7 Best Places to Rent in Ottawa: Top Neighborhoods Guide 2025

Look, I’ve lived in Ottawa for years, and let me tell you,  finding the right neighborhood here isn’t just about rent prices. Sure, that matters, but there’s so much more to consider. You’ve got everything from party-central downtown spots to sleepy suburbs where the biggest excitement is the weekly farmers market.

The thing is, Ottawa’s got personality. Each neighborhood feels completely different from the next. You could be in bustling ByWard Market one minute, then drive 20 minutes and feel like you’re in a small town. If you’re looking for Ottawa short-term rentals for work, you’ll want to know these differences before committing.

1. ByWard Market: Love It or Leave It

Honestly? ByWard Market is either your dream or your nightmare. There’s no middle ground.

If you’re young, love going out, and don’t mind spending more on rent, this place is incredible. You can stumble home from dinner, the bars are actually good (not just tourist traps), and there’s always something happening. However, and this is a big caveat, it gets loud. Really loud. Especially Thursday through Saturday nights.

I had a friend who lived above a restaurant there. Great location, beautiful loft, could walk to work downtown. But she moved out after six months because the noise was driving her crazy. The garbage trucks start early, too, which nobody warns you about.

The rent? Expect to pay premium prices. You’re basically paying for location and convenience. Worth it if you’re in your twenties and want that urban lifestyle. Maybe not if you value sleep.

2. Kanata: Suburban Dream (If That’s Your Thing)

Kanata gets a bad rap from downtown folks, but honestly, if you’ve got kids or just like space, it’s pretty great. The schools are really excellent because parents moved there specifically for that reason. Plenty of parks, the community center’s nice, and you can actually find parking.

The downside? It feels suburban. Really suburban. If you’re accustomed to walking to grab coffee or making spontaneous dinner plans, Kanata may feel limiting. Everything requires driving, and the commute downtown can be brutal during rush hour.

But here’s what’s weird: Kanata actually has some decent restaurants now. Not many, but a few gems. And if you work in tech, tons of your coworkers probably live there.

3. The Glebe: Ottawa’s Brooklyn (Sort Of)

The Glebe tries really hard to be trendy, and… it kind of succeeds? It’s got that whole “local shops, artisanal everything” vibe going on. Great for families who want urban amenities without downtown chaos.

Bank Street’s the main strip, and it’s genuinely fun to walk around. Good coffee shops, decent restaurants, interesting little stores. Additionally, Lansdowne Park is conveniently located nearby, making it ideal for hosting events and sports.

The catch? It’s expensive, and parking is a nightmare. Some streets have permit-only parking, while others have meters that require quarters. If you don’t have a car, though, it’s perfect.

4. Centretown: The Goldilocks Zone

This might be my favorite area, honestly. You get the convenience of downtown without quite as much noise and chaos. It’s close enough to bike to work and far enough to actually sleep at night.

According to the Ottawa Real Estate Board, OREB President Paul Czan noted that “more listings are giving homebuyers options, while sellers need to price their homes strategically and prepare them thoroughly to compete.” This is helping renters as well; more options usually mean better deals.

Somerset Street has some amazing features that are way better than tourist-heavy Sparks Street downtown. Elgin’s good for bars if that’s your scene. You can also walk to most places you need to go.

The buildings are a mix: some are gorgeous heritage structures, while others are bland 80s apartment blocks. But even the older buildings often have character.

Westboro: Where Young Professionals Go to Feel Fancy

Westboro’s having a moment. Once just another suburb, it’s now all boutique this and artisanal that. The Ottawa River location is genuinely beautiful, and Westboro Beach is surprisingly lovely in summer.

Richmond Road has good shops and restaurants, but some of it feels a bit overdone. Like they’re working really hard to create that neighborhood vibe instead of letting it happen naturally.

Still, if you’re a young professional who wants to feel sophisticated without incurring downtown prices, Westboro is a good option. Please note that everyone else had the same idea, so it’s becoming increasingly expensive.

Orleans: The Practical Choice

Orleans gets no respect, which is kind of unfair. Yeah, it’s suburban and a bit bland, but the value’s incredible. You can get a nice place for $1,200-$2,000, which in Ottawa these days is quite affordable.

The bus routes aren’t terrible if you’re commuting downtown, though you’ll definitely spend time on transit. However, if you work from home or have a car, Orleans makes a lot of sense, especially if you have kids, with tons of parks, good schools, and family-friendly amenities.

It’s not exciting, but sometimes boring is good. Depends on what you’re looking for.

Downtown: If You Can Handle It

Living right downtown is intense. I mean that in both good and bad ways. You can walk to Parliament Hill, hit world-class museums on weekends, and find amazing food from every culture you can think of.

However, it’s also expensive, crowded, and during protest season (which feels like half the year), navigating around can be a challenge. Plus tourists. So many tourists asking for directions.

The transit’s great though; OC Transpo connects pretty much everywhere, and you can bike most places if you’re brave enough to deal with Ottawa drivers.

For the Digital Nomads

If you’re here on business or a temporary assignment, furnished apartments in Ottawa solve a lot of headaches. No need to buy furniture, set up utilities, or figure out internet. Corporate Stays has properties in most desirable neighborhoods, allowing you to choose based on your preferred location.

Trust me, if you’re only here for a few months, the last thing you want is to deal with Hydro Ottawa and buying a couch.

The Real Talk

Here’s what nobody tells you about Ottawa rentals: inventory moves fast, especially in good neighborhoods. Have your documents ready, references lined up, and be prepared to make a decision quickly.

Also, heating costs matter more than you think. Ottawa winters are no joke, and if heat isn’t included, you’ll feel it in January. Always ask about utilities upfront.

And parking, if you have a car, figure out parking before you sign anything. Some places include it, others charge extra, and street parking in winter is its own special kind of hell.

Bottom Line

Ottawa’s actually got great neighborhoods if you know what you’re looking for. Want nightlife and convenience? ByWard or Centretown. Need space and good schools? Kanata or Orleans. Looking for that trendy neighborhood feel? Glebe or Westboro.

The city’s not Toronto or Vancouver, but that’s honestly a good thing. Rent’s more reasonable, people are friendlier, and you can still find decent places without selling a kidney.

Just be honest about what you really need versus what sounds good on paper. Consider visiting in February before committing to anywhere; Ottawa winters can change everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with Ottawa’s rental market right now?

It’s competitive but not insane like Toronto. Good places go fast, especially under $1,800. Having references and being ready to sign helps a lot.

Is downtown Ottawa worth the extra rent?

Depends on your lifestyle. Suppose you love walking everywhere and don’t mind urban noise, yes. If you need quiet or space, probably not.

How bad is the commute from suburbs like Kanata?

Rush hour? Pretty brutal. 45 minutes to an hour downtown. But the express buses aren’t terrible, and many people make it work.

Which neighborhoods are actually safe?

Most of Ottawa’s pretty safe. Downtown can get sketchy late at night, but not as much as in bigger cities. Use common sense and you’ll be fine.

What about winter? Does that change where I should live?

Oh yeah. Being near transit or having covered parking becomes way more important. Some areas are better plowed than others, too.