Community Guide

5 Things Every Home Buyer Should Know Before Moving to Stittsville, Ottawa

Once a quiet village on the far edge of Ottawa, Stittsville has transformed into one of the city’s most desirable family suburbs. With charming small-town roots, a vibrant main street, and all the modern conveniences of a growing city, Stittsville offers a lifestyle that blends community warmth with easy access to Kanata’s tech hub and Ottawa’s downtown core.

Whether you’re relocating from within Ottawa or coming from farther afield, here are five key things every home buyer should know before moving to Stittsville.

1) Lifestyle & Local Vibe

Stittsville strikes the perfect balance between small-town charm and suburban convenience. Located just west of Kanata, it offers a relaxed pace of life, family-friendly neighbourhoods, and a growing local business scene that gives it a true “village feel” even as it grows.

Neighbourhood Personalities

Crossing Bridge: Mature, tree-lined streets with established homes and schools nearby.
West Ridge / Fairwinds: Newer developments near Hazeldean Rd — ideal for commuters and young families.
Poole Creek Village: Trail-connected community with newer homes and access to nature.
Jackson Trails: Master-planned with sidewalks, parks, and energy-efficient homes.
Fernbank Crossing & Abbottsville: Rapidly growing south-end neighbourhoods with brand-new schools and amenities.

Everyday Rhythm

Grab a coffee at Quitters Coffee or 9Round Café before heading to work.
Pick up groceries, hit the gym, or stroll the Trans Canada Trail right through town.
Evenings might mean a local restaurant on Stittsville Main Street, a walk with the kids, or a quick drive to the Canadian Tire Centre for a concert or Sens game.
Weekend mornings often include sports at Amberwood Village or a hike through Carp Hills.

Good to know: Stittsville still carries its village heritage — community events, farmers’ markets, and local pride run deep. Despite rapid development, it’s retained that neighbourly, small-town spirit.

2) Schools & Education

Families are one of the main drivers of Stittsville’s growth. The area is served by excellent schools across all four boards — English public, English Catholic, French public, and French Catholic — many of them new or recently expanded.

Notable Schools (Sampling)

Stittsville Public School (OCDSB)
Guardian Angels Catholic School (OCSB)
Holy Spirit Catholic School (OCSB)
Sacred Heart High School (OCSB)
Frederick Banting Secondary Alternate Program (OCDSB)
École élémentaire catholique Paul-Desmarais (CECCE)

What Parents Love

New, modern school facilities built for the community’s rapid growth.
Walkable elementary schools and extensive extracurricular programs.
French immersion and extended language programs widely available.
Dedicated sports, arts, and music offerings at Sacred Heart and Paul-Desmarais.

Buyer Tip: School boundaries in Stittsville are evolving quickly. If schools are a priority, confirm catchment areas before finalizing your offer.

3) Real Estate Market & Home Styles

Stittsville’s housing mix reflects its growth story: established homes in the north and brand-new developments toward the south. You’ll find everything from cozy townhomes to luxury custom builds — all with access to trails, parks, and local amenities.

What You’ll See on Tour

Detached Homes: Ranging from classic two-storeys to modern family homes with open layouts.
Townhomes: A favourite with first-time buyers and investors; many feature garages and finished basements.
Condos: Low-maintenance options along Stittsville Main and nearby Fernbank crossings.
Custom & Executive Homes: Found in Crossing Bridge and golf-course-adjacent enclaves.

Market Snapshot

Townhomes: typically in the mid-$500 Ks to $600 Ks range.
Detached family homes: $700 K–$1 M depending on size, age, and upgrades.
Luxury and custom builds: $1.2 M and up in select pockets.
Balanced to slightly competitive market — family demand remains steady year-round.

Developer & Community Association Note: Some newer subdivisions (like Fernbank Crossing) include association fees for park maintenance or private roads. Check for details before purchase.

Homebuyers love that Stittsville provides space and a strong community identity while still being minutes from Kanata’s amenities. It’s a popular “move-up” destination for families who started in other Ottawa suburbs.

4) Commute & Connectivity

Stittsville is located about 30 km west of downtown Ottawa and directly borders Kanata. For many residents, that means a short drive to work in the tech park, and an easy highway connection for downtown commutes.

Getting Around

Highway 417 access via Carp Rd or Hazeldean Rd makes commuting straightforward.
Public Transit: OC Transpo routes connect to Kanata’s Transitway and future LRT extension.
Multi-use pathways and bike trails link neighbourhoods to schools and shopping.
Quick access to Kanata Centrum, Tanger Outlets, and the Canadian Tire Centre.

Everyday Essentials

Groceries and retail along Hazeldean Rd (Food Basics, Shoppers, Farm Boy, LCBO).
Medical clinics, dentists, and family services all within a 10-minute drive.
Quick trip to nearby employment hubs in Kanata North and Bell’s Corners.
Easy weekend drives to Carp, Almonte, or the Ottawa Valley countryside.

Buyer Tip: If you work downtown, consider proximity to Hazeldean or Carp Rd for the fastest highway access — and test your commute during rush hour.

5) Things To Do & Local Hot Spots

Despite its size, Stittsville has a thriving local scene — from farm markets to craft breweries, outdoor recreation, and cozy dining spots.

Outdoors & Recreation

Trans Canada Trail: Walk, bike, or cross-country ski along this converted rail corridor.
Amberwood Village Golf & Recreation Club: Golf, tennis, fitness, and dining all in one spot.
Village Square Park: Outdoor rink, splash pad, and gathering hub on Main Street.
WJ Bell Rotary Park: Sports fields and playgrounds for kids of all ages.

Food, Shops & Community

Quitters Coffee: Local landmark café started by musician Kathleen Edwards.
Ivan’s European Deli & Jo-Jo’s Pizza: Stittsville classics.
Orchard View Bakery and Ritual on Main for sweet treats and brunch.
Frequent community events: Arts in the Park, Stittsville VillageFest, and farmers’ markets.

Insider Tips:

Watch the sunset along the Trans Canada Trail — it’s one of Ottawa’s most peaceful walks.
Visit Covered Bridge Brewing or Ashton Brewing Company for a pint of local craft beer.
Stittsville Main Street restaurants fill up fast on weekends — make a reservation!

Is Stittsville Right for You?

Stittsville is the kind of place where neighbours chat at the mailbox, kids ride their bikes to school, and local businesses greet you by name. With great schools, modern homes, and a genuine community feel, it’s easy to see why so many families are putting down roots here.

Family-Friendly Community Events Small-Town Charm Modern Convenience

Ready to see what life in Stittsville could look like?

Explore the latest homes for sale in Stittsville or connect with a local real estate expert who knows every street, trail, and coffee shop in town.

Want a custom list of homes by school zone, commute time, or features like finished basements and fenced yards? Start here and I’ll send you a curated shortlist.