Ottawa Neighbourhood Guide
Barrhaven
A fast‑growing suburban community with modern amenities and family‑focused living
Barrhaven is one of Ottawa’s largest and most rapidly expanding suburban regions, known for its excellent schools, diverse housing options, extensive parks, and convenient access to shopping, transit, and major roadways. With a blend of established neighbourhoods and modern new‑build communities, Barrhaven offers a lifestyle that appeals to families, professionals, and long‑time residents seeking comfort, convenience, and strong community ties.
Housing in Barrhaven ranges from mature single‑family homes to contemporary townhomes, upscale properties, and master‑planned developments. Residents enjoy a wide selection of amenities — from recreation centres and sports fields to restaurants, retail plazas, and everyday services — making Barrhaven one of Ottawa’s most complete and self‑sufficient suburban communities.
Where is Barrhaven?
Barrhaven is located in Ottawa’s southwest end, approximately 17 kilometres from downtown. It is bordered by the Rideau River to the east, rural Nepean to the south, and the Greenbelt to the north.
For this neighbourhood guide, Barrhaven is described through three key MLS sub‑areas:
- Barrhaven – Old Barrhaven / Pheasant Run / Knollsbrook – One of Barrhaven’s most established areas, featuring mature homes, tree‑lined streets, long‑standing schools, and close proximity to parks and community amenities.
- Barrhaven – Longfields / Davidson Heights – A centrally located, family‑friendly area with modern housing, walkable schools, transit access, and a growing selection of shops and services.
- Barrhaven – Strandherd / Stonebridge – A mix of newer developments and upscale communities, including Stonebridge’s renowned golf‑course neighbourhoods, contemporary homes, and premium recreational amenities.
Why people love living in Barrhaven?
- Family‑friendly neighbourhoods with parks, playgrounds, and safe residential streets
- Diverse housing options from mature homes in Old Barrhaven to modern builds in Stonebridge
- Excellent schools across English, French, public, and Catholic boards
- Extensive recreation including sports complexes, community centres, and the Stonebridge Golf Club
- Convenient shopping and dining with major plazas, local businesses, and expanding commercial hubs
- Easy commuting via Strandherd Drive, Woodroffe Avenue, and rapid transit connections
Demographics
Barrhaven At a Glance
A snapshot of who calls Barrhaven home, based on the 2021 Census of Population. 1
Population
~101,000 residents
Median age
37.4 years
City of Ottawa: 40 years
Median Household Income
$ 121K – $ 125K
City of Ottawa: $ 102K
Age Mix
20.4% Children (0–14 years)
11.1% Seniors (65+ years)
City of Ottawa: 16.4% Children and 16.9% Seniors
Language
English: 68.7%, French: 0.5%, Bilingual: 28.5%
Amenities & Recreation
Life in Barrhaven
Barrhaven has major shopping areas, recreation centres and outdoor spaces distributed across its established and newer communities.
Shopping & Everyday Conveniences
- Strandherd Drive Shopping District — Grocery stores, restaurants, banks, pharmacies and major retailers.
- Chapman Mills Marketplace — A large shopping centre with retail stores, restaurants and everyday services.
- Barrhaven Farmers’ Market — A seasonal Sunday market offering local produce, baked goods and prepared foods.
- Ruth E. Dickinson Library — A community library located inside the Walter Baker Sports Centre.
Outdoor & Recreational Highlights
- Minto Recreation Complex – Barrhaven — Swimming pools, ice rinks, sports fields and recreation programs.
- Walter Baker Sports Centre — Indoor pools, arenas, fitness facilities and community programming.
- Chapman Mills Conservation Area — Riverside trails, boardwalks, wildlife viewing and paddlecraft access.
- Clarke Fields Park — Sports fields, playgrounds and space for major community events.
Education
Top Schools in Barrhaven
Elementary Schools
-
St. Luke Catholic
Rating: 8.9
Type: Catholic
Grade: JK-6
-
St. Cecilia School
Rating: 8.8
Type: Catholic
Grade: JK-6
-
Adrienne Clarkson PS
Rating: 7.4
Type: Public
Grade: Jk-6
Middle Schools
-
Longfields Davidson Heights SS
Rating: 7.0
Type: Public
Grade: 7 - 12
-
Cederview MS
Rating: N/A
Type: Public
Grade: 7-8
-
ÉS C Pierre-Savard
Rating: 6.8
Type: Catholic
Grade: 7 -12
High Schools
-
Longfields Davidson Heights SS
Rating: 7.0
Type: Public
Grade: 7 - 12
-
ÉS C Pierre-Savard
Rating: 6.8
Type: Catholic
Grade: 7 -12
-
John McCrae SS
Rating: 6.7
Type: Public
Grade: 9-12
Real Estate
Barrhaven Real Estate
Below is a snapshot of the market in Barrhaven by property type. All figures are medians from homes sold in the last 12 months. 1
Detached
UNITS SOLD
SOLD PRICE
$ 815,000
TAXES
$ 5,386
BEDROOMS
4 bedrooms
DAYS ON MARKET
23 days
Townhouse
UNITS SOLD
SOLD PRICE
$ 585,000
TAXES
$ 3,826
BEDROOMS
3 bedrooms
DAYS ON MARKET
24 days
Condo
UNITS SOLD
SOLD PRICE
$ 392,500
TAXES
$ 2,676
BEDROOMS
2 bedrooms
DAYS ON MARKET
33 days
Lifestyle
Top Things To do In Barrhaven
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- Walk the riverside paths and boardwalks at Chapman Mills Conservation Area.
- Shop for local food at the seasonal Barrhaven Farmers’ Market.
- Play a round at Stonebridge Golf Club.
- Explore Barrhaven’s interconnected walking and cycling paths along the Jock River.
- Attend community celebrations and seasonal events at Clarke Fields Park.
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