Is living in Ottawa beyond your budget?
While Ottawa is known for its high quality of life, it doesn’t always come cheap. But don’t worry, we’ve done the homework for you.
Find out about the most budget-friendly neighbourhoods and average home and condo prices.
If you’re looking for a home or just curious about affordable living in Ottawa, this guide has all the info you need.
Top 5 Cheapest Neighbourhoods in Ottawa
Some neighbourhoods in Ottawa have lower home prices, making them great for affordable housing. These areas offer good options for both detached homes and condos.
Here’s a list of the five cheapest neighbourhoods in Ottawa, with average home prices to help you choose.
1. Orleans (East End)
Orleans is known for its affordable housing and family-friendly atmosphere.
The average price for detached homes is around $715,000–$774,841, while condos are even more budget-friendly, averaging $439,735.
2. Barrhaven (South West)
Barrhaven offers a mix of convenience and affordability. Detached homes in this area cost around $763,750. Condos are priced at about $450,000. This makes it a good choice for people looking for different housing options.
3. Nepean (West)
Nepean is another affordable neighbourhood with a variety of housing options. Detached homes cost about $631,953. Condos are priced under $600,000. This makes it a great choice for both families and singles.
4. Overbrook (East)
Overbrook is gaining popularity due to its affordability and proximity to downtown Ottawa.
Detached homes here cost about $545,000. Condos are priced under $300,000. This makes it a good choice for buyers on a budget.
5. Bells Corners (West)
Bells Corners offers a mix of housing types, including townhouses and terrace homes.
Detached homes average $506,000, making it one of the cheaper options in the western part of the city.
By looking at these neighbourhoods, you can find affordable homes that fit your budget. You’ll still enjoy the amenities and convenience of living in Ottawa.
Comparing Rent Prices in Affordable Ottawa Neighbourhoods
Rent prices are important when looking at the cost of living in Ottawa, especially if you plan to rent instead of buy.
Knowing the average rent in different affordable neighbourhoods can help you make a better choice.
Rent prices in Ottawa’s cheapest areas are different. These differences can affect your decision based on your budget and needs.
Below is a table with average rent prices for a 1-bedroom apartment in the five most affordable neighbourhoods in Ottawa.
This data gives a clear view of the rental market and helps you find the most cost-effective options.
| Neighbourhood | Average Rent for a 1-Bedroom (Approx. only) |
|---|---|
| Orleans | $1,200 |
| Barrhaven | $1,350 |
| Nepean | $1,400 |
| Overbrook | $1,300 |
| Bells Corners | $1,250 |
By comparing these numbers, you can easily see which neighbourhoods offer the cheapest rentals.
Orleans and Bells Corners are very affordable. They are great choices for people who want to save on housing and still enjoy living in Ottawa.
Cost of Living in Ottawa: Affordable Neighbourhoods
What makes Ottawa’s affordable neighbourhoods appealing?
The answer comes from many factors like jobs, education, healthcare, safety, public transport, cleanliness, and places to have fun.
For example, Orleans, Barrhaven, Nepean, Overbrook, and Bells Corners all have their own benefits. They offer a high quality of life while still being affordable.
How do job opportunities and education impact the cost of living?
These neighbourhoods have many job opportunities. Many people work in public service, healthcare, and technology.
Education is also strong, with good schools and colleges nearby.
For example, Barrhaven and Nepean have great school districts, making them popular with families.
Affordable areas offer a mix of cheap housing and easy access to jobs. This helps reduce commuting time and costs.
What role do amenities and public services play in affordability?
Amenities like healthcare, safety, and public transport play a big role in the cost of living.
Healthcare is easy to access, with many clinics and hospitals nearby.
Safety is also important. Orleans and Barrhaven, for example, have low crime rates, making them great places to live.
Public transport is key too. With buses and the future LRT, commuting from places like Overbrook and Bells Corners is easy and cheap.
Considering these factors helps people live a balanced, affordable life without giving up important services.
Affordable Housing Options in Ottawa
What types of affordable housing are available in Ottawa?
Ottawa has many affordable housing options, like detached homes, condos, and townhouses.
These options fit different needs and budgets, helping people find the right place to live.
Detached homes offer more space and privacy, making them great for families.
Condos are usually cheaper and need less maintenance, which makes them perfect for singles or couples.
Townhouses offer more space than condos but are cheaper than detached homes.
Which neighbourhoods offer the best affordable housing options?
Some neighbourhoods in Ottawa are known for their affordable housing.
For example, Orleans Village is popular because it’s family-friendly and has good prices.
Glen Cairn has both condos and townhouses, making it a great choice for different housing needs.
Borden Farm is another area with affordable homes and is close to important services.
- Orleans Village: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and affordable detached homes.
- Glen Cairn: Offers a mix of condos and townhouses, providing varied housing options.
- Borden Farm: Features economical housing and convenient access to amenities.
Finding Cost-Effective Homes in Ottawa
What are the best tips for house hunting in affordable neighbourhoods in Ottawa?
Start by looking into neighbourhoods with affordable housing, like Orleans, Barrhaven, and Bells Corners.
Focus on places where the cost of living is lower but still have important things like schools, healthcare, and public transport.
Another idea is to visit open houses and go on neighbourhood tours. This will help you get a feel for the area and compare different homes.
Being open to fixer-uppers or smaller homes can also help you find a more affordable option.
How can you utilize resources to find affordable homes in Ottawa?
There are many resources to help you find affordable homes.
Online listings are a good place to start. They show available properties within your budget.
Local real estate agents can help by sharing useful information and guiding you through the market.
Also, government programs for first-time homebuyers or people needing affordable housing can offer financial help and advice.
- Online Listings: Websites and platforms that aggregate property listings for easy comparison.
- Local Real Estate Agents: Professionals with in-depth knowledge of the Ottawa housing market.
- Government Programs: Initiatives that offer financial aid and resources for affordable housing.
Real Estate Market Trends in Ottawa’s Affordable Neighbourhoods
What are the current trends in Ottawa’s real estate market?
Housing prices are slowly going up because more people want homes, but there aren’t enough available.
This is especially true in affordable areas like Orleans, Barrhaven, and Bells Corners.
These places are becoming more popular with first-time buyers and families looking for budget-friendly homes.
Because of this, there’s more competition for homes, so they sell faster and stay on the market for fewer days.
How do these trends impact affordable neighbourhoods in Ottawa?
Prices in affordable neighbourhoods are slowly going up, making it a little harder for buyers to find cheap homes.
However, these areas still offer some of the best value in the city.
More people are interested in places like Nepean and Overbrook. This has led to new housing projects to meet the growing demand.
Even with higher prices, these neighbourhoods are still appealing because they balance affordability, good amenities, and a high quality of life.
Final Words
The top 5 cheapest neighbourhoods in Ottawa offer different options, from affordable Barrhaven to amenity-filled Nepean.
Rent prices in these areas are low, and the cost of living is reasonable.
There are many affordable housing choices, like detached homes, condos, and townhouses.
Tips for house hunting and details about each neighbourhood help buyers find the best place for them.
Current real estate trends show strong demand and stable prices, making Ottawa a good choice for homebuyers.
With this information, anyone can find an affordable place to live in Ottawa without giving up a good quality of life.
