Living in City View, Ottawa: A Neighbourhood with Room to Grow
City View is one of Ottawa’s most underrated neighbourhoods — and that’s exactly what makes it a hidden gem. Located just west of the core, this well-established pocket of Nepean offers oversized lots, mature trees, and unbeatable access to the city’s key arteries. It’s a place where buyers can still find space to stretch out without leaving the urban boundary.
Where is City View?
City View sits between Merivale Road and Clyde Avenue, bordered by Baseline Road to the north and Meadowlands Drive to the south. It's just minutes from downtown by car and has convenient bus routes along both Merivale and Baseline, connecting residents quickly to transit hubs and major shopping districts.
Neighbouring communities include Copeland Park, Meadowlands, and Bel-Air Park. If you need quick access to the Queensway, Algonquin College, or downtown Ottawa, City View makes commuting easy.
Why Buyers Love City View
While newer suburbs are moving further and further outside the Greenbelt, City View offers the kind of space you'd expect in the country — right in the heart of the city. Here’s what makes it a standout:
Generous lots (many 60–70 feet wide, or even larger)
Room for additions, garages, or secondary dwellings
Quiet, residential streets with little through traffic
Family-friendly atmosphere and strong community ties
Mature landscaping and towering trees
Many homes are mid-century builds from the 50s to 70s, with solid bones and loads of potential for updates or renovations.
Who Lives in City View?
City View is popular with:
Growing families who want yard space and multiple bedrooms
Contractors and investors seeking infill or renovation opportunities
Retirees looking for a quiet area close to amenities
Multigenerational households who need space under one roof
Upsizers looking to trade their condo or townhome for a detached property
Because of its lot sizes and zoning flexibility, the area also appeals to those building custom homes or adding secondary dwelling units (SDUs).
What Kinds of Homes Are in City View?
The real estate here is varied, but mostly residential. You’ll find:
Original bungalows with detached garages and huge yards
Split-levels and side-splits popular in the 60s and 70s
Renovated family homes with modern upgrades
New custom builds popping up where teardown bungalows once stood
Legal SDUs and basement apartments, ideal for rental income
Unlike cookie-cutter subdivisions, each street here has a mix of styles and character — great for buyers who want something unique.
Schools and Amenities
City View is well-served by schools, parks, and shopping. Top nearby features include:
St. Gregory and City View Alternative School
Merivale High School (offering IB programming)
Algonquin College (just up the road)
City View Park, which includes tennis courts, green space, and play structures
Quick access to College Square, Merivale Mall, and Costco
Whether you’re walking the kids to school or heading out to grab groceries, this is a neighbourhood designed around convenience.
Transit and Commuting
For drivers, City View offers quick access to Maitland Avenue, the 417, and Baseline Road. For transit users, OC Transpo buses run frequently along Merivale and Baseline, and the area is just a few minutes from the future LRT Stage 2 Baseline Station.
It's also one of the shortest suburban commutes to downtown Ottawa — ideal for hybrid workers who still head to the office a few times a week.
The Real Estate Market in City View
City View real estate is all about land value and opportunity. Here's what buyers can expect:
Bungalows: Starting in the high $600s, depending on size and condition
Infill lots or teardown properties: Rare, but highly sought-after
New builds: Custom homes can easily reach $1.2M+
Rental properties: Many homes include legal SDUs or basement suites
Investors and builders love City View for its zoning, while families are drawn to the space and location.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a central Ottawa neighbourhood with serious upside, City View deserves a closer look. It’s a well-kept secret among locals: leafy, established, and full of potential for buyers who think long-term. Whether you're dreaming of a backyard, a garage, or a multi-generational home setup, City View offers the flexibility and location to make it happen.
📍 City View: Where space meets city convenience — and where your next chapter could begin.