Is Ottawa a Good Place to Live? 27 Pros & Cons (2024)

Q: Why Is Ottawa So Famous?

Ottawa is famous for being home to Canada’s best museums . Being the administrative capital of Canada, it’s also known for its Parliament Buildings. Ottawa is also home to the historic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Q: Is Ottawa Better Than Toronto?

Ottawa is better than Toronto if you compare the cost of living . The lifestyle in Ottawa is pretty relaxed, while Toronto offers a more vibrant local scene. Ultimately, deciding whether living in Ottawa vs Toronto is better depends on what lifestyle you’re looking for.

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I had the best time visiting a friend here a while back and decided to call it home for myself. I’ve been living in Ottawa since 2021. After living all over the world (I’ve covered 4 continents in 10 years), it means a lot for me to choose a place to call home.

If you’re looking for fun city living with a chill small-town appeal, then you’ll find Ottawa to be the best city in Canada to live in. The city has a great quality of life, plenty of job opportunities, and is a generally safe place for solo female travelers like me.

But what are the downsides of living in Ottawa? For one thing, I could certainly do without the long, freezing winters and the sticky, humid summers.

If you are wondering if Ottawa is a good fit for you, I’ll share a complete list of the pros and cons of living in Ottawa based on my personal experience. Hopefully, this will help you decide if Ottawa is a good place for you to live!

Woman in a parka walking along a snowy bridge in Ottawa golding snowshoes. One of the amazing things about living in Ottawa is the winter snow.

27 Pros and Cons of Living in Ottawa

Ottawa is in the top 100 of the world’s best cities, which says a lot about the quality of life here. So why is Ottawa a good place to live? And what are some not-so-great parts about living here? Read on to find out if moving to Ottawa is the right for you.

1. Pro: It’s Very Safe

The city of Ottawa, Canada, has the lowest rate of violent crime of all the main Canadian cities.

The rowdiest area in the city is around the ByWard Market, so if you are nervous about traveling to Ottawa, avoid visiting here alone late at night.

But, as a solo female traveler, I feel really safe exploring the city.

2. Con: It’s “Boring”

Life in Ottawa is a little slower than in bigger cities like Montreal and Toronto. If you’re used to a fast-paced life, you might find the slower living in Ottawa a bit boring.

While Ottawa has a great selection of restaurants, entertainment, and boutiques, they’re not as diverse as what you’d get in the bigger cities.

3. Pro: Reasonable Cost of Living

Ottawa is one of the most affordable major cities in Canada. While it’s not exactly cheap to live here, the cost of living in Ottawa is pretty reasonable.

To give you an idea, here are my basic expenses as a single woman living in Downtown Ottawa:

1-bedroom apartment near the Parliament (600+ sq ft): $1,340 USD
Utilities and internet: $150 USD
Renter’s insurance: $25 USD
Groceries and eating out once a week: $150 USD per week
Basic monthly expenses = $2,115 USD

This number of expenses doesn’t include other costs like transportation, entertainment, and caring for my dog. Generally, you can live pretty comfortably with $3,000 – $4,000 USD a month in Ottawa.

If I lived in downtown Toronto, renting a similar apartment to the one in Ottawa would cost me over $2,000 USD alone!

4. Con: Ridiculous Property Prices

In Ottawa, and honestly, most of Canada, it’s not easy to afford a home. You’ll find tiny properties in the downtown area going for more than $1,000,000 USD.

The alternative option is to consider suburban areas like Kanata or Nepean, with houses around the $400,000 USD range. If you plan to commute to work in the city, just remember to consider the rush-hour traffic.

5. Pro: Extensive Bus Routes

The public transport system is decent in Ottawa, and the bus is a great option to get around. Bus services run daily, connecting to all the main neighborhoods, even Gatineau.

The main highway running East-West has an express bus route, so you can get around the city quickly, even during rush hour. If you plan to take the bus frequently, get the Presto card.

6. Con: There’s No Subway

There is absolutely no subway system in Ottawa. The closest thing would be the light rail transit (LRT) that we call the O-Train.

The Line 1 route runs east to west from Tunney’s Pasture to Blair, with stops at the Parliament, Rideau Canal, and the University of Ottawa. The number of stops is limited, so the bus is still the best way to get around.

Woman reading a map in Gatineau Park as she hikes near Ottawa. Ottawa is a good place to live because of all the green space.

7. Pro: Lots of Green Spaces and Bike Paths

On the plus side, the downtown Ottawa area is walkable and bike-friendly!

There are plenty of natural green spaces around, perfect for a breezy stroll. One of the best green spots is Gatineau Park, a short drive from Downtown Ottawa. The hiking trails here are plentiful and fun!

