Where: Stevens Avenue, Vanier Parkway, Queensway, Rideau River
OREB code: 3501
Price range early 2015: $219,900 to $694,900
By the numbers:
This neighbourhood has long had that real estate holy grail: location, location, location. A short drive from downtown, riverfront views, access to the Queensway, fitness facilities, a decent Loblaws, and easy access to Coventry Road’s big-box stores and St. Laurent Shopping Centre — what’s not to like?
Well, yeah, the neighbourhood’s image has always (unfairly) taken a bit of a hit because of its proximity to Vanier, but the vibe is quite different on this side of the Vanier Parkway.
Parts of Overbrook are reminiscent of Old Ottawa East, but house prices are generally lower. Several low-rise condo developments have sprung up in recent years, mixing nicely with the existing stock of veterans’ houses, modest mid-century homes, and interesting infill projects.
The big news these days is the $9.2-million footbridge over the Rideau River, which will connect Overbrook to Strathcona Park in Sandy Hill. It’s due to open in 2016. That will make Overbrook a more appealing option for those who want to commute downtown or to the University of Ottawa by bike or on foot, without taking their chances on the Cummings Bridge.
What’s There:
Restaurant
Todric’s Fine Dining and Catering
10 McArthur Ave.
Okay, so it’s a couple of blocks north of the official edge of Overbrook. That likely doesn’t stop locals from dropping by to have brunch, lunch, or dinner in the cozy restaurant or to pick up a frozen entrée, a cake, or some house-made chutneys and salt rubs from the boutique. The menu ranges widely, from Asian to Caribbean, with dishes such as coconut shrimp, Malaysian beef, and lamb confit ravioli. Cooking classes and catering are available too.
Tennis
1 Donald St.
Dating back more than a century, this venerable club overlooking the Rideau River offers 19 outdoor tennis courts in mild months and eight courts under air domes in winter. There’s also a fitness centre with cardio equipment, strength-training machines, and free weights. Tennis and fitness classes, tennis leagues, summer camps, and other activities keep the place humming.
Park
Riverain Park
400 North River Rd.
The recreational path meandering through this serene Rideau River park gives cyclists a safe and scenic route from Overbrook to New Edinburgh, Billings Bridge, and points beyond. Locals can cycle to work at the Sussex Drive location of the National Research Council, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the RCMP, or the Riverside Hospital and barely encounter a car.