The History Behind Sandy Hill
Sandy Hill is a historic Ottawa neighbourhood located just to the east of the city’s downtown core, featuring an eclectic assortment of property types and a wide selection of amenities for its residents. While there are many privately owned residential properties in the neighbourhood, including both houses and condominiums, Sandy Hill also features several boarding houses and co-operative housing units. The area is also home to the University of Ottawa campus and, as such, includes rental homes and apartments available for students. Sandy Hill’s wide variety of property types can be attributed in part to the area’s close proximity to Ottawa’s downtown.
Sandy Hill is bordered by Nicholas Street and the Queensway to the south, Rideau Street to the north, the Rideau Canal to the west, and the Rideau River to the east. The shores of the Rideau River provide an idyllic escape from the everyday bustle of urban life, with Strathcona Park being a top destination for leisure time in the neighbourhood. As one of Ottawa’s oldest neighbourhoods, Sandy Hill features picturesque side streets lined with trees, residential homes, and charming older buildings.
The rich and extensive history of Sandy Hill can still be felt today. The neighbourhood was home to some of the wealthiest Ottawans in its earliest days, with senior public servants and the Prime Minister among its residents. Laurier House is just one existing example of Sandy Hill’s history; many other historic buildings, including several embassies, can be found in the neighbourhood today. Sandy Hill has also maintained a large French-speaking population, reminiscent of the earliest neighbourhood residents, and features several co-operative housing solutions that have helped to revive the area’s heritage buildings.
Living in Sandy Hill
Sandy Hill is a great choice for those who would prefer an urban lifestyle, or for anyone thinking of purchasing an investment property. The neighbourhood offers a wide selection of amenities in addition to convenient transit options, and its proximity to the Rideau Canal and the Rideau River also help to make Sandy Hill one of the most sought-after districts in the city for prospective homeowners. With its range of different property types, thriving business district, and scenic city parks, there’s something for everyone in Sandy Hill.
If you’d like more information about Sandy Hill, contact us today! We’re happy to answer any questions you might have about this or any of Ottawa’s other unique neighbourhoods.
