Safest, Most Affordable Rental Neighbourhoods In Ottawa

Ottawa is not only the capital of Canada but a truly dynamic and diverse city with over one million residents and filled with a vibrant, refreshing energy. Ottawa is a unique mix of beautiful natural resources and gorgeous scenery nestled in a thriving urban environment with a bustling social calendar of activities like Winterlude, The Canadian Tulip Festival, The Dragon Boat Festival, Ottawa International Jazz Festival and the biggest Canada Day celebration in the country.  Being an incredibly walkable friendly city and lined with bike lanes and the gorgeous Rideau Canal used for skating in the winter, whether it's a stroll around Parliament Hill or a night out at one of the cities top-rated fine dining establishments, there is never a shortage of activities and entertainment options.

We searched the entire city to find the top 10 most affordable and safest neighbourhoods to find that perfect Ottawa apartment for rent . The rankings were based on the neighbourhoods that had the lowest combination of crime and average rental rates.

Stittsville
Population: 31,728
Crimes per 100,000 people: 2,395
Average 1 Bedroom Rental Rate: $1,265

Located 31 km southwest of downtown Ottawa, Stittsville is a charming residential suburb home to many English, French, public and Catholic school choices. With three indoor skating rinks, a swimming pool, baseball diamonds, soccer fields and a summer youth centre, this self-sufficient community has plenty to offer families seeking apartment rentals. Stittsville has an active District Community Centre, the beautiful Amberwood Golf Club and the Goulbourn Recreation Complex in addition to plenty of shopping and dining establishments. With an O-Train station and a number of public bus routes, reliable public transportation can be easily accessed and commuters can quickly reach the city centre.

Barrhaven
Population: 76,835
Crimes per 100,000 people: 2,963
Average 1 Bedroom Rental Rate: $1,275

Located 17 km southwest of downtown, Barrhaven is a self-contained community that is quickly expanding. Exceptional public transit options including 7 bus routes and light rail lines that provide easy commuting access to the downtown core.  Bordered by the Ottawa Greenbelt, one of the largest urban parks in the world, there is plenty of outdoor and recreational activities that are easily accessible, making it a perfect location those seeking apartments that are nature enthusiasts. Numerous public and private schools in addition to large shopping malls such as the Barrhaven Town Centre and Chapman Mills Marketplace makes Barrhaven a convenient neighbourhood for families to enjoy.

Fallingbrook
Population: 25,782
Crimes per 100,000 people: 2,929
Average 1 Bedroom Rental Rate: $1,300

A family friendly community with multiple French and English schools as well as a public library, Fallingbrook has a fantastic community association and strong neighbourhood watch program. With a recreation centre and plenty of annual community events such as Summerfest, community garage sales and plenty of after school programs, Fallingbrook is especially sought after by families looking for apartment rentals. An especially attractive feature is the Ray Friel Community centre which offers swimming, skating, sports recreation, special events and summer camps. As part of the larger Orleans community, there are excellent and reliable public transportation options that can quickly get commuters into the downtown core, just 20 km away.  With several malls, numerous restaurants and cafes, Fallingbrook is a lovely community that has all necessary conveniences at your doorstep.

Queenswood Heights
Population: 12,311
Crimes per 100,000 people: 3,181
Average 1 Bedroom Rental Rate: $1,310

Located in the east end of Ottawa and part of the Orleans community, Queenswood Heights is a fabulous residential neighbourhood offering a laid back lifestyle, perfect for families looking for apartments. Bordered by Innes Road to the south and St. Joseph Boulevard on the north along with multiple bus lines and light rail servicing the neighbourhood, commuting to downtown is easily accessible. There are four elementary schools in Queenswood Heights and multiple secondary and high schools in the surrounding Orleans area. With a fantastic community recreation center and seven public parks equipped with baseball diamonds, soccer fields, outdoor rinks and playground equipment, there is no shortage of family-friendly activities available. With a movie theatre, major shopping center, an exceptional selection of diverse restaurants and emergency medical clinic, every convenience imaginable can be quickly reached.

