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Safest Neighbourhoods in Ottawa 2026 | Top 10

10 Safest Neighbourhoods in Ottawa 2026

Safest Neighbourhoods in Ottawa 2026 is a data-informed guide for families, buyers, and residents prioritizing safety when choosing where to live. This page explores the safest neighbourhoods in Ottawa in 2026 by examining crime trends, community design, local amenities, schools, and overall quality of life. Designed to support informed real estate decisions, this resource helps readers compare Ottawa neighbourhoods and understand how safety, livability, and long-term value come together when choosing the right place to call home.

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1. West Carleton-March

West Carleton-March: Nestled in Ottawa’s rural outskirts, West Carleton-March boasts the lowest recorded crime rates in the city. This peaceful community offers a serene environment with ample green space. However, limited amenities and a reliance on private vehicles for transportation are factors to consider.

Crime Statistics: As of 2023, West Carleton-March reported the lowest crime rate in Ottawa, with approximately 945.9 crimes per 100,000 residents.

Local Services and Facilities: Limited retail options exist, but residents rely on nearby Barrhaven for major amenities. Schools, community centres, and recreational facilities are present within the neighbourhood.

Transportation: Car ownership is essential due to limited public transit options.

Housing and Cost of Living: Single-family homes dominate the housing landscape, with prices reflecting the area’s affluence.

Stittsville House, In Stittsville, a two-story house sits proudly amidst a vibrant landscape. Its brick exterior, in a rich brown hue, exudes warmth and timeless elegance.

2. Rideau-Goulbourn

Rideau-Goulbourn: Another rural haven, Rideau-Goulbourn offers a peaceful escape with a slightly higher crime rate than West Carleton-March. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life surrounded by farmland and natural beauty.

Crime Statistics: In 2023, Rideau-Goulbourn reported a crime rate of approximately 1,179 crimes per 100,000 residents.

Local Services and Facilities: Similar to West Carleton-March, residents rely on nearby Barrhaven for major amenities. Local options include schools, community centres, and limited retail outlets.

Transportation: Car ownership is necessary due to limited public transit access.

Housing and Cost of Living: Estate homes and spacious single-family dwellings characterize the area, with housing prices reflecting a higher-than-average cost of living.

Image showing a row of charming townhouses with colorful exteriors, perfect for Stittsville first-time homebuyers looking for affordable and cozy living spaces

3. Stittsville

Stittsville: Located west of downtown Ottawa, Stittsville offers a suburban haven with a strong sense of community. The neighbourhood boasts a vibrant downtown core with shops, restaurants, and family-friendly activities.

Crime Statistics: Stittsville reported a crime rate of approximately 1,538 crimes per 100,000 residents in 2023.

Local Services and Facilities: A bustling downtown core provides residents with access to shops, restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and professional services. Schools, libraries, and recreation facilities are readily available.

Transportation: Public transit options are decent, with buses connecting residents to downtown Ottawa and surrounding areas.

Housing and Cost of Living: A mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments caters to diverse housing needs. Housing costs are on par with the Ottawa average.

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4. Kanata

Kanata: This established suburban enclave in Ottawa’s west end offers a family-friendly environment with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy a variety of parks, recreational facilities, and shopping options.

Crime Statistics: Kanata reported a crime rate of approximately 1,547.9 crimes per 100,000 residents in 2023.

Local Services and Facilities: The neighbourhood boasts a diverse mix of shopping centres, grocery stores, restaurants, and professional services. Schools, libraries, and recreational facilities are readily available.

Transportation: Public transit options connect residents to downtown Ottawa and surrounding areas. Kanata also benefits from proximity to major highways.

Housing and Cost of Living: A mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments caters to diverse housing needs and budgets. Housing costs are generally on par with the Ottawa average.

Stittsville Neighbourhoods. A two-story house in Stittsville, surrounded by a neatly manicured lawn and trees.

5. Osgoode

Osgoode: This rural gem nestled on the outskirts of Ottawa boasts a lower crime rate compared to most of the neighbourhoods.

Crime Statistics: In 2023, Osgoode reported a crime rate of approximately 1,582 crimes per 100,000 residents.

Local Services and Facilities: While amenities are limited within Osgoode itself, residents have easy access to nearby Barrhaven for major shopping centres, grocery stores, and professional services. Schools are present within the neighbourhood.

Transportation: Car ownership is essential due to limited public transit options.

Housing and Cost of Living: Spacious single-family homes and rural estates dominate the housing landscape, with a cost of living reflecting the area’s affluence.

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6. Barrhaven

Barrhaven: This established suburban area in Ottawa’s south end offers a vibrant and family-friendly environment. Residents enjoy a good mix of residential areas, shopping centres, green spaces, and recreational facilities.

Crime Statistics: Barrhaven reported a crime rate of approximately 1,365 crimes per 100,000 residents in 2023.

Local Services and Facilities: Barrhaven boasts a diverse selection of shopping centres, grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, and professional services. Schools, libraries, and recreation facilities are plentiful.

Transportation: Public transit options connect residents to downtown Ottawa and surrounding areas. Barrhaven also benefits from its proximity to major highways.

Housing and Cost of Living: A mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments caters to diverse housing needs and budgets. Housing costs are generally on par with the Ottawa average.

