October 12th, 2023 | Homeowners
Why Is Ottawa Great for Downsizers?
With safe neighbourhoods and supportive, vibrant communities, Ottawa is the perfect place for people at all stages of their lives but even better for downsizers! From the happening Westboro Village and excitement of Centretown to the quiet and picturesque McKellar Park neighbourhood, there is something to suit every personality and lifestyle choice.
For downsizers, Ottawa presents the perfect blend of peaceful tranquillity and active excitement, all wrapped up in a scenic and clean environment you can be proud to call home! There are too many benefits to Ottawa living to name, but in this post, we’ll take a look at a few of the key reasons why this beautiful city is the perfect place to live your retirement years to the fullest!
Ottawa Is Affordable
Though housing prices have steadily increased all over the country, Ottawa remains one of the most affordable major cities in Canada. Based on information provided by the Ottawa Real Estate Board for September 2023, you can find a condo for approximately $435,000. If you prefer a little more living space, the average price of a residential home is approximately $725,000. Housing prices like these are unheard of in other major metropolitan cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Renting in Ottawa is also much easier on your bank account compared to other major Canadian cities, and as a result you can expect to pay significantly less each month. According to Zumper, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is $1960 in Ottawa versus $2540 in Toronto.
Accommodations aren’t the only place you’ll save should you decide to retire in Ottawa. The cost of a seniors pass for monthly transit is also far lower and if you prefer to drive, you can expect to pay less for your car insurance too!
Downsizing is a process that involves many challenging decisions! The posts below will help you stay on course:
- Is It Better to Rent as a Senior in Ottawa?
- What Is the Art of Letting Go? How to Declutter Your Home At Last
- Smartsizing Vs. Downsizing: What’s the Difference?
A Life of Modern Conveniences
Are you looking for affordable living with no sacrifice and possibly even an improvement to your overall quality of life? It’s hard to find better than in Ottawa, where you can downsize your home, but upsize your lifestyle! Ours is a city that offers every convenience and amenity you can imagine. If you’re in the mood to commune with nature, you’ll find beautiful parks and green spaces all around you. Thanks to our location on the Greenbelt, with over 20,000 hectares of forests and wetlands under government protection from urban sprawl, Ottawa provides some of the most beautiful parks and trails in Ontario! If you love nature, the Sarsaparilla Trail, Mer Bleue Bog, and Pinehey Forest are just a few places that will take your breath away and are within easy access from all parts of the city.
When you’re ready for the hustle and bustle of city life, Ottawa’s vibrant shopping and dining districts await you. From the open-air Byward Market and Ottawa Farmer’s Market to the upscale shops along the charming and historic Sparks Street, Bank Street and Wellington West. You can always have a blast while hunting for that perfect item. Bring along a friend, and you’ve just found a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Why not top it off with a hot coffee at an artisanal shop or dinner at one of our friendly pubs or fine-dining restaurants? Any way you look at it, retiring in Ottawa means living in style!
Experience History in the Making
As Canada’s capital city, Ottawa is steeped in rich history and culture that you can take advantage of every time you venture outside. Simply gazing out over the historic parliament buildings can make you feel connected to greatness while evoking just a little bit of a by-gone era.
If you’re up for a journey into the past, the Bytown Museum is a great place to explore Ottawa’s development from a humble military depot to the vibrant and bustling metropolis it is today. Revel in the story of Lieutenant-Colonel John By, who oversaw the construction of the Rideau Canal and established the town of Bytown, which would later become the city we know and love!
Ottawa is full of museums and fascinating landmarks, but you don’t need to visit an official monument to experience its fascinating history. Just taking a stroll down one of our historic streets can make you feel as though you’ve been transported back in time. And just think; the moments you are creating right now will one day become the fascinating history for future generations!
Great Support Networks
Access to support networks is always vital, and they become even more important as you get older. Fortunately, the City of Ottawa takes the well-being of all residents seriously and provides several support systems you can count on beyond that of your family and friends. You can access multiple resources from the city’s website, from healthcare to getting help around the home.
You will also find many opportunities to socialize and meet new friends while engaging in a variety of activities. Drop-in learning programs at local recreation centers, dancing classes, organized sports, hiking groups, and more are available to keep you happy and healthy and as active as you care to be. There’s never a dull moment around here at any age and during all seasons.
Selling your home? The posts below will help you navigate challenging circumstances:
- Why Are Family Homes in Ottawa in High Demand?
- Why Sell Your Home When You’re Living Mortgage Free?
- How do I Sell the House of a Cherished Loved One?
What neighbourhood should you settle in? Our post, “What are the Best Ottawa Neighbourhoods for Retirees?” will help you decide.
Vibrant Neighbourhoods
As a new Ottawa resident, you will quickly feel at home in any of Ottawa’s vibrant neighbourhoods. That said, everyone has different preferences. Some people enjoy their privacy and are seeking a peaceful and quiet neighbourhood within the city limits. If that sounds like you, Alta Vista might be the perfect place to call home. Likewise, more suburban neighbourhoods like Brittania, and Crystal Beach offer lifestyle elements that might just be right for you!
Others can’t get enough of the big city excitement. In that case, walkable and bustling neighbourhoods like Wellington West, Little Italy and Westboro will keep you hopping. Whatever you’re looking for, you are sure to find a house you love in a community that is just right for you in Ottawa.
Are you ready to explore your options as a retiree in Ottawa? We are happy to give you the grand tour. Reach out to mail@chellteam.com or call 613.829.7484 for more information today.
