September 23rd, 2025 | Community
Is Ottawa a Good Place to Live?
We’ve been talking a lot lately about all of the fun things to do and the great real estate opportunities in Ottawa. There’s a good reason for that. With a market that tends to be more stable than in other parts of Canada, buying or selling a home here is a smart investment. Plus, the entertainment, shopping, and dining scene easily holds its own against major cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. If you’re still wondering whether Ottawa is a good place to live, today’s post will clear it all up once and for all. We’ll start by answering a few of the most common questions our clients ask.
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Is Ottawa Safe?
A good place to live is a safe place to live, and there are few places where you can feel more at ease and secure than in Ottawa.
The city’s Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) plan addresses the root cause of any risk, with a goal of promoting equity, financial stability, mental health and youth engagement.
This intricate planning is evident in all aspects of life. Throughout the city, you’ll find well-planned roads and traffic calming initiatives, along with various programs that foster community involvement. As a result, there’s a sense of connection nearly everywhere you go. Children are often happily playing in parks and playgrounds, and most residents report that they feel safe and confident as they go about their day.
Thinking about making the move to Ottawa? Start by browsing a few of our active listings.
Is Ottawa Expensive to Live In?
The cost of living in Ottawa is higher than in some smaller towns and rural areas. However, it is significantly more affordable than in cities like Toronto, Vancouver,or Victoria. If you’re looking to buy your first home or upgrade to a larger home with outdoor living space, Ottawa offers excellent value in a prime location.
Even the cost of renting tends to be more reasonable in Ottawa than in Ontario, often comparable to mid-sized cities like London and Hamilton. When you consider that the average household income exceeds the national average, Ottawa becomes even more attractive.
We’ve only scratched the surface of the reasons why Ottawa is a good place to live. You’ll discover even more to love about Canada’s Capital in the post below:
- Ottawa Vs Toronto: What’s Better for Your Family?
- Things to Do in Ottawa
- Ottawa: More Than Meets the Eye
Where Are the Best Places to Live in Ottawa?
It’s hard to pinpoint Ottawa’s nicest neighbourhoods; each has its own vibe and character. What you might consider “the best” depends on the lifestyle you want to enjoy.
Do you love the feel of big-city excitement and want to be within a stone’s throw of exciting entertainment venues and shopping districts? Look no further than The Glebe or Old Ottawa South.
If you’re a techie who lives and breathes the latest innovations, Kanata North is home to the largest tech park in Canada. Stittsville is a rural community south of Kanata, where a series of new and upcoming developments make it the perfect family-friendly environment. Trees and parks abound, while all of the city amenities are close at hand.
If you prefer a laid-back atmosphere right in the midst of the city, Civic Hospital, McKellar Park, or Wellington Village are a good place to live in Ottawa, for you. Each of these mature neighbourhoods offers a dynamic, elevated lifestyle, with access to excellent schools and beautiful parks and trails.
For a hip and trendy vibe, look no further than Hintonburg or Westboro. You’ll be right in the heart of the action, with independent shops, cafes, restaurants, vintage stores, and cozy cafes all around.
A local real estate expert can help you find your perfect fit. With so many fun and picturesque nooks in Ottawa, we are sure we’ll find a place where you will feel right at home.
Want to know more about Ottawa’s stunning communities? Check out the posts below:
- Rural Ottawa or City Living: Which is Right for You?
- Best Neighbourhoods in Ottawa: A Guide
- The Best Ottawa Neighbourhoods for Commuters
What Does Ottawa Look Like?
We must admit, we are not sure where to start with this unique question that we get asked often. Should we talk about what Ottawa looks like on a map or how beautiful the stunning skyline is, especially at night? No matter, we are happy to explore it all from any angle!
If you look at Google Maps, Ottawa is bordered by small communities like Mississippi Mills and Carleton Place to the west, Embrun and Casselman to the east, and Oxford Mills and South Mountain to the south. To the north, the Ottawa River separates Ottawa, Ontario from Gatineau, Quebec. This highly convenient location means you can easily traverse two provinces in a single afternoon. There aren’t many cities with those bragging rights!
When it comes to the city skyline, forget the towering GTA skyscrapers, Ottawa’s Parliament Buildings steal the show. The city’s beauty and grandeur are hard to put into words; it’s something you have to experience in person. For breathtaking views, head to the Alexandra Bridge, Major’s Hill Park, and the Canadian Museum of History.
Planning to buy in Ottawa? The posts below can guide you through your transition:
- Questions to Ask When Buying a House
- How to Buy a Home in Ottawa
- Are Older Homes a Good Investment in Ottawa?
Does Ottawa Offer a High Quality of Life?
It’s all a matter of perspective. With Ottawa’s safe environment, picturesque scenery, strong education system, and access to top-tier amenities, it’s hard to argue the high quality of life here.
The dynamic lifestyle and countless adventures just waiting to be experienced are a huge draw to people of all backgrounds, from newcomers to Canada, retirees, first-time home buyers, and growing families. If you decide to put down roots in Ottawa, we are excited to welcome you with open arms.
Do you want to know more about buying a house in Ottawa? Our Ottawa real estate agents are happy to give you the whole picture! Reach out at 613.829.7484 or email mail@chellteam.com with any questions.
