Living in Westboro, Ottawa
Exploring Westboro's walkable streets, character homes, and lifestyle before you make a move.
Westboro Neighbourhood Overview
Westboro is one of Ottawa’s most desirable urban neighbourhoods, offering a unique combination of walkability, cafés, boutique shopping, character homes, and luxury infill development. The area attracts professionals, downsizers, and buyers seeking a premium lifestyle close to downtown.
Overall Scor
— 95%
Housing — 91%
Amenities — 98%
Cost Of Living — 76%
Commute — 96%
Schools — 97%
Safety — 93%
Westboro continues to attract lifestyle-driven buyers looking for convenience, character, and strong long-term demand. Its combination of walkability, vibrant local businesses, and premium housing makes it one of Ottawa’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.
About Westboro
Westboro is one of Ottawa’s most desirable urban neighbourhoods, known for its walkability, independent cafés, boutique shopping, and premium lifestyle.
The area combines character homes, luxury infill development, parks, and convenient access to downtown, creating a balance between city living and outdoor recreation.
Many residents are drawn to Westboro for its vibrant atmosphere, active lifestyle, and strong sense of community.
The neighbourhood includes several distinct areas such as:
- Westboro Village (cafés, boutiques, and vibrant main street atmosphere)
- Highland Park (character homes and luxury infill development)
- McKellar Park (prestigious residential streets and larger lots)
- Hampton Park (walkability and easy access to greenspace)
- Westboro Beach Area (outdoor lifestyle and waterfront access)
Neighbourhood choice within Westboro can significantly influence lifestyle, housing style, walkability, and long-term property value.
Where is Westboro located?
Westboro is located in Ottawa’s west-central area, offering a highly walkable lifestyle with convenient access to downtown, major parks, and everyday amenities.
Neighbourhood Boundaries
- North: Ottawa River and Westboro Beach
- East: Wellington Village and Hintonburg
- South: Carlington and the Queensway
- West: McKellar Park and Woodroffe Avenue
Location Advantages
Westboro offers some of the best lifestyle connectivity in Ottawa.
- ~10–15 minutes to Downtown Ottawa
- Convenient access to the O-Train and major transit routes
- Walking distance to cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and fitness studios
- Close to Westboro Beach and the Ottawa River pathways
- Easy access to Wellington Village, Hintonburg, and Tunney's Pasture
This combination of walkability, amenities, and central access is one of the reasons Westboro continues to attract professionals, downsizers, and lifestyle-focused buyers.
For many residents, convenience and quality of life matter just as much as the home itself.
What It's Like Living in Westboro
Living in Westboro is defined by walkability, convenience, and a premium urban lifestyle. Residents enjoy easy access to cafés, restaurants, fitness studios, parks, and local businesses, making the neighbourhood especially attractive to professionals, downsizers, and buyers who value everyday convenience.
What residents value most:
- Cafés, restaurants, and boutique shopping
- Walkability and active transportation
- Character homes and luxury infill properties
- Access to Westboro Beach and Ottawa River pathways
- Convenient transit and proximity to downtown
Home prices and demand in Westboro can vary significantly depending on the street, property type, and proximity to Richmond Road and the river.
What this means for buyers:
Westboro tends to attract lifestyle-driven buyers looking for character, convenience, and long-term value rather than purely seeking larger homes or suburban living.
Transportation & Commute in Westboro
Westboro offers some of the best transportation access in Ottawa, combining walkability, public transit, cycling infrastructure, and convenient connections to downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Key transportation routes and options include:
-
Richmond Road
— The main corridor through Westboro, lined with cafés, shops, restaurants, and local businesses. -
Scott Street and the O-Train
— Convenient access to OC Transpo’s O-Train network, providing quick connections across Ottawa. -
Ottawa River Pathway
— A popular route for cycling, running, and active commuting along the river. -
Tunney’s Pasture Transit Hub
— Major transit station offering access to bus routes and downtown employment centres.
