universities. When you start thinking of Canada, Ottawa, the capital city, might just be one of the first places most people think of.

Located in the south of Ontario, the city is known for its history, art, and culture. Apart from its political importance, the city is also known to be the home of some of the best colleges and universities in Canada. The University of Ottawa, Dominican University College, and Carleton University are all located in some of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa, Ontario.

That said, if you do decide to enrol in one of these universities or colleges, the top question you may consider is where you should move to in Ottawa. Worry not! In this blog, we are sharing a comprehensive list.

Top 12 Best Neighbourhoods in Ottawa

While every part of the city has something to offer, certain areas just bubble with young energy and scholarly vibes. As a student, you may want to be a part of the crowd that shares your enthusiasm for your majors or enjoys the same things that you do. That’s why we compiled the list of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa for young professionals and students to live in.

Starting strong with…

#01 Sandy Hill

Population: 12,490 (2011 Census)

Nearby Universities: University of Ottawa & Carleton University

Tourist Attractions: The Orb, Corktown Footbridge

Crime Rate: ~3,163/100K People

Sandy Hill Ottawa is home to the University of Ottawa and hence is a popular place among international students to get a rented property in that neighbourhood. Because of the same reason, you’ll find most of the population in this area to be quite young.

The place offers a mix of vintage Victorian grandeur in its architecture and modern, youthful energy buzzing through its pubs & restaurants. Its proximity to the university and easy access to Downtown Ottawa makes Sandy Hill one of the top neighbourhoods in Ottawa for students. The area offers some of the best student housing options, like the 68 Sweetland on Sweetland Avenue, The Spire on Mann Avenue and 150 Osgoode on the street with the same name.

On weekends, you can choose to visit the vintage shops in the area or take a walk alongside the Laurier Avenue Bridge. The neighbourhood will always offer you something new to explore.

#02 Westboro

Population: ~22,725 (2016 Census)

Nearby Universities: University of Ottawa

Tourist Attractions: Westboro Beach, Dovercourt Recreation Centre, Public Sculpture/Art

Crime Rate: ~2,099/100K People

Westboro Ottawa, or Westboro Village, as it is also commonly known, is a neighbourhood located in (you guessed it!) the west end of the city of Ottawa. The neighbourhood is filled with shopping avenues, high-end restaurants, and multiple places for recreational activities.

Being in the middle, Westboro is one of the ideal Ottawa neighbourhoods for students studying at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. You will find not just students and young professionals but also families choosing this area for residence because of its connectivity and its picturesque natural beauty.

Westboro Ottawa offers a large selection of rental properties that are close to two top universities in the city. Because of this, many students choose this to be one of the best neighbourhoods to live in Ottawa.

#03 Centretown

Population: ~23,823 (2016 Census)

Nearby Universities: University of Ottawa, Saint Paul University, Carleton University

Tourist Attractions: Canadian Museum of Nature, Rainbow Crosswalk, Confederation Park

Crime Rate: ~3,098/100K People

Next on our list of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa is Centretown Ottawa. It is yet another one of the nicest neighbourhoods in Ottawa. Located west of Downtown, the neighbourhood is close to Carleton University. Because of its proximity to Downtown Ottawa, the area is also considered to be one of the safest neighbourhoods in Ottawa, following the city centre itself.

Much like Sandy Hill, Centretown is also a popular neighbourhood among students as it puts them closer to the university. 330 McLeod Street is one of the most preferred Ottawa student housing options present in the Centretown neighbourhood. The area is filled with government buildings which makes it an important area politically. It works to increase the safety and security of the residents of the area.

Centretown also boasts commendable opportunities for employment after graduation. It means if you plan on moving here, you will also be closer to some of the best companies in Ottawa.

#04 The Glebe

Population: ~13,055 (2016 Census)

Nearby Universities: University of Ottawa, Augustine College, Carleton University

Tourist Attractions: Rideau Canal, Farmer’s Market, Lansdowne Park

Crime Rate: ~1,408/100K People

Moving toward the south of Ottawa, we have the Glebe, a proud part of our list of the best  neighbourhoods in Ottawa. Located on the banks of the Rideau Canal, the Glebe is also one of the most family-friendly Ottawa neighbourhoods. 

While the range of house rent at the Glebe leans more towards expensive, it can still be a locality worth exploring. It is home to the popular Lansdowne Park, where concerts and sports events are held regularly. Apart from entertainment, the Glebe offers you a public library and a farmer’s market where you can explore fresh produce off the farms.

#05 Alta Vista

Population: ~20,615 (2016 Census)

Nearby Universities: Dominican University College, Carleton University, the University of Ottawa

Tourist Attractions: Canada Science and Technology Museum, Canadian Museum of Nature

Crime Rate: ~2,465/100K People

Are you looking to stay away from all the hustle and bustle of the energetic Sandy Hill or the political buzz of Centretown? Then Alta Vista Ottawa might be one of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa for you.

The quiet locale is a plus if you are a person who enjoys peace. Surrounding you would mostly be families and settled professionals. That said, the area is also closer to Carleton University. If you wish to go on a shopping spree, you can always visit the Elmvale Shopping Centre and Billings Bridge Plaza. The area offers you all the necessities, like hospitals, restaurants, and cafes within walking distance.

