Overbrook: A Local’s Guide to Living Here
Located just east of downtown and across the Rideau River, Overbrook is a centrally located neighbourhood offering some of the best real estate value inside the Greenbelt. With a mix of post-war bungalows, infill homes, and rental apartments, it attracts buyers looking for affordability, access to transit, and easy commutes into the city core. Once a working-class suburb, Overbrook is now a neighbourhood on the rise — drawing new investment and young homeowners eager to stay close to downtown without the downtown price tag.
Why People Love Living in Overbrook
Unbeatable Central Location: Just across the river from Sandy Hill and the downtown core.
Affordable Freehold Homes: Detached homes and semis here are often priced far below nearby alternatives.
Transit & Highway Access: Quick access to Highway 417, major bus routes, and the LRT at St. Laurent and Tremblay stations.
Community with Character: A diverse, urban-feeling neighbourhood with pride of ownership and room to grow.
Types of Homes in Overbrook
Overbrook has a wide variety of housing stock, making it accessible for different price points and buyer types:
Post-war detached bungalows and storey-and-a-half homes, many with large lots
Semi-detached homes and modest infill builds from the 2000s to present
Newer townhomes and duplexes, particularly in redeveloped pockets
Low-rise condos and rental apartment buildings
Detached homes range from $500,000 to $800,000+ depending on upgrades and lot size
Semis and townhomes: $475,000–$700,000
Condos: Starting around $300,000
Rentals: Vary widely — from affordable apartments to larger home leases
Infill activity is increasing, and the area is attracting attention from investors and renovators.
Who Lives Here
Overbrook attracts a growing mix of residents, including:
First-time buyers and young families priced out of the core
Investors and flippers looking for undervalued properties with upside
Seniors and retirees who bought decades ago and remain in place
Commuters and public servants who value transit and central access
It’s a working-class neighbourhood in transition, with increasing demand and improving streetscapes.
Schools & Education
Families in Overbrook have access to a wide range of schools across all major school boards:
Queen Mary Street Public School
St. Michael Catholic School
Rideau High School (now community hub)
École élémentaire catholique Horizon-Jeunesse
Close to La Cité College and a short drive to uOttawa
The neighbourhood also benefits from nearby libraries, community centres, and after-school programs.
Amenities & Highlights
Parks & Recreation: Riverain Park, Overbrook Park, and Donald Street Playground offer sports fields, splash pads, and river access
Rideau Sports Centre: A major recreation hub with tennis courts, fitness, yoga, and community events
Rideau River Pathway: Bike or walk along the river into downtown or toward Hurdman Station and the Greenbelt
Shopping: Minutes from St. Laurent Shopping Centre, Rideau Centre, and nearby Beechwood or Montreal Road shops
Diverse Dining: Local takeout spots and international cuisine reflect the area’s multicultural roots
Getting Around
Overbrook is one of the most transit-connected neighbourhoods in Ottawa:
Transit Access: Minutes from St. Laurent, Hurdman, and Tremblay LRT stations; multiple bus lines run through the neighbourhood
Highway Access: Direct entry to Highway 417 makes getting across town fast
Cycling & Walking: Rideau River Pathway and Donald Street Bridge provide bike access to uOttawa, downtown, and the east end
Walk Score: Moderate — some errands are walkable, while others may require a short drive or transit trip
It's a great area for people who work downtown but want to live in a more affordable, community-driven neighbourhood.
What Does a Home Cost in Overbrook?
Overbrook remains one of the most affordable centrally located neighbourhoods for freehold homes — especially when compared to its west-side counterparts.
Detached homes: $500,000–$800,000
Semis and townhomes: $475,000–$700,000
Condos: $300,000–$450,000
Rentals: Range from ~$1,400/month for 1-beds to $2,800+ for full homes
Days on market: Varies — well-priced, renovated properties tend to move quickly
This is a neighbourhood with long-term upside and strong demand from a wide range of buyer types.
Browse Homes in Overbrook
Whether you’re searching for a budget-friendly starter home, an investment property, or a central location to renovate and grow into — Overbrook offers a rare mix of location, space, and opportunity. Homes here come in all shapes and sizes, but the value is consistent.
Ready to Explore Overbrook?
If you're looking for central access, a growing community, and room to make a place your own, Overbrook might just be one of Ottawa’s best-kept secrets. It’s practical, connected, and ready for what’s next.