Top 5 Pros and Cons of Moving to Ottawa, ON in 2025

“Is Ottawa a good place to live in?”  

This is the first question that will inherently come to anyone’s mind before planning their next move to Ottawa.

Rightly so, moving to a new location, whether done yourself or with a professional mover, is a significant change that overwhelms and excites you simultaneously. 

To cut a long story short, yes. Ottawa is worth moving to as it has many perks to offer.

But just like any other place, this Capital city has a few challenges that must be considered before you start packing for a move. 

Ottawa boasts an excellent education hub, remarkably green spaces, a thriving job market, and a vibrant culture. 

Conversely, this Bytown has a few drawbacks, including constant weather fluctuations, expensive housing, and limited nightlife.  

Before you pack your bags or book your Ottawa movers, comparing the good and the bad parts is essential.

This article explains the pros and cons of moving to Ottawa, along with some lesser-known facts and frequently asked questions, to help you make an informed decision.

7 Interesting Facts About Ottawa – What Makes Canada’s Capital so Special! 

1. Rideau Canal

Ottawa’s signature landmark, Rideau Canal, is a man-made masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historical significance. 

2. First to Have Traffic Lights

Ottawa was the first city in Canada to have traffic lights in 1908.

This important event took place at the corner of Wellington Street and O’Connor Street. Initially, a police officer controlled these lights by hand. 

3. The Ottawa Flag

The Capital city’s flag has an “O” symbol bearing a maple leaf. The blue and green flags signify the Ottawa River and lush green spaces, while the white reflects snowy winters. 

4. Canadian Tulip Festival

The most popular Canadian Tulip Festival is the annual flower festival at Commissioners Park.

This beautiful site features over 300,000 tulips blooming alongside Dows Lake.

5. A Bronze Spider Statue

“Maman” is an iconic bronze spider statue in Ottawa. It is a renowned monumental work created by French-American artist Louise Bourgeois.

The 30-foot-tall bronze, stainless steel sculpture is a tribute to the creator’s mother and is located outside the National Gallery of Canada. 

6. Home for Shawarma Lovers

Ottawa is known as the “Shawarma Capital of Canada.” It is home to nearly 200 Shawarma restaurants, serving authentic Middle Eastern meat, Ottawa’s famous garlic sauce, and other toppings.

7. World’s Largest Skating Rink

Ottawa offers the true Canadian experience. During the winter, the Rideau Canal transforms into the world’s largest skating rink, recognized by the Guinness World Records.

Ottawans celebrate the famous Winterlude festival, featuring snow slides, ice sculptures, and an exceptional skating experience. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Moving to Ottawa, Ontario

5 Advantages of Moving to Ottawa

Before creating a moving checklist, the first and foremost is to devise a thorough analysis of the city you are moving to and weigh the pros and cons. 

Below, we begin with discussing the top 5 benefits of moving to Ottawa and why this place is worth living in. 

1. Low Crime Rates 

The capital city is the safest in Canada. Ottawa has the lowest violent crime rate and the fewest breaking, entering, and drug violation incidents.

It ranks among Canada’s top 10 safest cities, with a safety index of 69.02. 

How Safe is Ottawa? 

Ottawa is safe, for the most part. The following data reveals the severity of crimes that take place in Ottawa: 

Source: https://www.numbeo.com/crime/in/Ottawa

2. Excellent Education 

Ottawa is known for hosting a highly acclaimed education system.

The city is home to well-renowned educational institutions that attract students from all over the globe.

Studying in Ottawa offers a good blend of city life and beautiful nature, allowing students to experience the best of both worlds.

Some top-notch universities are the University of Ottawa, Algonquin College, Dominican University College, and Cegep Heritage College, which give students exceptional learning experiences, bilingual environments, and vast networking opportunities.

3. Stable Economy 

Ottawa is the heart of the Canadian Parliament. The city is known for its solid economy and thriving job market. Industries such as technology, the federal government, healthcare, and tourism fuel Ottawa’s improving economy. 

A study shows that the tourism sector brings Ottawa approximately 2.2 billion dollars in revenue annually and creates approximately 30,600 jobs for seekers.

How is Ottawa’s Economy?

Ottawa’s economy is diverse, with a solid presence in various industries. The top employers include Adobe Systems, Shopify, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and Algonquin College of Applied Arts & Technology, contributing to the city’s economic sectors. 

4. Culture Richness and Art

One of the most significant benefits of moving to Ottawa is its diverse culture and art.

It welcomes people from all over the globe to enjoy its year-round events.

Ottawa is the perfect place to soak up the rich art at the Ottawa Art Gallery.

You can also learn more about the historic buildings and Canadian history by taking free tours at Parliament Hill. 

The National Arts Centre represents the country through music, dance, and theatre.

Other noteworthy sites include the historic Fairmont Château Laurier, Rideau Hall, the RCMP Musical Ride Visitor Centre, and the Laurier House National Historic Site. 

Ottawa has a vibrant urban art presence, including festivals such as House of Paint, a hip-hop community event hosting breakdancing and graffiti, boosting the hip-hop culture ahead. 

5. Close Proximity to Nature

The grass is greener on Ottawa’s side. This capital city is famous for its lush green spaces and proximity to beautiful parks, lookouts, waterfalls, and lakes.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Ottawa offers the perfect places for hiking, canoeing, and walking around beautiful parks. 

