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Ottawa Neighbourhood Guide
Nepean
A diverse, centrally located district with mature neighbourhoods and modern convenience
Nepean is one of Ottawa’s most established and versatile regions, known for its mature tree‑lined streets, excellent schools, abundant parks, and easy access to major roadways. With a mix of long‑standing communities and newer residential pockets, Nepean offers a balanced lifestyle that appeals to families, professionals, and long‑time residents who value both stability and convenience.
Housing across Nepean ranges from mid‑century homes and quiet residential enclaves to modern townhomes and executive properties. Residents enjoy close proximity to shopping centres, recreation facilities, transit routes, and green spaces — making Nepean one of Ottawa’s most consistently desirable places to live.
Where is Nepean?
Nepean is located in Ottawa’s west and southwest end, bordered by the Ottawa River to the north, Barrhaven to the south, Kanata to the west, and the Rideau River to the east.
For this neighbourhood guide, Nepean is described through the following key residential clusters:
- Bells Corners & South to Fallowfield – A mature, affordable area with established homes, walkable amenities, and quick access to both Highway 417 and 416.
- Cityview – Parkwood Hills – Rideau Shore – Centrally located neighbourhoods featuring mid‑century homes, excellent schools, and proximity to Mooney’s Bay, the Experimental Farm, and major shopping corridors.
- South of Baseline to Knoxdale – A quiet residential zone with larger lots, mature trees, and easy access to transit, parks, and everyday amenities.
- Meadowlands – Crestview and Area – Well‑established communities with diverse housing options, strong schools, and convenient access to Merivale Road’s commercial district.
- Tanglewood – Grenfell Glen – Pineglen – Family‑friendly neighbourhoods offering a mix of townhomes, single‑family homes, and green‑space access, including nearby forested trails.
- Qualicum – Bruce Farm – Greenbelt and Area – Known for its larger lots, executive homes, and proximity to the Greenbelt, this area offers a quiet, upscale residential environment.
- Country Place – Pineglen – Crestview and Area – A blend of spacious properties, mature landscaping, and peaceful streets, ideal for those seeking a suburban feel close to city amenities.
Why people love living in Nepean?
- Wide variety of housing from mid‑century homes to executive properties and modern townhomes
- Excellent schools across English, French, public, and Catholic boards
- Abundant parks and recreation including Bruce Pit, Nepean Sportsplex, and extensive Greenbelt trails
- Convenient shopping and services with major retail centres, local businesses, and everyday amenities
- Central location offering easy access to downtown, Kanata, Barrhaven, and major highways
- Strong community feel with long‑established neighbourhoods and active local organizations
Demographics
Nepean At a Glance
A snapshot of who calls Nepean home, based on the 2021 Census of Population. 1
Population
~92,000 residents
Median age
41.0 years
City of Ottawa: 40 years
Median Household Income
$ 95K – $ 97K
City of Ottawa: $ 102K
Age Mix
14.5% Children (0–14 years)
21.0% Seniors (65+ years)
City of Ottawa: 16.4% Children and 16.9% Seniors
Language
English: 70.6%, French: 0.5%, Bilingual: 27.3%
Amenities & Recreation
Life in Nepean
Nepean offers established shopping districts, major recreation facilities and direct access to some of Ottawa’s largest Greenbelt areas.
Shopping & Everyday Conveniences
- Merivale Road — Grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, home-improvement stores and major retailers.
- Emerald Plaza Library — Books, digital resources, study areas and community programs.
- Merivale Mall — Retail stores, services, restaurants and a grocery store.
- Robertson Road — The main commercial corridor in Bells Corners, with restaurants, local businesses and everyday services.
Outdoor & Recreational Highlights
- Nepean Sportsplex — Swimming pools, arenas, sports fields, fitness facilities and recreation programs.
- Stony Swamp — More than 40 kilometres of Greenbelt trails through forests, wetlands and beaver ponds.
- Bruce Pit — A large off-leash dog area, walking trails and a popular winter toboggan hill.
- Pinhey Forest — Forest trails and Ottawa’s only inland sand dune complex.
- Mooney’s Bay Park — A beach, playground, sports facilities, picnic areas and waterfront paths.
Education
Top Schools in Nepean
Elementary Schools
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Knoxdale PS
Rating: 8.1
Type: Public
Grade: JK-6
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Sir Winston Churchill PS
Rating: 7.3
Type: Public
Grade: JK-6
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St Monica Sep S
Rating: 6.8
Type: Catholic
Grade: JK-6
Middle Schools
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Greenbank Middle School
Rating: N/A
Type: Public
Grade: 7-8
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ÉS C Collège catholique Franco-Ouest
Rating: 6.1
Type: Catholic (French)
Grade: 7-12
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ÉS C Franco‑Ouest
Rating: 6.1
Type: Catholic (French)
Grade: 7-12
High Schools
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Merivale HS
Rating: 9.1
Type: Public
Grade: 9-12
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Sir Robert Borden HS
Rating: 6.6
Type: Public
Grade: 9-12
-
ÉS C Collège catholique Franco-Ouest
Rating: 6.1
Type: Catholic (French)
Grade: 7-12
Real Estate
Nepean Real Estate
Below is a snapshot of the market in Nepean by property type. All figures are medians from homes sold in the last 12 months. 1
Detached
UNITS SOLD
SOLD PRICE
$ 805,000
TAXES
$ 5,396
BEDROOMS
4 bedrooms
DAYS ON MARKET
17 days
Townhouse
UNITS SOLD
SOLD PRICE
$ 535,000
TAXES
$ 3,629
BEDROOMS
3 bedrooms
DAYS ON MARKET
19 days
Condo
UNITS SOLD
SOLD PRICE
$ 299,500
TAXES
$ 2,406
BEDROOMS
2 bedrooms
DAYS ON MARKET
36 days
Lifestyle
Top Things To do In Nepean
- Hike the Old Quarry, Jack Pine or Lime Kiln trails in Stony Swamp.
- Walk your dog or go winter tobogganing at Bruce Pit.
- Swim, skate or join a recreation program at Nepean Sportsplex.
- Spend a day at the beach or explore the waterfront at Mooney’s Bay Park.
- Walk through Pinhey Forest and see Ottawa’s inland sand dunes.
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