Moving to Ottawa? 8 Things to Consider When Relocating to Ottawa
Written By Liam Swords
Have you ever heard anyone say that moving to Ottawa is a mistake because the city is “boring”? Trust me, that’s far from the truth. Ottawa is anything but boring. It’s a vibrant, growing city with something for everyone, whether you’re a young professional, a family, a retiree, or just looking for a fresh start.
As someone who’s spent my whole life here, I can honestly say that Ottawa is a hidden gem. I’m Liam Swords, and I’m part of the Liam Swords TEAM, a group of real estate experts dedicated to helping people like you find their perfect home in Ottawa.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about relocating to Ottawa. We’ll consider key aspects of life in Ottawa, including the city’s location, lifestyle, job opportunities, culture, and everything in between.
8 Things to Consider When Moving to Ottawa
This list breaks down eight key considerations to help you decide whether or not to move to Ottawa. In my opinion, Ottawa is a wonderful place to live. Hopefully this guide will help you understand why!
Toward the end of this article I’ve also included a list of practical questions to help you thoughtfully evaluate whether moving to Ottawa makes sense for you and/or your loved ones.
1. Location: Where Should I Live in Ottawa?
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada and has a population of about 1 million. The city is divided into several districts: West, Central, South, and East. It’s important to understand the geography of Ottawa and the surrounding areas as you begin looking at homes for sale in Ottawa.
- West End: This includes neighbourhoods like Westboro, Hintonburg, and Nepean. These areas are known for their hip vibe, trendy cafes, and easy access to the Ottawa River and Gatineau Park. Westboro, in particular, is home to young professionals and families alike, offering an excellent balance of suburban quietness and urban excitement.
- Central Ottawa: Downtown Ottawa is the heart of the city, featuring landmarks like Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and the National Gallery of Canada. If you prefer the hustle and bustle of a city environment, the central neighbourhoods like Centretown, the Byward Market, and the Glebe could be the perfect spot for you.
- South End: Suburban neighbourhoods like Barrhaven and Riverside South are ideal for families. These areas offer more spacious homes, great schools, and access to parks and trails.
- East End: Areas like Orléans and Rockcliffe Park are quieter, with larger homes and proximity to green spaces and recreational areas.
One thing to note about Ottawa is that it borders Quebec and is divided by the Ottawa River. The river not only separates Ontario from Quebec but also adds a scenic view to many of Ottawa’s districts.
2. The Ottawa Culture: Is Ottawa Fun or Boring?
It’s easy to assume that Ottawa lacks excitement compared to bigger cities like Toronto or Montreal, but that’s simply not true. The city is rich in culture, and there are plenty of places to live in Ottawa that offer access to vibrant social scenes and diverse cultural experiences.
Nightlife in Ottawa is diverse and growing. While it’s not as intense as Toronto or Montreal, Ottawa has developed a nightlife scene that appeals to a variety of tastes. The Byward Market and Elgin Street are hotspots for bars, clubs, and live music.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, check out the hip neighbourhoods of Chinatown, Little Italy, and Hintonburg. Whether you’re into craft beer or sophisticated cocktails, Ottawa has options.
Events are another major part of the city’s culture. Ottawa is known for hosting major annual events, including Winterlude, the largest winter festival in Canada, and Bluesfest, a renowned music festival. The Winterlude Festival draws thousands of visitors annually to skate on the Rideau Canal, the world’s largest skating rink.
For those who enjoy the arts, you can check out the National Arts Centre, which hosts performances throughout the year. The city also hosts several international film festivals and cultural celebrations.
Sports fans will love the area as well. Ottawa is home to the NHL’s Ottawa Senators and the CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks, and there’s plenty of local hockey action with the Ottawa 67’s.
3. Natural Beauty: Outdoor Recreation in Ottawa
One of Ottawa’s greatest assets is its connection to nature, offering residents unparalleled access to outdoor activities year-round.
