If your goal for 2023 is relocating to the capital of Canada, but you don’t know much about it, here are some things you should know about moving to Ottawa before you decide to take this step. This fantastic city is the second-largest in Ontario after Toronto, and it is considered the center of Canada’s politics and culture. If you’re thinking about relocating here, keep reading to find out more about this fantastic place.
What to Know Before Moving to Ottawa
There are many things to consider before deciding to move to a new city, the standard of life, housing, neighborhood, education, healthcare, transportation, generally all the things that can affect your quality of life. Do you wonder what it is like living in Ottawa and moving to Ontario? This is one of the safest and friendliest cities to live in. It’s located in the province of Ontario, on the border with Quebec, which is mostly a French-speaking region.
Around 37% of locals speak both English and French, so if you learn a few phrases, you won’t struggle too much with breaking the language barrier. The town is a home for many cultures so you will enjoy diversity and multiculturalism from around the world. Bytown, what it’s called by the locals, offers many cultural facilities, has a large selection of schools for children, stunning nature, and many green outdoor activities. It also offers affordable housing prices for everyone’s pocket.
Moving to Ottawa From the US for Work or Education
So you got a new job in Canada’s capital, or maybe you are planning to go to school here. You are probably feeling confused and scared. But don’t worry, you come to the right place. International moving can sound scary and overwhelming, but it is something that many Americans decided to do in the last decade.
Learn How to Get a Visa
If you are relocating from the US, you’re probably aware that you will have to apply for a Canadian visa. What kind of visa depends on whether you are going for school, work, or you are interested in permanent staying. The first step is to go to the Canadian immigration website to find out what documents you’ll need as an American. After you get your visa, it would be wise to go to O-town before relocating to make all the arrangements and start getting to know the city.
Is it Expensive to Live in Ottawa?
Well, maybe it’s not the cheapest place in Canada, but for capital, the overall cost of living in Ottawa can be considered affordable. For instance, a gallon of gas is $3.15, meals in inexpensive restaurants are around $15, beer is six dollars, and a cup of cappuccino $3.35.
What Is a Good Salary in Ottawa?
The average salary goes around $3,106 monthly after you pay all your taxes and fees. And be aware that in this country, you are paying federal and provincial income tax, Canada pension plan, and employment insurance, so if you make $50,000 a year, you will pay about $12,000 taxes. According to Neuvo, a good salary here goes аround $66,300.
Prices of Housing
The cost of an average house around here is $654,000, but if you wish to rent, an average three-bedroom apartment in a central location can cost you from $2,000 to $3,000 per month. If you decide to go further to the outskirts, prices can go around $1,500 for the same size, according to Numbeo.
How to Get Around
The public transportation is excellent. It is affordable for everyone, a regular ticket is $3, weekly pass costs around $8, and the monthly one is $90. If you are relocating from the USA and want to have your car the same day you get there, you can hire an international moving company that offers overseas vehicle shipping.
What Is the Best Neighborhood in Ottawa?
This place offers a lot of different neighborhoods for everyone’s taste and needs. Whether you’re looking for a safe, family-style community, rural countryside ambiance, or a lively community packed with bars and restaurants, if you’re moving abroad alone, you’ll find it here. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Ottawa:
- Westboro is located along the Ottawa River, in the west part of the city. It is a very trendy place to settle down, but also one of the best places to live abroad with the family since it has excellent schools, many parks, and promenades.
- Glebe has the most natural beauties. The Rideau Canal goes through it, and there are many restaurants, coffee shops, and plenty of residential streets, old houses, and a lot of green space.
- Byward Market is an entertainment district, is a historic bazaar, where you can find the city’s famous bars and restaurants.
- Centretown is home to the Canada Museum of Nature. It is located near Downtown and has easy access to Rideau Canal.
- Downtown is a “government district” most of the buildings here are for civil service. There are many hotels, apartments, shops, and it is close to the city’s economic core.
How to Choose the Right Neighborhood When Moving Internationally
If you are relocating because of the job and you like to walk to the office, then you should find a place close to the office. But if you are relocating with a family, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons for your new neighborhood, so perhaps when you go house-hunting, start by looking into the best schools in the neighborhood or other things that are on the top of your priority list. You can check this interactive map of all neighborhoods and all the things they have to offer. Don’t worry about your kids’ education. There are numerous high-quality public, private or religious schools in English or French.
Best Ways to Spend Your Free Time
Whether you like camping, boating, snowboarding, or visiting galleries and museums, you can find many fantastic things to do in Ottawa easily. If you are a food lover, you can taste all kinds of cuisine: Italian, Chinese, Arabic, and also you can visit a wide variety of local and international food markets. Since it’s surrounded by amazing nature, all outdoor activities can be accessed easily. It’s remarkably clean and green, with trees and parks along the river and canals which permeate the city. Take a look at this video to get to know it a bit better.
How to Prepare the Best Way Possible for Your International Moving
As we mentioned before, it will be wise to make all the arrangements before you arrive in the Great White North. Also, donate all unwanted items before deciding what to pack when moving abroad, and ensure you have all the documents for traveling abroad. And try not to stress too much, after all, you’re relocating to one of the friendliest countries in the world.
Choose the Best International Moving Company
Firstly, you will have to pick a reputable international moving company and consider the costs of services such as overseas vehicle shipping, packing services, renting storage, and more. Ensure to find a reputable overseas shipping company that will handle your belongings with care. Professional movers will help you with packing and provide all the moving supplies that you need. Make a shortlist of international moving companies and schedule a free survey so you can get a quote for your relocation.
Is Ottawa a Nice Place to Live?
Are you still hesitant? Don’t be. This is an amazingly rich, multicultural, green city with friendly people, safe neighborhoods, low costs, and many other high-quality living benefits. Moving internationally to the capital of the Great White North could be the best decision you’ve ever made.
