Ottawa sits at that perfect sweet spot so many cities strive for but few achieve – substantial enough to offer big-city career opportunities and cultural amenities, yet manageable enough that you won’t spend half your life commuting.
After relocating hundreds of professionals, families, and retirees to the capital, we’ve witnessed firsthand how the city surprises newcomers with its livability factor and unique character that extends far beyond Parliament Hill.
Most people don’t realize that Ottawa consistently ranks among the highest Canadian cities for quality of life, with remarkably affordable housing compared to Toronto and Vancouver, exceptional public schools, and the highest concentration of museums and cultural institutions in the country.
The city transforms completely with each season – from skating the world’s largest rink along the Rideau Canal in winter to exploring over 800km of recreational pathways in summer.
This guide dives deep into what actually matters when relocating to Ottawa – which neighborhoods match your lifestyle, realistic housing costs across different areas, transportation options beyond just owning a car, and how to embrace rather than merely survive the seasons.
Whether government positions draw you, the booming tech sector, or the balanced lifestyle, we’ll help you navigate the practicalities of making Canada’s capital your new home. Ready to discover if Ottawa is your perfect fit?
Key Takeaways
- Ottawa is suitable for families, professionals, and students.
- Residents enjoy safety, affordability, a high quality of life, job opportunities, and good schools.
- The best neighborhoods for families include Orleans, The Glebe, Kanata, Westboro, and Barrhaven.
- The best neighborhoods for professionals include Byward Market, Sandy Hill, Centretown, New Edinburgh, and Wellington West.
- The best neighborhoods for students include Sandy Hill, Hintonburg, Alta Vista, The Glebe, and Centretown.
Why Move to Ottawa?
Ottawa is an advanced city that provides everything you need to support your lifestyle and career. It’s home to cultural institutions, entertainment hubs, trendy restaurants & bars, corporate institutions, business hubs, and schools.
Ottawa is one of the safest cities in the country, and it has a dynamic culture. Ottawa stands out as one of the best places to live in Canada.
The city is appealing, with breathtaking natural landscapes, balancing the buzz of city life and nature’s tranquility. Ottawa has places where residents can unwind, such as parks, green spaces, and recreational centers.
Why Ottawa is Great for Families, Professionals, and Students
The city is safe and quiet, with good healthcare and an affordable real estate market. This makes it a good place to raise a family. Ottawa offers a high quality of life with family-friendly environments. However, the neighborhoods are clean and comfortable, and the crime rate is low. There are good schools, museums, festivals, green spaces, and parks, all helpful in raising healthy, happy kids.
Why Ottawa is Great for Professionals
Ottawa is an economic hub where professionals thrive. The city offers jobs and opportunities in various industries, including technology, education, healthcare, and government. There is a good work-life balance, and workers enjoy reasonable hours, recreation, and vacation. The high quality of life and affordability are also factors that attract professionals to Ottawa.
Why Ottawa is Great for Students
The city is a stellar choice for students due to its international appeal, elite schools, research centers, and presence of global companies. Students enjoy a manageable urban vibe, balancing study and play.
The Advantages of Living in Ottawa
- Affordability
- Safety
- Job opportunities
- Good quality of life
- Excellent education
- Walkability and a good transit system
Cost of Living in Ottawa
Table: Cost of Living in Ottawa
| Expense | Ottawa (in CAD) |
| Average Monthly Rent (1-bedroom) | $1,900 |
| Average House Price | $550,000 |
| Public Transport (Monthly Pass) | $130 |
| Healthcare | public/free |
| Groceries (Per Month for One Person) | $300 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet) | $150 |
Housing Costs: Rent vs. Buying a Home
Whether to buy or rent in Ottawa depends on your finances, lifestyle, and long-term plan; therefore, the housing market is relatively affordable compared to Toronto or Vancouver.
Short-term rentals in Ottawa offer flexibility and access to amenities with lower upfront costs, while buying provides equity growth and stability with a high upfront cost.
Comparison Table: Cost of Living vs. Other Major Canadian Cities
| Expense | Ottawa | Toronto | Vancouver | Montreal |
| Average Rent (1-Bedroom) | $1,900 | $2,300 | $2,500 | $1,500 |
| Public Transport (Monthly Pass) | $130 | $156 | $120 | $97 |
| Groceries (Per Month for One Person) | $300 | $400 | $450 | $300 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet) | $150 | $180 | $200 | $140 |
Finding Housing in Ottawa
Finding housing in Ottawa is easy. However, it depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. There are various housing options, from condos to townhouses and short term rentals in Ottawa.
