Ottawa does not have a good reputation for traffic. According to a 2020 report, residents in Ottawa spend up to 29% longer in traffic than it should take to get around. When you’re buying a new home, one of the most important concerns is your commute. Although Orleans isn’t located too far from downtown Ottawa or the airport, traffic can make the trip longer than planned. If you’re discussing buying a house with a real estate agent in Orleans, here’s what to know about traffic.  

Getting Downtown by Car from Orleans   

Ottawa motorists spend almost 140 extra hours each year sitting in rush hour traffic. Unfortunately, in Orleans, if you want to get downtown during rush hour, it is going to take extra time if you are taking Highway 417. Under normal traffic conditions, it can only take 10 to 15 minutes to get downtown. The Ottawa International Airport is only 16 km from Orleans, but the time it takes depends on what time you’re traveling.  

Solutions to Dealing with the Traffic in Orleans and Ottawa 

Although traffic can be a hassle when driving by car, Ottawa has a strong infrastructure of other options to get around the community. OC Transpo connects you to buses and the light rail system. You can even transfer to the STO system which operates on the Quebec side of the river. Taxis and ride share companies operate extensively throughout the city. Many residents ride bicycles or use electric scooters to avoid traffic.  

Traffic is just part of the urban atmosphere, so you can expect to deal with some traffic in Orleans. It doesn’t have to impact your day too much when you learn the patterns and plan accordingly. Realtors in Orleans are available to help you find your dream home. Contact the Action Power Team to discuss real estate in Orleans.  

Orleans is a fast-growing community in Ottawa that has many different neighbourhoods for families of all types. The suburb was only amalgamated to Ottawa in 2001, but its history goes back to the 1830s. If your real estate agent suggests Orleans as a wonderful place to live, you may be wondering if that is true. Here are some reasons why you may agree that Orleans is a good community to set down roots.

A Diverse Population in Orleans

Orleans has a large francophone population, giving you an opportunity to live bilingually. It has many schools in both French and English, parochial and public schools. Businesses and restaurants offer services in both languages, making it easy for single-language speakers to navigate.

Orleans Has Easy Access to Downtown Ottawa

Orleans is a short commute to other suburbs around the city, but it does have a slower pace of life compared to other communities. The downtown core is not far away, but the commute by car can be trying during rush hour traffic. Orleans does have an extensive transit system, which alleviates the burden of getting to other suburbs or downtown. Ottawa’s light-rail transit station is currently undergoing an expansion, adding LRT stations as far as Trim Road at the east end of Orleans.

Recreational Opportunities in Orleans

There’s no shortage of sporting activities in Orleans, whether you want recreational play or organized sports. The community has indoor and outdoor opportunities year-round, splash pads, parks, and sledding hills to keep children occupied. Adults will find a wide range of churches, events, restaurants and bars to meet others and enjoy life at any stage.

Tell your realtors in Orleans what you want in a home and neighbourhood. Orleans may fit your needs and budget. We can help make sure you know everything you need to know about real estate in Orleans.

The Action Power Team is here to answer all your questions about buying and selling real estate in Orleans.

What’s the difference between a condo townhouse and freehold townhouse in the Orleans area?

A freehold townhouse gives you exclusive ownership of both the interior and exterior of the land and the home, much like a single-family home. A condo township means that you own everything inside of the unit, but the exterior is maintained by a condo corporation. Each type of ownership has benefits and disadvantages. Discuss your goals with your real estate agent in Orleans to decide what is right for you.

Are there easements when buying a townhouse in Orleans?

An easement gives another person or entity permission to access your property for a limited or specific purpose. A common type of easement is for utility companies. Easements are common for townhouses. When a property in Orleans is changing hands, the title company will search for easements on the property, but you could also have a real estate lawyer conduct a search and explain any easements for you.

What are the types of townhouses in Orleans?

A townhouse is a housing unit with two or three homes that share walls. In the Orleans area, you can find:

• Condo w/o garage – a traditional townhouse without a garage. The homeowner owns the interior, while the exterior is managed by a condo corporation.
• Condo w/garage—similar to a traditional townhouse but with a garage.
• Freehold w/garage – a traditional townhouse with a garage. The homeowner owns the interior and exterior and is responsible for all property maintenance.
• Two-storey – a two story townhouse that maximizes the space in a home.
• Three-storey – three-storey townhouses are built with three levels, but typically won’t have a basement.
• Bungalow townhouse – a bungalow townhouse is a one-storey home, but it may utilize loft space to increase square footage.

What is a terrace home? What’s the difference between the lower and upper units?

A terrace home is similar to a townhouse, but the levels may be divided into individual apartments. The lower units are usually easier to access than upper units, but the upper units have better views, less noise and traffic, and are more secure. Realtors in Orleans can help you find a terrace home that suits your needs.