Parks and Green Spaces: The city is home to numerous parks, including the beautiful Gatineau Park just across the river in Quebec. With 361 square kilometres (139 sq mi) of forest, lakes, and hiking trails, Gatineau Park is great for outdoor enthusiasts. Within the city, spots like Major’s Hill Park, Vincent Massey Park, and Andrew Haydon Park offer scenic picnic areas and walking trails.
Rideau Canal: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal transforms with the seasons. In summer, it’s a haven for kayakers and boaters, while in winter, it becomes the world’s largest outdoor skating rink.
Cycling Trails: Ottawa boasts one of the most extensive cycling networks in Canada, with over 800 kilometres (497 mi) of trails. The scenic Ottawa River Pathway and the Rideau River Eastern Pathway are favourites for both commuters and recreational cyclists.
Winter Activities: Winter in Ottawa doesn’t mean staying indoors. From skating on the canal to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you moving.
Community Sports and Activities: If organized sports are your thing, Ottawa has no shortage of leagues and clubs for soccer, hockey, baseball, and more.
No matter your level of interest in the outdoors, Ottawa makes it easy to enjoy a balanced lifestyle with its natural beauty and outdoor amenities.
4. Transportation: Getting Around Ottawa
Traffic in Ottawa can be heavy during rush hours, especially on major roads like Baseline Road, Hunt Club Road, and Merivale Road. However, compared to larger cities like Toronto and Montreal, the traffic is relatively light.
Most people move to Ottawa for the laid-back lifestyle and shorter commute times. You’ll typically be able to get anywhere in 30 to 45 minutes, which is a major perk compared to other big cities.
Ottawa also has an expanding public transportation system. The LRT (Light Rail Transit) network, which stretches from Orleans in the east to Bayshore in the west, makes getting around convenient.
There are also several bus routes that connect neighbourhoods, so no matter where you live, you’ll have access to public transit.
For those who prefer to drive, Ottawa boasts a well-maintained road system and access to major highways make it easy to travel both within the city and beyond. The city’s proximity to Quebec allows for quick trips across the border to Montreal, while Toronto is just a four-hour drive away.
5. Cost of Living in Ottawa
When it comes to the cost of living in Ottawa, you’ll find that it’s more affordable than cities like Toronto or Vancouver. The cost of groceries, healthcare, and utilities in Ottawa is also more reasonable than in many major Canadian cities. For example:
- Overall cost of living in Ottawa is estimated to be 2.3% lower than in Toronto and 4.5% less than Vancouver.
- Restaurant prices in Ottawa are 3.2% lower than Toronto’s and 3.4% lower than in Vancouver.
- Grocery prices in Ottawa are 7.5% lower than Vancouver’s.
While prices for homes and apartments in Ottawa have increased in recent years, it’s still generally more affordable than larger cities. However, it’s important to research homes for sale in Ottawa based on your budget and desired neighbourhood.
Housing prices can vary significantly depending on where you choose to live. The downtown core, for example, can be more expensive than suburban areas like Barrhaven or Orléans. For example, I recently helped a family buy a house in Ottawa on Barwell Avenue for $578,000 and another buy a condo near Centrepoint for $360,000.
6. Job Market and Opportunities in Ottawa
Ottawa’s economy is diverse, with strong industries in government, technology, healthcare, and education. As Canada’s capital city, the federal government is the largest employer in Ottawa, with many civil servants calling the city home. If you work in law, policy, or international relations, this is a huge benefit.
Ottawa is also a thriving tech hub, often referred to as “Silicon Valley North.” The city has seen substantial growth in the tech industry, with major companies like Shopify and numerous startups calling Ottawa home. Whether you’re in software development, engineering, or data analytics, Ottawa has plenty of job opportunities for those in the tech sector.
The city has a well-developed healthcare system, with major hospitals such as The Ottawa Hospital and CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario) providing numerous positions for healthcare professionals.
