New Edinburgh Real Estate & Living: Ottawa’s Best Neighbourhood Guide

Did you know there’s a peaceful historic community that borders on TWO rivers and is just minutes away from downtown Ottawa? With quiet streets, beautiful heritage homes, excellent schools, plenty of greenspace, and a great collection of walking and biking trails, it’s not hard to see why New Edinburgh is one of Ottawa’s best neighbourhoods!

Where is New Edinburgh?

Located just east of downtown Ottawa, New Edinburgh is one of the National Capital’s most desirable neighbourhoods. With the unique distinction of being bordered by both the Ottawa River (north) and the Rideau River (west), this beautiful community sits in a truly prime location. The other neighbourhood boundaries include Beechwood and Springfield Avenues to the south and Princess Ave and Maple Lane to the east. The neighbourhood is easily accessed by car or public transit and features a great network of walking or biking trails.

Things to Do in New Edinburgh

New Edinburgh has a lot more to offer than just being a beautiful residential neighbourhood. The area is home to Rideau Hall, which is the residence of Canada’s Governor General but also a heritage site that offers free tours of the state rooms, art collections, and gardens. The grounds, including the gardens and skating rink (winter only) are open to the public all year long.

New Edinburgh is also a great place to get together with friends, grab a bite or do some shopping. The Tavern on the Falls and The Royal Oak on Beechwood are some of the city’s most popular gathering spots, while The Scone Witch and Union Street Kitchen Café are famous for their delicious local coffee and homemade snacks.  

Parks in New Edinburgh

There is no shortage of beautiful greenspace to enjoy in New Edinburgh! With Rideau Falls Park, Stanley Park, and New Edinburgh Park all offering water views and functional outdoor spaces including a playground, calisthenics area, tennis court, soccer field, splash pad, and ball diamond, as well as the Rideau River Eastern Pathway and the Ottawa River Pathway both connecting to the neighbourhood, the community is an outdoor lovers paradise.

A Historic Ottawa Neighbourhood

In 1829, Thomas McKay, one of the builders of the Rideau Canal, bought the land that sits at the corner of the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers. He planned a neighbourhood in the area, naming it after Edinburgh in his home country of Scotland and naming the streets after his family. He built Rideau Hall as a home for his family, and also built a sawmill and a gristmill on the land and the area grew into a prosperous neighbourhood and industrial hub.

In 1866, New Edinburgh was incorporated as its own village but then became part of Ottawa in 1887. In 2001, a large section of New Edinburgh was officially designated as a Heritage Conservation District by the City of Ottawa. Check out the New Edinburgh Heritage Walking Tour to learn more about the heritage homes dating back to the early 1800’s that still stand in the neighbourhood today.

Schools in New Edinburgh

New Edinburgh offers an excellent selection of highly rated schools, including:

• Fern Hill School offers a rich blend of academics, arts, athletics and extracurricular activities for students in preschool to grade 8.
• Brigid School is a Catholic elementary school offering classes to students in grades JK-6. After grade 6, students attend go on to attend Immaculata High School.
• Macdonald-Cartier Academy is a private Junior High School (grades 7 & 8) that offers a full French-immersion program with accelerated academics and athletics. Enrollment is limited to 68 students per year, keeping class sizes small.

Although it’s not a traditional school, the School of Dance – one of Ottawa’s premiere dance studios is also located in New Edinburgh. There are also a number of great schools in nearby Rockcliffe Park including Ashbury College, Elmwood School, and Rockcliffe Park Public School.

Homes for Sale in New Edinburgh

Despite its status as one of Ottawa’s more prestigious neighbourhoods, New Edinburgh offers a wide range of housing options. With condos, townhomes, single-family homes, and even multi-unit investment properties and building lots, there really is something for everyone in New Edinburgh. Condos in the neighbourhood are generally 2 or 3-bedrooms and prices start in the low 600’s, rising to over a million for luxury properties. The area also features a mix of beautiful heritage and modern single-family homes.

If you’re interested in moving to one of Ottawa’s best neighbourhoods, contact us today and we’ll set up a custom search, so you’ll be the first to know when you’re dream home in New Edinburgh hits the market.