Where: Highway 174, Blair Road, Ogilvie Road, Crownhill Street, and Montreal Road
OREB code: 2107 and 2108
Price range early 2015: $124,900 to $589,900
By the numbers:
There’s a large range of housing stock available in this east-end neighbourhood, from small condo apartments in big towers to 1970s detached family homes. Increasingly, builders sensing the neighbourhood’s potential are building upscale infill houses. But the prices are what catch buyers by surprise.
“The numbers are just too good to bypass,” says Anneke Cundasawmy of Keller Williams Ottawa Realty, pointing out the wide range of condos in Beacon Hill South under $200,000. “Your mortgage payment is going to be cheaper than rent.” Even freehold houses often come in at or under $400,000.
Catch those prices while you can. Blair Station — the eastern end of the LRT Confederation Line, at least for now — is due to open in 2017, right across Blair Road. Beacon Hill South also offers easy access to Highway 174, Gloucester Centre, the Silver City Cineplex, La Cité Collegiale, and the National Research Council. For sporty types, the multi-rink Richcraft Sensplex is just east of the ’hood. And if your kids have lofty academic aspirations, the International Baccalaureate program at Colonel By Secondary School is a short bus ride away.
What’s There:
Golf
1471 Blair Rd.
Want to slip in a quick game of golf between quitting time and dinner? It doesn’t get much more convenient than Pine View, just a stone’s throw from Beacon Hill South on the other side of Highway 174. The course has had its ups and downs in recent years, but new owners took over in 2014 and have already installed three HD golf simulators and beefed up programs for families. Fore!
Restaurant
1690 Montreal Rd.
According to the boundaries of the real estate board, this restaurant is technically just beyond Beacon Hill South, but anyone craving a hit of beef rendang or fish curry will happily make the short drive beyond the ’hood. The menu definitely leans toward the spicy side, but servers are happy to recommend choices for those with sensitive stomachs, and there are lots of halal and vegetarian options.
Pool
2040 Ogilvie Rd.
A $3-million renovation that wrapped up in 2011 added a 25-metre, five-lane lap pool to this popular complex, which also features a 34-metre waterslide, a kiddie pool with fountains, a whirlpool, and the always busy wave pool. Swimming lessons, aquafit classes, and a birthday party room are available too.
