Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Montreal to Ottawa in 2023
Are you thinking of moving to Ottawa in 2023? Moving is a big decision, and it’s important to gain an understanding of the two cities involved. Montreal and Ottawa are both beautiful Canadian cities with a lot to offer.
Montreal is the second-most populous city in Canada, with over 1.7 million people living within its limits. It has been described as an island city due to its location on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, and it is known for its rich French culture and vibrant nightlife. Whether you are looking for a dynamic urban lifestyle or something more laidback and relaxed, Montreal offers something for everyone!
Ottawa is Canada's fourth-largest city with more than 1 million people living within its borders. It sits proudly on the bank of the Ottawa River where Ontario meets Quebec and boasts some stunning architecture both old and modern that reflects its unique history as Canada's capital city. From outdoor activities like snowshoeing through wintery forests to relaxing boat rides down the river in summer months, there are plenty of ways to experience all that Ottawa has to offer!
Moving to Ottawa from Ottawa
Moving to Ottawa from Montreal can be quite a challenge, as there are many factors to consider. However, we have gathered the five most important points you must consider before you make your move: cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live, pros and cons and best moving solutions. All these will help ensure a smooth transition when relocating to Ottawa in 2023.
Cost of Living
Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is the fourth largest city by population in the country. Living in Ottawa can be a great experience for anyone wanting to benefit from urban living and smaller-town charm. However, costs of living can vary greatly depending on one’s lifestyle and individual needs – this comparison table below will give you an overview of what to expect when moving from Montreal to Ottawa in 2023.
| Category | Ottawa | Montreal |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $264/sq ft. | $253 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $380 / sq ft. | $325/sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1450 / Month. | $1,361 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200 - $300 / Month | $150-$200 / Month |
| Transportation | $119/month for the monthly adult transit pass (valid for unlimited travel on buses and trains). | $86.50/Month for a monthly transit pass called the "Opus Card". |
| Car Insurance | $1,150 / Year. | $700 / Year |
| Entertainment | $150/month | $100 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $275 / Month | $257 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $100 / Month | $75 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50-60 / Month | $50-80 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 13% / Year | 14.975% |
When it comes to real estate prices, Ottawa's production homes and custom-built single-family homes are more expensive than in Montreal. Housing costs in Ottawa are also slightly higher than in Montreal. However, the monthly adult transit pass in Ottawa is more expensive than the Opus Card in Montreal. Car insurance is also pricier in Ottawa, costing around $1,150 per year compared to $700 per year in Montreal. Entertainment and communication expenses are higher in Ottawa, but grocery costs and health and fitness expenses are practically the same as in Montreal. Lastly, sales taxes are slightly lower in Ottawa (13%) than they are in Montreal (14.975%).
Benefits of Moving to Ottawa
Ottawa is a vibrant city that offers a unique set of amenities not found in Montreal. Firstly, it offers spectacular parks and green spaces unlike any city in Canada. Moreover, Ottawa has an unparalleled historical presence, with many of its landmarks and buildings dating back centuries. Meanwhile, Ottawa's culture is thriving with plenty of events taking place throughout the year including music festivals and theatre performances. Lastly, the educational institutions in Ottawa are some of the best-ranked in Canada compared to Montreal's universities which have received less recognition. All these factors combine to make Ottawa an attractive destination for those looking to experience something different from what they'd find in Montreal.
Best areas to live in Ottawa
Finding the right neighbourhood to live in Ottawa can be a challenge; the city is full of diverse districts that each offer something unique and make it difficult for newcomers to pick. From vibrant neighbourhoods with easy access to entertainment, parks and shops, to more suburban areas perfect for raising kids, knowing which area will work best for your life can be daunting. To help you make this decision easier, here is a list of five of the best neighbourhoods in Ottawa.
Rockcliffe Park
Rockcliffe Park is Ottawa's most affluent neighbourhood and one of the most desired places to live, with its beautiful parks, stunning waterfront views and extravagant mansions. With Ottawa River as a backdrop in the west, Rockcliffe Park is surrounded by many popular attractions like Beechwood Cemetery and Rideau Hall. The National Gallery of Canada is only a short 15-minute drive away while the nearest shopping centre will take less than 10 minutes by car. Living in Rockcliffe Park means being within easy reach of all there is to see and do in Ottawa - perfect for those who looking for an ideal balance between urban sophistication, suburban relaxation, and natural beauty all at once.
