One thing is for sure after working in Ottawa real estate for so long, you certainly get to know the city.
Ottawa, the Nation’s Capital, is home to over 900,000 friendly and diverse residents. The first thing you’ll notice is that it’s not a crowded city. Ottawa’s residents are spread out across the National Capital Region giving it a small town feel with big city aspirations. With natural and commercial attractions, lush outskirts and mountainous hills, some of the finest shopping spots and cultural spectacles (which you can find in our Resources section below), Ottawa isn’t just the best place to live in Canada, it’s one of the best places to live in the world. Here’s what it’s like to live in Ottawa.
Big City, Small Town Feel
Ottawa is a big city with a small town feel. There’s certainly a politeness in the Capital where the residents aren’t always in a rush and don’t take things too seriously. If you bump into someone on the street you’re more likely to get a “Sorry” than a “Watch it!”. Ottawa has a rush hour as most cities do. But the difference between rush hour in Toronto is a vastly different experience than rush hour in Ottawa. You’ll get to ride the 401 through downtown, east-west of Ottawa and due to recent expansions, traffic congestion has dropped significantly. There’s a certain pleasant charm you can expect from living in Ottawa, one that transforms the city into a community.
Now that’s not to say the City isn’t without its hustle and bustle. The downtown core is fast paced environment. It’s fun and bursting with electricity as the cities best and brightest move in and out of the tall buildings that create Ottawa’s skyline. And yet, for every suit and briefcase, between the skyscrapers and historic buildings, you’ll still find pockets of pleasant community in downtown Ottawa.
The Attractions
Ottawa’s Byward Market allows residents to shop locally grown produce, fudge and baked goods, handmade jewellery and art from local residents. Among the treats and trinkets, you’ll also find street performers from time to time. Some serenade passers-by with their violin. Others juggle fire in a more grand spectacle. Parliament Hill, home of Canada’s biggest decision makers, including the Prime Minister himself, also hosts a number of activities including yoga, winter shows and concerts, hockey and much more on the front grounds. Downtown Ottawa is simply the hub of entertainment and fun for Canada’s Capital. But, it isn’t the only area having all the fun.
The rest of Ottawa isn’t without its attractions. For the curious residents, we have the Museum of Nature, the newly renovated (and invigorated) Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Canadian War Museum, and the Museum of History. For the refined, there’s the National Gallery of Canada filled with beautiful pieces from all across the world, and the National Arts Centre for plays, shows, concerts and more. For the sports fan, there is the Ottawa Senators (NHL), the Ottawa Redblacks (CFL), the Ottawa 67’s (OHL), and the Ottawa Fury FC (USL). You can find link to all these great attractions in our Resources section below.
The Great Outdoors
One thing you’ll notice about living in Ottawa is the colour green. That is, Ottawa is surrounded by the lush forests and wildlife of the Greenbelt, a home away from home for the outdoor enthusiast. This provides residents with of ton of great trails for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Just north of Ottawa is the Gatineau Hills, another popular destination for hikers and climbers looking to get away from the city to enjoy the outdoors.
You can find links to all of these great outdoors spots in Ottawa in our Resources section below.
The Best Place To Live In Canada
All this and more makes Ottawa the best place to live in Canada, but don’t just take our word for it. That’s according to Business Insider and MoneySense magazine! Both magazines reference factors such as population growth, low crime rate, number of doctors per capita and the overall culture of the city.
As you can see, Ottawa has a lot to offer. Whether you’re spending your time at one of our many museums or eating popcorn with your kids at a sporting event, there’s certainly no shortage of activity in the Nation’s Capital. You’ll enjoy the space, the feel and the people of the city, making Ottawa not just your next destination, but your next home.
Whether you’re relocating to Ottawa or thinking about moving here, you can always contact our team. We’re always ready to help assist you any way we can to get you settled into Ottawa and make you feel at home.
Resources
Museums in Ottawa
- Museum of Nature
- Science and Technology Museum
- Aviation and Space Museum
- Canadian War Museum
- Museum of History
Art and Culture in Ottawa
Sports Teams in Ottawa
Hiking Trails in Ottawa
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