Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Halifax to Ottawa in 2023
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to move from Halifax to Ottawa in 2023? Halifax is a lively coastal city, located on the Atlantic Ocean in Nova Scotia. It is the largest city east of Quebec City, with an estimated population of 403,131 as of 2016. It's known for its vibrant culture and stunning harbor views. Meanwhile, Ottawa is the capital city of Canada located in Ontario. It has a population of 934,243 as per the 2016 census and features picturesque landscapes and friendly people. A visit to Ottawa reveals a bustling urban center with plenty of attractions for all ages.
Making the move from Halifax to Ottawa in 2023 can be an exciting experience that will open up many new opportunities for anyone looking for new beginnings! Whether you're looking for work or just want to explore two unique cities, this cross-country transition can offer something different than what you have experienced before!
Relocating to Ottawa from Halifax
Relocating to Ottawa from Halifax can be a challenging task, but with the right knowledge, it can be extremely rewarding. There are many considerations that must be taken into account when making such a move, but we have compiled five of the most important factors to consider. From cost of living, benefits you may receive, where to live and pros and cons for each location; we have it covered. Explore our tips and tricks to find the best moving solutions for your unique journey from Halifax to Ottawa.
Cost of Living
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, and it is the 4th largest city in the country. The costs of living vary wildly depending on one's lifestyle, and this can be observed from a comparison between Halifax and Ottawa presented in the table below.
| Category | Ottawa | Halifax |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $295 / sq ft. | $220 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $311 / sq ft. | $280/sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1700 / Month (Cost for 1 bedroom apartment) | $1,300 / Month. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $150-$250 / Month | $250-$350 / Month. |
| Transportation | $119 / Month for a monthly adult transit pass. | $78.75 / Month for a Halifax Transit monthly pass. |
| Car Insurance | $1,090 / Year. | $891/year |
| Entertainment | $100 / Month | $125 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $300 / Month | $200 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $120 / Month. | $120 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50-80 / Month | $55-70 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 13% / Total sales tax percentage. | 15 % |
Moving to Ottawa from Halifax can be a more expensive prospect, as real estate production costs are about $75/sq ft. higher, and the cost of a 1 bedroom apartment is $400/month higher. Utilities and insurance in Ottawa are also slightly more expensive than Halifax. However, the cost of transportation is much lower in Halifax than in Ottawa, with an adult monthly transit pass costing over $40 less than its Ottawa counterpart. Car insurance is also much cheaper in Halifax than in Ottawa at over $200 less per year. Entertainment and grocery costs are only slightly higher in Ottawa than in Halifax, while communication and health and fitness costs are identical between the two cities. Finally, sales taxes are higher in Halifax at 15% compared to 13% in Ottawa.
Benefits of Moving to Ottawa
Ottawa is a beautiful city with lots to offer. It has plenty of green spaces, offering more room to explore than in Halifax. Moreover, Ottawa boasts its fair share of amazing cultural events throughout the year, which Halifax can’t compete with. Meanwhile, Ottawa has a strong economy that is not easily affected by global economic downturns. In addition to this, Ottawa has a vibrant bilingualism culture that many people find attractive. Lastly, the crime rate in Ottawa is much lower compared to Halifax so it's an ideal place for those looking for safety and security for their family or even themselves.
Best areas to live in Ottawa
Choosing a neighbourhood in Ottawa can be tricky. With numerous options, it is not an easy feat to decide which area is the best fit for you. This selection process can become even more confusing when you take into account different factors such as affordability, availability of amenities, accessibility and safety. Here are five of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa to consider when making your decision.
Rockcliffe Park
Rockcliffe Park is a vibrant and exclusive family-oriented neighbourhood in Ottawa. Located on the banks of the Rideau River it's surrounded by lush nature, old mansions, multiple parks and cycling paths. From Rockcliffe Park you can easily reach attractions such as Parliament Hill or downtown Ottawa in 10 minutes by car or bike - it's the perfect spot for anyone looking for a peaceful living with access to necessary amenities. Living at Rockcliffe Park promises a convenient lifestyle full of leisure activities, great schools nearby, shopping centres and plenty of green spaces to explore.
