If you have set your mind on moving to Ottawa but are still unsure whether you’ll be able to fit in and feel at home up north, know that a quarter of the local population was born outside of Canada. The capital of the country is a multilingual and multicultural city, with nearly half the residents under the age of 35. If you want to blend in easily, there are few things you should know about before you start packing your bags and taking a leap of faith, otherwise known as moving to Canada.
Tips on How to Pick the Right Neighborhood in Ottawa
Choose the right neighborhood before hiring an international moving company. Picking the right place to settle down among so many excellent Ottawa neighborhoods will play an essential role in the overall quality of your life in your new country. In 2001, the old Ottawa city was joint together with many surrounding suburban areas, such as Kanata, Nepean, and Cumberland, forming a community of around a million people. The newly-founded municipality is now organized into 23 wards, which contain more than 80 residential or commercial districts.
Therefore, do your research, and pick a suitable neighborhood even before you relocate. Take into consideration factors such as the commute time, vicinity to your office and schools, crime rates, number of parks, museums, theaters, etc. It will be easier to start looking for a home when you know where to look and what exactly you should look for. When you find the one you want, you’ll be ready to contact an overseas moving company.
Start House Hunting on Time
Ottawa offers its residents a lot of housing options, from modern buildings to single-family homes. Once you decide between buying or renting and pick the neighborhood, you can start house hunting. You can hire professional services, such as real estate agents, to help you go over some of the documents needed to travel abroad while you are still in the US. Also, the Internet can help you gain a more detailed insight into the housing market.
You’ll Quickly Realize That You Need a Car
The capital covers around 1,100 square miles (more than Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Montreal combined), meaning that going from one side of the city to another can take some time. To avoid long commutes, consider shipping your car with you. You might not use it every day, but sometimes, when you feel like exploring another side of the O-Town, it can come in handy. Nevertheless, the car is not your only option; you can use public transportation, walk, or bike around.
If You Are Moving to Ottawa, Canada From US You Should Know That Biking Is a Thing
With around 500 miles of recreational pathways, O-Town’s neighborhoods are a cyclist paradise. Make sure that you don’t leave your bike in storage, bring it with you when moving abroad. Cycling will be a great way to learn a lot about your new home, and at the same time keep up with a healthy lifestyle. However, if you don’t want to go biking, hire an overseas shipping company and ship your vehicle efficiently.
Still, cycling in Ottawa is a great fun activity. Check out the video below and learn about all the benefits that come with cycling in the metropolis.
You’ll Get to Enjoy a Diverse Weather
When it comes to international moving, you have to think about the weather differences that you will experience in an unfamiliar country. When thinking about moving to Canada, don’t get spooked by tales of snowstorms and long winters you probably heard at some point. Yes, those things happen in the Great White North, but in Ottawa, you will be enjoying a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. If you are not sure about what to pack when moving abroad, take clothes appropriate for all seasons.
The Cost of Living Is Affordable, Especially Compared to Toronto or Vancouver
The capital of Canada is a safe, welcoming, and overall clean city. Even with an above-average cost of living in Ottawa, the capital is still affordable, especially when compared to other major Canadian cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. On top of that, Ottawans have one of the highest median household incomes in the country and the highest in the province of Ontario, at around $86,000 a year.
According to data from Numbeo, if you want to live on your own and rent a one-bedroom apartment, prices go between $800 and $1100, depending on the location, while prices for buying an apartment go from $200 to $320 per square foot. Compared to other big cities like Toronto, housing prices are 30% lower.
The same can be said for monthly utility services as well since, in O-Town, the average bill is lower than in Toronto.
The Capital Has Top-Notch Education Institutions
Ottawa is one of the cities with the most educated residents in the whole country. Over 50% of the population has graduated from college or university. Statistics show that O-Town has the highest per-capita concentration of PhDs, scientists, and engineers in all Canada. With a variety of educational institutions, it will be easy for you to find the right educational module to pursuit. If you are relocating with your family, there will be schools for everybody to learn something new. Also, you can attend them in two different languages, so take your pick.
