Everything You Need To Know About Fisher Heights Ottawa

If you’re curious about living in Fisher Heights, think of it as a quiet, comfortable corner of Ottawa’s west end. You can expect streets to be lined with mature trees, the houses have that classic mid-century look, and a lived-in vibe throughout the neighbourhood. 

But it also has parks and playgrounds, a few local shops to cover the basics, and getting downtown or to nearby spots is straightforward. To learn more, here’s a closer look at what it’s like to live in Fisher Heights, from living costs to recreation. 

Where is Fisher Heights?

Fisher Heights is a quiet neighbourhood in Ottawa’s west end, tucked between Baseline Road and Fisher Avenue. It’s not far from Carleton University and the Experimental Farm, with access to Merivale Road for shops and restaurants. 

What is the main street in Fisher Heights?

The street that runs through Fisher Heights is Fisher Avenue. It stretched from Baseline down toward Prince of Wales, and most of the neighbourhood branches off from it. 

How to Get to Fisher Heights

By Driving

From downtown Ottawa, it takes about 15-20 minutes to reach Fisher Heights. You can head south on Bronson Avenue and cut across Baseline Road, or take Fisher Avenue. Both routes bring you right into the neighbourhood.

By Bus

OC Transpo routes make it easy to get to Fisher Heights by transit. Buses running along Baseline Road, such as the 88 and 111, stop close to Fisher Avenue. From there, it’s a short walk into the heart of the neighbourhood. 

By Bike

For cyclists, Fisher Heights connects well through the Experimental Farm pathway system. You can ride straight from downtown along the farm’s scenic trails, then cross onto Fisher Avenue to enter the neighbourhood.

Cost of Living and Affordability in Fisher Heights

In Fisher Heights, a single person can spend around $2,745 a month, while a family of four will spend about $4,460, with rent taking up most of the budget, and the rest going to groceries, transit or car expenses, and utilities. 

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

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

Living in Fisher Heights is a bit easier on the wallet compared to being right in the core of the city. The biggest cost here is definitely rent, but once that’s handled, the other day-to-day expenses don’t feel too out of line.

If you’re on your own, you’re looking at roughly $2,745 a month. Most of that is rent, with groceries and a transit pass adding steady but manageable costs. Food, groceries, transportation, and utilities make up the rest. 

For a family of four, the monthly costs average around $4,460. Rent is the heaviest, but with just one car to cover fuel, insurance, and parking, you can keep transportation costs under control. Things like groceries and utilities can be managed better for lower expenses. 

All in all, Fisher Heights is the kind of neighbourhood where your money goes a bit further. 

Real Estate and Housing Stock in Fisher Heights

Fisher Heights is made up of mostly single-family homes, like bungalows and split-levels, built mainly in the 1960s and 70s, with prices ranging from mid-$700Ks to over $1M. Townhomes run around $780k, and low-rise condos are in the low $400Ks.

Fisher Heights has a real mix of housing, though single-family homes like bungalows, split-levels, and two-storeys make up most of the neighbourhood. 

You’ll also find townhomes, semi-detached houses, and a few low-rise apartments, giving the area a balance between long-term homeowners and people renting. 

There are about 2,500 homes in total, with roughly a quarter built before 1960, about 58% from the 60s and 70s, then smaller batches added in the 80s and 90s (around 9%) and about 7% after 2000. 

Roughly seven out of ten households are owner-occupied, while three in ten are rentals, so you get both stability and some turnover. 

Walking the streets, you’ll notice mature trees and mid-century charm, with yards that are bigger than in Ottawa’s newer suburbs. 

Many families have been here for decades, but there’s room for everyone. The townhomes and low-rise apartments offer options for renters, newcomers, or people looking for something a bit smaller or easier to maintain. 

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

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

Demographics and Population in Fisher Heights

Fisher Heights has about 6,451 residents, with an average age of 38. Around two-thirds are working-age adults, while kids make up 18%, seniors 15%, and the diversity shows through visible minorities like Arab, Black, and South Asian.

Fisher Heights is home to just over 6,400 people, with an average age of 38, so a touch younger than Ottawa’s 40.7

Most residents here are in their working years, making up about two-thirds of the population. Kids and teens add another 18%, while seniors 65 and up make up around 15%.