One of my favorite parts of Ottawa life is walking alongside iconic sites like UNESCO World Heritage Site Rideau Canal and the scenic Ottawa River.

Cyclists will appreciate the dedicated bike lanes on many of the main roads. You’ll also find bike parking racks at most places, including public transport stations, parking garages, and parks.

8. Con: Rough Road Conditions

I’ve driven in many places, but Ottawa is probably one of the worst places for drivers. The harsh winters here really take a toll on the road conditions. There are loads of deep potholes everywhere that trigger my fight-or-flight mode every time I get behind the wheel.

Plus, there’s ALWAYS construction going on in Ottawa!

9. Pro: Excellent Healthcare

Is Ottawa a good city to live in? If good healthcare is a priority to you, then the answer is a resounding yes!

Ottawa offers the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), a public health program, for its residents. The plan covers health check-ups, hospital visits, eye exams, and vaccines. The costs of prescription drugs are not covered, though.

A little tip from me: Always have proper insurance coverage no matter which city you’re in.

10. Pro: Top-Quality Education

Ottawa is considered one of the most educated cities in Canada, home to world-renowned educational institutions.

The University of Ottawa ranks in the global top 20 list for its Public, Environmental, and Occupational Health program. Carleton University is known for its comprehensive courses in 47 faculties ranging from engineering to film studies.

Golden retriever sitting in front of tulips at the Ottawa Tulip Festival in Ottawa. We visited while living there.

11. Pro: Awesome Festivals

The year-round festivals are probably my favorite Ottawa pros! Ottawa is famous for its long list of festivals throughout the seasons.

In the springtime, there’s the Canadian Tulip Festival to look forward to. And the summer calendar is jam-packed with various fests, from Canada Day to the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival.

Winter is a super fun time in the city to ice skate over Rideau Canal!

12. Con: Freezing Winters and Humid Summers

If you ask me, “Is Ottawa, Canada, a good place to live,” but you absolutely hate the cold, I’d say find another city. Ottawa is the seventh coldest capital in the world, and the winters are brutal.

It’s usually coldest in January, with temperatures between -14°C (7°F) and -5°C (23°F).

Ottawa is also really humid in the summer, which is also incredibly unpleasant. Expect to get sticky from sweat as you go about the city in the summer.

13. Pro: Canada’s Best Museums Are Here

Some of the best Ottawa places to visit are the museums! As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is home to 7 of 9 national Canadian museums.

These are some of the best museums to visit (and revisit) in Ottawa:

14. Con: Nightlife Is “Meh”

If you’re looking for a party city, Ottawa is not it.

Sure, there are great places for dinner and drinks, but the clubbing scene here is pretty tame compared to livelier places like Toronto. You’re not gonna find many crazy things to do in Ottawa.

If you hope to enjoy a fun night out, head to the ByWard Market area. That’s where you’ll find Ottawa’s most popular nightclubs and pubs.

15. Pro: Attractive Job Market

Ottawa is the capital of Canada, and government jobs make up a big part of the job market. Working for the government is a great gig as the city of Ottawa’s employment benefits includes solid retirement packages.

Ottawa is known to offer the highest salaries in Canada. Employees generally enjoy a good work-life balance.

Employers are generally pretty flexible, and many companies offer flexible working arrangements. Use this job site if you are interested in a remote or work-from-home job.

16. Con: Competitive Job Market

Ottawa has more PhD holders per capita than any other city in Canada, making it the highest-educated workforce in the country. The city has a high concentration of talents in engineering, health and life sciences, aerospace and defense, and IT.

Awesome compensation plus highly-qualified local talent means the job market here is highly competitive. If you’re planning to secure a job in Ottawa before moving, plan out a reasonable amount of time for the job search process.

Woman eating poutine out of a carton in downtown Ottawa.

17. Pro: Unique Franco-Canadian Culture

Canada has a long history with French settlers, especially in Quebec. Ottawa’s proximity to Quebec is part of the reason its Franco-Canadian culture is well and alive here.

French is the official second language in Ottawa. The unique French-inspired culture here is celebrated through the arts and music scene and through unique local cuisine like the famed poutine.

18. Con: Some Jobs Require You to Speak French

Most people in Ottawa speak English, and you can get by without speaking French (like me!). But if you’re specifically looking to work for the government, you’ll need to know much more than “oui” and that cheeky line from Moulin Rouge.

Most government jobs require you to speak both English and French. A language test is usually part of the interview process to ensure your French is up to par. If you don’t already speak French, it’s never too late to learn.

19. Pro: Multicultural Community

I love that the Ottawa city population is made up of a diverse community!

Ottawa is a key point of entry into Canada for immigrants from around the world. 18% of Ottawa, Canada’s population, is born outside the country.

