Living in Ottawa: What you need to know.

If you’re thinking of moving to Ottawa, or just curious about what it’s like to live in Canada’s capital city, then you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I will share with you some of the very important details about living in Ottawa, such as the cost of living, the weather, the neighbourhoods, the gas prices, the public transit, the nightlife, the job opportunities, and more.

You might also want to read more about the pros and cons of living in Ottawa.

I will also tell you some of the fun facts and special things that make Ottawa a unique and enjoyable place to live. By the end of this article, I hope you will have a better understanding and appreciation of living in Ottawa. So, let’s get started 😊

Briefly About Ottawa City

Ottawa is a beautiful and vibrant city that has a lot to offer to its residents and visitors. Here are some of the things you should know about Ottawa:

• History: Ottawa was founded in 1826 as Bytown, a lumber town on the banks of the Ottawa River. It became the capital of Canada in 1857, after Queen Victoria chose it over other rival cities. Ottawa has played an important role in Canada’s history, especially during the World Wars, the Cold War, and the Confederation. Ottawa is also home to many historic buildings and monuments, such as Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, Chateau Laurier, and the National War Memorial.
• Culture: Ottawa is a bilingual city, where both English and French are official languages. It is also a multicultural city, where people from different backgrounds and origins live together in harmony. Ottawa has a rich and diverse cultural scene, where you can enjoy various arts, music, theater, comedy, and festivals. Ottawa is also known for its museums and galleries, such as the Canadian Museum of History, the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian War Museum, and the Canadian Museum of Nature.
• Attractions: Ottawa has plenty of attractions that appeal to all ages and interests. Some of the top attractions are:
  • Parliament Hill, where you can see the seat of Canada’s federal government and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony;
  • Rideau Canal, where you can skate in winter and boat in summer;
  • ByWard Market, where you can shop, eat, and drink in a lively and diverse area;
  • Gatineau Park, where you can hike, bike, camp, and ski in a natural oasis; and
  • Canadian Tire Centre, where you can watch the Ottawa Senators play hockey or catch a concert or show.

I hope this brief overview gives you a glimpse of what Ottawa is like. In the next sections, I will go into more detail about living in Ottawa. 

Cost of Living in Ottawa City

One of the things you might be wondering about living in Ottawa is how much it costs to live here. Well, the answer depends on many factors, such as your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. But in general, Ottawa is not a very expensive city compared to other major Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

 In fact, Ottawa is ranked as the 27th most affordable city in Canada out of 153 cities. However, that doesn’t mean that living in Ottawa is cheap either. You still need to budget wisely and plan ahead to make the most of your money. Here are some of the main expenses you need to consider when living in Ottawa:

• Housing: This is probably the biggest expense you will have when living in Ottawa. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is about $1,500, and the average rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre is about $2,500. If you want to buy a property, the average price per square foot in the city centre is about $830. Of course, these prices vary depending on the location, size, and condition of the property. You can find cheaper or more expensive options depending on your preferences and needs.
• Transportation: Another major expense you will have when living in Ottawa is transportation. If you own a car, you need to pay for gas, insurance, maintenance, and parking. The average gas price in Ottawa is about $1.60 per litre, which is higher than the national average of $1.40 per litre. If you don’t own a car, you can use public transit, which is operated by OC Transpo. The fare for an adult single ride is $3.65 with cash or $3.50 with a Presto card. The monthly pass for regular users is $125.50. You can also use alternative modes of transportation, such as biking, walking, carpooling, car-sharing, and taxi services.
• Food: Food is another essential expense you will have when living in Ottawa. The average cost of food for a single person per month is about $400, and for a family of four per month is about $900. These costs include groceries and eating out. Of course, these costs depend on your dietary habits and preferences. You can find a variety of food options in Ottawa, from local to international cuisines. You can also save money by cooking at home, buying in bulk, and shopping at farmers’ markets.
• Utilities: Utilities are another important expense you will have when living in Ottawa. These include electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage, internet, phone, and cable. The average cost of utilities for a two-person apartment per month is about $230. This cost may vary depending on the size of your apartment, the season, and your usage habits. You can save money by using energy-efficient appliances, turning off lights and devices when not in use, and choosing cheaper plans and providers.
• Entertainment: Entertainment is another optional but enjoyable expense you will have when living in Ottawa. There are many things to do and see in Ottawa for all ages and interests. Some of the popular activities are: visiting museums and galleries, watching movies and shows, listening to live music and comedy, attending festivals and events, exploring parks and nature, and enjoying sports and recreation. The average cost of entertainment for a single person per month is about $200, and for a family of four per month is about $500. These costs include tickets, memberships, subscriptions, equipment rentals, and snacks. You can also find free or low-cost entertainment options in Ottawa, such as skating on the Rideau Canal, browsing the ByWard Market, touring Parliament Hill, and joining community groups.

