Centretown: A Local’s Guide to Living Here
Centretown is Ottawa’s true downtown residential core — a place where historic homes meet modern condos, and where everything from Parliament to Chinatown is just a short walk away. Whether you’re commuting by foot, grabbing lunch on Bank Street, or spending the weekend at a local market or museum, living here means living in the middle of it all.
Why People Love Living in Centretown
Walk Everywhere: Grocery stores, restaurants, yoga studios, dog parks, nightlife, and more — Centretown is designed for car-free living.
City Feel, Neighbourhood Charm: Despite being steps from downtown’s business district, Centretown feels residential. Tree-lined streets, character homes, and low-rise apartment buildings help it feel human-scale.
Diverse and Inclusive: A mix of ages, cultures, and backgrounds gives this neighbourhood a progressive and open vibe.
Access to It All: Sandwiched between the Glebe, Chinatown, and the ByWard Market, it’s easy to branch out from Centretown without ever needing to drive.
Types of Homes in Centretown
You’ll find a wide variety of housing in Centretown — from heritage row homes and low-rise walk-ups to luxury condos and sleek apartment buildings. There’s something for nearly every budget and lifestyle here.
Condos: From mid-range to luxury, often in buildings like The Mondrian, Gotham, or The Slater
Freehold homes: Mostly older row and semi-detached properties
Rental apartments: High demand from students, professionals, and diplomats
Typical price range: $400,000–$900,000 for condos and homes
Rental prices: ~$1,800/month for a 1-bed unit
Who Lives Here
Centretown draws a mix of:
Young professionals working downtown or in tech/government
Students attending uOttawa or Carleton
Long-time residents who value its central location
Investors and landlords with rental properties in high demand
Schools & Education
Centretown has a few schools within walking distance, and families will often look to neighbouring areas for broader options.
Elgin Street Public School
Glashan Public School
Lisgar Collegiate Institute
Glebe Collegiate (just south in The Glebe)
University of Ottawa is walkable or a short LRT ride away, making the area ideal for students and faculty.
Amenities & Highlights
Parks & Green Space: McNabb Park, Dundonald Park, Jack Purcell Park — plus easy access to the Rideau Canal
Restaurants & Coffee Shops: Head to Bank Street or Elgin Street for local favourites like Datsun, Whalesbone, Happy Goat, and Pure Kitchen
Groceries: Independent Grocer, Herb & Spice, Loblaws, and a weekly farmers’ market at the Museum of Nature
Recreation: McNabb Recreation Centre, YMCA, spin studios, gyms, and yoga spaces throughout the neighbourhood
Nightlife & Culture: Live music, drag shows, independent theatre, and art galleries
Getting Around
Centretown is one of the best-located neighbourhoods in Ottawa for transportation:
Walk Score: 95/100
Transit Access: Close to multiple LRT stations including Lyon and Parliament
Bike-Friendly: Several protected lanes and bike racks, plus quick access to the Canal Pathway
Driving: Close to Highway 417 and main arterial routes (Bank, Elgin, Bronson)
What Does a Home Cost in Centretown?
Here’s a look at average market stats for Centretown condos and freeholds:
Average condo price: ~$475,000
Average home price: ~$700,000–$900,000 (row/semi-detached)
Days on market: 25–35
List-to-sale ratio: 97–100%
If you're wondering what your Centretown property could sell for today, we're happy to run the numbers.
Browse Homes for Sale in Centretown
Ready to see what’s available? Browse current listings here:
Whether you’re searching for your first condo or upgrading to a larger space with character, we’ll help you find the right fit — and make sure you know exactly what’s going on in the market before you buy.
Ready to Explore Centretown?
This is downtown living with depth — and if you’re curious about what it’s like to live in Centretown, we’d be happy to show you around or just answer your questions.