Written by Rachel Hopper & Lisa McNamara
Downsizing can certainly feel like a daunting and overwhelming task. It isn’t easy to declutter, to let go of things, to give up on space and to leave a beloved neighbourhood behind. Though these changes can be difficult, downsizing to a condo can truly provide a relaxing and comfortable lifestyle. Condo living offers minimal maintenance, on-site amenities, convenient walkability and also makes it easy to simply lock the door and go travelling! No lawns or gardens to tend to, no more worrying about replacing a roof or repairing a foundation, no more stressing to keep a four bedroom house clean long after the kids have gone.
Our team has compiled a list of our top condo buildings by neighbourhood, keeping in mind larger floor plans (1200sf+), single-level designs and accessibility features. Keep scrolling for some of the best condominium buildings Ottawa has to offer, and let us show you that making a move is not only doable, but exciting!
Westboro
For the well-rounded urbanite who loves both outdoor recreation and artisan pizza.
Situated West of Downtown is the trendy, bustling and outdoorsy neighbourhood of Westboro. From shopping, dining & drinking to spectacular sunsets & Westboro Beach, there is something for everyone in this pocket of Ottawa!
Our Picks
Westboro Station - 401 Golden Ave (Phase I) & 575 Byron (Phase II)
Westboro Station consists of two mid rise residential towers that sit atop a stretch of retail shops along Richmond Rd.
Building Features:
Built 2009 (I) & 2012 (II) & designed by Barry Hobin
10 Storeys, 104 Units (total)
Pet friendly
Average Price Per Square Foot
$719/sqft
Amenities
Buzzer entry
Storage lockers
Party room
Elevators
Underground parking
Security
Walk Score (out of 100)
83
Bike Score (out of 100)
99
The Exchange - 420 Berkley Avenue
The Exchange, on the corner of Berkley Avenue and Richmond Road is one Westboro’s first Loft style luxury buildings.
Building Features:
Built 2006 by Domicile
9 Storeys, 78 Units
Pet friendly
Average Price Per Square Foot
$668 / ft²
Amenities
Buzzer entry
Storage lockers
Bicycle Storage
Elevators
Underground parking
Security
Walk Score
83
Bike Score
99
Hintonburg
For the artsy individual looking for a local feel.
One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Ottawa, Hintonburg is rich with history and culture. Considered Ottawa’s Art District, this community is lively, tight-knit and speckled with endless local businesses. Ideally located near the O-train line & highway access point.
Our Picks
The Currents - 1227 Wellington Street West
The Currents, located at the corner of Holland and Wellington, sits atop the Great Canadian Theatre Company and is just steps from dozens of locally owned restaurants, bars, bakeries and shops.
Building Features:
Built 2007 by Windmill Construction
11 Storeys, 44 Units
LEED Platinum Standard for environmentally friendliness
Pet friendly
Average Price Per Square Foot
$632 / ft²
Amenities
Storage lockers
Elevators
Underground parking
Walk Score (out of 100)
93
Bike Score (out of 100)
99
Tamarack Wellington - 10 Rosemount Avenue
Steps from an eclectic mix of galleries, boutiques and eateries, Tamarack Wellington’s design pays homage to the history of Hintonburg, for an industrial loft look that’s crisp, urban, and modern.
Building Features:
Built 2016 by Tamarack Homes
6 Storeys, 52 Units
Average Price Per Square Foot
$632 / ft²
Amenities
Buzzer Entry
Storage lockers
Elevators
Underground parking
Walk Score (out of 100)
88
Bike Score (out of 100)
94
Centretown
For the energizer-bunny who likes to stay connected and experience the central hub of the city
Centretown is an area south of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River, with the Canal to the East and Bronson Avenue to the West, bordered by the Queensway on its southern edge.
From shops, restaurants and bars to commercial areas and cultural hotspots, Centretown has it all. Although part of Ottawa’s bustling downtown, the neighbourhood still appeals to the nature-lover, with close proximity to several parks, the Rideau Canal & Ottawa River.