Kanata real estate trends, Jason Polonski

7. Orleans

Orleans: Situated on Ottawa’s eastern edge, Orleans is a large suburban community with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy a variety of parks, schools, and recreational facilities.

Crime Statistics: Orleans reported a crime rate of approximately 1,623 crimes per 100,000 residents in 2023.

Local Services and Facilities: The neighbourhood boasts shopping centres, grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, and professional services. Schools, libraries, and recreation facilities are readily available.

Transportation: Public transit options connect residents to downtown Ottawa and surrounding areas. Orleans also benefits from proximity to major highways.

Housing and Cost of Living: A mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments caters to diverse housing needs and budgets. Housing costs are generally on par with the Ottawa average.

8. Cumberland Ward

Cumberland Ward: This established suburban neighbourhood in Ottawa’s east end offers a family-friendly environment with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy a good mix of residential areas, parks, schools, and recreational facilities.

Crime Statistics: Cumberland Ward reported a crime rate of approximately 1,724 crimes per 100,000 residents in 2023.

Local Services and Facilities: The neighbourhood boasts shopping centres, grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, and professional services. Schools, libraries, and recreation facilities are readily available.

Transportation: Public transit options connect residents to downtown Ottawa and surrounding areas. Cumberland Ward also benefits from its proximity to major highways.

Housing and Cost of Living: A mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments caters to diverse housing needs and budgets. Housing costs are generally on par with the Ottawa average.

Cost of Living in Kanata, Ontario, Jason Polonski

9. Gloucester-South Nepean

Gloucester-South Nepean: This suburban neighbourhood located south of downtown Ottawa offers a mix of residential areas, parks, schools, and recreational facilities.

Crime Statistics: Gloucester-South Nepean reported a crime rate of approximately 1,842 crimes per 100,000 residents in 2023.

Local Services and Facilities: The neighbourhood boasts shopping centres, grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, and professional services. Schools, libraries, and recreation facilities are readily available.

Transportation: Public transit options connect residents to downtown Ottawa and surrounding areas. Gloucester-South Nepean also benefits from proximity to major highways.

Housing and Cost of Living: A mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments caters to diverse housing needs and budgets. Housing costs are generally on par with the Ottawa average.

Top 10 Safest Neighbourhoods in Ottawa

10. Sandy Hill

Sandy Hill: Located east of downtown Ottawa, Sandy Hill offers a vibrant urban environment with a mix of students, young professionals, and families. The neighbourhood boasts a lively atmosphere with cafes, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Crime Statistics: While Sandy Hill has a slightly higher crime rate compared to other neighbourhoods on this list (approximately 2,147 crimes per 100,000 residents in 2023), it remains a safe and desirable place to live, especially for those seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle.

Local Services and Facilities: Residents have access to a diverse selection of shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and cultural attractions within walking distance. The University of Ottawa is also located nearby, offering additional amenities and a youthful energy.

Transportation: Sandy Hill boasts excellent public transit options with frequent buses connecting residents to downtown Ottawa and surrounding areas. Walking and cycling are also popular due to the neighbourhood’s compact layout and proximity to amenities.

Housing and Cost of Living: Housing options in Sandy Hill include apartments, high-rise condos, and some townhouses. The cost of living is generally higher compared to suburban areas due to the neighbourhood’s central location and popularity.

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Choosing the perfect neighbourhood in Ottawa depends on your priorities. This list provides a starting point for your search, focusing on neighbourhoods with a proven track record of safety. Remember, safety is a multifaceted concept, and staying vigilant is crucial regardless of location. Consider factors like your desired lifestyle, proximity to work or school, and access to amenities when making your final decision.

Resources Safest Neighbourhoods in Ottawa

Full-Service Ottawa REALTOR®

Ottawa realtor, Kanata Realtor, Jason Polonski, Real estate agent.

This article Top 10 Safest Neighbourhoods in Ottawa presented to you by Jason Polonski– Ottawa Full-Service REALTOR®. If you are considering buying or selling a property in Ottawa, Kanata or the surrounding please do not hesitate to contact Jason. 

Safest Neighbourhoods in Ottawa (FAQs)

While crime statistics are a good starting point, safety encompasses more. Consider factors like:

  • Neighbourhood Watch Programs: Active programs deter crime and foster community spirit.
  • Proximity to Amenities: Well-lit streets, parks, and schools contribute to a sense of safety.

Socioeconomic Indicators: Areas with lower unemployment and strong families often have lower crime rates

Downtown Ottawa is generally safe, but crime rates can be slightly higher compared to suburban areas. Sandy Hill, featured in the article, offers a vibrant downtown experience with a higher-than-average crime rate but remains a desirable and safe place to live for many.

Absolutely! Sandy Hill, with its excellent public transit and walkable layout, offers an urban lifestyle close to amenities. Barrhaven and Stittsville also boast vibrant downtowns with good access to necessities.

The article offers a variety of resources, including:

  • Ottawa Police Service Crime Data & Mapping Tool
  • City of Ottawa Neighbourhood Profiles
  • Citizen Ottawa Neighbourhood Reviews

These resources provide detailed information on demographics, amenities, and safety statistics for each neighbourhood.

Being aware of your surroundings, taking precautions like locking doors and windows, and trusting your instincts are crucial. The Crime Prevention Ottawa website offers valuable resources and safety tips.

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