What are the main neighbourhoods in Orleans, Ontario?

• Orleans South includes Chapel Hill, Mer Bleue, Convent Glen South, and Queenswood Heights. The oldest house in this area was built in 1914, but most of the houses were built in the 1960s.
• Orleans North includes Convent Glen, Hiawatha Park, and Chatelaine Village. The oldest home in these parts was built in 1950, but most homes were built from 1965 to 1985.
• Orleans East includes Avalon, Gardenway, Ridgemont, and Fallingbrook. Although the oldest homes were built in the mid-1940s, most of the homes in this area are much newer as building construction boomed in the 1980s.

Which neighbourhoods in Orleans are older/newer?

Avalon, south of Innes Road, is one of the newer neighbourhoods, as it began in the 1990s. Orleans Village, located along St-Joseph Blvd between Orléans Blvd and Duford Dr., is the oldest neighbourhood in Orleans. Hiawatha Park, located on the river north of Convent Glen, is another older neighbourhood. Fallingbrook, know for Princess Louise Falls, began in the late 1980s, so it’s not too old. Let your real estate agent in Orleans help you find the perfect house in the right community for you.

Why buy in an older neighbourhood in Orleans?

Buying an older home has its advantages and disadvantages. Older neighbourhoods often have larger yards with mature trees that provide canopies. Preservation of the neighbourhood is often a priority. Older residential communities tend to be more centrally located around city centres, because residents needed to walk to stores and businesses. Although homes may not be modern and will need repairs, they’re typically built well and have stood the test of time.

Why should we buy a house in Orleans?

Orleans has a lot of character as a suburb of Ottawa. It’s a slower paced atmosphere, without a lot of street noise or nightlife, but there are plenty of amenities close enough for people who want entertainment, sports, and education opportunities. An important fact is that Orleans is a safe community. Almost 90% of the population owns their home, which speaks to the stability of Orleans. It’s more affordable than some other parts of Ottawa, and it’s very family-friendly. Orleans is also known for its French-speaking population. Many people in Orleans are bilingual.

How is the traffic from Orleans to downtown?

Orleans is just 16 km from Ottawa’s downtown core. When traffic is good, it can take only 10 minutes to get downtown. It does take longer during morning and afternoon rush hours. While there is an extensive bus service to get around the rest of the city, most Orleans residents own a car to get around Orleans. Orleans does have a good infrastructure for biking. It is possible to commute on your cycle.

What amenities are in Orleans?

The Orleans community features many opportunities for shopping, recreation, and healthcare. You’ll find museums, gardens, theatres, live performances and more in Orleans. Place d’Orleans is the local mall with more than 175 stores. There’s no shortage of restaurants, from fine dining to fast food, both local specialties and nationwide chains. You are also close to downtown Ottawa, which lets you take advantage of those amenities.

What religion centres, schools, parks are in Orleans?

Orleans is a diverse centre, with many Christian churches and Jewish synagogues in the community. In Ottawa, you’ll find even more religious centres, for Sikhs, Buddhists, Muslims, and more. Orleans features public, Catholic, and private schools in both French and English for school-age children. The city has several nature trails and parks in the community, as well as multiple recreational and sports complexes. The greater Ottawa area has even more opportunities, if you’re willing to drive.

Is Orleans a safe neighbourhood?

Information from Rentals.ca lists Orleans as being one of the top 10 safest neighbourhoods in Ottawa. Crimes against the person were listed as 32.1/10,000 in 2018. Areavibes reports crime rates in Orleans are 9% lower than the national average, with Orleans being safer than 26% of the other cities in Ontario. Most residents are homeowners, which translates into safe communities, because they want to invest in the area.

Is there public transit readily accessible in Orleans?

Driving is the preferred method to get around in Orleans, although many people do commute by bicycle, too. Ottawa has a fairly extensive public transit system, OC Transpo, to get around the city. There are around 30 bus lines that pass through Orleans, and you’re never very far from a bus stop, but it’s difficult to use public transportation to get around Orleans itself. Over the next few years, the Stage 2 expansion of the city’s light-rail transit system will see LRT stations going as far east as Trim Road, making a commute to downtown even faster and easier. The cycling infrastructure in Orleans is well-built. If you can’t drive, a bicycle is a good option.

Will my home increase in value if I buy in Orleans?

Housing prices in Canada have been on the rise over the past year. Ottawa recorded a house price increase of almost 20% in 2020. Traditionally, homes increase in value over time, even if the market has a slight dip occasionally. Home values tend to fluctuate based on supply and demand, the economy, and location. Orleans is a prime location in the greater Ottawa area, so you should expect your home value to appreciate. *Resource: https://www.globalpropertyguide.com/North-America/Canada/Price-History