Similarly, Ottawa’s local school boards and post-secondary institutions like the University of Ottawa and Carleton University are major employers, offering a range of roles in education and research.
7. Safety & Crime
One of the main advantages of living in Ottawa is its safety. If you’re wondering, “is Ottawa safe?” the answer is a resounding “yes.” Compared to Canada’s six largest cities, Ottawa has the lowest crime rate. This makes it an attractive place for families and retirees.
The city’s low crime rate is a reflection of strong community engagement and a well-functioning police force. Ottawa’s neighbourhoods are generally considered safe, and residents often feel comfortable walking or cycling through their neighbourhoods at any time of day or night.
Like any major city, Ottawa does have some areas where crime is more prevalent, but overall, it’s considered a very safe place to live and raise a family.
8. Education in Ottawa
Ottawa’s education system is robust and diverse, making it a great choice for families and students looking to relocate.
For primary and secondary education, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) are the city’s largest public school boards, both offering strong academic programs, including French immersion and special education services.
Ottawa also has a number of private schools, which offer personalized education and smaller class sizes. For families seeking an international curriculum, schools like the International School of Ottawa offer bilingual education and follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
At the post-secondary level, Ottawa is home to two major universities. The University of Ottawa offers a wide range of programs in both English and French. Carleton University, located just south of downtown, is well-regarded for its journalism, communications, and public affairs programs.
Both universities are central to Ottawa’s academic reputation, providing students with access to a wealth of research opportunities and a strong connection to the city’s thriving technology and government sectors.
Should I Move to Ottawa?
Ottawa offers a unique balance of city life and nature. Whether you’re looking for job opportunities, a family-friendly environment, or outdoor recreation, Ottawa has something for everyone.
The city’s welcoming atmosphere, relatively low crime rate, and affordable cost of living make it an ideal place for people at all stages of life.
Before making the leap, ask yourself these critical questions:
- What are your primary motivations for moving?
- Are you seeking career advancement, a lifestyle change, or both?
- How adaptable are you to a new environment?
- What are your non-negotiable requirements for a new home?
Practical Decision-Making Steps
- Research Thoroughly: Beyond this article, dive deep into personal experiences. Connect with current Ottawa residents through social media, professional networks, or local forums.
- Financial Feasibility: Create a comprehensive budget that accounts for:
- Potential job market and salary expectations
- Cost of living differences
- Moving expenses
- Housing market conditions
- Career Alignment: Evaluate how Ottawa’s job market matches your professional goals. If you’re in government, technology, or healthcare, the city offers promising opportunities. For other fields, a more detailed analysis is necessary.
Consider these strategies before making a final decision:
- Plan a visit to Ottawa during different seasons to experience the city’s full spectrum
- If possible, arrange a temporary stay or work assignment
- Network with professionals in your industry who live in Ottawa
- Conduct informational interviews with local employers
Take your time to gather comprehensive information about Ottawa and spend time visualizing what your life might look like in this new city. Throughout this process, maintain a balance between trusting your instincts and remaining practical. This measured approach will help ensure that your decision aligns with your long-term goals and personal aspirations.
Final Thoughts on Relocating to Ottawa
I hope this article gave you a clearer picture of what living in Ottawa is really like and whether this city is the right fit for you.
Moving to Ottawa is an exciting opportunity to experience the best of Canadian culture, nature, and community. From the feedback I get from clients, it’s clear that many of them fall in love with Ottawa once they arrive.
With over 20 years of experience, the Ottawa real estate agents at Liam Swords TEAM are here to guide you through the homebuying process, from finding the right neighbourhood to making an offer on a house. If you’re ready to start your journey, feel free to contact us, and we’ll make your transition to Ottawa smooth and stress-free.
Liam Swords is an accomplished real estate agent in Ottawa, having sold over 1,000 homes. As the team leader of Liam Swords Team, he combines extensive market knowledge with a commitment to client satisfaction.
