About Ottawa, Ontario

As Canada’s capital city, Ottawa offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal place to call home. Ottawa is located where the Ottawa River and Rideau Rivers meet. This vibrant city is known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and exceptional quality of life. 

Realtor Liam Swords is an Ottawa native with more than 20 years of experience helping people find their dream homes in this area. With deep local knowledge and a passion for welcoming newcomers to the area, the Liam Swords TEAM is here to guide you. Discover what makes Ottawa an incredible place to live by exploring our comprehensive guide.

Overview of Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa is a thriving city that appeals to families, professionals, students, and retirees alike. Boasting top-rated schools, a strong job market, and a variety of housing options, it’s a city where every lifestyle finds its match. 

If you’re considering moving to Ottawa, you can expect a range of options that suit your family and your goals. Whether you’re looking for trendy condos for sale in Ottawa, a spacious family home in the suburbs, or a historic property with character, Ottawa has it all.

Real Estate

Ottawa’s real estate market is diverse, offering a range of options. The Liam Swords TEAM can help you find Ottawa homes for sale that fit your needs and goals. Ottawa first-time home buyer

Whether you’re buying a house in Ottawa for the first time or moving up to your forever home, our understanding of Ottawa’s neighbourhoods and trends helps you find the right property.

From cozy condos to townhomes and detached homes that offer a bit more space, there’s something for every buyer. If you’re looking for a peaceful, low-maintenance living experience, consider checking out Ottawa bungalows for sale in neighbourhoods known for their quiet charm and accessibility. A 2022 study found the average home price in Ottawa was $637,000, significantly lower than the $1 million average in Toronto and Vancouver. When it comes to making an offer on a house, our real estate team is here to guide you through the process and ensure a smooth transaction.

Schools

Ottawa offers a wide range of educational options to suit every family’s needs, including highly regarded public and private schools. 

The city is also home to respected post-secondary institutions such as Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, which were both ranked among the top 10 best global universities in Canada by U.S. News.

Cost of Living

Living in Ottawa means enjoying a high standard of living with housing options to suit every budget. While the cost of living in Ottawa is the third-highest in Canada, following Toronto and Vancouver, the city offers a range of benefits that make it a desirable place to live.

Also note that Ottawa’s median income is $47,600 and the average is $60,650. Furthermore, 17% of individuals earn $100,000 or more. Ottawa is known for offering a variety of employment opportunities, including careers in the government sector and technology companies.

If you’re wondering if you can afford to live in Ottawa, you should start your journey by identifying your budget and lifestyle goals. Our Ottawa real estate agents are here to help you explore the best options within your price range.

Culture

Ottawa offers a rich cultural landscape, with landmarks such as the National Arts Centre and the Canadian Museum of History, alongside a diverse mix of dining options and local events. 

The city’s population is known for its love of the outdoors, with residents enjoying activities like camping, canoeing, and cottage trips. It also has a strong French influence, largely due to its proximity to French-speaking Quebec, which enriches the city’s cultural diversity. 

While Ottawa is often recognized for its slower, stable pace of life, it also has a thriving local scene, from music to food and festivals. Whether you’re exploring the city’s arts scene or discovering its hidden gems, there’s no shortage of interesting things to do in Ottawa. 

Events

Ottawa hosts a variety of events, from the winter charm of Winterlude to Canada Day festivities on Parliament Hill. Ottawans enjoy the Canadian Tulip Festival in the spring, as well as numerous musical festivals throughout the year. The city’s dynamic calendar ensures there’s always something happening for residents to enjoy.

Transportation

77% of Ottawa commuters travel to work in their personal vehicles. However, if your car ever breaks down or you prefer to avoid driving in the snow during winter, you won’t have to worry about alternative transportation options. 

Residents without a car or who want to visit the city centers find public transit very convenient. Here’s more info about Ottawa’s public transit options:

• O-Train: Ottawa’s O-Train is a light rail system that provides a fast, reliable way to travel across the city with its Confederation and Trillium lines, connecting key destinations.
• Bus Service: Ottawa’s bus service operates 24/7 with various route types, including rapid, frequent, and local routes, ensuring flexibility and coverage for commuters.
• Taxi: Ottawa’s taxi service, primarily run by Blue Line, provides convenient on-demand transportation with options to book via phone or through their app.
• E-Scooters: Available from April to November, Ottawa’s e-scooters offer a convenient, eco-friendly option for short trips, easily rented through mobile apps and found throughout the city.
• Ride-Sharing Apps: Ottawa supports popular ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, offering options for different group sizes and ride preferences.

You will also find extensive networks of bike paths and walking trails throughout Ottawa.

Sports

For sports enthusiasts, Ottawa offers an exciting array of opportunities. The city is home to eight professional sports teams, including the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League. Locals love cheering on their teams at the Canadian Tire Centre or TD Place.

Outdoor activities abound in Ottawa, from skating on the iconic Rideau Canal (Canada’s largest skating rink) to a variety of recreational leagues and facilities throughout the city, ensuring there’s something for everyone. 

Demographics

Ottawa’s rich history has been shaped by the influence of many cultures, resulting in a city that offers a welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of community. Its neighbourhoods are diverse, with a variety of housing options that cater to all types of buyers. 

Ottawa Population

According to Canada’s 2021 census profile, the total Ottawa population is 1.017 million, making it the fourth-largest city in Canada. The most populated areas of Ottawa by density are Beacon Hill South, Chateauneuf, and Blackburn Hamlet. The least populated by density are Elizabeth Park/Kemp Park, rural Gloucester, and Rothwell Heights.

Households & Income

Ottawa’s population is primarily middle-aged, with a significant proportion of working-age individuals. Around 36% of households are families with children, 24% are couples without children, and 28% are one-person households.

Ethnicity, Language, and Religion

Largely due to its proximity to French-speaking Quebec, many Ottawans speak French as their mother tongue or as a second language. About 53% speak English as their mother tongue, 30% speak French, and the last 22% includes Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish, and other languages. The City of Ottawa enforces an official bilingual policy that guarantees its citizens communication and services in both English and French.

The following outlines the ethnic demographics of Ottawa based on the most recent census data:

• White / European Descent: 65%
• Black: 8.5%
• Arab: 5.8%
• South Asian: 5.8%
• Chinese: 4.6%
• Indigenous: 2.6%

Other minorities such as Southeast Asian, Filipino, Latin American, and West Asian populations account for most of the remaining ethnic groups in Ottawa.

As for religious affiliation in Ottawa, approximately 30% of the population identifies as Catholic, 31% as non-religious or with a secular perspective, and 10% as Muslim.