New Edinburgh: A Local’s Guide to Living Here
Tucked beside the Rideau River and just minutes from downtown Ottawa, New Edinburgh is one of the city’s most historic and prestigious neighbourhoods. Known for its diplomatic residences, stone heritage homes, and proximity to green space, it offers a refined, walkable lifestyle surrounded by embassies, parks, and some of Ottawa’s most picturesque streets. If you’re seeking charm, elegance, and community near the core — New Edinburgh delivers.
Why People Love Living in New Edinburgh
Historic Character: From stately heritage homes to cobblestone-like sidewalks, this neighbourhood has an old-world charm few other areas can match.
Diplomatic and Peaceful: Home to the Governor General’s residence and several embassies, the area is safe, clean, and tightly held.
By the River: Walk along the Rideau River, explore Stanley Park, or paddle out on the water — it's all part of daily life here.
Boutique Lifestyle: Nearby Beechwood Avenue offers cozy cafés, wine bars, local shops, and wellness studios — no big box stores, just charm.
Types of Homes in New Edinburgh
New Edinburgh’s real estate is primarily large single-family homes, many dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. You’ll also find modern infill builds, executive townhomes, and a few luxury condos tucked into the area’s edges.
Detached heritage homes: $1.2M–$3M+ depending on condition, size, and location
Townhomes and infill semis: $800,000–$1.5M
Luxury condos: Starting around $650,000, often in boutique low-rise buildings
Rentals: Limited — typically embassy-leased homes or high-end executive rentals
Most buyers in New Edinburgh are looking for long-term, high-quality homes — and they stay for years.
Who Lives Here
New Edinburgh attracts a well-established and professional demographic, including:
Diplomats and embassy staff
Senior civil servants and executives
Families looking for proximity to schools, parks, and downtown
Retirees and downsizers seeking quiet, walkable luxury
Buyers who appreciate architecture and legacy neighbourhoods
It’s one of Ottawa’s most stable neighbourhoods, where turnover is low and community pride runs high.
Schools & Education
New Edinburgh is surrounded by top-tier educational options in English, French, and private systems:
Ashbury College (private, JK–12)
Fern Hill School (private, preschool–Grade 8)
Rockcliffe Park Public School
École élémentaire publique Trille des Bois
Lisgar Collegiate Institute (one of Ottawa’s top-ranked public high schools)
This makes the area particularly appealing to families looking for elite education within walking or biking distance.
Amenities & Highlights
Stanley Park: A major riverside park with a dog run, splash pad, bike trails, and connection to the Rideau River Pathway
Governor General’s Residence (Rideau Hall): Open to the public and a major cultural landmark in the neighbourhood
Beechwood Avenue: Local hub with cafés, restaurants, Metro grocery store, shops, and services
Community Events: Outdoor movie nights, porch concerts, and community yard sales contribute to a true neighbourhood spirit
Walkability: Tree-lined sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly streets, and easy access to the Market and ByWard core
Getting Around
While it feels residential and removed, New Edinburgh is extremely well-connected:
Walk Score: High — most daily errands can be done on foot
Transit: Regular OC Transpo service along Crichton and Beechwood
Cycling: Direct access to the Ottawa River and Rideau River Pathways
Driving: Fast access to downtown, the 417, and Gatineau via Macdonald-Cartier Bridge
You can live here without a car — but if you have one, you’ll barely need to use it.
What Does a Home Cost in New Edinburgh?
Homes in New Edinburgh are some of the most sought-after in Ottawa, and pricing reflects the neighbourhood’s prestige and limited turnover.
Detached homes: $1.2M–$3M+
Townhomes and semis: $800,000–$1.5M
Luxury condos: $650,000–$1M
Rental homes: Typically high-end executive leases, often $3,500–$7,000/month
Days on market: Usually low — especially for well-maintained heritage or turnkey properties
This is a market for discerning buyers who know the value of location, privacy, and character.
Browse Homes in New Edinburgh
Whether you’re seeking a grand heritage home, a refined modern build, or a riverfront condo, New Edinburgh offers a rare lifestyle: elegant, understated, and remarkably well located. Homes here feel like legacy properties — places you live in for decades, not just for now.
Ready to Explore New Edinburgh?
If you're looking for a community with timeless architecture, walkable access to the best of the city, and a sense of heritage and privacy you won’t find elsewhere — New Edinburgh might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.