Manotick
The picturesque Manotick neighbourhood of Ottawa is located just south of Canada's capital. It lies between the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal, both of which provide stunning views and opportunities for outdoor recreation. You can reach downtown Ottawa in approximately 30 minutes or take a quick journey to see its major attractions such as the Canadian War Museum or the National Gallery of Canada. Manotick also houses its own unique attractions like Watson's Mill, a historic working mill, giving locals plenty to explore and enjoy. With friendly local shops, beautiful parks, easy commutes and more, life in Manotick will be nothing short of rewarding!
Rideau Forest
Rideau Forest is one of Ottawa’s most desirable residential areas, with a population of over 4,000 people and an average household income more than twice the city's average. It’s bordered by the Rideau River to the south and east, and surrounded by parks, green spaces and biking paths for easy access to nature. For shopping and dining out, you'll be only minutes away from downtown Ottawa or The Glebe neighbourhood. Life in Rideau Forest is a perfect blend of urban amenities with suburban tranquility – creating an atmosphere that's both invigorating and peaceful at the same time.
The Glebe
The Glebe is one of Ottawa’s oldest and most popular neighbourhoods, known for its culture, diversity, and proximity to the downtown core. Just north of the city centre and only a few minutes away from museums, art galleries, restaurants and cafés, The Glebe offers all the best that an urban centre has to offer. It's surrounded by stunning views of the river and with a variety of parks and green spaces nearby. Those who call this vibrant community home are just a quick walk or bike ride away from some of Ottawa's best attractions. Living in The Glebe means having convenient access to grocery stores, banks, shops as well as an array of delicious local eateries while being close enough to enjoy all that downtown Ottawa has to offer. With plenty of outdoor activities on offer too - from biking trails to outdoor theatre performances - living in The Glebe provides both relaxation and excitement for any age group!
New Edinburgh
New Edinburgh is an autonomous and bustling neighbourhood in Ottawa that has a population of over 8,000 according to the 2016 census. The area is known for its abundance of green areas, such as parks, rivers and forests. There are plenty of attractions close by such as the Canadian War Museum, Byward Market and The Royal Canadian Mint. Some nearby major cities can be easily reached within a 2-hour drive from New Edinburgh via Highway 417. Living in New Edinburgh will offer people an energetic quality of life with a mix of urban convenience and rural serenity.
Pros
- In Ottawa, you are offered a wealth of new opportunities that can make your move from Halifax even more exciting.
- With its larger city size, Ottawa offers a great opportunity for those who are looking for more variety in their lifestyle than what is available in Halifax.
- The move from Halifax to Ottawa affords a wealth of fresh cultural opportunities, from experiencing a new cuisine to discovering diverse customs.
Cons
- Moving from Halifax to Ottawa can be expensive, as the relocation expenses may be much greater than making a similar move within Halifax.
- Moving from Halifax to Ottawa may prove difficult in terms of having to build a new social network, since making friends in a new city can be time-consuming and challenging.
- Moving to Ottawa from Halifax can result in a colder climate for those who are used to Halifax's mild temperatures.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Halifax to Ottawa?
Moving from Halifax to Ottawa in 2023 can be a stressful experience for those who are unfamiliar with the area. Luckily, there are excellent and reliable moving companies ranging from full-service moves to DIY options that make the process much easier. Hercules Moving Company is one of the most popular options for this type of move. They offer pickup and delivery services, packing materials and supplies, on-site packing assistance, loading/unloading help and more. Many other companies offer similar services as well so it's important to explore all your moving solutions thoroughly before choosing one.
Remember to check the company's reputation online as well as confirm that they are registered with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). Doing so will ensure you get quality service whether you opt for a self-managed or professional move. Furthermore, it is wise to obtain estimates from several different companies before deciding which is best suited for your relocation needs.
Conclusion
Moving to Ottawa from Halifax in 2023 can be an exciting experience, offering plenty of opportunities for new beginnings. Before making the move, it's important to consider cost of living, benefits of the city, best areas to live in and pros and cons when planning the move. With help from expert moving companies like Hercules Moving Company and exploring all your moving solutions thoroughly, relocating can be a smooth transition allowing you to enjoy all that Ottawa has to offer.