What’s interesting, though, is the strong showing of twenty-somethings—nearly 1 in 5 residents. That younger crowd brings a bit of spark to a neighbourhood that’s also full of long-time homeowners and growing families.

It’s a diverse community, too. About 9% of residents identify as Arab, just over 7% as Black, and around 4% as South Asian, with smaller Filipino and mixed-heritage groups rounding things out.

The result? A neighbourhood that feels rooted but open, with a good mix of ages and cultures shaping everyday life. 

Neighbourhood Boundaries and Sub‑Areas in Fisher Heights

Fisher Heights is bordered by Baseline Road to the north, Fisher Avenue to the east, Meadowlands Drive to the south, and Merivale Road to the west, sitting alongside Skyline, Parkwood Hills North, and Carleton Heights. 

If you want to try to make sense of what and where exactly Fisher Heights is, just know that it sits between Baseline Road to the north, Fisher Avenue to the east, Meadowlands Drive to the south, and Merivale Road to the west.

It’s right next to Skyline, Parkwood Hills North, and Carleton Heights, so you’re in good company with other established west-end neighbourhoods. 

And unlike other places, the area itself doesn’t have official “sub-neighbourhoods,” but you can feel the vibe-switch as you move around. 

Up near Baseline and Fisher, the streets are busier with shops and transit nearby, while roads toward Meadowlands are quieter, lined with trees and family homes, giving the neighbourhood a calm, lived-in atmosphere. 

Transportation and Commute in Fisher Heights

Fisher Heights is well-connected with OC Transpo buses running along Baseline, Fisher, and Meadowlands, making transit to downtown and nearby shopping areas convenient for residents. 

Commute times are generally reasonable, with 36% under 15 minutes, 45% between 15-29 minutes, and 29% over 30 minutes, while easy road access via Merivale and Baseline keeps driving straightforward.

Here’s a quick rundown of the transportation and commute in Fisher Heights looks like:

Safety and Crime in Fisher Heights

Fisher Heights is generally a calm, family-friendly neighbourhood with very low rates of violent crime, making it a safe place to live. Most incidents are minor property crimes, so residents just need to stay alert and take standard precautions.

If you’re thinking about moving to Fisher Heights and wondering about safety, the good news is that it’s generally a calm, settled neighbourhood. As of August 2025, there were no homicides or attempted murders reported, according to the Ottawa Police Community Safety Data Portal.

There were some incidents, like 19 assaults, 7 robberies, and 12 break-and-enters, but compared with other parts of the city, that’s on the lower side. Most issues here are non-violent property crimes, like thefts under $5,000 (around 280 cases) or a handful of car thefts (11).

That said, data from the Neighbourhood Equity Index that tracks neighbourhood crime flags Fisher Heights (along with Skyline) in the red category for property crime. 

What that means is that, while serious violent crime is rare, it’s still wise to stay alert and take normal precautions; lock doors, keep an eye on your belongings, that sort of thing.

Overall, people who live here say it feels safe, settled, and community-minded, but like any urban area, a little awareness goes a long way.

Schools and Education in Fisher Heights

Here’s a rundown of the schools in or around Fisher Heights:

Parks and Recreation in Fisher Heights

Fisher Heights is full of green spaces, from Fisher Heights Park with its playgrounds and sports fields to Steve MacLean Park and the Experimental Farm Pathway for walking, biking, and outdoor fun. 

Plus, with Nepean Sportsplex nearby, you’ve got pools, arenas, and fitness programs just minutes away. 

Now, if you’re wondering about the green spaces and recreational areas this neighbourhood has, then you can easily find Fisher Heights Park at the heart of the community. It’s a spacious area with playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails, great for families, joggers, and dog-walkers. 

Just a short walk away, you’ll encounter Steve MacLean Park, where residents and visitors can enjoy the space-themed playground, reflecting MacLean’s career (he was an astronaut).

For those who enjoy riding their bikes or simply taking a stroll, the Experimental Farm Pathway is nearby. This 5 km paved trail offers a scenic route through the Central Experimental Farm, connecting you to Ottawa’s agricultural history. 

And for something more structured with serious facilities, the Nepean Sportsplex is just a short drive away. This multi-purpose facility includes three ice rinks, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, squash courts, and a fitness centre—great if you want to catch sports and community programs.

So, you can probably tell already that living here means you have no issue accessing a variety of parks and recreational facilities. 

FAQs about Fisher Heights, Ottawa