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Thinking of moving to Ottawa? As Canada’s capital, Ottawa has a lot to offer. We appreciate that moving to a new city can be daunting, but we’re here to give you all the information you need to get settled in. We love it here. And we’re so excited to explore more of this beautiful city with you!
Ottawa boasts a population as diverse as it is dynamic. With over one million residents, Ottawa’s populace is spread across a vast landscape, from the downtown core to Ottawa’s beautiful suburbs and more rural areas. Renowned for its exceptional quality of life, Ottawa consistently ranks among the world’s most livable cities. Residents have access to top-tier healthcare, education, and recreational amenities all surrounded by Ottawa’s beautiful waterways and green space.
Moving to Ottawa, you’ll discover world-class museums and a deeply multicultural background. Beyond its political significance, Ottawa is renowned for its natural beauty, with expansive greenery, interconnected pathways, and national parks, including spaces managed by the National Capital Commission (N.C.C.), such as Gatineau Park, the ecologically diverse Greenbelt, and the stunning Rideau Canal. For newcomers and long-time residents alike, Ottawa continues to evolve, blending its historic roots with a progressive spirit, making it a great place to live, work, and explore.
Ottawa is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, and for good reason. With just over one-million residents, it is still a relatively small city with a big-city feel. Ottawa appeals to anyone looking for a safe, secure, and family-friendly place to settle down. As Canada’s capital, it has all the amenities you could want including a diverse food and arts scene, multiple family-friendly neighbourhoods, and tons of green space for outdoor sports and activities for all levels.
Source: GeoWarehouse
Source: GeoWarehouse
Source: GeoWarehouse
In 2001, the City of Ottawa underwent a significant amalgamation, consolidating 11 municipalities into the city we know now as Ottawa. This brought together the former cities of Ottawa, Nepean, Kanata, Gloucester, Vanier, Cumberland, and parts of the surrounding townships and villages, creating a unified municipal government. The primary goal behind the amalgamation was to streamline services, enhance efficiency, and promote cohesive urban development across the region. By merging these communities, the city reshaped the landscape of local governance and set the stage for continued evolution as a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital.
Now, the City of Ottawa can be broken down into four main areas: Central Ottawa, Ottawa West, Ottawa South, and Ottawa East. Within those areas, we still refer to the old “cities” as well as some newer areas to break the city up. Along with Nepean, Kanata, Gloucester, and Vanier, Ottawa residents also refer to Stittsville, Barrhaven, and Orléans as “cities” within Ottawa.
The Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) defines Housing Types and Property Styles as follows:
Source: GeoWarehouse
Source: GeoWarehouse
Source: GeoWarehouse
Source: GeoWarehouse
Navigating when moving to a new city like Ottawa can undoubtedly be daunting. That’s why we’re here to help alleviate the stress of relocation by providing expert guidance on navigating your way through the city’s thoroughfares. Whether you’re searching for the quickest route to work, the most scenic path to explore, or the most convenient transportation options, we’re here to ensure your transition to Ottawa is as seamless as possible. Additionally, our comprehensive resources extend beyond mere directions, offering invaluable insights into local traffic patterns, alternative transportation modes, and insider tips to optimizing your travel experience in your newfound home. With our assistance, you’ll soon find yourself confidently traversing Ottawa’s bustling streets easily and efficiently.
Furthermore, Ottawa’s strategic location offers abundant opportunities for day or weekend getaways within the province all year long. Positioned just a 2-hour drive from Montreal and a 4-hour drive from the outskirts of Toronto, it serves as an exceptional central point for individuals with ties to either the city or their surroundings. Additionally, it conveniently lies within a mere 1-hour drive to the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge Border Crossing, providing effortless access to New York State for travellers seeking to venture into the continental U.S.
We know that families moving to Ottawa want to know what type of education our city offers. Ottawa has two main public school boards, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB), as well as multiple private schools across the city. We know the importance of
Additionally, Ottawa is home to two major Canadian Universities, Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, as well as Algonquin College and many other specialized schools. Ottawa also provides economic stability to the workforce with major employers including the Federal Government and National Defence, along with innovative, international companies like IBM and Shopify. Additionally, it is home to several major hospitals, including The Ottawa Hospital’s three campuses, The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), Queensway Carleton Hospital, and several other healthcare institutions and long-term care facilities, employing thousands of healthcare workers.
With so many government, healthcare, education, and tech jobs available throughout the city, residents of Ottawa find stable employment. Because of this, it is hard not to see why Ottawa is such a great place for young professionals, families, and real estate investors alike. Ottawa offers plenty of opportunities for those looking to diversify their employment portfolio and wanting to jump-start their careers.
The City of Ottawa has designated Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) to facilitate collaboration among local businesses, commercial property owners, and tenants. With municipal support, these BIAs organize, fund, and implement physical enhancements while stimulating economic growth within their designated districts. Established in 2001, these BIAs operate under a board of management, enabling effective governance and decision-making. Ottawa currently hosts 18 BIAs spanning urban, suburban, and rural locales, each playing a vital role in enhancing their respective communities’ economic vitality and vibrancy. These include:
When moving, it is important to ensure you’re using reputable vendors. Our network includes professional movers adept in local and long-distance relocations, packing supplies providers offering top-notch materials at competitive rates, secure storage facilities for short or extended storage needs, professional cleaners for pre or post-move home tidying, and utility connection services to smoothly set up your new residence.
Navigating a move can be a daunting task. Moving often comes with its challenges. Our Moving Guide aims to alleviate the stress and complexities associated with relocation. By offering personalized guidance, meticulous planning, and curated resources, we strive to ensure a seamless transition for you. From the intricacies of packing to coordinating logistics, our comprehensive approach is geared toward making your relocation experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Regardless if you’re buying, selling, or renting, we’re here to help streamline your packing process.
Shaunna is an award-winning, Ottawa REALTOR®. Finding the right home doesn’t have to be so hard. Shaunna has helped many families, couples, and individuals scour their local real estate market to find that hidden gem that they can call home. When you work with Shaunna as your agent, she will set you up to receive all the listings that meet your criteria by e-mail so you can see what is popping up on the rental market first. She will help you negotiate with landlords and submit your application correctly and on time.
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