There Are Bilingual Universities You Can Attend
Yes, people speak English and French in Canada, and the Canadian capital has an entrepreneurial workforce with a bilingual rate of around 44%. If you want to break the language barrier, you can always attend bilingual universities and get your degree there while mastering the French language. Also, if you are moving with kids and you want them to have the best education possible, enroll them in primary and secondary bilingual private schools. Planning on moving internationally efficiently always includes researching top schools.
Additional 5 Things to Know When Moving to Ottawa From the US
Knowledge is power, right? Among our most important relocation tips is always – research. Put every piece of information you can gather about the new country to good use. Living in Ottawa will take some time to get used to, but if you participate in local events and meet new people, it will be easier to adjust.
1. It Will Be Easy to Find a Job When You Are Moving to Ottawa, Canada
O-Town has the sixth-highest total household income of all metropolitan areas in Canada. Data shows that employment has been growing since 2001, making it easy to land a dream job. The Federal Government is still the largest employer, but all of those seeking work in the high-tech industry, healthcare, and tourism will be happy here as well. Put the Internet into good use and check out openings while you are still in the US.
2. Dining out Will Be a Treat
Foodies have nothing to worry about; they will have a variety of different places to explore and different cuisines to try. The city is filled with international restaurants from all over the world. If you crave Chinese, French, Italian, or even Vietnamese and Greek dishes, you’ll find some in no time. Take a walk down Westboro, Little Italy, Elgin Street, and Chinatown, and you will find great spots to dine out.
If you are moving to another country for love, knowing great dining spots can be a way to impress your loved one. Also, when you relocate, it might be hard to keep in touch with friends, but you can always invite them over and have an exciting restaurant exploration together.
3. This Is the Capital of Festivals
Speaking of things to do in Ottawa, do you like festivals? Going out, exploring, and experiencing art and music? If the answer is yes, then you will enjoy spending time in Ottawa. There are events throughout the year, and from June to September, you can check out world-class music festivals. Pop, country, folk, indie, and jazz are some of the most popular genres here. The rest of the year is reserved for Winterlude, food, cultural, and international festivals.
4. Good News for Anyone Moving to Ottawa From US – Sport Is a Big Deal
Are you a fan of hockey, football, or baseball? If you are, life in this big city will be a treat. The capital is home to four professional sports teams and several non-professional ones. Canadians are big on hockey, so be prepared to learn all about Senators and head to the Canadian Tire Centre to watch them play.
5. There Are Many Fun Things to Do: Indoor and Outdoor
Keep in mind that you will be staying in one of the greenest cities in Canada. Finding parks, trails, and beaches where you can hike, swim, canoe, camp, or even kayak should not be a problem. When the weather is just right, spending the day outside, like a true Canadian, will be the logical solution. Nevertheless, when it starts snowing, and when the bad weather ruins your plans, you can always check out one or two museums because Ottawa has plenty of them. Besides, there are archery arcades and pottery classes you can attend. When you move to O-Town, know that you won’t ever be bored.
FAQ
The cost of living in Ottawa is generally considered to be higher than in many other Canadian cities. Housing costs, including rent or mortgage payments, can be particularly high, although they vary depending on the neighborhood. Other expenses, such as food, transportation, and entertainment, are generally in line with other major Canadian cities. The cost of living in Ottawa can also vary depending on individual lifestyle choices and spending habits.
If you’re looking for a place to live in Ottawa, there are several steps you can take to find a suitable residence:
- Research neighborhoods: Ottawa has a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own character and amenities. Consider what you’re looking for in terms of proximity to work or school, public transportation options, and access to local services and attractions.
- Check online listings: Websites such as Kijiji, Craigslist, and Padmapper have listings for rental properties in Ottawa, while Realtor.ca has listings for homes and condos for sale.
- Work with a real estate agent: A local real estate agent can help you find rental properties or assist with the home-buying process.
Ottawa has many good neighborhoods to live in, depending on individual preferences and needs. Centretown is popular with young professionals and has a mix of residential and commercial buildings, as well as parks and green spaces. The Glebe is known for its trendy shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. Westboro is located along the Ottawa River and has a lively main street with many shops and restaurants. It’s popular with young families and professionals.