Commute Times
Typical commute times from Westboro:
- ~10–15 minutes to Downtown Ottawa by car
- ~10–20 minutes by public transit
- ~15–20 minutes by bicycle using the Ottawa River pathways
- Easy access to Hintonburg, Wellington Village, and Tunney’s Pasture
👉 Convenient transit, walkability, and proximity to downtown make Westboro especially attractive for professionals and lifestyle-focused buyers.
Commute times and transportation access are among the factors that support strong demand and premium property values in Westboro.
Westboro vs Ottawa — Key Demographics
Comparing Westboro to Ottawa overall helps highlight why the neighbourhood appeals to professionals, downsizers, and lifestyle-focused buyers.
Westboro typically has higher housing demand, a more walkable environment, and a stronger concentration of premium urban properties than many parts of the city.
Westboro
Population — ~11,000
Population density
(sq km) — ~4,500
Median age — ~41
Male/Female ratio — ~1.00
Married couples — ~65%
Families with kids at home — ~60%
Ottawa
Population — 1,058,126
Population density
(sq km) — 365
Median age — 39.2
Male/Female ratio — 1.0:1
Married couples — 70%
Families with kids at home — 45%
Higher density, strong walkability, and a mix of character homes and luxury properties continue to make Westboro one of Ottawa’s most desirable lifestyle-oriented neighbourhoods.
Is Westboro a Good Place to Live?
Westboro is widely considered one of Ottawa’s most desirable neighbourhoods thanks to its walkability, vibrant atmosphere, and convenient access to everyday amenities. Residents enjoy a unique mix of cafés, restaurants, boutiques, parks, and outdoor spaces, all within a highly connected urban setting.
Unlike many suburban areas, Westboro offers a lifestyle built around convenience and character, which appeals to professionals, downsizers, and buyers seeking a balance between city living and outdoor recreation.
Buyers are often drawn to Westboro for its premium lifestyle, strong sense of community, and proximity to downtown Ottawa.
What this means for buyers:
- Highly walkable compared to many parts of Ottawa
- Strong demand for luxury homes and character properties
- Premium lifestyle with cafés, boutiques, and local businesses
- Limited inventory supports long-term property values
This is why many buyers choose Westboro when upgrading from condos, downsizing, or relocating for a more lifestyle-oriented neighbourhood.
Homes in Westboro, Ottawa
Westboro offers a mix of character homes, luxury infill properties, condominiums, and modern townhomes in one of Ottawa’s most sought-after urban neighbourhoods.
Buyers can find:
- character homes
- luxury infill properties
- modern townhomes
- condominiums
- renovated and custom-built homes
Home prices and demand can vary significantly depending on the street, proximity to Richmond Road, and access to parks and transit. Areas closer to Westboro Village and the Ottawa River typically command premium pricing and experience strong buyer demand.
Many buyers choose Westboro for its walkability, lifestyle amenities, and convenient access to downtown Ottawa. The neighbourhood is especially popular with professionals, downsizers, and buyers seeking a premium urban lifestyle.
Why Buyers Choose Westboro
Buyers are often drawn to Westboro for its combination of walkability, lifestyle, and premium urban living.
What this means for buyers:
- walkable streets and everyday amenities
- cafés, restaurants, and boutique shopping
- character homes and luxury infill properties
- access to parks, Westboro Beach, and river pathways
- convenient transit and proximity to downtown
Westboro is often chosen by professionals, downsizers, and buyers looking for a vibrant neighbourhood with strong long-term appeal.
Safety in Westboro
Westboro is widely considered one of Ottawa’s most established and desirable neighbourhoods, with strong community ties, active streets, and a lifestyle that attracts long-term residents and homeowners.
Safety in Westboro is supported by:
- Established residential streets with long-term homeowners
- Walkable communities with local businesses and active public spaces
- Access to parks, recreation, and everyday amenities
- Strong community involvement and neighbourhood pride
As with any area, safety can vary by location and over time, and buyers are encouraged to review current information and explore neighbourhoods in person before making decisions.
