Everything You Need to Know About Craig Henry Ottawa

Craig Henry sits in Ottawa’s west end and has that lived-in suburban feel. Most of the homes were built in the 70s and 80s, so you’ll see a mix of single-family homes and townhouses on quiet, tree-lined streets. Plus, families like it here because schools and parks are part of the area. 

Day-to-day life is convenient without being hectic. You’ve got Craig Henry Park and nearby trails for green space, the community building for local programs, and places like College Square or the Nepean Sportsplex are just a short drive, too. So, here’s a local guide to Craig Henry Ottawa.

Where is Craig Henry?

Craig Henry is a neighbourhood in Ottawa’s west end, located south of Baseline Road and west of Woodroffe Avenue. It sits near the Greenbelt with easy access to Hunt Club and Highway 417. It’s primarily residential, with schools, parks, and pathways connecting through the area. 

What is the main street in Craig Henry

The main street is Craig Henry Drive. It runs through the middle of the neighbourhood, connecting to Greenbank Road and linking many of the homes, schools, and parks in the area.

How to Get to Craig Henry

By Driving

If you’re coming from downtown, it’s roughly a 20-minute drive. The simplest way is to take the Queensway west, get off at Woodroffe Avenue, and head south. 

Once you pass Baseline Road, you’ll see signs for Craig Henry—just turn to Craig Henry Drive or Knoxdale Road and you’re right in the neighbourhood. 

By Bus

You can also get there by bus without much trouble. Routes like the 74 and 75 run along Woodroffe Avenue, stopping close to Baseline Road. From there, it’s only a short walk into Craig Henry, with Craig Henry Drive leading you straight through the community. 

Cost of Living and Affordability in Craig Henry

Living in Craig Henry, a single person spends about $2,695 a month, mostly due to rent, while a family of four spends around $4,641 with one car in the mix. 

Groceries, utilities, and transportation add up, but they don’t hit as hard as the rent does, so costs stay fairly manageable. 

Let’s take a look at the basic average monthly expenses for one person and a family of four living in Craig Henry:

*These costs vary based on usage, providers, and other factors. Average of multiple sources.

Craig Henry is one of those neighbourhoods where living costs feel lighter than in the downtown core. Rent is usually the most significant expense, but once that’s covered, the rest—like groceries, utilities, etc—can be managed based on how much you’re looking to splurge or save.

On average, a single person is looking at just under $2,700 a month, while a family of four usually spends around $4,600. For families, sticking with one car instead of two makes a big difference, and if you’re on your own, a bus pass is often the cheaper way to go.

Overall, it’s the kind of place where your budget can stretch a little further, and day-to-day costs stay manageable. 

Real Estate and Housing Stock in Craig Henry

Craig Henry was built mostly in the 70s through the 90s, with a mix of real estate. Detached homes usually list anywhere from the mid-$600Ks to close to a million, while townhouses, semis, and apartments offer more affordable options.

About 62% of residents own their homes and 38% rent, which gives the area a steady, suburban feel while still being welcoming to newcomers.

Craig Henry came together in the 70s through the 90s, so most of the houses have that classic feel. Streets are lined with trees, and a lot of the homes were built with families in mind, so you’ll see plenty of space and bigger yards compared to the newer suburbs.

Single-family homes are typical here, but townhouses stand out too—they’re tucked into side streets all over the neighbourhood. They tend to be more affordable and easier to keep up with, which is why you’ll notice a lot of young families and first-time buyers going for them.

There are also low-rise apartments and semi-detached homes, which give renters and downsizers options without the density you’d find closer to downtown. 

And about 62% of people here own their homes, while roughly 38% rent, so there’s a good mix. 

To give you more details, here are the average listing prices for the different types of homes in Craig Henry:

*Data forthe  average listing price range amounts from Wahi and Zolo. 

Population and Community Profile in Craig Henry

Craig Henry has a population of about 6,931, and the average age here is about 39, slightly younger than Ottawa as a whole. Families are a big part of the picture, with nearly one in five residents under 14, while most are working-age adults, and seniors.

It’s a good mix of kids, parents, and retirees, and the active community association helps tie it all together with events and local involvement. 

According to ArcGIS Online, Craig Henry has just under 7,000 residents, with an average age of about 39, slightly younger than the Ottawa average (40.7). 

You see that in the makeup of the neighbourhood: almost one in five residents here are kids under 14, which gives the area a strong family feel. 

