Introduction
Shining like a beacon of last century’s finest architecture, Rothwell Heights is a mix of old and new. It’s located just east of central Ottawa between Blair Road, Montreal Road, Rothwell Drive, Delong Drive, Kaymar Drive, and the Ottawa River. Rothwell Heights was farmland until it was first developed in the early 1950s, and more recently with stylish and modern infilling.
Lifestyle
Rothwell Heights’ personality is owed to the fact that the properties in this area were sold individually. Each house is custom built, reflecting both the owner and period in which it was built. The area is home to some of Ottawa’s best examples of modern architecture, with homes designed by Richard Limmert and André Godin, with one such property having sold for 7.6 million in 2013.
The Vibe
Sandwiched between two of Ottawa’s most expensive neighbourhoods, Rothwell Heights offers proximity to the 417, downtown, and the natural sights and beauty of the Ottawa River. The area scores top points in accessibility to schools and daycares, property sizes run large, and the strictly controlled Green Belt ensures that the area can’t become overdeveloped. Rothwell Heights is luxurious, private, and pricey.
Meet the Neighbours
Rothwell Heights’ population density is low, despite the area’s relatively small size. Seventy per cent of residents speak English at home, but both official languages are represented in local schools like Gloucester High School and La Cité, le Collège D’Arts Appliqués et de Technologie serving the area. Of the 10,695 residents, 8,372 were registered in the 2010 municipal election, so it’s safe to assume potholes here are promptly fixed.
In the Area
If you have school-aged children you won’t be lacking for options. Not only is there ready access to peaceful parks and nature trails (if you are ever compelled to leave your palatial estate), but Rothwell Heights also offers plenty of education options, from daycare through public and Catholic high schools. Locals also have access to tennis facilities.
11 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Driveability and parking in this area are not an issue. For car owners, several major routes serve the downtown core, and driving east is just as easy. Bus-bound residents will suffer somewhat due to the location’s relative distance from the 417, and OC Transpo’s Transitway. The area does of course receive local service from several bus routes, and from there you can connect virtually anywhere in the city.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
As the name Rothwell Heights might imply, the neighbourhood is elevated from its surroundings, offering some properties a view of the Ottawa River. However, the area is strictly residential so don’t expect to find shops and boutiques. Bus service is slower, and by foot the trip to the nearest grocery store could double as an Olympic endurance sport. If you have a car though, Ottawa is minutes away.
Dollars & Sense
A residence in Rothwell Heights might not be a realistic goal for homebuyers in lower income brackets. As the nation’s capital, Ottawa frequently hosts diplomats, politicians, and members of the business elite – many of whom crave the convenience of living near the city centre while enjoying the privacy of a suburb. This neighbourhood delivers by providing easy access to the best of Ottawa.
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Neighbourhood Hotspots
Combermere Park
During the winter, Combermere Park has two ice sheets – one for hockey and a second for skaters. There is also a heated change shed for skaters to dress or tie their skates.
more infoElmridge Park Tennis Club
Locals enjoy the friendly competition of this neighbourhood club. On social mixer Tuesday and Thursday evenings, the club provides the tennis balls and the opposition. Kids can also enjoy training camps in the summer.
more infoChahaya Malaysia
Never underestimate the value of a good place for takeout. This local and well-reviewed Malaysian restaurant serves reasonably priced food for dine-in and takeout and hosts a lunch buffet. Free parking in the rear.
more infoFairfield Park Splash Pad
Beat the summer heat at one of Ottawa’s public park splash pads. Take the kids and let them run through the sprinklers while you relax in the nearby shaded areas.
more infoLa Cité Collégiale
One of Ottawa’s two colleges is within walking distance of Rothwell Heights. Offering more than 90 programs to over 5,000 full-time students, La Cité Collégiale is the largest French-language college in Ontario.
more infoRothwell Heights Retirement Residence
This large elder-care facility has private and semi-private rooms with in-house physician visits and a physiotherapist. Languages include English, French, and Portuguese, allowing you to keep loved ones needing specialized care closer to home.
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