Are you considering a move to Barrhaven? Learn why we love the area so much in our community guide…

If you’re ready to find the suburb of your dreams, Barrhaven should be near the top your list. This beautiful community, located southwest of Central Ottawa, is a truly peaceful place to settle down. There’s no shortage of retailers, restaurants, and other convenient businesses in the area, and yet it often feels like it’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Maybe that’s because commercial development was a bit slower to arrive here than it was in many other Ottawa suburbs. If you’re thinking of making the move to Barrhaven, here’s what you need to know.

Barrhaven at a glance

Barrhaven was first established in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until fairly recently that it’s started to grow by leaps and bounds. Today the population sits at well over 87,000, and the big box stores have moved in to make life more convenient. Having said that, we can tell you that the area still has the same calm community feel that families have come to expect. If you have kids, you’ll love Barrhaven’s many parks and playgrounds, along with its excellent schools (which include Barrhaven Public School, Mother Teresa High School, and John McCrae Secondary School, among others).

Things to do in Barrhaven

Active families are bound to fall in love with Barrhaven due to its gorgeous green spaces and its top-notch recreational facilities. There are too many parks to mention here. But we will say this: if you have a dog, Bruce Pit, Larkin, and Houlahan Parks are definitely worth checking out. And when summer rolls around, we’re big fans of the splash pad water park on Longfields Drive.

If you’re looking for the ultimate place to work out, you won’t be disappointed in Barrhaven. You’ll find state-of-the-art fitness equipment at both the Walter Baker Sports Centre and the Minto Recreation Complex. The latter even contains a pool that was recently named one of the 10 best in Canada!

For a caffeine fix, our top pick is Cafe Cristal—an utterly charming spot to drop in for a latte. Later in the day, if you feel like hitting the pub with some friends, try the Barley Mow or the local Heart and Crown. Barrhaven is also just a hop, skip, and jump away from the charming village of Manotick. Take the short drive over for brunch at the Black Dog Bistro or dinner on the Rideau River at Creekside Bar and Grill.

Amenities

While Barrhaven isn’t too far from Ottawa, you’ll find everything you need right in the immediate area. Barrhaven Town Centre, Strandherd Crossing, and Chapman Mills Marketplace are just a few local favourites. These destinations are filled with incredibly popular Canadian and international retailers (from Winners to Shoppers Drug Mart), along with a large variety of grocery, restaurant, and coffee chains that offer a bit of something for everyone. All of the essential services you need are also located in the area—from Cappucci Hair Studio to the Barrhaven Dental Centre!

Transportation

While Barrhaven is a little bit further from downtown Ottawa than some other suburbs in the region, it offers plenty of efficient transportation options. Several bus routes loop through the community, and Fallowfield Station also makes VIA Rail service accessible. Highway 416 forms one of the community’s boundaries, which makes the area great for frequent travellers.

Real estate

Take it from us, Barrhaven is a great place to find the ideal single-family home. Whether you’re looking for a large, two-storey house on a spacious lot or a more modest bungalow, you’ll find what you’re looking for. There’s also a decent selection of semi-detached homes and rowhouse options for those who are looking for an affordable way to enter the market. In general, home hunters can find some real bargains here. House prices tend to be lower than those in the city’s core and some of the comparable communities nearby (including Manotick & Riverside South).

Searching for homes for sale in Barrhaven? Reach out today to learn more about the community—and what’s available on the market!