#06 ByWard Market

Population: ~4007 (2016 Census)

Nearby Universities: Dominican University College, Carleton University, University of Ottawa

Tourist Attractions: Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, National Gallery of Canada, Bytown Museum

Crime Rate: ~3,270/100K People

ByWard Market Ottawa is another one of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa. It is a popular place for shopping, entertainment, and dining. Because it is also one of the most popular tourist attraction centres in Ottawa, it is also popular among students.

Near the ByWard market, you can check student housing options at Envie Rideau or 80 Nelson, which are closer to the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. The area is known for its fresh farmer’s market that is organised between May to October every year. Apart from the farmer’s market, you can also check out quirky jewellery shops, clothing boutiques, and handicraft products. 

#07 Kanata

Population: ~117,304

Nearby Universities: University of Ottawa, Carleton University

Tourist Attractions: Beaver Pond, Kizell Pond Natural Reserve, Old Quarry Trail

Crime Rate: ~3,007/100K People

Kanata Ottawa is located towards the west of Centretown, closer to Beaverbrooks. The locality is known for its tech parks and research facilities. The housing and rental prices are not as high as they might be in Downtown Ottawa because it is a suburban area. However, this also puts you further away from the two top universities in the city.

That said, it passes as one of the nicest neighbourhoods because of its safety and proximity to parks and hiking trails. Kanata is connected to the centre of Ottawa by an extensive network of trains and buses.

Kanata can be considered one of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa for young professionals if they prefer a quiet suburb close to nature and some of the top tech companies in Ottawa.

#08 Orléans

Population: ~ 46,900 (2016 Census)

Nearby Universities: the University of Ottawa, Carleton University

Tourist Attractions: Petrie Island Park, Apollo Crater Park, Princess Louise Fall

Crime Rate: ~3,442/100K People

Orléans Ottawa is located on the east side of the city. Away from the hustle and bustle of Sandy Hill or ByWard Market, the area is one of the safest neighbourhoods in Ottawa. With a rich history, this area is one of the French-populated neighbourhoods of the city.

While being a little far from the universities, the area is well-connected thanks to the buses and the train network within Ottawa. Known as the Heart of Orléans, the area is known for its multicultural vibes, mixing French and English-speaking people.

Being in the area, you can choose to visit the 29 different museums to inspire your artistic side. Or find out more about history by visiting different historical sites. The beauty and cultural diversity of Orléans makes it one of the best neighbourhoods to live in Ottawa.

#09 Hintonburg

Population: ~7,844 (2016 Census)

Nearby Universities: Saint Paul University, University of Ottawa, Dominican University College

Tourist Attractions: Great Canadian Theatre Company, Canadian War Museum, Public Sculpture/Art

Crime Rate: ~3,044/100K People

Hintonburg Ottawa is located towards the west of Downtown, near Mechanicsville and Champlain Park. The city is known as the Art District and is one of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa.

The district is art-inclined and, hence, is a hub for artistically inclined people and businesses. If, as a student, you are majoring in arts or design, chances are you will be frequenting this neighbourhood quite often. The history of this area dates back to 1893, when it was first incorporated as the village of Hintonburg, named after its community leader, Joseph Hintonburg.

This area, along with the Wellington West, is popular among the population because of its quirky cafes, restaurants, and the Great Canadian Theatre Company. All of which are great places to explore while not studying.

#10 Vanier

Population: ~16,609 (2016 Census)

Nearby Universities: University of Ottawa

Tourist Attractions: Vanier Trails, Rideau Falls Park, Stanley Park 

Crime Rate: ~3,646/100K People

Vanier Ottawa is one of the rapidly growing and one of the safest neighbourhoods in Ottawa. The district’s history is closely connected with the Second World War. The area, raised above the aftermath of the war, is now one of the most sought-after and one of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa.

Its proximity to the city centre and major universities also makes it a popular area for student housing. 12 Jolliet is one such student housing option present on Jolliet Avenue near the neighbourhood.

#11 New Edinburgh

Population: ~3,539 (2016 Census)

Nearby Universities: University of Ottawa

Tourist Attractions: Rockcliffe Park and Rockeries, Rideau Falls Park, Famous Five Statue

Crime Rate: ~1,854/100K People

Moving a little west from Vanier North, we have the New Edinburgh Ottawa. This quaint neighbourhood is home to the Rideau Hall, the Governor General’s residence. Its reputation as the safest district gives it a place in our list of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa.

The place is closer to the University of Ottawa, because of which it is also one of the top neighbourhoods in Ottawa for young professionals and students.

#12 Lowertown

Population: ~12,274 (2011 Census)

Nearby Universities: University of Ottawa, Carleton University

Tourist Attractions: Famous Five Statue, Ottawa Art Gallery, Major’s Hill Park

Crime Rate: ~3,280/100K People

Crossing the Rideau River will take you to Lowertown Ottawa, which is located east of the ByWard Market. It also puts the area closer to the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. The location of this area gives it an advantage as it is closer to all the top neighbourhoods in Ottawa like Sandy Hill, ByWard Market, New Edinburgh, and Centretown.

The bus and train network will take you to all the important places near the neighbourhood. Its connectivity is what earns Lowertown a place on our list of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa.