Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Ottawa to Edmonton in 2023
Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta located just south of the North Saskatchewan River. With a population of over 1 million people, it is Canada’s fifth-largest city and has been nicknamed “Canada’s Festival City” due to its vibrant culture and events throughout the year. Edmonton offers many eclectic neighbourhoods that provide a unique sense of belonging for its residents while also offering plenty to explore within its picturesque park system.
Relocating from Ottawa to Edmonton
Relocating from Ottawa to Edmonton is not an easy task. With many factors to consider, it can be overwhelming to choose the best option. To make the process easier, we have collected the five most important considerations for moving from Ottawa to Edmonton: Cost of Living, Benefits of Moving, Where to Live, Pros and Cons and Best Moving Solutions. Taking these into account will help you make an educated decision about your move.
Cost of Living
Edmonton is the largest northern most city in Canada. With such a large population and bustling urban centre, the cost of living can vary widely and could depend on your desired lifestyle. This table compares the estimated costs between Ottawa and Edmonton to help you get an idea of what you’re getting into when making a move to this western Canadian city.
| Category | Edmonton | Ottawa |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $300 / sq ft. | $275/sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $315/sq ft. | $370/sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $940 / Month | $1,500 / Month |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200-350 / Month. | $300-500 / Month |
| Transportation | $97 / Month for a monthly adult transit pass. | $119 / Month (for adult pass): Presto monthly pass for public transit. |
| Car Insurance | $1,132 / Year. | $1,200 / Year |
| Entertainment | $150 / Month | $150 / Month |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $300 / Month. | $400 / Month |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $85 / Month | $100 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $50 - $100 / Month | $50-$100 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 5% | 13\% |
When moving from Ottawa to Edmonton, one can expect to pay less on real estate, housing and transportation costs. The production home in Edmonton is $25/sq ft. less than Ottawa, while a custom-built single-family home is ~15\% lower in Edmonton. Housing utilities and insurance are also cheaper in Edmonton compared to Ottawa by $100-$150/month. Public transit passes are also lower in Edmonton, costing $22/month less than Ottawa's Presto monthly pass. Car insurance is slightly cheaper in Edmonton at $68/year less than Ottawa. Other living costs such as entertainment, grocery costs, communication costs and health and fitness costs remain on average the same between the two cities. Finally, Edmonton sales taxes are 5\%, compared to 13\% in Ottawa - a notable difference that could help save money when making larger purchases.
Benefits of Moving to Edmonton
Moving from Ottawa to Edmonton offers a plethora of benefits. From livability and job opportunities to cultural diversity and outdoor recreational activities, everything that you are looking for in a city can be found in Edmonton. Moreover, the educational opportunities available in Edmonton are far more extensive than what's available in Ottawa, offering further advantages to those who move there. Meanwhile, living well is also facilitated by the broad range of lifestyle supports that come with living in a big city like Edmonton. With many attractions and venues located nearby, it's easy to find entertainment options that suit your taste. Furthermore, the city has plenty of avenues for networking socially as well as engaging professionally which makes it an ideal choice for those who are planning relocate.
Best areas to live in Edmonton
Choosing the right neighbourhood in Edmonton can be a daunting task. With so many factors to take into account and such an abundant selection of choices, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the options available. But finding the best fit doesn't have to be complicated - here is a list of top neighbourhoods that may help you make your decision.
Windermere
Moving to Edmonton in 2023? Make sure to check out Windermere, one of the most popular neighbourhoods in the city! Nestled on the north side of Victoria Park, Windermere is surrounded by biking and walking trails, green spaces and plenty of nearby attractions. Public transit makes it easy to get around town quickly, while just a short drive away you can find shopping malls, movie theatres and restaurants. Living in Windermere means having access to all the amenities you need within reach - so be sure to add this neighbourhood to your list when searching for a new place home!