As you can see, living in Ottawa can be affordable or expensive depending on how you manage your money and what you value most. I personally think that living in Ottawa is worth it because it offers a high quality of life, a low crime rate, a strong economy, a diverse culture, and a beautiful environment. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with me? Let me know in the comments 😊

Weather

Another thing you might be curious about living in Ottawa is what the weather is like here.

Well, the weather in Ottawa is quite diverse and variable, depending on the season and the day.

Ottawa has four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Each season has its own characteristics, challenges, and opportunities. Here are some of the things you should know about the weather in Ottawa:

• Winter: Winter in Ottawa is cold and snowy, lasting from December to March. The average January minimum temperature is -14.8°C (5.4°F), and the average snowfall is 235 cm (93 inches) per year. Winter in Ottawa can be tough, especially if you’re not used to the cold and the snow. You need to dress warmly, drive carefully, and shovel your driveway.
  
• Spring: Spring in Ottawa is mild and pleasant, lasting from April to June. The average April maximum temperature is 11.5°C (52.7°F), and the average rainfall is 72 mm (2.8 inches) per month. Spring in Ottawa is a time of renewal and growth, as the snow melts and the flowers bloom. 
  
• Summer: Summer in Ottawa is hot and humid, lasting from July to September. The average July maximum temperature is 26.6°C (79.9°F), and the average humidity is 74%. Summer in Ottawa can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re not used to the heat and the humidity. You need to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and seek shade.
  
• Fall: Fall in Ottawa is cool and colourful, lasting from October to November. The average October minimum temperature is 3.9°C (39°F), and the average foliage colour change is 75%.
  

As you can see, living in Ottawa means experiencing different kinds of weather throughout the year. I personally like all seasons in Ottawa, because they each have something special to offer. What about you? What season do you prefer? How do you cope with the weather in Ottawa? Let me know in the comments 😊

Where to live in Ottawa. The Best Neighbourhood.

One of the most important decisions you will have to make when moving to Ottawa is where to live. Ottawa has a variety of neighbourhoods that suit different lifestyles and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quiet and cozy suburb, a lively and diverse downtown, or something in between, you’ll find something to match your needs and budget.

However, choosing the best neighbourhood for you can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the city. That’s why I’m here to help you with some tips and suggestions on where to live in Ottawa. Here are some of the factors you should consider when choosing a neighbourhood:

• Location: Location is key when it comes to finding the best neighbourhood for you. You want to live in a place that is convenient and accessible for your daily commute, shopping, entertainment, and other needs. You also want to live in a place that is safe and secure, with low crime rates and good public services. You can use online tools like Walk Score or Crime Maps to compare the location of different neighbourhoods in Ottawa.
• Affordability: Affordability is another crucial factor when it comes to finding the best neighbourhood for you. You want to live in a place that fits your budget and offers good value for your money. You also want to live in a place that has reasonable costs of living, such as rent, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment. You can use online tools like Numbeo or RentBoard to compare the affordability of different neighbourhoods in Ottawa.
• Lifestyle: Lifestyle is another important factor when it comes to finding the best neighbourhood for you. You want to live in a place that matches your personality, interests, and goals. You also want to live in a place that has a good community vibe, with friendly neighbours and social activities. 

