Welcome to Nepean, ON

Nepean, Ontario, is a dynamic and diverse district in Ottawa’s west end, known for its family-friendly neighbourhoods, extensive parkland, strong schools, and outstanding recreational amenities. Once its own municipality and now an integral part of Ottawa, Nepean blends suburban comfort with urban convenience. With easy access to the downtown core, major employment hubs, and the city’s best natural spaces, Nepean is one of the most desirable residential areas in the National Capital Region.

What to Love

Nepean offers a unique mix of established neighbourhoods, modern conveniences, and abundant outdoor recreation. Residents enjoy a peaceful suburban environment alongside excellent access to transit, shopping, and community services.

Highlights include:

• Top-rated schools, community centres, and family-focused amenities

• Expansive green spaces, including Andrew Haydon Park and the NCC Greenbelt

• Convenient shopping districts such as Merivale Road, College Square, and Barrhaven Town Centre

• Easy access to Highway 417 and major employment hubs across Ottawa

• Recreational facilities like the Nepean Sportsplex, Walter Baker Sports Centre, and numerous arenas and pools

• A multicultural community with diverse dining options and a welcoming atmosphere

Local Lifestyle in Nepean, ON

Life in Nepean is active, convenient, and community-oriented. Residents enjoy a balance of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. Morning routines often include walking children to school, commuting via OC Transpo or cycling paths, or stopping at local cafés along Merivale Road or Strandherd Drive.

Weekends are filled with family outings to parks, hiking trails, or competitive sporting events at local community centres. Nepean’s neighbourhoods each have their own character, but the overall lifestyle is defined by comfort, accessibility, and quality of life.

Outdoor & Recreation Lifestyle

Nepean is particularly well-suited for those who love outdoor activities and recreational amenities. With an abundance of green space and top-tier athletic facilities, it is one of Ottawa’s best areas for active living.

Recreation highlights include:

• Access to the NCC Greenbelt for hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing

• Nepean Sportsplex, home to competitive sports, swimming, figure skating, fitness programs, and major community events

• Andrew Haydon Park, offering waterfront trails, picnic areas, and family play zones along the Ottawa River

• Community-focused recreation centres like Walter Baker, Minto Recreation Complex – Barrhaven, and Howard Darwin Arena

• Numerous sports leagues, fitness clubs, and youth programming across all neighbourhoods

Outdoor living is integrated into the community, making Nepean a top choice for athletes, families, and recreational enthusiasts.

Things to Do in Nepean, ON

Nepean provides a wide array of activities, attractions, and conveniences suitable for all ages.

Local favourites include:

• Enjoying the waterfront trails at Andrew Haydon Park and the adjacent Ottawa River Pathway

• Shopping and dining along Merivale Road, known for its multicultural restaurants and big-box retailers

• Exploring the views and walking paths of the Greenbelt

• Taking classes, attending events, or competing in sports at Nepean Sportsplex

• Visiting local libraries, farmers’ markets, and community festivals

• Exploring nearby attractions like Mooney’s Bay Beach, Chapman Mills Conservation Area, and Centrepointe Theatre

Nepean also benefits from its close proximity to downtown Ottawa, making museums, concerts, festivals, and national landmarks easily accessible.

Schools in Nepean, ON

Nepean is served by some of the strongest school options in Ottawa, supported by multiple public, Catholic, and French-language boards.

Key schools include:

• Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) – Schools such as Sir Robert Borden High School, Merivale High School (IB Program), and Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School

• Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) – Including St. Mother Teresa High School, St. Joseph High School, and various elementary options

• Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO) – French public schools including École secondaire publique Omer-Deslauriers

• Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) – French Catholic schools such as Collège catholique Franco-Ouest

Nepean families value the region’s academic performance, extracurricular activities, bilingual learning options, and broad range of specialty programs.

Walkability & Transportation

Nepean provides excellent transportation connectivity, whether commuting to downtown Ottawa, accessing local services, or travelling across the city.

Transportation benefits include:

• Extensive OC Transpo bus routes, with Transitway service connecting to Baseline Station, Fallowfield Station, and Barrhaven

• Close access to Highway 417, Highway 416, and major arterial roads like Woodroffe Avenue and Merivale Road

• Cycling networks connecting Nepean neighbourhoods to downtown and the Greenbelt

• VIA Rail service nearby at Fallowfield Station

• Convenient proximity to Ottawa International Airport

Walkability varies by neighbourhood, but many areas are pedestrian-friendly with easy access to parks, schools, and shopping.

History & Culture

Nepean evolved from a rural township into a vibrant suburban district before becoming part of the City of Ottawa in 2001. Its development accelerated in the mid-20th century as new neighbourhoods, shopping districts, and community facilities were built to support rapid population growth.

Culturally, Nepean is known for:

• Its strong multicultural community

• Extensive volunteerism and organized sports culture

• Long-standing community events at the Nepean Sportsplex

• Local arts programs and performances at Centrepointe Theatre

Nepean’s identity blends its former township heritage with modern urban growth, creating a community rooted in tradition yet geared for the future.

Homes in Nepean, ON

Nepean offers a wide variety of residential options, including both established homes and newer developments. Buyers can find:

• Traditional two-storey family homes

• Modern townhomes and stacked townhouses

• Bungalows and split-level homes common in mid-century neighbourhoods

• Large executive homes in areas like Barrhaven and Chapman Mills

• Condo buildings and lifestyle communities with contemporary amenities

Many properties feature mature trees, spacious yards, and proximity to parks and schools—ideal for families or those seeking comfortable suburban living.

Housing Market Trends

Nepean’s real estate market is consistently strong due to high demand, excellent amenities, and steady population growth.

Market characteristics include:

• Strong competition for detached homes, especially near top schools

• Increasing interest in modern townhomes and condos among downsizers and first-time buyers

• Stable property values supported by infrastructure, recreation, and employment access

• High buyer demand from families relocating within Ottawa or moving from other provinces

Nepean continues to appeal to a broad range of buyers due to its balance of affordability, convenience, and quality of life.

Popular Neighborhoods in Nepean, ON

Nepean includes several well-defined neighbourhoods, each with unique strengths:

• Barrhaven – One of Ottawa’s fastest-growing communities, known for modern homes, schools, and amenities.

• Centrepoint – A mature, centrally located neighbourhood with parks, schools, and Centrepointe Theatre.

• Cedarhill Estates – A prestigious area with large custom homes and the private Cedarhill Golf & Country Club.

• Craig Henry – Family-friendly with mid-century homes, green space, and strong community ties.

• Bells Corners – A revitalizing area with a mix of classic homes, shopping, and access to the Greenbelt.

• Chapman Mills – Newer developments with popular townhomes, schools, and trails along the Rideau River.

These neighbourhoods offer diverse housing options and lifestyles suited to a variety of buyers.

Buying or Selling in Nepean, ON

Nepean’s strong schools, recreational amenities, and convenient location contribute to a highly competitive and desirable real estate market. Buyers benefit from acting decisively and understanding neighbourhood distinctions. Sellers gain from consistent demand, but optimal results are achieved through professional presentation, strategic pricing, and highlighting proximity to the region’s top parks, transit, and schools.

Nepean remains one of Ottawa’s most attractive places to live—combining suburban comfort, vibrant amenities, and natural beauty into a community with lasting appeal.