Best Neighborhoods in Ottawa for Families, Students, and Professionals
Great Neighborhoods for Families:
- Orleans
- The Glebe
- Kanata
- Westboro
- Barrhaven
- Centrepointe
Recommended Neighborhoods for Professionals:
- The Byward Market
- Sandy Hill
- Centretown
- New Edinburgh
- Wellington West
Best Neighborhoods for Students:
- Sandy Hill
- Westboro
- Centretown
- The Glebe
- Alta Vista
- Hintonburg
Average Rental Prices in Key Areas
The average monthly rent (1 bedroom) in Ottawa is $1,900. However, prices of short-term rentals in Ottawa vary significantly across neighborhoods. Here are the average monthly rents (1-bedroom apartment) in significant areas in Ottawa:
- Downtown Ottawa: $2,044
- Westboro: $2,200
- Kanata: $2,449
- Centretown: $1,850
- The Glebe: $1,850
- Sandy Hill: $1,650
- Byward Market: $1,800
Tips on Securing a Rental or Buying a Property in Ottawa
Tips on Securing a Rental:
- Start searching for an apartment before you move.
- Search on multiple platforms – online listings, local resources, and social media.
- Get the necessary documents ready.
- Research prices and negotiate based on your findings.
- Avoid scams by verifying listings. You can check ownership using the city’s property records.
- If possible, avoid peak seasons, like late summer, when there is high demand by students.
- Don’t be shy; ask for perks. You might get lucky!
Tips on Buying a Property:
- Set your budget.
- Get mortgage pre-approval.
- Research neighborhoods – considering lifestyle, future growth, commute, and amenities.
- Work with a real estate agent.
- Leverage favorable seasons or market trends to get a good deal.
- Watch for pitfalls, like reviewing heritage rules or checking for flood risk.
- Verify listings before any financial commitment.
- Plan for the long-term – consider resale value and lifestyle fit.
Job Market and Employment Opportunities in Ottawa
Ottawa’s job market is dynamic and stable, with evolving opportunities, which is why employers are always looking for professionals, and the dynamic job market offers various employment opportunities.
Top Industries Hiring in Ottawa:
- Public sector/government
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Construction and trades
- Tourism and hospitality
How to Find Job Listings:
- Online Job Boards – like Indeed, Job Bank, Workopolis, and LinkedIn.
- Industry-Specific Resources – for example, using Canada.ca to check for federal job postings.
- Online Forums and Niche Platforms – like Kijiji.ca.
- Social Media Platforms – like Facebook groups and X search.
- Network and Events – job fairs, cold outreach, expat forums.
Networking Opportunities:
- In-Person Events and Job Fairs – ottawa-worldskills.org, investottawa.ca.
- Industry-Specific Meetups – Ottawa Tech Meetup (meetup.com).
- Online Networking Platforms – LinkedIn, X.
- Professional Assocoiations
- Expat Forums – internations.org, expat.com.
- Informal Networking – local hangouts, coffee chats, co-working spaces.
Work Permits and Legal Requirements for International Movers
If you’re looking to move to Ottawa from outside Canada, the country’s immigration system offers various immigration options.
Major Immigration Options for moving to Ottawa:
- Express Entry System
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Family Sponsorship
- Business Immigration
- Study Permit to Permanent Residency
- Temporary Work Permits Leading to Permanent Residency
- Expert Entry System: This is a points-based immigration system. It’s the fastest path to permanent residency. The processing time is usually 6-12 months. Three federal programs are under it:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Eligibility:
- FSW: 67+ points based on education, work experience (1+ year skilled), age, adaptability, and English/French proficiency. A job offer isn’t required.
- CEC: Language skills plus 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience.
- FST: 2+ years in a trade (e.g., plumber), language proficiency, job offer, or certification.
Application Process:
Create a profile, get a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during draws.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)—Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): This program selects candidates for permanent residency based on local economic needs. It can be part of Express Entry or a standalone program.
Streams under Ontario’s PNP:
- Human Capital Priorities – for Express Entry candidates with good CRS scores.
- Employer Job Offer – Requires a full-time offer from an employer in Ottawa.
- Entrepreneur Stream – For entrepreneurs willing to invest in Ottawa.
- Family Sponsorship: This program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Ottawa to sponsor relatives for PR.
