Buying in the Ottawa’s Best School Zones
Every September when the kids head back to school, parents are faced with the reality of how where they live in Ottawa impacts their child’s education, their own commuting schedule, and their overall sense of community. One local mother explains how important it is that her family lives in a good school zone:
“Since many of our early memories and outlooks on life are shaped by the school we attend, it was important to me to find the right school for my son. Even though this meant moving after kindergarten, I am so glad we did it — my son loves his new school, I can walk him there each morning and we are a part of a community where we can grow for years to come”
In 2014, The Fraser Institute released its rankings of the top schools in Ottawa based on nine academic indicators. Below, we have included our own top choices for family friendly neighbourhoods to live in Ottawa, taking into consideration these rankings as well as community safety, facilities, and amenities.
- Barrhaven: Over the past few years, Barrhaven has evolved into the ideal family neighbourhood in the Ottawa region. Not only does it host Nepean’s best schools – John McCrae Secondary School, Mother Teresa High School and St. Joseph’s Catholic High School – but it also has ample clean and green parks, indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, and easy to access shopping centres. Barrhaven is Ottawa’s hub of safe, family-friendly living in Ottawa.
- Carlingwood – Carlingwood is home to Terre-des-Jeunes, the Fraser Institutes’ 3rd ranked school in all of Ottawa. The highest ranked school from the Fraser Institute report was the French Catholic School Edouard Bond. While this school is by wait list, and not dependent on the area that you live, its individualized programming is renowned across Canada. Carlingwood is a family centric area that provides quick and easy access to shopping and recreation centres, as well as the breathtaking Westboro Beach.
- Kanata Lakes: The Kanata Lakes area is an ideal suburban stomping ground for families looking to step outside of the downtown core. It is home to two of the cities’ top rated secondary schools, Earl of March Secondary School and All Saints Catholic High School, as well as Kanata Research Park, which is the home base of several businesses. While the commute downtown can take nearly an hour, the amenities, safety, and high-quality schools make this a desirable family neighbourhood.
- The Glebe-Dow’s Lake: The Glebe has a long-standing tradition of being a cultural, trendy, and safe hotspot for Ottawa residents. Its close proximity to downtown as well as the beautiful parks, trails, and biking routes along the Rideau Canal make it one of the most family-oriented urban school zones in Ottawa.
Are you and your family looking for the most family-friendly place to live in Ottawa? Contact our team of expert Realtors® at Performance Realty to learn more about residential properties for sale in Ottawa’s top school zones.