👉 Many buyers prioritize communities with strong walkability, established homes, and active streets when choosing where to live.
Perceived safety, community character, and neighbourhood stability are important factors that can influence demand and long-term property values in Westboro.
Major Streets in Westboro
Westboro is shaped by a few key streets that define its walkability, lifestyle, and housing character.
These corridors influence access to cafés, shopping, transit, parks, and some of Ottawa’s most desirable residential areas.
Understanding these streets can help buyers identify where different lifestyles and property types are located throughout Westboro.
Richmond Road
Cafés & boutiques
Churchill Avenue
Character homes
Scott Street
Transit access
Island Park Drive
Premium living
Schools in Westboro
Westboro is home to several well-regarded public and Catholic schools, making the area attractive to families looking for a combination of walkability, established communities, and strong educational options.
Some of the most recognized schools in Westboro include:
Public Schools
- Broadview Public School — Well-known elementary school serving Westboro families.
- Churchill Alternative School — Popular school with alternative programming and strong community involvement.
- Nepean High School — Established secondary school with strong academic and extracurricular programs.
Catholic Schools
- St. George School — Catholic elementary school serving the Westboro area.
- Notre Dame High School — One of Ottawa’s best-known Catholic high schools.
School Boards Serving Westboro
- Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)
- Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB)
Many buyers are attracted to Westboro because it combines established schools with walkability, parks, and convenient access to everyday amenities.
👉 Families often choose Westboro, Highland Park, and McKellar Park for their combination of schools, character homes, and community atmosphere.
School quality and neighbourhood appeal can influence long-term demand and property values across Westboro.
Parks in Westboro
Westboro offers easy access to parks, green space, river pathways, and outdoor recreation areas that support its active urban lifestyle. Many buyers are drawn to the neighbourhood because it combines walkability with quick access to nature.
Some of the most popular parks and outdoor areas near Westboro include:
- Westboro Beach — A popular riverside destination with beach access, pathways, and outdoor recreation.
- Hampton Park — A large green space with trails, sports fields, and year-round community use.
- McKellar Park — A quiet neighbourhood park surrounded by established residential streets.
- Byron Linear Park — A walkable green corridor connecting homes, shops, and transit access.
Trails and Outdoor Areas
In addition to parks, Westboro offers access to some of Ottawa’s most used outdoor routes and natural areas:
- Ottawa River Pathway — A major route for walking, cycling, running, and active commuting.
- Westboro Beach Trail Access — Scenic access to riverfront pathways and outdoor recreation.
- Dominion Arboretum and Experimental Farm Area — A short drive away for larger green spaces and outdoor activities.
👉 Many buyers specifically look for homes near parks, river pathways, and walkable green space, especially professionals, downsizers, and families who value outdoor access without leaving the city.
Proximity to parks, pathways, and outdoor recreation is one of the key factors influencing lifestyle demand and property value in Westboro.
Shopping in Westboro
Westboro offers a mix of boutique shopping, local businesses, and everyday essentials, making it one of Ottawa’s most convenient and walkable neighbourhoods.
Some of the most popular shopping destinations in Westboro include:
- Westboro Village
— The heart of the neighbourhood, known for its boutiques, cafés, and independent retailers. - Richmond Road
— A vibrant commercial corridor with shopping, dining, and local services. - Wellington West
— Nearby destination offering specialty shops, restaurants, and community businesses. - Westgate Shopping Centre
— Convenient access to grocery stores, pharmacies, and everyday essentials. - Carlingwood Shopping Centre
— Major retail centre serving Westboro and surrounding communities.
Everyday Shopping and Essentials
Residents also benefit from convenient access to grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, fitness studios, and everyday services throughout the area.
👉 For many buyers, walkability and access to local businesses are part of what makes Westboro one of Ottawa’s most desirable lifestyle neighbourhoods.
Easy access to shopping, cafés, and daily services is one of the lifestyle factors that helps support demand and property values in Westboro.