The city has an awesome metropolitan vibe and is home to multicultural residents with African, Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern, and European ancestries.

20. Con: Everyone Works for the Government

Given that Ottawa is the administrative capital city of Canada, almost everyone you’ll meet probably works for the federal government in some way.

I’d say about 80% of my friends in Ottawa have government-related jobs. Take it from an Ottawan who doesn’t work for the government – you really feel like the odd one out sometimes!

A photo of the Rideau Canal and the clean parks of Ottawa.

21. Pro: It’s Really Clean!

Ottawa is a clean and comfortable city with well-maintained public spaces. The beautiful greeneries and sprawling parks around town really add to Ottawa’s fresh vibe.

It’s such a scenic city too. Residents here can enjoy a walk by the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River, among other scenic sites. It’s great to see how well-preserved these natural resources are too!

22. Con: Located in an Earthquake Zone

The Ottawa-Gatineau region is located in an earthquake zone and has a moderate risk of damaging earthquakes. On average, the region experiences an earthquake of intensity III or higher once every 3 years.

Thankfully, the region is far from active tectonic plates and isn’t likely to experience devastating earthquakes.

23. Pro: Close to the US

If you’re moving to Ottawa from the US, you’ll probably appreciate that visiting family and friends is just a drive or short flight away.

Downtown Ottawa is about 150km from the Thousand Islands Border Crossing, about a 2-hour drive. You’ll also find plenty of direct flight options to major US cities from Ottawa.

24. Con: Ongoing Homelessness Issue

The city declared a homelessness emergency in 2020, partly due to the worsening housing affordability in Ottawa. Thankfully, there are a lot of shelters providing food and assistance for the homeless community.

Be your usual courteous self when bumping into homeless people, but also be aware of your surroundings and practice safety measures.

25. Pro: Strong Sense of Community

There’s this wonderful sense of togetherness that you’ll notice after living in Ottawa for a while. This is such a welcomed perk in a world that feels pretty disconnected.

Ottawans are a friendly bunch. They tend to smile and say hi to you on the streets. It’s a huge change from when I was living in Toronto.

The city also provides assistance to new members of the community to help with getting settled in.

High tea at the Chateau Laurier in downtown Ottawa showing the delicious cakes and scones.

26. Great Places to Eat

There’s loads of good food to eat here! These are some of my favorite food spots in town:

The Whalesbone: Great seafood joint with fresh oysters and seafood towers.
The Green Door: Vegetarian-friendly restaurant with a flavor-packed menu.
Gezellig: Chic bistro for a fancy brunch. Make sure you try the Butterfinger dessert!
Lexington: Southern-style comfort food. Their slow-smoked brisket is too good!
Moo Shu: Try their imaginative ice cream flavors and the yummiest bubble waffles.

27: Pro: High Quality of Life

Ottawa is known to be one of the best cities to live in Canada, and a lot of that has to do with the high quality of life here.

Living in Ottawa offers high-paying job opportunities with good work-life balance, excellent healthcare facilities, a strong sense of community, loads of fresh green spaces in the city, and awesome festivals to look forward to throughout the year!

Where is Ottawa Located?

Ottawa is located in Ontario. I know some of you are wondering, “Is Ottawa in Ontario or Quebec?” so, to be specific, Ottawa is located in Southwestern Ontario, and it borders Gatineau, Quebec.

Ottawa and Gatineau are on opposite ends of the Ottawa River, forming the National Capital Region (NCR).

I sometimes get asked, “Is Ottawa a province of its own?” Nope, it’s not. It’s a city that’s located in the province of Ontario.

Beavertails stall outside of Byward Market in the Byward area of Ottawa.

Best Neighborhoods in Ottawa, Canada

These are some of the best places to live in Ottawa, Canada:

Centretown / Downtown Ottawa: It’s smack in the city center, where all the action usually is. It’s a great option if you work in the business district and want to reduce commute time. Expect pricier property rates.
ByWard Market: It’s a slightly cheaper area than Downtown and is known for its nightlife. You’ll like it here if you prefer livelier locations.
The Glebe: It’s a chic neighborhood known for indie boutiques, cute coffee shops, and artisanal restaurants. It’s popular with young adults.
Little Italy: This cozy residential area is known for its pretty parks and awesome food. It’s popular with families.
Old Ottawa South: Located near Rideau Canal, the area has some of the most beautiful Victorian homes. It’s a great place for families.

Fun Facts About Ottawa

Here’s some interesting information about Ottawa:

“Ottawa” comes from the Algonquin word “adawe” or “odawe.” It means “to trade,” which refers to the Ottawa River’s role in trading and navigation to the Indigenous Peoples.
There’s a stairway leading from the Ottawa River up to the Parliament Buildings. It’s a great way to take in the gorgeous sights while getting your steps in!
The tulip festival in Ottawa is the largest in the world! The tulips were a thank-you from the Netherlands for keeping their princess safe during WWII.
Ottawa is home to some pretty famous citizens like Annie Murphy (Schitt’s Creek actress), Dan Aykroyd (Ghostbusters actor), Alanis Morisette (singer), and Margaret Atwood (author).