Here are a few iconic landmarks that enhance Ottawa’s natural beauty:

• The Morris Island Conservation Area: This popular rural green spot offers opportunities to observe bird species, shoreline landscapes, and trees. 
• Gatineau Park: Just across the river in Quebec, this park is a go-to for nature lovers who enjoy hiking trails, camping, biking, and winter sports.
• Murphys Point Provincial Park: Just an hour’s drive away, this park features beautiful lakes, hiking trails, and historical sites, including the famous Silver Mica Mine. 
• Hog’s Back Falls: This 60-foot waterfall is the perfect location for your picture-perfect getaway. It is also perfect for bird watching, fishing, cross-country skiing, and outdoor fun. 
• Pine Grove Trail: This is the largest forest in the Greenbelt. It offers a self-guided route along a forestry trail, suitable for horseback riding and dog walking. 

5 Disadvantages of Moving to Ottawa

Every city has its own positive and negative sides, and Ottawa, like any other city, has a few.

Below, we discuss the cons of moving to Ottawa to prepare you for your big move. 

1. Extreme Weather Conditions

Ottawa has experienced the most unpredictable weather over the years.

On average, Ottawa experiences extreme heat waves during summers and frigid winds during winters.

Precipitation (rain and snow) has also increased; it occurs abruptly during fall.

Ottawa’s weather has become more variable in recent years, with extreme heat, wind, rain, and snow.

2. Higher Cost of Living

The cost of living in Ottawa increased by more than 17 percent between 2017 and 2022, mainly due to high rental and housing prices.

However, Toronto’s housing prices remain at the top. 

Average rent comparison in Canada’s major cities:

The comparison clearly shows that the cost of living in Ottawa is not necessarily affordable, as the rentals are almost as high as in other metropolitan cities in Canada. 

3. Dull Nightlife

Ottawa is known as the city that forgot fun (Officially). 

Yes, you heard that right. Before moving to Ottawa, you must understand that the city has a rich heritage and museums but also needs an exciting nightlife to balance them. 

In short, this bureaucratic city has a few rules restricting a loud, exciting nightlife and generally enjoys a slow-paced life. 

Conversely, one of the biggest pros of moving to Montreal is its exciting nightlife, where you can enjoy late-night music festivals and parties.

Interesting fact: After hearing such nicknames, Ottawa appoints a “nightlife commissioner” to help implement a new Ottawa Nightlife Economy Action Plan. This plan focuses on bringing back life, focusing on leisure, live entertainment, and cultural activities. 

4. Unreliable Transit 

Getting around Ottawa is easy and convenient, and you can take the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Transit Commission (OC Transpo) to more residential areas.

However, many commuters have complained about the frequent transit delays.

Over the last two years, OC Transpo buses were on time 74 percent of the time.

In Toronto,  buses are punctual 81 percent of the time, and in Montreal, 82 percent of the time. 

5. Bilingualism

44.8% of Ottawa’s population speaks French. The city’s French Language Services Advisory Committee promotes French language offerings and bilingual initiatives.

This policy limits employment opportunities for many newcomers, as you may have to be fluent in English and French in 8 out of 10 companies when applying for a job in Ottawa. 

Final Thoughts

Moving to Ottawa in 2024 presents a mix of advantages and disadvantages.

Regarding safety, Ottawa is the best place to live.

This capital city also celebrates art, culture, and festivals, such as the Canadian Tulip Festival and Winterlude, to entertain its residents. 

However, Ottawans still complain about its dull nightlife, as the city imposes strict restrictions that residents must abide by.

There are also a few challenges, such as the bilingual job market and transit delays, that you need to consider before planning a move.

This blog helps you weigh the pros and cons well in advance to prepare you for unforeseen surprises at the end. 

FAQs

1. Is it a good idea to move to Ottawa?

Ottawa has a stable job market, opening opportunities for tech, healthcare, and tourism industries.

This capital city is Canada’s safest and greenest place, with the lowest crime rates.

From hiking and canoeing to skiing, Ottawa offers outdoor enthusiasts plenty of options.

Finally, Ottawa is your place if you strongly desire art, heritage, and multiculturalism. 

2. How much is the cost of living in Ottawa?

The average cost of living in Ottawa is approximately $2,500. This includes the average one-bedroom apartment rent, which is $1,774. Utilities for a month are around $130, groceries around $400, and transit around $150. 

If you look for moving costs in Ottawa, you can expect around $465 for a local move and $1,000 for a long-distance move. 

3. Is $85000 a good salary in Ottawa?

The average annual salary in Ottawa is $64,995, approximately $32 an hour.

Therefore, a $85,000 salary is considered above average and good enough for a single person.

A $85,000 shows that your take-home salary will be approximately $62,000, which helps you pay for housing, transportation, groceries, and entertainment. 

4. What are the top neighborhoods in Ottawa?

Ottawa has sought-after neighborhoods offering vibrant culture, entertainment, and lush green spaces for outdoor recreation.

These neighborhoods are suitable for raising families and enjoying a semi-suburban lifestyle.

Ottawa’s top five best neighborhoods are the Glebe, Hintonburg, Westboro, Hunt Club, and Kanata. 

5. How can I find a family physician in Ottawa?

Registering with Health Care Connect can find a doctor in Ottawa for non-emergency concerns.

The program connects people without a family healthcare provider to physicians and nurse practitioners who accept new patients. Joining is simple.

You can do so by calling 1-800-445-1822 or by filling out this form.

Once you sign up, a nurse will contact you and proceed with the following steps.