Sports & Recreation in Westboro
Westboro is one of Ottawa’s most active neighbourhoods, offering access to fitness facilities, outdoor recreation, cycling routes, and year-round activities.
Some of the key sports and recreation facilities in Westboro include:
- Dovercourt Recreation Association — Community facility with fitness programs, camps, and sports activities.
- Westboro Beach — Popular destination for swimming, volleyball, and outdoor recreation.
- Ottawa River Pathway — Major route for cycling, running, and active commuting.
- Hampton Park — Green space with sports fields and year-round community use.
Local Sports & Outdoor Activities
In addition to recreation facilities, Westboro offers a wide range of everyday activities:
- Cycling and running along the Ottawa River pathways
- Fitness studios and private gyms throughout the area
- Yoga, wellness, and active lifestyle programs
- Outdoor recreation and seasonal activities
- Community programs and recreational events
👉 Westboro is especially attractive to professionals and active residents who value convenient access to fitness, cycling, and outdoor recreation.
Access to recreation facilities and active lifestyle amenities is one of the factors supporting long-term demand in Westboro.
Restaurants in Westboro
Westboro is one of Ottawa’s top dining destinations, known for its cafés, restaurants, and vibrant food scene centered around Richmond Road and Westboro Village.
Some of the most popular restaurants and dining spots in Westboro include:
- Supply and Demand — One of Ottawa’s best-known restaurants, popular for seafood and seasonal dishes.
- Gezellig — Upscale dining destination with a loyal local following.
- Fratelli Westboro — Established Italian restaurant known for its atmosphere and consistency.
- Pure Kitchen — Popular healthy and plant-based restaurant in the heart of Westboro.
- The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro — Casual dining favourite with a wide selection of burgers and comfort food.
Cafés and Casual Spots
In addition to restaurants, Westboro offers a wide range of cafés and casual gathering places:
- Equator Coffee
- Starbucks
- Bridgehead Coffee — Ottawa-based café chain with a strong local presence.
👉 Many residents enjoy being able to walk to restaurants, cafés, and local businesses rather than driving for everyday conveniences.
Access to restaurants, cafés, and everyday amenities is one of the lifestyle features that helps make Westboro one of Ottawa’s most desirable neighbourhoods.
Health Care in Westboro
Westboro offers convenient access to hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and specialized healthcare services. For many buyers, proximity to healthcare is an important lifestyle consideration.
Some of the main healthcare options serving Westboro include:
- The Ottawa Hospital (Civic Campus) — Major regional hospital located just minutes from Westboro.
- Appletree Medical Group — Walk-in clinics and family medicine services available throughout the area.
- Westboro Family Medicine Centre — Local healthcare services for residents and families.
- Pharmasave and Rexall Pharmacies — Convenient access to prescriptions and everyday healthcare needs.
Specialized and Nearby Medical Services
In addition to local clinics, residents have access to specialized care and major hospitals within a short drive:
- The Ottawa Hospital — Regional healthcare system with multiple campuses across Ottawa.
- CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) — Specialized pediatric hospital serving families throughout the region.
👉 Most Westboro residents enjoy convenient access to essential healthcare services, with major hospitals located only minutes away.
Access to reliable healthcare services is an important factor for families, downsizers, and long-term homeowners, and contributes to the overall appeal of Westboro.
Family Activities in Westboro
Westboro offers a balance of parks, recreation, community programs, and outdoor spaces that appeal to families looking for an active lifestyle close to downtown Ottawa.
Some of the most popular family activity destinations in Westboro include:
- Dovercourt Recreation Association
— Community hub offering camps, sports programs, and activities for all ages. - Westboro Beach
— Popular destination for swimming, volleyball, and outdoor recreation. - Hampton Park
— Green space with playgrounds, sports fields, and year-round community use. - Byron Linear Park
— Walkable green corridor connecting homes, parks, and neighbourhood amenities.
