How to: Relocating to Ottawa

Published on 29 March 2019 in Moving Ottawa Ottawa Real Estate by Jenn Chamberlain

Last updated on November 7th, 2024 at 09:42 am

Are you thinking about relocating to Ottawa? Not sure how to plan out the process? Take these steps into account to ensure that your move to Ottawa goes smoothly.

Find An Agent

First things first, it’s important to find an agent who is specialized in the Ottawa area. They’ll be able to provide you with accurate information about all the neighbourhoods as well as recent sales data and market trends. It’s an agent’s job to present you with available resale and new homes in your budget, and also act as your representative in negotiations with the seller. They will explain the entire home buying process to you and offer support at every step along the way.

Decide on A Neighbourhood

Once you have an agent, it’s now time to decide on a particular neighbourhood. Ottawa has over 23 areas to explore and so many great neighbourhoods to choose from! Whether you prefer a city feel, suburban home, or rural lot, there’s something for every homeowner here. In fact, Ottawa has been described as one of the most beautiful cities to live in with all the attributes of a major metropolis but with a small town feel. Your agent will help you short-list a few potential districts that are best suited to your lifestyle and budget needs.

Neighbourhoods

From the suburban Orleans and Kanata to the city center—aptly called Centretown—there are communities for every lifestyle in The Capital. While there are definitely more expensive areas in the city, there are also plenty of regions with budget-friendly options that will have all the amenities you want and need. Popular areas include:

Barrhaven
Kanata
Nepean
Orleans
Ottawa Central
Ottawa East
Ottawa South
Ottawa West
Ottawa West Centre Town
Rural Ottawa East
Rural Ottawa South
Rural Ottawa South West
Rural Ottawa West
Stittsville

Find Your Dream Home

As soon as you have decided on a particular neighbourhood, the agent will then pull the available listings (on and off the market) for you to review. If there’s anything that peaks your interest, your agent will help to arrange a tour of the property. You should also take some quality time to explore the area around the home to see if it has all the services and amenities that you desire.

Get A Mortgage And A Lawyer

Your real estate agent should also be able to help you with setting up a mortgage, obtaining legal services, and professional inspection services if necessary. They will help you determine all the closing costs before you make a commitment and help ensure that your mortgage timing and transaction process goes as smoothly as possible.

Find A Job

Ottawa has a low unemployment rate and one of the highest incomes of all major Canadian cities. They have a booming tech industry as well as large government and healthcare sectors. Kanata Research Park in the western part of the city has even been nicknamed ‘Silicon Valley North’ with over 1800 companies there, including large tech firms like Adobe. With so many services available in the city, it’s also easy to find a job in the real estate and finance industry, along with the restaurant hub, professional sports industry, boutiques, museums, theatres, and galleries.

Schools and Education

Ottawa is home to numerous educational institutions. Grade school considerations include public, private, French, and Catholic school boards. Whether you are looking to improve your child’s bilingual skills or enhance their knowledge of various subjects, there are also several extracurricular and tutoring resources available throughout the city to help them on their learning journey. There are also several post-secondary institutions in the area, notably The University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and Algonquin College. Each has various programs available for jumpstarting your career path or expanding your capabilities in your current role.

Public Transit and Getting Around

The main transportation system throughout Ottawa is the OC Transpo. It links Ottawa from the furthest corners from east to west. In recent years, it has undergone several developments and expansions alongside the LRT system. It is important to note that many Ottawa residents own cars and prefer to commute by car. As a result, there are many parking options throughout the city and clearly marked roadways to aid in the flow of traffic. Further, plenty of streets have bike lanes to support more eco-friendly ways of transportation.

Cultural Adaptation

Ottawa is a vibrant city where multiculturalism thrives, weaving together a diverse tapestry of celebrations, cuisines, and communities. Each neighbourhood offers its own unique atmosphere and vibe, ensuring that there’s a perfect match for your family’s lifestyle. Taking the time to explore and get to know these different neighbourhoods can be instrumental in finding the one that best suits you and your family. With a large number of residents employed by the government and several major post-secondary institutions, you’ll find both bustling, fast-paced areas and more relaxed, laid-back communities. Whatever your preferred pace of life, there’s a neighbourhood in Ottawa that will feel just right for you.

Language Considerations

Ottawa is proudly multilingual, with many residents fluent in both English and French, and a delightful mix of other languages heard throughout the city. While some jobs, particularly in government, may require proficiency in both official languages, there are plenty of opportunities for those who speak just one. Ottawa is an ideal place to improve your second language skills or simply enjoy the enriching experience of a multicultural community. Whether you’re fluent in one language or both, you’ll find Ottawa to be a welcoming and inclusive city where learning and growth are celebrated.

Weather Preparedness

Ottawa is a city that truly embraces all four seasons, each with its own distinct charm and challenges. While many are well aware of the long, cold winters that Ottawa is known for, it’s important to remember that summer is never far behind. From April to June, you can expect rainy spring weather that nourishes the city’s lush greenery and allows the famous tulip festival to bloom in full glory. Summer arrives from July to September with hot, humid days, perfect for visiting nearby water parks or enjoying outdoor activities. The fall, spanning October to December, brings crisp, cool air and vibrant foliage, making it an ideal time for hiking in the scenic Gatineau Hills. Finally, winter settles in from January onwards, blanketing the city in snow and offering a host of winter sports and activities.

Book Your Move

Don’t forget to book your move as soon as you know your closing date. Ottawa has become a popular place to relocate to, so you want to ensure that you book far enough in advance to lock in a date and time. When you’re ready to relocate to Ottawa, send us your information, and we’ll put our expertise to work for you. At Jenn and Steve, our team will work with you from the beginning of the home buying process to even after you move in your belongings. We are specialized in real estate in Ottawa, including Nepean, Kanata, Stittsville, Osgoode, Orleans, Manotick, Barrhaven and Gloucester. Call us today!