Ottawa · Russell
Russell Real Estate
Russell is a small town just east of Ottawa, in the Township of Russell, offering a country-village lifestyle within commuting distance of the city. Known for newer housing stock, strong bilingual schools, and a tight-knit community, Russell has become a popular Ottawa-area destination for families chasing space and value.
If you're looking outside Ottawa's city boundaries without giving up commutability, Russell deserves a tour.
Community overview
Russell is a small town in the Township of Russell, about 35 km east of downtown Ottawa. It pairs a historic village core with newer subdivisions built in the past 20 years. Embrun and Limoges are nearby and share the same school and amenity catchments.
Schools in Russell
Russell is served by Russell Public School, Russell High School, and École élémentaire catholique Saint-Joseph d'Orléans, among others. French-first and immersion programs are strong here.
Transportation & commute
Russell is roughly a 35–45 minute drive to downtown Ottawa via Highway 417 and Russell Road. OC Transpo doesn't serve Russell directly; residents drive, often to the Trim Park & Ride for LRT access in Orléans.
Parks & recreation
The Russell Recreation Complex, Castor River walking trail, Russell Centennial Park, and surrounding conservation areas provide outdoor space. Hockey, soccer, and outdoor recreation are central to the community.
Shopping & amenities
Russell's village core covers daily-life shopping, with Embrun and Orléans handling larger needs. The Trim Road LRT extension is opening east-end Ottawa amenities to Russell residents.
Lifestyle
Russell offers a small-town bilingual lifestyle with a strong family focus — community events, minor hockey, and a calmer pace than Ottawa's suburbs. It's particularly popular with Francophone families and federal employees who don't mind the commute.
Real estate market
Russell's resale market is dominated by newer detached homes and townhomes built since 2000, with steady demand from Ottawa buyers seeking value. Pricing is meaningfully more attainable than equivalent housing inside Ottawa's city boundaries.
Average home prices
Detached homes in Russell typically trade in the high $600,000s to high $800,000s, with townhomes from the high $400,000s to high $500,000s — among the most attainable in the Ottawa region.
Who should live in Russell
Russell suits Francophone families, federal employees, and buyers who want newer detached homes at meaningfully lower prices than inside Ottawa's city boundaries — and who don't mind a 35–45 minute commute.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What is the average home price in Russell?
- Detached homes in Russell typically trade in the high $600,000s to high $800,000s, with townhomes from the high $400,000s to high $500,000s — among the most attainable family housing in the broader Ottawa region. Pricing is meaningfully lower than equivalent housing inside Ottawa's city boundaries.
- Is Russell part of Ottawa?
- No — Russell is in the Township of Russell in the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, about 35 km east of downtown Ottawa. That's why pricing and property taxes differ from Ottawa city pockets, even though many residents commute into Ottawa daily.
- How long is the commute from Russell to downtown Ottawa?
- Russell is roughly a 35–45 minute drive to downtown Ottawa via Highway 417 and Russell Road outside peak. Many residents drive to the Trim Park & Ride in Orléans and take the Confederation Line LRT the rest of the way once Stage 2 service opens fully.
- Is Russell a good fit for Francophone families?
- Yes — Russell, Embrun, and Limoges have a strong Francophone community with deep CECCE and CEPEO French-first school options. Bilingual community programming, hockey, and minor sports are central to local life.
- What new construction is available in Russell?
- Russell and the neighbouring villages of Embrun and Limoges have ongoing new-build phases, primarily singles and townhomes from regional builders at meaningfully lower price points than equivalent Ottawa inventory. I'll send you the current Russell-area builder pipeline on request.
Official Ottawa & Canadian resources
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