Living in Centretown, Ottawa | Neighbourhood Guide

Current Population

~16,500

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Centretown

Centretown is Ottawa's dense, walkable urban core — heritage rowhouses and low-rise condos along Bank and Elgin Streets, minutes from Parliament Hill, the O-Train, and the city's best restaurants and nightlife. It's the neighbourhood of choice for buyers who want to live without a car.

Whether you're buying or selling in Centretown, having a local expert makes all the difference. We provide guidance on market trends, building-by-building insights, and property values to help you make an informed, confident decision.

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Schools in the area

Where kids go to school in Centretown

Devonshire Community Public School

Public JK–6 OCDSB Website

Elgin Street Public School

Public JK–6 OCDSB Website

Glashan Public School

Public 7–8 OCDSB Website

Lisgar Collegiate Institute

Public 9–12 OCDSB Website

Schools serving Centretown

Not sure which school zone your next home falls into? School boundaries can shift year to year — we'll help you check before you commit.

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Around the area

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Med. Selling Price

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Rent vs Ownership

Frequently asked questions

What types of homes are available in Centretown?

Centretown has the widest choice of condos in the city, from older mid-rise buildings to newer towers along Bank, Elgin and near the canal. Between the towers are Victorian row houses, semis and older homes, many converted into multiple units, especially in the Golden Triangle and around Dundonald Park. Detached houses exist but don't come up often.

Is Centretown good for first-time buyers?

It's one of the most common starting points in Ottawa because of the condo supply. Compare buildings carefully: condo fees, reserve fund health, whether parking and storage are included, and how many units are rented. A well-run older building can be a better buy than a newer one with high fees.

Can you live in Centretown without a car?

Easily. Lyon and Parliament stations on O-Train Line 1 are close by, Bank and Elgin have groceries and everyday shopping, and the Rideau Canal pathway is great for biking. Many condo owners skip a parking spot entirely, which can lower the purchase price.

Is Centretown family-friendly?

More than people expect. There are parks like Dundonald and Minto, the canal, and schools within walking distance. Most families here live in townhouses, older homes or larger condos. Families who want a bigger house and yard often end up looking at the Glebe or Old Ottawa South.

How does Centretown compare to The Glebe?

The Glebe is directly south of Centretown, past the Queensway. Centretown is denser and more urban: condo towers, apartments, Victorian houses, and Bank and Elgin streets full of restaurants. The Glebe is mostly early 1900s single-family homes, with Lansdowne Park and the Rideau Canal close by, and it tends to cost more for a house. Singles and couples who want a condo downtown often choose Centretown. Families looking for a house in a walkable neighbourhood often move from Centretown to the Glebe.

Centretown

Centretown

Where kids go to school in Centretown

Devonshire Community Public School

Elgin Street Public School

Glashan Public School

Lisgar Collegiate Institute

Browse local favourites near Centretown

Want the full market report for Centretown?

Centretown

Latest on Centretown

Buying a Condo in Centretown: What to Check Before You Sign

A Local’s Guide to Parks and Patios in Centretown

Sunday Mornings at the Elgin Street Farmer’s Market

Two Landmark Towers Approved for Centretown’s O’Connor Street

Frequently asked questions

Communities near Centretown

Sandy Hill

Lowertown

The Glebe

Looking to buy or sell in Centretown?