Avalon
Population: 16,191
Crimes per 100,000 people: 2,984
Average 1 Bedroom Rental Rate: $1,300

A fairly recent neighbourhood that began development in the late 1900’s, Avalon is located at the east end of Ottawa and has great public bus routes and plans to extend the light rail system within the next few years. Situated near the Ottawa Greenbelt, there is plenty of parks, recreational space, walking and biking trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking apartment rentals. The self-contained community has a YMCA, movie theatre, skating rink and large sportsplex offering plenty of nearby entertainment options and activities for families. With the downtown core just over 10km away and easily accessible via the nearby  Trans Canada Highway and Ottawa Regional Road, the downtown core can be reached in 15 minutes.

Katimavik-Hazeldean
Population: 10,095
Crimes per 100,000 people: 3,325
Average 1 Bedroom Rental Rate: $1,350

Bordered by the Carp River and Highway 417, Katimavik-Hazeldean is cozy residential neighbourhood located in the west end of Ottawa. With a very active community association, a selection of public schools and ample outdoor recreational activities such as walking trails, biking, and swimming, Katimavik-Hazeldean is a sought after location for apartments for rent. Access to fantastic public transportation options make getting around the neighbourhood a breeze and commuters can quickly reach downtown Ottawa, just 20 km away. An abundance of restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores provide residents everything they need within moments reach. Families, young professionals, and retirees all enjoy the vibrant sense of close-knit community and the atmosphere of small town living.

Riverside South
Population: 12,333
Crimes per 100,000 people: 3,206
Average 1 Bedroom Rental Rate: $1,390

Located at the south end of Ottawa, this picturesque community was just farmhouses and open fields until development began in the late 90’s.  Today, it is a thriving, self-contained residential neighbourhood with over 50 retail stores, restaurants, and cafes. With a community centre and a variety of schools to choose from, Riverdale South is a very attractive option for families looking to rent apartments. Public transit is accessible with bus routes servicing the neighbourhood and plans are underway to extend Ottawa’s light rail system to run through Riverdale South within the next several years. Close access to Queen Elizabeth Drive provides a very quick commute to the downtown core which is located less than 10 km away.

Chateau Neuf
Population: 14,028
Crimes per 100,000 people: 3,281
Average 1 Bedroom Rental Rate: $1,400

A thriving east end neighbourhood with a significant francophone and bilingual population, Chateau Neuf has a small town charm with big city convenience. With public schools, a library and the Shenkman Arts Centre which contains a concert hall, theatre and art gallery, there is no shortage activities for families. The neighbourhood borders several large public parks with fantastic walking trails, bike routes and a running track making it an attractive option for renters of all ages searching for apartment rentals. In addition to numerous activities, there are plenty of restaurants and thriving nightlife options, and residents are walking distance from most grocery stores, medical centres, and retail stores. Plenty of public transit bus routes and convenient access to the Trans Canada Highway and Ottawa Regional Road get commuters quickly into the Ottawa city centre, located under 20 km away.

Riverview
Population: 12,830
Crimes per 100,000 people: 3,950
Average 1 Bedroom Rental Rate: $1,410

A quaint and charming community filled with unique character, Riverview is an excellent choice for families and young professionals due to so many nearby amenities and activity choices. Home to the Canada Science & Technology Museum and the Riverview Community Centre which offers everything from magic lessons to yoga to dog obedience classes. Hospitals, shopping centres, a diverse array of restaurant choices and bars that are all within walking distance, make this self-contained community a fantastic choice for renting apartments. Excellent public transportation and just a 15-minute drive to downtown Ottawa via the Trans Canada Highway gives residents a laid-back small town feel with all the conveniences of big city living at their fingertips.

Orleans Village
Population: 1,419
Crimes per 100,000 people: 4,002
Average 1 Bedroom Rental Rate: $1,420

Situated at the eastern end of Ottawa, Orleans Village is a thriving and diverse residential neighbourhood sought after by families seeking apartment rentals. There is one public elementary school, a high school and many other public and private schools within a few kilometre radius in the larger Orleans community. There is plenty of shopping options from the Place d’Orleans Shopping Centre to numerous big-box retailers, multiple restaurants, and coffee shops. Bordering the Bilberry Creek Trail and several large parks, Orleans Village has fantastic walking trails and outdoor activity offerings. Along with a public library, movie theater and performing arts centre, entertainment choices are abundant. Access to a fantastic public transportation network that can have commuters reach downtown in less than 30 minutes makes Orleans Village the perfect mix of suburban living with close by big city convenience.