For many Ottawa families, school zones are more than just lines on a map—they’re deal-makers or breakers. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer with young kids or relocating for work, the quality and proximity of local schools often play a major role in where you choose to live.
But should schools always be the top priority in your home search? Let’s break down the pros and cons of choosing your next home based on school zones—with insight tailored to Ottawa’s unique neighbourhood landscape.
✅ PROS
1. Stable Resale Value
Homes in top-rated school districts—such as those near Colonel By Secondary School (Beacon Hill) or Lisgar Collegiate (Centretown)—tend to hold their value well and attract a steady pool of buyers. Even buyers without kids often see school zones as a reliable investment indicator.
2. Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods
Areas near great schools usually come with other perks: parks, community centres, slower streets, and active parent networks. Communities like Barrhaven, Orleans, and Westboro are popular for a reason—they support growing families beyond just the classroom.
3. Convenience for Daily Life
Cutting down commute time between home and school means less stress and more flexibility in your daily routine. It can also mean better safety for walkers and bikers and a tighter-knit sense of community.
❌ CONS
1. Higher Home Prices & Competition
Desirable school zones often come with higher price tags and faster bidding wars. You may need to stretch your budget—or settle for a smaller home—to land in a sought-after catchment. For example, a detached home in Rockcliffe Park may cost significantly more than a similar home in another part of the city.
2. Limited Inventory
If you’re focused solely on one school zone, you’re automatically limiting your options. Ottawa’s real estate market can be competitive, and finding the right house, at the right time, in the right school zone can take longer than expected.
3. Changing Boundaries
School zones are not set in stone. Boards like the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) occasionally redraw boundaries due to enrolment shifts or new school construction. Today’s “perfect zone” might look different in 3–5 years.
🏡 So What’s the Right Move?
It comes down to balance and priorities. For some, living in a specific school district is non-negotiable. For others, commuting to a preferred school from a different (more affordable) neighbourhood might be the better fit.
As your Ottawa realtor—with both local insight and construction expertise—I’ll help you weigh all factors: location, schools, resale value, property condition, and lifestyle. Whether you want walkability to top elementary schools or are thinking long-term for high school access, we’ll create a strategy that fits your family’s needs and future goals.
Let’s Find a Home That Fits Your Life—And Your Kids’ Future
Looking for a family-friendly neighbourhood near great schools? Let’s talk.
📞 Call me directly at 613-889-4345
📍 Visit the office at 2148 Carling Avenue, Units 5 & 6
💬 Or just send me a quick message—we’ll make a plan that works.
Because buying a home isn’t just about four walls. It’s about the life you’re building inside them.