Ottawa’s Best Rural Neighbourhoods
If you’re thinking about making a move out of the city to a rural community, you might be wondering what your options are. Whether you’re looking for more space, lower home prices, quieter streets, or just a gentler way of life, Ottawa has a lot of great rural communities to choose from. All within less than an hour of downtown Ottawa, these five small towns have a lot to brag about. Read on to discover some of Ottawa’s best rural neighbourhoods!
Russell, Ontario
The Village of Russell is located about 30 minutes (or 40 km) southeast of Ottawa’s downtown core, making it an ideal choice for those looking for small town living with an easy commute to the city. This charming village offers all the necessary amenities including groceries, gas, post office, pharmacy, health care, and restaurants ensuring residents can find everything they need in town.
Russell has a surprising number of schools for a small town, so students won’t have to bus into the city. There are also a number of recreation and sporting facilities making it a great choice for families. The majority of home for sale in Russell are 3 and 4-bedroom single family homes, with some towns and duplexes also available.
Embrun, Ontario
Just a short distance past Russell, you’ll find Embrun, Ontario. The commute from Embrun to downtown is approximately 35 minutes (45km) without traffic. The village boasts a strong Francophone culture and has a high percentage of French speaking residents. Schools in Embrun include a French Public Elementary, a French Catholic Elementary and a French Catholic High School. English speaking students generally attend school in the neighbouring communities of Russell or Forest Park.
Embrun offers a mix of charming older homes and newer developments with a choice of single-family homes, townhomes and condos. Homes for sale in Embrun include a wide selection of 2-bedroom, 1-bath condos, newer 3- and 4-bedroom single family homes, as well as older country homes on large lots.
Kemptville, Ontario
Situated on the Rideau River about 45 minutes (60 km) from downtown Ottawa, the historic town of Kemptville has become one of the Ottawa area’s most desirable small towns. Kemptville offers both a charming historic downtown and convenient new retail development right as you come into town. This growing community has five elementary schools and two high schools, a community pool and Kemptville even has its own hospital.
The popularity and growth of this small town means businesses have been flocking to the area ensuring residents have everything they need right in town. With beautiful parks, two golf-courses, excellent hiking trails and access to the Rideau River and Kemptville Creek, Kemptville is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Homes for sale in Kemptville range from affordable one-bedroom condos right up to large 4+ bedroom single family homes. You can also find older homes on large lots, terrace and townhomes, or new builds in a brand-new development.
Osgoode, Ontario
The village of Osgoode is located approximately 45 mins (40 km) south of downtown Ottawa. This quiet community is surrounded by farmland and is a great choice for those in search of a quiet community within easy driving distance of the city.
Osgoode has all the necessary amenities, but the small-town feel hasn’t been spoiled by excessive development or big-box retail. The neighbourhood boasts a strong sense of community with a legion, library, community center, and hockey arena to bring residents together. Homes for sale in Osgoode are predominantly 3 and 4-bedroom single family homes on large lots.
Richmond, Ontario
You’ll find the Village of Richmond located just 30 minutes (35 km) from downtown Ottawa. Richmond is one of the few rural communities with a Park & Ride option which makes getting downtown even easier. And it’s less than 20 minutes to Kanata or Barrhaven so you’re never far from everything you might need.
Established as a military settlement in 1818, the town was built on the banks of the Jock river and features lovely waterfront parks and a conservation area. With both an elementary school, a high school and an active community association that plans regular events, Richmond is an excellent community for young families to grow up in.
Many homes in the heart of Richmond were built between 1960 and 1992, with newer developments being added on the outskirts of the community more recently. Homes for sale in Richmond, are primarily detached bungalows and split-level homes on large lots.
Thinking About Rural Living?
If you’re interested in learning more about Ottawa’s best small towns, check out our guides on Almonte, Carleton Place, Carp, Cumberland, Dunrobin, Greely, and Manotick.
If you’re ready to make a move to one of these great small towns, contact us today to get set up with a custom search. We’ll make sure you’re the first to know when your dream home in one of Ottawa’s best rural neighbourhoods hits the market.
