Your Guide to Living in Stittsville

April 29, 2019 | Community

Thinking of buying a home in Stittsville? Check out our quick guide to learn what life in this idyllic community is really like…

If you’re searching for the perfect suburb, look no further than Stittsville. Just a short drive from downtown Ottawa—and an even shorter one from nearby Kanata—this family-oriented area is incredibly conveniently-located. We also love Stittsville for its spacious homes, its tight-knit feel, and its fantastic quality of life. If you’re thinking of making a move to this charming west-end community, here is what you need to know if you’re considering homes for sale in Stittsville.

Stittsville at a glance

Stittsville has roots stretching back to the 1800s, but it wasn’t officially declared a village until 1961. It eventually amalgamated into the city of Ottawa in 2001—and it’s grown by leaps and bounds since. Today, the population is well over 25,000, and home-buying demand is on the rise. We’re really not surprised.

Yes, Stittsville is chock full of fantastic housing stock. And yes, it’s just 25 minutes from downtown Ottawa. It’s also blessed with great schools, gorgeous nature trails, and plenty of convenient amenities (including global retailers and restaurant chains as well as charming local businesses). But what sets Stittsville apart most is its idyllic village feel—a true rarity in most suburbs.

Things to do

One of the many reasons so many buyers are seeking homes for sale in Stittsville is its general liveliness. Here’s just a small handful of fun things to do in the area.

If your family contains one or more members of the four-legged and furry variety, you’ll absolutely love the Stittsville Dog Park. Close to Abbott Street and just south of the Trans Canada Trail, you’ll find this canine-friendly hotspot—complete with walking paths, picnic tables, and (of course) an off-leash area.

Another favourite local green space is Village Square Park, which plays host to a number of charming events throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Arts in the Park Festival. This fun fest is all about artists, writers, and artisans, so creative types will want to check it out!

Next up, visit the Stittsville’s Carp Road Flea Market for a truly unique shopping experience. From handcrafted furniture to fine jewellery, from toys and books to homemade preserves, exploring the treasures at this one-of-a-kind market is a rewarding experience.

Amenities

One of the things we like best about Stittsville is its convenience. You’ll find a variety of well-known restaurants, major grocery chains, and large retailers in and around the area. Many of these options are clustered along either Main Street or Hazeldean Road. When it comes to day-to-day services, try the Stittsville Shopping Centre—it has a drug store, hair salon, yoga studio, physiotherapy office, and more.

While there’s no denying that large-scale suburban amenities can make life easier, there’s also a lot to be said for unique local businesses. In Stittsville, they act as meeting places—community hubs where people can come together and enjoy each other’s company.

One of our favourite spots is the Glen, a Scottish pub that’s all about pairing homey comfort food with pints of your favourite brew. We also adore the Jack Ketch, a trendy eatery that serves up everything from pulled lamb shank to lobster risotto. If it’s a cozy atmosphere you’re looking for, pop into Quitters for an espresso and a breakfast sandwich (or return in the evening for an adult beverage and a cheese plate).

Transportation

One of the biggest concerns many buyers have about moving to a suburb is the possibility of a long daily commute. Fortunately, Stittsville is located close to Ottawa—and it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Kanata.

The Stittsville area is well served by rapid transit via the 61 bus. This route stops in downtown Ottawa, and near countless shopping malls and attractions. Motorists are also in luck—getting to the centre of the city takes less than half an hour on the Trans Canada highway. On the whole, Stittsville is very driver-friendly, which means you’ll find ample parking when you’re out running errands.

Real estate

One of our favourite things about Stittsville is the amount of space available for growing families. Your home-buying dollars will go further here than they would in central Ottawa, which could mean a more spacious property on a larger lot.

While there’s no shortage of single-family homes in Stittsville, you’ll also find a number of row-house and semi-detached options. There are older properties in the area (including some dating back to the pre-war period), but you’ll also notice plenty of newer builds—perfect for those seeking something relatively low maintenance.

In terms of price points for this year, single-family homes sold on average at $575K, townhomes and semis at $407K, and condos at $322K. With this kind of value for money, it’s hard to go wrong in Stittsville!

Searching for homes for sale in Stittsville? Reach out today to learn more about the community—and what’s available on the market!