Manor Park
Manor Park is an Ottawa neighbourhood that boasts a diverse population of all ages. Local parks and tree-lined boulevards provide a peaceful respite from Ottawa's hustle and bustle, while plenty of nearby attractions ensure there is always something to do. The Canadian Museum of History, Parliament Hill and the Byward Market are all just a short drive away. From soccer tournaments in the sprawling park to cozy cafes to explore on rainy days, Manor Park is an ideal place for those who born to be active while still offering easy access to the city's more exciting hotspots. Living in Manor Park means having picturesque views right outside your window as well as plenty of opportunities for leisure activities day or night.
Rothwell Heights
Rothwell Heights is the home of some of Ottawa's most distinct neighbourhoods, offering a variety of lifestyles. Located close to several attractions and amenities, this neighbourhood provides vibrant city life while still feeling like a small community. Whether you want to explore the Parliament Hill or admire Ottawa's skyline from the Great Lawn of Major's Hill Park, Rothwell Heights is just minutes away. Living in Rothwell Heights you will be able to enjoy all the cultural hubs and amenities this city has to offer while still having access to plenty of green space for quiet walks and picnics in nature.
McKellar Park
Moving to Ottawa's McKellar Park neighbourhood in 2023 is an attractive option for those seeking the perfect balance of urban and outdoor living. Located just north of the Ottawa River, McKellar Park boasts a variety of walking and biking trails, as well as several parks, soccer fields and even a beach. For sightseers, the nearby Canadian Museum of History and Byward Market are both within easy reach. Living in McKellar Park allows residents to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of activities for all ages - from kayaking on the river to visiting one-of-a-kind boutiques on lively Bank Street. With so much to explore nearby yet serenity just steps away, moving to this vibrant community could be an ideal choice for anyone ready to make Ottawa their new home.
New Edinburgh
Moving to New Edinburgh is a great way to experience the diversity of the Canadian capital. With its mix of students, families, young professionals and long time Montrealers all living together in this thriving neighbourhood, it truly is an exciting place to be. You'll find something for every taste; from cafes and boutique shops, to galleries and high-end restaurants. It's also close to many of Ottawa's top attractions like Rideau Canal and the National Gallery of Canada--both just a short 10 minute drive away. Living in New Edinburgh offers the perfect balance between city life and outdoor adventure--allowing you to explore some of Canada's most stunning natural sights while enjoying easy access to urban amenities like excellent educational opportunities and plenty of entertainment options.
Pros
- In Ottawa, you can experience the advantages of being in a bilingual city; something not possible in Montreal.
- Moving to Ottawa from Montreal in 2023 can offer you a more economical lifestyle than staying in Montreal.
- The lack of traffic when moving from Montreal to Ottawa makes it an attractive advantage to relocate.
Cons
- Compared to Montreal, Ottawa's winter weather can be a major disadvantage for those planning to move there.
- Moving to Ottawa in 2023 may come with a downside of experiencing a smaller cultural scene than what is offered in Montreal.
- Moving from Montreal to Ottawa can mean having fewer food options as the cuisine in Ottawa is less diverse than Montreal.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Montreal to Ottawa?
Moving from Montreal to Ottawa in 2023 is an exciting but potentially difficult task. For this move, there are many professional and experienced moving companies that provide a variety of services. Hercules Moving Company is one example, they offer full-service moves with packing and unpacking of belongings, along with transportation between cities. Many other companies also provide similar services such as providing specialized packing materials, providing personal items storage solutions and more. Moreover, it is essential to consider the reputation of the company before deciding on which moving service to choose. It’s important for customers to check that their chosen mover is registered with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) – a reputable organization dedicated to the protection of customers from fraudulent movers. A customer should also look online for reviews from reliable sources before making any final decisions about their move.
Conclusion
Moving to Ottawa from Montreal in 2023 can be a daunting yet exciting experience. It is important to find the right moving solution and weigh out the pros and cons before making this big step. Ottawa offers a unique set of amenities not found in Montreal, such as spectacular parks, an unparalleled historical presence, cultural events and some of the best educational institutions in Canada. There are five neighbourhoods you should visit if you are relocating to Ottawa- Rockcliffe Park, Manor Park, Rothwell Heights, McKellar Park and New Edinburgh - where one will find a perfect balance between urban lifestyle and natural beauty. With plenty of moving companies that provide high quality services such as Hercules Moving Company available for hire it is important to research their reputation before deciding which one to use for your move from Montreal to Ottawa in 2023.
