Welcome to Barrhaven, Ottawa

Barrhaven is one of Ottawa’s most sought-after suburban communities, celebrated for its family-friendly neighbourhoods, modern amenities, excellent schools and abundant green spaces. Located in Ottawa’s southwest end, Barrhaven offers a perfect blend of suburban calm and big-city convenience, making it a favourite for families, professionals and anyone looking for strong long-term real estate value.

Barrhaven continues to grow rapidly, supported by new developments, expanding commercial districts and top-tier recreation facilities. With easy access to Highway 416, extensive transit routes and convenient shopping hubs, it remains one of the capital’s most complete and self-sufficient suburbs.

What to Love

Barrhaven offers an unmatched combination of convenience, comfort and community. Its thoughtfully planned neighbourhoods, large parks and strong school network create an ideal environment for families. Meanwhile, modern amenities and plenty of retail options ensure residents never need to travel far for daily essentials.

Highlights include:

• Family-friendly neighbourhoods with wide streets and safe parks

• Top-rated schools across multiple boards

• Large recreation centres and sports facilities

• Rapidly expanding commercial areas

• Easy access to Highway 416 for commuting

• Numerous multi-use paths and cycling networks

• Close to the Jock River and expansive green spaces

• A strong sense of community with events and local clubs

Local Lifestyle in Barrhaven

Life in Barrhaven is centred around convenience, connection and community. Days often begin with school drop-offs, quick commutes or a jog along one of the area’s many pathways. The neighbourhood offers a slower suburban pace without feeling isolated, thanks to a wealth of nearby amenities.

Residents enjoy large parks, playgrounds, sports fields, libraries and local cafés. Families appreciate the safe, walkable environment, while young professionals value the accessibility to downtown via transit or Highway 416. Barrhaven’s growing cultural diversity contributes to its vibrant everyday life, with global cuisine and multicultural events becoming part of the local fabric.

Suburban Family Living

Barrhaven’s defining lifestyle is suburban family living. It’s designed for comfort, space and community connection, offering everything needed within a short drive or walk.

Residents enjoy:

• Spacious single-family homes and townhouses

• Quiet crescents and cul-de-sacs ideal for children

• Proximity to top schools, daycare centres and parks

• Multiple recreation complexes offering swimming, gyms and classes

• Weekend sports leagues, community centres and family activities

• Shopping plazas and restaurants within minutes of most homes

This lifestyle makes Barrhaven a preferred destination for growing families seeking stability and high quality of life.

Things to Do in Barrhaven

Barrhaven provides a wide mix of recreational, cultural and entertainment options. Whether spending time outdoors, enjoying local restaurants or participating in community events, there is always something to do.

Local attractions include:

• Chapman Mills Conservation Area along the Rideau River

• Minto Recreation Complex – Barrhaven with pools, arenas and fitness facilities

• Walter Baker Sports Centre for swimming and athletics

• Marketplace Shopping Centre featuring national retailers and restaurants

• Stonebridge Golf Club nearby

• Playgrounds, splash pads and multi-use pathways throughout the community

Seasonal events, farmers markets, youth programs and fitness classes add to Barrhaven’s vibrant activity calendar.

Schools in Barrhaven

Barrhaven is renowned for its strong school network, offering options from all major boards in both English and French. Families move to the area specifically for its reputation for education quality.

Notable schools include:

• Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School

• John McCrae Secondary School

• Mother Teresa High School

• Barrhaven Public School

• St. Emily Catholic School

• Berrigan Elementary School

• École secondaire catholique Pierre-Savard

• École élémentaire catholique Sainte-Kateri

These schools anchor Barrhaven as one of Ottawa’s top suburban choices for families.

Walkability & Transportation

Barrhaven is designed for accessibility and ease of movement. Pedestrian-friendly paths, cycling routes and well-connected transit help residents navigate efficiently.

Transportation highlights:

• Easy access to Highway 416 for commuting

• OC Transpo routes serving major hubs including Fallowfield and Strandherd

• Fallowfield Station providing VIA Rail service and Park & Ride options

• Well-maintained multi-use paths linking neighbourhoods

• Expanding roadway infrastructure supporting continued growth

While primarily car-oriented, Barrhaven’s internal walkability and bike paths allow for convenient local travel.

History & Culture

Barrhaven began as farmland and rural settlement before evolving into a major planned suburb during the 1960s and 1970s. Rapid population growth in the 2000s transformed it into one of Ottawa’s largest suburban communities. Despite its modern development, Barrhaven maintains community traditions through neighbourhood associations, multicultural festivals, sports leagues and local schools.

Its culture is defined by inclusivity, family focus and collective pride in the area’s growth. Today, Barrhaven blends suburban comfort with increasing cultural diversity and modern amenities, making it a dynamic and well-rounded community.

Homes in Barrhaven

Barrhaven offers a broad range of housing options to meet various lifestyle and budget needs. The community features established neighbourhoods with mature trees alongside newer developments offering modern layouts and contemporary finishes.

Home styles include:

• Single-family detached homes

• Townhouses and row homes

• Semi-detached properties

• New-build homes with open-concept designs

• Modern low-rise and mid-rise condos

Properties often feature spacious yards, garages and family-oriented layouts. Newer areas such as Half Moon Bay and Stonebridge offer upscale options with larger homes and premium finishes.

Housing Market Trends

Barrhaven remains one of Ottawa’s most active and competitive real estate markets. Demand is consistently high due to the area’s affordability relative to the city centre, strong schools and ongoing development.

Market trends include:

• Steady price growth across all home types

• Strong demand from families relocating within Ottawa and beyond

• High competition for detached homes

• Increasing interest in newer townhome developments

• Solid rental demand due to proximity to transit and employment hubs

Barrhaven is expected to continue appreciating as infrastructure and amenities expand.

Popular Neighborhoods in Barrhaven

Barrhaven is made up of several distinct sub-communities, each offering unique features and appeal.

Popular areas include:

• Old Barrhaven: Mature streets, larger lots and established charm.

• Longfields: Centrally located with excellent schools and transit.

• Chapman Mills: Close to conservation areas and vibrant retail zones.

• Half Moon Bay: Newer builds, parks and family-friendly design.

• Stonebridge: Upscale homes, golf course views and premium amenities.

Each pocket offers its own blend of convenience, style and community connectivity.

Buying or Selling in Barrhaven

Barrhaven’s strong market fundamentals make it attractive for both buyers and sellers. Buyers appreciate the wide range of housing options and family-oriented amenities, while sellers benefit from steady demand and competitive pricing.

Whether searching for a modern townhouse, a spacious family home or a move-in-ready property near top schools, Barrhaven remains one of Ottawa’s premier suburban destinations for real estate investment and long-term living.