Based on these factors, here are some of the best neighbourhoods to live in Ottawa, according to my own opinion and experience:

• Kanata: Kanata is a suburb located west of downtown Ottawa, about 20 km away. It is one of the best neighbourhoods for families, professionals, and tech workers.
  
  Canada’s largest technology park is in Kanata.
  
  It has a lot of amenities, such as schools, parks, shopping centres, and sports facilities. It is also home to the Canadian Tire Centre, where the Ottawa Senators play hockey.
  
  Kanata is known for its high-tech industry, with companies like Shopify, IBM, Cisco, Nokia, Ericsson, Ciena, BlackBerry, etc. Kanata is affordable, safe, and green.
  
• Westboro: Westboro is a neighbourhood located west of downtown Ottawa, about 5 km away. It is one of the best neighbourhoods for young professionals, hipsters, and quirky families. It has a lot of attractions, such as restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.
  
  It is also close to the Ottawa River Parkway and Westboro Beach, where you can enjoy nature and recreation. Westboro is vibrant, diverse, and trendy.
  
• ByWard Market: ByWard Market is a neighbourhood located east of downtown Ottawa, about 1 km away. It is one of the best neighbourhoods for students, affluent young professionals, and tourists. Not the best neighbourhood to stay long term.
  
  It has a lot of features, such as markets, museums, nightclubs, hotels, and landmarks.
  
  It is also close to Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal, where you can see the seat of Canada’s federal government and skate in winter. ByWard Market is lively, historic, and multicultural.
  
  Note: However, it is also important to note here that the ByWard Market area has many homeless people around, which may affect your perception and experience of the neighbourhood. According to my web search, there are several reasons why ByWard Market has a high concentration of homeless people, such as:
  
  • The presence of three homeless shelters in the area, which provide emergency accommodation and services to people in need. These shelters are Shepherds of Good Hope, The Salvation Army, and The Ottawa Mission.
  • The lack of affordable housing and social services in the city, which has increased the number of people experiencing homelessness during the pandemic. The city saw an increase in the number of people without shelter rise from 90 before the pandemic to a peak of 225 in October 2020.
  • The impact of the pandemic on the mental health and substance use of high-needs community members, which has led to more incidents of people in distress, crime, and violence in the area. The Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas asked the city to provide additional mental health resources in the area to help those impacted by the pandemic.
    
    These are some of the factors that contribute to the homelessness issue in ByWard Market. However, this does not mean that you should avoid or judge this neighbourhood. You can also be respectful and compassionate towards them, as they are human beings who deserve dignity and care.

These are just some of the best neighbourhoods to live in Ottawa, but there are many more to choose from. You can use online tools like Neighbourhood Guide or Realtor.ca to explore more options and find your perfect match. I hope this helps you with your decision.

Public Transit in Ottawa

Ottawa has a great public transit system that consists of buses and light rail trains operated by OC Transpo.

The buses cover most areas of the city and run on regular routes or on dedicated bus lanes called Transitway.

The light rail trains run on two lines: Confederation Line (Line 1), which connects east-west destinations; and Trillium Line (Line 2), which connects north-south destinations.

You can also find other modes of transportation in downtown Ottawa, such as scooters, bikes, and taxis, that can help you get around faster and easier.

Here is more about public transit in Ottawa:

• Cost: Public transit is cheaper than driving or taking a taxi in Ottawa, especially if you use a Presto card or a monthly pass. The fare for an adult single ride is $3.65 with cash or $3.50 with Presto card. The monthly pass for regular users is $125.50. You can also save money by using discounts for seniors, students, children, and low-income residents. More about it here: OC Transpo and public transit.
• Convenience: Public transit is convenient because it runs frequently and reliably throughout the day and night. You can use the Travel Planner or the OC Transpo app to plan your trip, check schedules, and get real-time updates.
• Accessibility: Public transit is accessible because it accommodates people with different needs and abilities. All buses and trains in Ottawa are equipped with ramps, priority seating, audio and visual announcements, and emergency intercoms. 