Everyday Family Activities
Beyond major recreation facilities, many Westboro families enjoy simple everyday activities and community events.
- City of Ottawa Programs and Camps
— Seasonal programs and recreational activities for children and youth. - Swimming and Aquatic Programs
— Lessons, recreational swimming, and family activities throughout the year. - Parks and Outdoor Spaces
— Convenient access to playgrounds, green space, and river pathways.
👉 Many families are attracted to Westboro because it combines schools, parks, recreation, and walkability within a convenient daily routine.
Access to family-friendly recreation and community amenities is one of the lifestyle features supporting long-term demand in Westboro.
History of Westboro Ottawa
Westboro has evolved from a former village and streetcar suburb into one of Ottawa’s most desirable urban neighbourhoods. Its history is shaped by Richmond Road, early residential growth, local shops, river access, and later demand for walkable city living. Today, Westboro combines character homes, modern infills, cafés, parks, and premium lifestyle appeal close to downtown Ottawa.
1800s
Early settlement grows along Richmond Road
1900s
Westboro develops as a village and streetcar suburb
1950s
Post-war homes and established residential streets expand
1980s
Local shops and community amenities strengthen the area
2000s
Westboro becomes a lifestyle destination with cafés and boutiques
2020s
Luxury infills, tight inventory, and premium demand continue shaping the market
Westboro Real Estate Market Snapshot
The Westboro real estate market is driven by lifestyle demand, walkability, limited inventory, and strong interest in character homes, condos, and luxury infill properties.
In recent years, Westboro has seen:
- Strong demand from professionals, downsizers, and lifestyle-focused buyers
- Continued interest in walkable streets, cafés, and local amenities
- Limited inventory for renovated homes and premium infill properties
Typical Price Trends
Home prices in Westboro can vary significantly depending on the street, property type, renovation quality, and proximity to Richmond Road, Westboro Beach, and transit.
- Condos and apartments — often the most accessible entry point into the neighbourhood
- Character homes — strong demand, especially on established residential streets
- Luxury infills — often priced at a premium due to location, design, and limited supply
👉 In Westboro, neighbourhood-level differences play a major role in pricing, making local context important when buying or selling.
Understanding pricing trends and buyer demand in Westboro helps buyers and sellers make more informed decisions across different parts of the market.
Westboro real estate market trends
| Year | Average Sold Price | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $565,000 | — |
| 2020 | $620,000 | +9.7% |
| 2021 | $785,000 | +26.6% |
| 2022 | $815,000 | +3.8% |
| 2023 | $790,000 | -3.1% |
| 2024 | $850,000 | +7.6% |
| 2025 | $885,000 | +4.1% |
More Streets & Areas in Westboro
Richmond Road — cafés, shops, and restaurants.
Churchill Avenue — character homes and community feel.
Scott Street — transit access and downtown connection.
Island Park Drive — river access and premium living.
Neighbourhood guides help provide context about lifestyle, amenities, and housing characteristics before beginning a home search.
Neighbourhoods Near Westboro
FAQ About Living in Westboro
1. Is Westboro a good place to live?
Yes — Westboro is one of Ottawa’s most desirable neighbourhoods, known for walkability, cafés, parks, and premium urban lifestyle.
2. Is Westboro good for families?
Yes — Westboro offers schools, parks, recreation, and established residential streets, especially around Highland Park and McKellar Park.
3. How far is Westboro from downtown Ottawa?
Westboro is about 10–15 minutes from downtown Ottawa by car, with convenient transit and cycling access.
4. Are homes expensive in Westboro?
Yes — Westboro is a premium Ottawa neighbourhood, with condos as entry points and luxury infill homes often above $1M.
5. What types of homes are available in Westboro?
Buyers can find character homes, luxury infills, condos, townhomes, and renovated homes.
6. Is Westboro a walkable neighbourhood?
Yes — Westboro is one of Ottawa’s most walkable areas, with cafés, restaurants, shops, parks, and river pathways nearby.
7. Is Westboro a good investment?
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