Our Picks
20 The Driveway
20 The Driveway offers one-of-a-kind views of the Rideau Canal, Golden Triangle and heritage homes in the surrounding area. Although tucked away from the popular areas, this building is just a short walk from everything Centretown has to offer.
Building Features:
Built 1975 by Beaudry/Marois/Lacha
10 Storeys, 100 two or three bedroom units
Average Price Per Square Foot
$583 / ft²
Amenities
Buzzer Entry
Underground Parking
Indoor Pool
Sauna
Fitness Centre
Walk Score (out of 100)
49
Bike Score (out of 100)
80
Opus - 320 McLeod Street
320 Mcleod is located directly between popular Bank & Elgin Streets and right next to historic Victoria Memorial Museum Building, housing the Museum of Nature. The building offers amazing views of bustling Centretown and downtown landscape and is within walking distance to many restaurants, shopping and more.
Building Features:
Built 2007 by Ashcroft
3 Storeys, 70 one or two bedroom boutique-style units
Average Price Per Square Foot
$579 / ft²
Amenities
Elevators
Fitness Center
Storage Lockers
Underground Parking
Guest Suites
Concierge
Common Area / Party Room
Sauna
Bicycle Storage
Walk Score (out of 100)
94
Bike Score (out of 100)
99
The Glebe
For the entertainment lover who enjoys patio hopping & window shopping.
Just South of Centretown and adjacent to the Rideau Canal, the historic and vibrant Glebe neighbourhood features independently-owned businesses mixed with fun entertainment.
Our Picks
The Rideau - 1035 Bank Street
The Rideau is located in the heart of Lansdowne Park, with stunning views of the Rideau Canal & TD Place Stadium and is just steps from restaurants, bars, shopping and more on the trendy and vibrant Bank Street.
Features:
Built 2016 by Minto Homes
20 Storeys, 155 one or two bedroom units
Average Price Per Square Foot
$778 / ft²
Amenities
Elevators
Fitness Center
Storage Lockers
Underground Parking
Guest Suites
Concierge
Party Room
Security
Walk Score (out of 100)
71
Bike Score (out of 100)
90
174 Glebe Ave
Wide open suite spaces, thick walls between units, expansive glazing and ample patio space were key parts of the design that offer a high quality of living to occupants. The units range in size from 1700 sq. ft. to 2350 sq. ft.
Building Features:
Built 2016 by Moda Development
4 Storeys, 12 units
Amenities
Elevators
Storage Lockers
Underground Parking
Rooftop Terrace
Walk Score (out of 100)
98
Bike Score (out of 100)
98
Beechwood/New Edinburgh
For those who appreciate exclusivity & privacy.
Located east of downtown Ottawa, between Sussex and Beechwood Drive, New Edinburgh is a neighbourhood that attracts those who appreciate historic charm. Perfect for the downsizer who wants to remain part of the city, while staying in a quieter more residential area.
Mackay House - 295 Mackay Street
Our Picks
295 Mackay Street is located on a quiet corner in New Edinburgh. This building is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast as it is within walking distance to the New Edinburgh Park, The Rideau River and Stanley Park.
Building Features:
Built 2007 by Urban Developments
5 Storeys, 27 one or two bedroom boutique-style units
Average Price Per Square Foot
$742/ft²
Amenities
Elevators
Buzzer Entrance
Storage Lockers
Underground Parking
Common Patio
Walk Score (out of 100)
76
Bike Score (out of 100)
98
The Watermere- 30 Charlevoix Street
The Watermere at 30 Charlevoix Street, located in Vanier is within walking distance to New Edinburgh Park, The Rideau River and Stanley Park. Just steps outside your door is Beechwood Avenue, where you will find several restaurants, grocery stores and more.
Building Features:
Built in 1989 by Clarksmith Developments
7 Storeys, 26 one or two bedroom boutique-style units
Amenities
Elevators
Buzzer Entrance
Storage Lockers
Underground Parking
Walk Score (out of 100)
87
Bike Score (out of 100)
100