The Top Rural Ottawa Towns You Need to Know in 2022

Buying • March 30, 2022

Have you seen the prices of real estate lately? Near the end of 2021, we thought we had reached the peak. The first few months of 2022 proved everyone wrong as prices continued to climb. Big cities like Toronto and Ottawa have been particularly affected. The record-high prices and extremely low supply have put the dreams of homeownership on hold for many people.

This housing crunch is especially painful for those with growing families who need the space the most. All is not lost, however. There are some areas a little outside of Ottawa where you can still buy a home for a relatively reasonable price. Since housing prices are only expected to rise for the foreseeable future, it’s important to get into the market as soon as you can, even if it takes you a little outside of the big city.

Let’s take a look at some of our favourite rural towns:

Carleton Place

Located 46 km from downtown Ottawa, Carleton Place is a quick, 40-minute drive into the city. Not that you’ll need to go often, however, as you’ll find everything you need right in town. No matter what the season, there is always something exciting happening. Last week, there was a Disney themed scavenger hunt for the kids on March break.

Carleton Place is also famous for its annual Santa Claus parade that takes over Bridge Street every November. Love the outdoors? Then you may have found the perfect place to call home. Activities include hiking, swimming, snowmobiling, and skating.

The many technology companies operating in the area mean there are career opportunities for professionals of all types. The average price for a home in Carleton Place is currently $598,163, making it much more affordable than downtown Ottawa.

Carleton Place offers the amenities, conveniences and opportunities of the city. Want to know more? Read our community guide here.

Mississippi Mills Township

Mississippi Mills Township is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful way of life. It consists of six small communities, including Almonte, Blakeney, Pakenham, Appleton, Clayton and Ramsey. Though primarily a rural area, Mississippi Mills Township still has many shops, restaurants and amenities to enjoy. Beautiful beaches, playgrounds, parks, and waterfalls are just a few benefits of living there. Festivals, fairs, and craft shows provide fun and excitement throughout the year. The average house price hovers around $781,000. You may also be able to scoop up a piece of vacant land to build your dream home.

Love a peaceful lifestyle and the beauty of nature? Mississippi Mills Township might be the place for your family. Check out our community guide here.

The Village of Carp

Have you ever dreamed of country living? The Village of Carp offers you the chance. Yet, you’re only 10 minutes away from Kanata or 30 minutes to downtown Ottawa. The village sits on the edge of the Carp Escarpment and is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. However, don’t think for one minute that country life offers no excitement.

A bustling Farmer’s Market operates every year from April to October with an impressive list of vendors offering fresh produce, home-baked goods, gourmet foods, crafts and more. In November, the market reopens for a festive Christmas Market that residents look forward to for months.

In addition, the Carp Fair rolls in every year, bringing an exciting midway, shows and exhibits, live music and friendly competitions. The Village of Carp also has a fascinating history for war buffs. The Diefenbunker was a nuclear refuge from 1959 to 1994. In 1998, it became the Cold War Museum and has been featured in films like Zygote and The Sum of All Fears.

Do you have your eye on country life? Find out more in our guide to the Village of Carp here.

West Carleton

In 1974, the townships of Torbolton, Fitzroy and Huntley amalgamated into what we now call West Carleton to create a rural community that proves that country life is anything but boring. Everywhere you look, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful landscapes, forests, fields and creeks. And you’ll never have to worry about missing anything from the city. If you ever need anything, Kanata and downtown Ottawa are less than 45 minutes away.

What is there to do in this country paradise? Try an afternoon adventure through the Torbolton Forest, 260 hectares of tall pine trees and red oaks. There are separate trails for hikers, cyclists and joggers, meaning you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace. At the Fitzroy Provincial Park, you can enjoy swimming at the beach, camping, fishing or boating.

Intrigued? You can find out more about country living and West Carleton here.

Kanata

If you’ve realized that you’re a city person through and through, Kanata is worth a look. The tech industry is booming, and the city is as vibrant and diverse as Ottawa, but less hectic. As one of Canada’s fastest-growing suburbs, career opportunities are plentiful. The shopping is second to none, with many malls, outlets and outdoor markets to choose from.

When you need a little peace and quiet, escape to the Kanata Golf and Country Club for a round of golf, or visit the South March Highlands Conservation Forest to experience the beauty of nature. The average cost of a house in Kanata is around $755,000, and you can often get a condo for less than $500,000.

Curious about Kanata? You can find more details here.

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