Old Ottawa South: The Best Of Urban Living.

Old Ottawa South offers historic charm, walkable streets, and vibrant community living just minutes from downtown Ottawa.

Old Ottawa South is a highly sought-after inner-city neighbourhood, located approximately 2–3 km south of downtown Ottawa, bordered by the Rideau Canal and Rideau River. Known for its historic charm, walkability, and strong community identity, Old Ottawa South offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with a neighbourhood feel.

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Old Ottawa South Neighbourhood Guide – Ottawa Real Estate Overview

  • Affordability: ★★☆☆☆

  • Schools: ★★★★☆

  • Commute: ★★★★★

  • Lifestyle: ★★★★★

  • Green Space: ★★★★☆

  • Community Feel: ★★★★★

Best for: Families, professionals, academics, and buyers seeking walkable urban living close to downtown

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Old Ottawa South Overview & Location

  • Distance to Downtown Ottawa: 5–10 minutes by car

  • Highway Access: Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Riverside Drive, Highway 417 nearby

  • Nearby Areas: The Glebe, Old Ottawa East, Carleton University, Dow’s Lake

Old Ottawa South appeals to families, professionals, academics, and long-term residents who value character homes, local amenities, and quick access to the city core.

Community Character & Housing

Established in the early 20th century, Old Ottawa South is known for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and strong sense of place. Commercial activity is concentrated along Bank Street, while residential streets remain quiet and community-oriented.

Housing Types in Old Ottawa South

  • Predominantly detached and semi-detached homes

  • Many early-1900s and mid-century houses

  • Some townhomes and limited low-rise condominiums

  • Mix of beautifully restored homes and modern infill

Homes in Old Ottawa South are prized for their character, walkability, and long-term resale strength.

Schools in Old Ottawa South

Old Ottawa South is well regarded for its access to strong public, French, Catholic, and alternative schools, making it especially attractive to families.

Public Schools (English – Ottawa-Carleton District School Board)

Catholic Schools (English – Ottawa Catholic School Board)

French & Alternative Options

  • French public and Catholic schools available nearby, depending on catchment

  • Access to alternative and immersion programs across central Ottawa

Amenities & Lifestyle

Old Ottawa South offers one of the most walkable and community-focused lifestyles in the city.

  • Bank Street shops, cafés, bakeries, and restaurants

  • Independent bookstores, specialty food shops, and local services

  • Close proximity to Carleton University

  • Farmers’ markets, community events, and neighbourhood associations

The area combines urban energy with small-neighbourhood charm.

Recreation & Outdoor Living

Outdoor space is a major draw in Old Ottawa South.

Outdoor Recreation

  • Rideau Canal pathways for walking, cycling, and skating

  • Rideau River Eastern Pathway

  • Nearby parks and playgrounds

  • Quick access to Dow’s Lake and Mooney’s Bay

Residents enjoy year-round recreation just steps from their homes.

Transportation & Commute

  • Driving: 5–10 minutes to downtown Ottawa

  • Public Transit: Excellent OC Transpo service along Bank Street

  • Cycling & Walking: Outstanding cycling infrastructure and walkability

Old Ottawa South is ideal for those seeking a car-light or car-free lifestyle.

Old Ottawa South Demographics (Approx.)

Population & Households

  • Population: ~7,000 residents

  • Households: ~3,000

  • Median Age: ~41 years

Income & Employment

  • Median Household Income: Above Ottawa average

  • Common employment sectors: government, education, academia, healthcare, professional services

Language & Diversity

  • Predominantly English-speaking with strong bilingual (English/French) presence

  • Diverse, highly educated population

Old Ottawa South Real Estate Market

Old Ottawa South real estate is characterized by limited supply, high demand, and strong long-term appreciation.

Home Prices (Approx.)

  • Average Home Price: ~$1.1M–$1.5M

  • Renovated or larger homes: Often exceed $1.6M+

  • Homeownership Rate: High, with many long-term residents

Properties rarely come to market and tend to sell quickly.

Pros & Cons of Living in Old Ottawa South

Pros

  • Exceptional walkability and transit access

  • Strong schools and family appeal

  • Historic charm and character homes

  • Proximity to downtown, canal, and river

  • Vibrant local shopping and dining

Cons

  • Higher home prices

  • Limited parking on some streets

  • Older homes may require renovations

  • Competitive real estate market

Is Old Ottawa South a Good Place to Live?

Old Ottawa South is an outstanding choice for buyers seeking urban convenience, character homes, and a tight-knit community. With its prime central location, excellent schools, and access to green space and amenities, it remains one of Ottawa’s most desirable and enduring neighbourhoods.

Old Ottawa South Summary:

  • Old Ottawa South is a highly sought-after inner-city neighbourhood just 5–10 minutes from downtown Ottawa.

  • It offers exceptional walkability, transit access, and lifestyle amenities, anchored by vibrant Bank Street.

  • The area is known for tree-lined streets, historic homes, and strong community character.

  • Housing consists mainly of detached and semi-detached homes, with a mix of heritage properties and modern infill.

  • Families are drawn to strong public, Catholic, French, and alternative school options.

  • Residents enjoy easy access to the Rideau Canal, Rideau River, Dow’s Lake, and Mooney’s Bay.

  • The neighbourhood supports a car-light or car-free lifestyle with excellent cycling infrastructure.

  • Real estate demand is high, with limited supply and strong long-term appreciation.

  • Overall, Old Ottawa South is ideal for buyers seeking urban convenience, character, and a tight-knit community.

Old Ottawa South Frequently Asked Questions

  • Old Ottawa South is an inner-city neighbourhood located 2–3 km south of downtown Ottawa, bordered by the Rideau Canal and Rideau River.

  • Yes. Old Ottawa South is considered one of Ottawa’s most desirable neighbourhoods due to its walkability, strong schools, character homes, and central location.

  • The neighbourhood primarily features detached and semi-detached homes, many built in the early 1900s or mid-century, along with limited townhomes and low-rise condos.

  • Home prices are above the Ottawa average, reflecting limited supply and high demand. Renovated homes and larger properties often command premium prices.

  • Yes. The area is very popular with families due to excellent schools, parks, safe streets, and a strong community atmosphere.

  • The neighbourhood is served by Hopewell Avenue Public School and Glebe Collegiate Institute, with Catholic, French, and alternative school options nearby.

  • Extremely. Residents can walk to shops, cafés, schools, parks, transit, and river pathways, making it ideal for a car-light lifestyle.

  • The commute is excellent. Downtown Ottawa is typically 5–10 minutes by car, with strong transit, cycling, and walking options.

  • Old Ottawa South offers Bank Street shopping and dining, farmers’ markets, community events, and quick access to Carleton University and recreational areas.

  • Residents often include families, professionals, academics, government employees, and long-term homeowners who value urban convenience and neighbourhood character.