Most people are working-age adults, making up more than 60% of the population, while seniors make up around 18%. It’s a mix that brings together young families, professionals, and retirees all in the same community.

What ties it together is the Craig Henry Community Association. They organize local events, keep neighbours connected, and make sure community concerns are heard and dealt with. 

Between the family-friendly demographics and that strong sense of involvement, Craig Henry has the feel of a settled but welcoming suburban neighbourhood. 

Neighbourhood Boundaries and Sub‑Areas in Craig Henry

Craig Henry is bordered by clear markers: Woodroffe Avenue to the east, Greenbank Road on the west side, Knoxdale Road to the south, and the CN railway to the north. It’s tucked between areas like Manordale, Arlington Woods, and Centrepointe.

Most of what you see in Craig Henry today went up during the 70s through the 90s, giving it that established suburban look and layout.

If you look at a map, Craig Henry is actually easy to spot. Woodroffe Avenue is its eastern edge, Greenbank Road runs along the west, Knoxdale Road closes it off to the south, and the CN railway line is the northern border. That boxy shape gives the neighbourhood a clear outline.

What gives it character, though, is how it fits with the neighbourhoods around it. To the west, you’ve got Manordale; head north and you’re in Arlington Woods; and just across Woodroffe is Centrepointe, which brings in more shops, schools, and transit options.

Inside Craig Henry, most of the streets were laid out in the 70s through the 90s, so you’ll notice mature trees, winding crescents, and a mix of homes that feel established but not dated. 

Transportation and Commute in Craig Henry

Most people in Craig Henry get around by bus or car. Buses connect to Baseline Station for easy trips downtown, while driving gives more flexibility but adds costs. For short trips to parks and local shops, walking or biking are good options.

Here’s a quick rundown of the transportation and commute in Craig Henry looks like:

Safety and Crime in Craig Henry

Craig Henry is generally considered a safe part of Ottawa. So far this year (August 2025), there’s only been one homicide and not attempted murders, with most reported cases being issues like theft under $5k (18 cases), mischief (13), and assaults (22).

Craig Henry remains a relatively safe corner of the city. Ottawa Police Community Safety Data Porta shows that there’s been one homicide so far this year (August 2025) and no attempted murders, which is low on the violent front. 

The majority of incidents fall under non-violent crimes, with thefts under $5,000 (18 cases), mischief (12), and assaults (22) being the most reported.

While these numbers might catch your eye, they largely reflect minor property or interpersonal disputes—not widespread danger. 

Across Ottawa, crime severity is trending downward, especially in non-violent areas like B&E, vehicle theft, and small-scale theft, according to Statistics Canada. That trend is mirrored in Craig Henry—low-profile incidents pop up, but more serious crime is rare.

Lastly, looking at data from the Neighbourhood Equity tools, Craig Henry’s area is highlighted in the light green category for personal and property crime indicators, which is on the safer side of the scale. 

Schools and Education in Craig Henry

Craig Henry families have many nearby school options, both public and Catholic. Younger kids often attend Knoxdale or Manordale Public Schools, while Sir Robert Borden High School covers grades 7-12.

On the Catholic side, Pope John XXIII, St. Paul, Frank Ryan, and St. Pius X offer a full pathway from elementary through high school, all within easy reach of the neighbourhood. 

Here’s a rundown of the schools in or around Craig Henry:

Parks and Recreation in Craig Henry

Craig Henry Park has sports fields, playgrounds, and trails, while nearby parks like Manordale Park, Ben Franklin Park, Bruce Pit, and Pinhey Forest give you even more options for games, walks, or dog-friendly trails.

Add in the Nepean Sportsplex with its pools, arenas, and fitness programs, and you’ve got a community where recreation is always close at hand.

Craig Henry has no shortage of green spaces and recreation options. The heart of it all is Craig Henry Park—a big community space with sports fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and trails that locals use year-round (you’ll even find a skating rink in the winter).

Just next door is Manordale Park, which has a real community feel with its outdoor rink, baseball diamond, and gathering spot.

If you’re looking for something a bit bigger, Ben Franklin Park is close by and often buzzing with youth soccer leagues and weekend games.

For nature lovers, Bruce Pit and Pinhey Forest are both within a short drive, offering trails, dog-friendly areas, and a chance to get lost in the trees for a while. 

And then there’s the Nepean Sportsplex, which isn’t just a rec centre—it’s a full-blown hub with swimming pools, arenas, gyms, and community programs that serve all ages. 

FAQs about Craig Henry, Ottawa