They can sponsor:
- Spouses, common-law partners, or conjugal partners
- Dependent children
- Parents/grandparents
- Business Immigration: The program is designed for entrepreneurs and investors who want to contribute to Canada’s economy.
Business Immigration Options:
- Start-Up Visa
- OINP Entrepreneur Stream – requires $400,000 net worth.
- Self-Employed Program
- Study Permit to PR: Allows you to study in Ottawa, work after graduation, then pursue PR through CEC or PNP.
- Temporary Work Permits Leading to PR: Immigrate to Ottawa on a work permit, gain work experience, then transition to PR.
Transportation and Commuting in Ottawa
The transportation system is extensive and solves urban and suburban needs. It is designed to suit the city’s layout and seasonal weather, and it keeps evolving and improving due to ongoing infrastructure investments.
Overview of OC Transpo
Ottawa-Carleton Regional Transit Commission (OC Transpo) operates the city’s transit system, providing affordable, accessible transit services. Here are the core components of OC Transpo:
- O-Train (Light Rail Transit)
- Bus Network
- Para Transpo – Door-to-door service for people with disabilities.
Good road networks make getting around the city very easy. Ottawa has cycling infrastructure, including bike lanes, multi-use paths, and trails.
There are citywide sidewalks that make the city very walkable. Other complementary transit options include ridesharing, bike-sharing, taxis, and carpooling.
Best Commuter-Friendly Neighborhoods in Ottawa
Based on access to public transit, transit options, closeness to major work hubs, commute times, and overall ease of transit, here are the most commuter-friendly neighborhoods:
- Centretown
- Westboro
- Sandy Hill
- Kanata
- Barrhaven
- Orleans
- The Glebe
How to Get Around the City Without a Car
It’s possible to get around Ottawa without a car. You can leverage the public transport system to move around the city effortlessly. Other complementary options include cycling, walking, ridesharing, taxis, and carpooling.
Weather in Ottawa – What to Expect
Ottawa experiences winter (cold and snowy), spring, summer (warm and humid), and fall.
Winter Conditions and How to Prepare
The winter season spans from November to March. The city experiences colder temperatures, shorter days, and longer nights during this season. It comes with snowfall and freezing rain.
How to Prepare:
- Get clothing and personal gear that covers your body and extremities.
- Get your furnace ready to heat up the home.
- Insulate your home with weatherstrip doors/windows and heavy curtains.
- Get snow/ice tools like a shovel and a snow brush.
- Have alternative power sources in case of power outages.
- Adjust your routine to accommodate snow clearing or transit waits.
- Stockpile food, as storms can limit your movement.
- Limit exposure to cold and walk carefully to avoid slipping.
Summer, Spring, and Fall Weather Trends
Spring (March-May) occurs between winter and summer. It’s characterized by a shift from the cold of winter to warmer weather. During Spring, temperatures rise slowly, daylight increases, and nature revives.
Summer (June-August) is usually the hottest season, with warmer temperatures, longer days, and shorter nights. In Ottawa, this season is warm, humid, and vibrant, making outdoor experiences worthwhile.
Fall (September – November) is the season between summer and winter. It’s characterized by a gradual transition to winter from summer, and temperatures drop slowly as the Earth’s tilt moves away from the sun.
Clothing and Gear Recommendations for Ottawa’s Climate
Winter
- Insulated, waterproof jackets.
- Waterproof snow pants or insulated pants only.
- High ankle waterproof, insulated boots.
- Wool socks, waterproof gloves, scarf, toque
- Snow shovel, ice grippers for boots
Spring
- Waterproof raincoat with hood
- Water-proof pants
- Water-resistant boots
- Thin gloves, rain hat, light scarf
- Umbrella, sunglasses, and a bag cover
Summer
- Breathable clothes
- Shorts and thin pants
- Sandals or breathable sneakers
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray
Fall
- Mid-weight, waterproof coat
- Jeans, waterproof boots
- Umbrella
Healthcare and Education in Ottawa
The healthcare and education systems in Ottawa are first-world. Let’s look at how the two sectors work.
How Ontario’s Healthcare System Works
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) publicly funds the healthcare system. It gives qualified individuals access to quality medical care – hospital care, doctor visits, and select services. Newcomers get immediate access upon approval to join the scheme, and there is no waiting period.
OHIP doesn’t cover prescription drugs (there are exemptions), dental care, or optometry. So, residents must rely on the private health sector or private insurance for some specialized medical services.