Can I live without a car in Ottawa?

One of the questions you might have when moving to Ottawa is whether you can live without a car in this city. The answer is yes, you can, depending on where you live, work, and play.

Ottawa has a good public transit system that can take you to most places in the city. You can also use other modes of transportation, such as biking, walking, carpooling, car-sharing, and taxi services. Here are some benefits of owning a car in Ottawa:

Benefits of having a car in Ottawa:

• You can drive to shopping malls, where you can find a variety of stores, services, and entertainment options. Some of the best shopping malls in Ottawa are Rideau Centre, Bayshore Shopping Centre, St. Laurent Centre, and Tanger Outlets.
• You can live in different neighbourhoods that are not necessarily close to your work or school. You can choose a neighbourhood that suits your budget, lifestyle, and preferences, without worrying about the distance or the transit availability. You can also enjoy the scenery and the diversity of Ottawa’s neighbourhoods.
• You can go drive to nearby cities and explore other places in Ontario or neighbouring provinces. You can visit some of the popular destinations around Ottawa, such as Montreal, Toronto, Kingston, Niagara Falls, and Quebec City. You can also discover some of the hidden gems and natural wonders that Canada has to offer.

Disadvantages of owning a car in this city:

• You have to pay for gas, insurance, maintenance, and parking fees. These costs can add up quickly and put a strain on your budget. The average cost of owning and operating a car in Canada is about $800 per month.

But if you do not have a car then here are some of the challenges you may face:

• You need to live very close to the place you work, or else you may have to spend a lot of time on public transit or other alternatives. Depending on where you work and where you live, your commute may take up to an hour or more each way. You may also have to deal with delays, cancellations, or overcrowding on buses or trains.
• Although there is always a store nearby almost everywhere in the city, you will most likely need to carry bags of groceries in your hands, which can be heavy and inconvenient. You may also have to limit your shopping choices and quantities, as you can only buy what you can carry.
• It might be challenging to go to a doctor’s appointment. Medical clinics are spread around the city and to get there without a car is only by bus or taxi. You may have to wait a long time for a bus or pay a high fare for a taxi. You may also have to miss work or school if your appointment is during the day. You may also have difficulty finding a clinic that accepts walk-ins or new patients that is near your home.
• You will not be able to explore other small towns around Ottawa much. It is quite tiresome to travel by bus in Ottawa as most of the buses make a lot of turns. The light rail system is very short and does not go far. You may miss out on some of the attractions and experiences that other places in Ontario or neighbouring provinces have to offer, such as Montreal, Toronto, Kingston, Niagara Falls, and Quebec City.

I personally own a car, because it helps me with my daily needs and activities.

I can drive to the stores I like for groceries, to the gym I like for exercise, and to different parks and places around the city for fun and exploration. I enjoy the freedom and convenience that a car gives me.

To conclude, living in Ottawa without a car is possible for a short period of time. But eventually, you will really want to get one because otherwise, it is pretty challenging.

Job opportunities in Ottawa

If you’re looking for a job in Ottawa, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of opportunities available in this city.

Ottawa has a diverse and stable economy, with various sectors and employers that offer jobs for different skills and qualifications. Whether you’re interested in business, technology, education, health care, tourism, or something else, you’ll find something to suit your career goals and aspirations.

Here are some of the things you should know about job opportunities in Ottawa:

• Job Sectors: Ottawa has several sectors that are thriving and hiring in the city. Some of the main sectors are:
  • The federal government, which is the largest employer in Ottawa, with over 140,000 employees. The federal government offers jobs in various departments and agencies, such as Finance, Foreign Affairs, Health, Environment, National Defence, etc. The federal government also offers competitive salaries, benefits, pensions, and opportunities for advancement.
  • The high-tech industry, which is the second largest employer in Ottawa, with over 68,000 employees. The high-tech industry includes companies that specialize in software, hardware, telecommunications, biotechnology, aerospace, etc. Some of the leading companies in this sector are Shopify, IBM, Cisco, Nokia, Ericsson, Ciena, BlackBerry, etc. The high-tech industry also offers innovative products, services, and solutions that have a global impact.
    