Love this kinda trivia? Here are all the fun little things you might not know about Ottawa.

FAQs

What Are The Disadvantages of Living in Ottawa?

It’s “boring”: You might find there’s less to do here compared to bigger cities like Toronto.
Rough roads: Driving is no fun here between the potholes and ever-going construction.
Unpleasant weather: The winters are freezing, and the summers are humid.
You might need to speak French, especially if you’re gunning for a government job.

Is It a Good Idea to Move to Ottawa?

Yes, it’s a good idea to move to Ottawa if you’re looking for a safe, clean, and relatively affordable place. Moving to Ottawa, Ontario, was one of the best decisions I’ve made! I love the laid-back pace and easy access to nature here. It’s such a homey city.

Why Is Ottawa So Famous?

Ottawa is famous for being home to Canada’s best museums. Being the administrative capital of Canada, it’s also known for its Parliament Buildings. Ottawa is also home to the historic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What Is the Nicest Neighborhood in Ottawa?

The Glebe and Old Ottawa South are some of the nicest neighborhoods in Ottawa. The Glebe has a chic vibe with its cute cafes and fun brunch spots, a favorite among young adults. Old Ottawa South is family-friendly with its colonial-style homes and large parks.

Do You Need a Car in Ottawa?

You can get by without a car in Ottawa if you live and work downtown. You can travel by bus, LRT, walking, cycling, and ride-sharing. If you’re staying in suburban areas, you’ll need a car to get around because public transport is not well-connected beyond the downtown area.

Is Ottawa Better Than Toronto?

Ottawa is better than Toronto if you compare the cost of living. The lifestyle in Ottawa is pretty relaxed, while Toronto offers a more vibrant local scene. Ultimately, deciding whether living in Ottawa vs Toronto is better depends on what lifestyle you’re looking for.

Is Ottawa or Montreal Better?

Ottawa is better than Montreal if you like a more laid-back city. Montreal is Canada’s second-largest city and feels more crowded and fast-paced. That said, the advantages of living in Montreal are its rich French heritage, reasonable cost of living, and fun annual events.

Is Ottawa a Good Place to Live?

Based on my experience in this city, I say, “Heck, yeah!”

I love the laid-back vibe, with plenty of green spaces for a relaxing stroll. It’s clean, relatively affordable, and has plenty of fun stuff to do. I still look forward to skating on the Rideau Canal every winter!

That said, if you like fast-paced big cities like New York and Toronto, you’ll probably find Ottawa to be a bit boring after a while. The restaurants and fashion boutiques here aren’t as diverse as in Toronto, and the nightlife here isn’t all that exciting.

Overall, Ottawa is a great city, and I recommend it.

Ready to start planning your move to Ottawa? Check out my ultimate guide on the best places to stay!

Ottawa Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Ottawa travel insurance?

100% YES! — There’s a misconception that Canada has “free healthcare” for everyone. Nope! Only Canadians. So you’ll need to get travel insurance to visit Ottawa. I recommend this one.

💧Can you drink the tap water in Ottawa?

Yes – ish — While you can technically drink the tap water in Ottawa, as a local I don’t recommend it. Old hotels especially can have some nasty things in their pipes. Instead, get a filtered water bottle. (Read more)

🚙💨 Do I need to rent a car in Ottawa?

Yes — Renting a car in Ottawa is one of the best ways to get around! You’ll be able to see more of the city and beyond, like the epic hiking trails. I recommend Discover Cars for the cheapest rates possible.

📲 Do I need to know French in Ottawa?

Nope! — The primary language of Ottawa is English. While French is also spoken and on some signs, you can easily get by without knowing any French. (Read more)

🏩 What’s the best way to book my Ottawa accommodations?

For Ottawa hotels, Booking is the best site. If you’re considering an Ottawa Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb. My #1 hotel recommendation in Ottawa is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

✈️ What’s the best site to buy Ottawa flights?

For finding cheap Ottawa flights, I recommend Skyscanner. You can even set a price alert to find out when flights are on sale.

🎫 Do I need a Visa for Ottawa?

Likely Not — U.S. and most European Passport holders don’t need a Visa to visit Canada.

📍 Where is Ottawa? And what’s nearby?

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in Ontario. It’s right on the border of Quebec. It’s about 2 hours from Mont Tremblant, 3 hours from Montreal, or 5 hours from Toronto. You can take a road trip to get to other places or fly.