Best Hospitals and Healthcare in the City
- The Ottawa Hospital (TOH)
- Queensway-Carleton Hospital
- Montfort Hospital
- Children’s Hospitals of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)
Overview of Public and Private Schools in Ottawa
The city’s education system is robust, with standard public schooling and a well-regulated private education.
Public schools are managed by Ontario’s Ministry of Education, and public education is free from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Private schools in Ottawa are run independently. They get funding from tuition and donations, not from the government. However, it’s regulated by Ontario’s Ministry of Education.
Top Universities and Colleges
- University of Ottawa
- Carleton University
- Algonquin College
- La Cite collegiale
Things to Do in Ottawa
Ottawa is a dynamic, popular city with many tourist attractions. It attracts millions of visitors annually. Let’s explore the interesting things to do and the great places you should visit when you move to Ottawa.
Best Parks, Museums, and Cultural Sites
Parks
- Major’s Hill Park
- Gatineau Park
- Mooney’s Bay Park
- Andrew Haydon Park
Museums
- Canadian Museum of History
- National Gallery of Canada
- Canadian Museum of Nature
- Canada Science and Technology Museum
Cultural Sites
- Parliament Hill
- Rideau Canal
- Byward Market
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
Festivals and Events Throughout the Year
- Ottawa Winter Jazz Fest
- Ottawa Black Film Festival
- Ottawa International Children’s Festival
- Ottawa Jazz Festival
- Canada Day
- CityFolk Festival
Outdoor Activities in Ottawa
- Hiking/Walking
- Cycling
- Skating on the Rideau Canal
- Birdwatching
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Snowboarding
- Fishing
Legal & Administrative Things to Settle When Moving
You might need to take legal and administrative steps to ensure a smooth transition and compliance with local and national regulatory agencies.
Before You Arrive in Ottawa
- Immigration and visa requirements.
- Key documents, like your passport, birth certificate, medical exam results, police clearance, etc.
- Secure housing pre-arrival through online listings.
When You Arrive in Ottawa
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
- The driver’s license and registration of the vehicle
- Opening a bank account
- Sign up for utilities and public services
- Taxes and residency applications
How to Change Your Address and Register for Healthcare
Firstly, redirect mail from your old address to the new one in Ottawa using a mail forwarding service. You can do this online (canadapost.ca) or at a post office.
Then, a change of address should be implemented across all agencies. To update your new address, visit the official websites of government institutions (e.g., CRA, SIN). You may need documents like an ID and proof of address to do so.
Steps to Register for Healthcare:
- Provide necessary documents (ID, status, address)
- Visit the designated office
- Fill out the form
- Submit your documents
- Temporary insurance paper is issued if necessary
- Go home and wait for the Insurance Card
Getting a Driver’s License in Ottawa
The process depends on whether you’re a new driver, transferring from another city within Canada, or converting to an international license.
How the Licensing System Works:
- Class G1: Learner’s permit – written test, supervised driving only.
- Class G2: Intermediate – road test, solo driving with restrictions
- Full License (Full Class G) – second road test, no restrictions.
New drivers are required to follow through with the licensing process from Class G1 to Full Class G.
If you have a valid license from another province, city, or country, you can use it for 60 days. After 60 days, you need to switch to an Ontario driver’s license. To get a full license, you have to meet certain requirements.
Final Tips for a Smooth Move to Ottawa
Key Things to Plan in Advance
- Housing
- Cost of living
- Prepare for the weather
- Research job opportunities
- Bank account creation
- Moving logistics
- Language prep – learning basic French can be helpful
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Relocating
- Underestimating the harsh winter.
- Failing to research neighborhoods.
- Overlooking the cost of living before moving.
- Ignoring the job market.
- Missing out on expat forums and networking opportunities.
To avoid running into trouble, start your moving process early for a stress-free transition.
Final Thoughts: Is Moving to Ottawa the Right Choice for You?
Ottawa is Canada’s capital city. It has a good healthcare system, standard education, massive infrastructure, numerous jobs, thriving professional hubs, tourist attractions, and lifestyle amenities. Ottawa is suitable for families, professionals, and students.
Moving to Ottawa can be a life-changing decision if you make it the right way, whether you’re relocating from abroad or a Canadian city. To make the transition successful, plan ahead and take advantage of resources for newcomers.
If you plan to move to Ottawa, start researching short-term rentals in Ottawa and job options today!