    The largest technology park in Canada is in Kanata(Ottawa area).
    
  • The education sector, which is the third largest employer in Ottawa, with over 25,000 employees. The education sector includes universities, colleges, and schools that provide quality education and research to students and scholars. Some of the prominent institutions in this sector are University of Ottawa, Carleton University, Algonquin College, and La Cité Collégiale. The education sector also offers diverse programs, courses, and degrees that cater to various interests and needs.
  • The health care sector, which is the fourth largest employer in Ottawa, with over 24, 000 employees. The health care sector includes hospitals, clinics, and other facilities that provide medical care and services to patients and communities. Some of the major facilities in this sector are The Ottawa Hospital, CHEO, Montfort Hospital, and Bruyère Continuing Care. The health care sector also offers various professions, specialties, and roles that contribute to the health and well-being of people.
    
• Employers: Ottawa has many employers that are looking for talented and qualified candidates to join their teams. Some of the top employers in Ottawa are:
  • Government of Canada
  • City of Ottawa
  • Shopify
  • IBM
  • University of Ottawa
  • Carleton University
  • Algonquin College
  • La Cité Collégiale
  • The Ottawa Hospital
  • CHEO
  • Montfort Hospital
  • Bruyère Continuing Care
  • Cisco
  • Nokia
  • Ericsson
  • Ciena
  • BlackBerry
  • Canadian Museum of History
  • Canadian Museum of Nature
  • National Gallery of Canada

I hope this section gives you an overview of job opportunities if you are considering to live in Ottawa. I think Ottawa is a great place to work and grow your career because it has a lot of options, challenges, and rewards. I personally work in the high-tech industry, and I love it. 

Night life in Ottawa

Living in Ottawa is awesome because you can have a lot of fun at night, no matter what you’re into. Sure, it’s not as big as Vancouver or Toronto, but it still has a lot of cool places to hang out and party. 😎

Ottawa has something for everyone when it comes to nightlife. You can dance your heart out, rock out to some live music, or relax with a drink in your hand. You’ll always have a great time in Canada’s capital city. Below are just a few spots to enjoy the nightlife in Ottawa:

• For a lively and diverse scene, head to the ByWard Market area, where you’ll find dozens of bars, clubs, pubs, and restaurants to choose from. You can catch some comedy at Absolute Comedy or Yuk Yuk’s, listen to some jazz at Vineyards Wine Bar & Bistro, or party with the LGBTQ+ community at The Lookout Bar. There’s something for everyone in this vibrant neighbourhood.
• If you’re a fan of craft beer, you’ll love exploring the many breweries and brewpubs that Ottawa has to offer. You can sample some local flavours at Beyond The Pale Brewing Company, Greenfields, or The Crazy Horse Stonegrill Steakhouse & Saloon, or join a guided tour with Brew Donkey to discover more hidden gems. Cheers!
• For a more upscale and sophisticated night out, check out some of the chic lounges and clubs that Ottawa has to offer. You can sip on cocktails and enjoy the view at Copper Spirits & Sights, a rooftop bar at the Andaz Hotel, or mingle with the fashionable crowd at Flybar, a trendy nightclub with a VIP section. You can also enjoy some live music and fine dining at Options Jazz Lounge, located at the Brookstreet Hotel.
• If you like visiting gentlemen’s clubs sometimes then The Nuden is one of the largest and best strip clubs in Ottawa. They offer a variety of food and drinks, including a full menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and desserts.
  
  It is also a pretty safe place to visit. Security guards are friendly and are always on the lookout to keep a good environment at the club.
  
  The Nuden is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, when it opens at 7 p.m. and closes at 2 a.m. Plenty of parking as well.