Magrath Heights
Magrath Heights is a thriving neighbourhood in Edmonton, Canada. Characterised by its diverse population, contemporary style and proximity to outdoor activities, it has much to offer newcomers. From shopping centres to restaurants, all within walking distance, you are never far from the action. For those looking for more of an escape from the downtown lifestyle, the nearby forests and rivers provide ample recreational opportunities – with trails just minutes away from most neighbourhoods in Magrath Heights. For anyone moving from Ottawa in 2023 who seeks a vibrant community and nature close at hand – Magrath Heights is an ideal destination.
Glenora
Located in the west-central part of Edmonton, Glenora is one of the most sought after neighbourhoods in the city. According to 2019 statistics, it has a median age of 40, younger than average for Edmonton as a whole. The neighbourhood is minutes away from attractions such as West Edmonton Mall and Muttart Conservatory and is only 5 km away from downtown Edmonton. Whether you are looking for a quiet residential area or an exciting nightlife, Glenora offers everything you need to create an unforgettable lifestyle near all the major attractions in Alberta's Capital City.
Oleskiw
The vibrant Oleskiw neighbourhood is nestled in the south-west section of Edmonton. Here, you can enjoy the perfect combination of urban living and natural beauty. From an abundance of nearby parks to shopping, entertainment and dining options all within walking distance, Oleskiw has it all! You'll also be situated very close to West Edmonton Mall and River Valley Park, as well as other attractions like the University of Alberta and River Cree Casino. With all these amenities at your doorstep, life in Oleskiw will provide you with infinite opportunities for leisure while being conveniently located in a dynamic city centre.
Summerside
Summerside is one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in Edmonton, having about 20 percent of its population born outside Canada. It is surrounded by luscious parks and gardens, like the West End Memorial Park and the Alberta Legislature Building Gardens. From Summerside, you can reach downtown Edmonton in 15 minutes while exploring trendy bars and street art galleries. The University of Alberta, meanwhile, can be reached in 25 minutes. Summerside offers a vibrant liveliness combined with greater proximity to downtown Edmonton than many other neighbourhoods – an ideal blend for any family or professional looking to make their move to Edmonton in 2023.
Pros
- The low cost of living in Edmonton compared to Ottawa makes it an appealing choice for relocation.
- The move from Ottawa to Edmonton provides more job opportunities, making the switch exciting and advantageous.
- The breathtaking natural scenery surrounding Edmonton makes it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Ottawa.
Cons
- Moving from Ottawa to Edmonton can be challenging because of the severe cold weather that comes with the territory.
- Moving to Edmonton can be a disadvantage for those who value easy access to other major cities, as it is relatively isolated from them.
- Moving to Edmonton from Ottawa in 2023 provides fewer cultural diversity opportunities than what one would find in the former city.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Ottawa to Edmonton?
Moving from Ottawa to Edmonton can be stressful, especially if you're doing it yourself. Luckily, there are many moving companies that offer services to make your move easier. From the packing and wrapping of fragile items to transporting them to the new place, these companies provide a range of services for their customers. Hercules Moving Company is one company that offers multiple kinds of moving and storage solutions for this transitory journey. Moreover, there are many other companies worth considering when making a decision about which mover would best suit your needs and situation. Meanwhile, it is important for everyone moving from Ottawa to Edmonton in 2023 to remember that they should always check the credibility of their chosen mover by researching online reviews and confirming its membership with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). Doing so ensures that your move will proceed smoothly without any unexpected surprise costs or broken items by unprofessional movers.
Conclusion
Moving to Edmonton in 2023 can provide plenty of benefits for those looking for a change of scenery. With lower housing prices, transportation costs and sales taxes than Ottawa, Edmonton offers a wide range of options from livability to job opportunities and outdoor activities. Residents may choose from various eclectic neighbourhoods, with each providing its own unique sense of belonging. Finding the perfect neighbourhood is made easier by considering factors such as amenities, proximity to attractions and cost-of-living. Hercules Moving Company provides multiple moving solutions for those making their transitory journey from Ottawa to Edmonton in 2023 - making it easy to find the right service based on research into online reviews and membership with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM).