The job market in Ottawa is generally stable and diverse, with a mix of private and public sector employment opportunities. As the capital city of Canada, Ottawa is home to a significant number of federal government jobs, as well as employment in areas such as technology, healthcare, education, and tourism. In recent years, Ottawa has also seen growth in the technology sector, with companies such as Shopify, Amazon, and Google setting up operations in the city.
The healthcare system in Ottawa is generally considered to be good. Ottawa has a high number of hospitals, medical clinics, and healthcare providers, as well as a range of specialized medical services and facilities. The city has a mix of public and private healthcare options, including the Ottawa Hospital, which is one of the largest research hospitals in Canada.
You can apply for a visa or permit through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, which has information on the different types of visas and permits available, eligibility requirements, and application procedures. It’s important to research the visa application process well in advance of your planned move, as it can take several months for a visa application to be processed. Seeking the assistance of an immigration lawyer or consultant may also be helpful.
The education system in Ottawa is generally of a high standard, with a variety of options available for students of all ages and backgrounds.
In Ontario, the publicly-funded education system is divided into four levels: elementary, secondary, college, and university. Ottawa has a number of well-regarded public and Catholic school boards that offer education from kindergarten through to grade 12.
In addition to the public education system, Ottawa has many private schools, including international schools, specialized schools, and religious schools.
The transportation system in Ottawa is generally well-developed and includes a range of options for getting around the city:
- Buses: Ottawa has an extensive public bus system operated by OC Transpo, which provides service throughout the city and to neighboring communities. The bus system includes express routes, frequent service, and fare options such as day passes and monthly passes.
- Light Rail Transit: In 2019, Ottawa launched a new light rail transit (LRT) system, known as the O-Train, which provides fast and efficient service along a dedicated track. The O-Train currently includes one line, with plans to expand to other areas in the future.
- Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in Ottawa, offering a convenient way to get around the city.
You can use a shipping company to transport your belongings to Ottawa. This can be a good option if you have a lot of items or if you are moving from a long distance. Make sure to research overseas shipping companies and get quotes from several of them to find the best option for your needs.
If you are moving from a nearby location, you can rent a moving truck and drive your belongings to Ottawa. This can be a cost-effective option, but it requires more effort on your part. If you are moving from a long distance, you can fly to Ottawa and have your belongings shipped or delivered to your new location.
Ottawa is a bilingual city, with English and French being the two official languages. You will see signs and hear announcements in both languages, and it’s common for people to be bilingual. Canadians, in general, are known for their politeness and friendliness. You may find that people in Ottawa are more reserved or formal than what you are used to in your home country.
In the summer months of June to August, the temperature typically ranges from around 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), with occasional heatwaves that can push temperatures above 35°C (95°F). Humidity can also be high during the summer months.
In the winter months of December to February, the temperature usually ranges from around -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F), with occasional periods of extreme cold where temperatures can drop to below -30°C (-22°F). Ottawa also receives a significant amount of snowfall during the winter months.
If you’re new to Ottawa and looking to make friends, there are several ways to meet new people and build a social network. You can join a club or group, attend festivals and events, volunteer, take a class or workshop, and use social media and other online platforms.
If you’re looking for a job in Ottawa before you move there, there are several steps you can take, including networking with people in your industry, researching companies and job openings online, working with a recruitment agency, attending job fairs and events, and leveraging social media and professional networking sites such as LinkedIn.
Yes, you can bring your pets with you when you move to Ottawa, but there are some rules that you are obliged to follow to ensure that your pets are allowed to enter the country and that they meet Canadian import requirements.
Dogs and cats that are at least three months old and have up-to-date rabies vaccinations are generally allowed to enter Canada without quarantine, but you will need to provide necessary documentation upon arrival.
Ottawa is a vibrant city with a wide range of activities and attractions that suit all interests. You can visit Parliament Hill, explore the ByWard Market, go to multiple city’s museums, enjoy the outdoors, and attend special events and festivals. People also like visiting the Rideau Canal which is a popular spot for skating in the winter and boating in the summer.
