Guide 03 · Neighbourhoods by base
On a 2–4 year posting, the right neighbourhood comes down to three things: your commute, your kids' schools, and resale when you're posted out again. Here's how the city lines up against the main Ottawa-area bases — with video tours of each area.
Jump to your base
Interactive DND locations map NDHQ (Carling) — west end CFS Leitrim — south end Uplands / South Ottawa Downtown core postings Compare neighbourhoods (video tours) Explore communities in depthNational Defence HQ at Carling sits in Ottawa's west end, which makes Kanata, Stittsville and Bridlewood the natural fits — strong schools, newer builds, and a manageable commute. I lived in Kanata Lakes and now in Bridlewood myself, so this is home turf.
Leitrim is in the south end, which puts Riverside South, Findlay Creek and Barrhaven within an easy commute. Riverside South in particular has grown fast and has the LRT extension working in its favour for resale.
If you're posted to CFS Leitrim, these are two of the first communities I'd compare. Riverside South brings the Limebank O-Train connection and a larger, fast-growing suburban footprint. Findlay Creek keeps you especially close to Leitrim, the airport and south-end amenities. In this full comparison I break down the homes, commute, transportation, amenities and overall lifestyle so you can decide which one belongs on your HHT shortlist.
Considering Findlay Creek for a posting to CFS Leitrim? This neighbourhood tour covers the homes, amenities, parks, commute, pros and cons, and who the community may suit.
South-end postings open up Riverside South, Barrhaven, and for those who want more land and a quieter lifestyle — Greely and Manotick. Both are about 30 to 40 minutes from downtown and offer estate-style properties you simply can't find in Ottawa's closer suburbs. The trade-off is always commute versus space. I've put together a full comparison if you're weighing these two: Greely vs Manotick — which one is right for you?
If you're posted downtown and want to skip the car, the central and east options — from the Glebe to Orléans on the LRT line — change the math entirely. We'll weigh condo-versus-house and transit access for your situation.
I've filmed full walkthroughs of the areas military families ask about most. Start with the overview, then watch the ones that match your base.
Kanata vs. Barrhaven
Kanata vs. Stittsville
Orléans vs. Barrhaven
Riverside South vs. Findlay Creek — especially useful for CFS Leitrim postings
Greely vs. Manotick
Living in Riverside South: pros & cons
Living in Richmond Village: pros & cons
Want the full breakdown — market stats, schools, new-build areas, and current listings? These in-depth community guides live on my main site.
Ottawa's tech-hub west end.
New builds, small-town feel.
Family-focused south-west.
Fast-growing, LRT-connected.
Newer south-end community close to CFS Leitrim and YOW.
Quiet village character.
Rideau River village lifestyle.
Estate lots, space & privacy.
Commute, schools, resale — I'll line them up against your base so you choose with confidence.
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