Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Vancouver to Ottawa in 2023
Have you ever dreamed of moving from Vancouver to Ottawa? With its towering mountains, breathtaking ocean views and vibrant culture, Vancouver is an incredible place to live. It has a population of over 2.5 million people and covers an area of 2,217 square kilometres. Stepping out into the city you can feel the energy that radiates through it and experience the unique atmosphere it provides.
Ottawa is just as impressive in its own way with stunning cultural venues, numerous national parks and a rich history that dates back centuries. Home to almost one million people, Ottawa is Canada’s fourth largest city and spans an area of 2,778 square kilometres along the banks of the Ottawa River. As soon as you arrive in Ottawa there’s immediately something special about it – whether it’s exploring Parliament Hill or visiting some of its many museums – that will stay with you for years to come.
Moving to Ottawa from Ottawa
Moving from Vancouver to Ottawa in 2023 can seem a bit overwhelming, but here at Hercules Moving Company we have compiled the 5 most important things you should consider when planning your move. Cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live and best moving solutions are just a few of the many aspects to think about. Let's dive into these considerations and more in our next section!
Cost of Living
Ottawa is Canada's capital city, and the fourth largest metropolitan area in the country. With a population of over one million people, the cost of living will vary depending on lifestyle choices and needs - which can be found detailed in the comprehensive table below.
| Category | Ottawa | Vancouver |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $270 / sq ft. | $462 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $290 / sq ft. | $1,000 / sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1500 / Month | $1,900 / Month. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $225 / Month | $150-250 / month |
| Transportation | $116.50 / Month for an adult Presto transit pass. | $98 / Month for a Monthly Pass with TransLink. |
| Car Insurance | $1,100 / Year. | $1,680 / Year. |
| Entertainment | $100-150 / Month. | $150 / month. |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $330 / Month | $300 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $120 / month | $80-120 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $60-100 / Month. | $50-100 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 13% / Year | 7% / year |
Moving to Ottawa from Vancouver can be much more affordable with lower costs in real estate, housing, transportation and insurance. Housing utilities and insurance are also more cost efficient in Ottawa. Entertainment, grocery cost, communication and health and fitness have similar costs in both cities. However, the sales taxes are almost double in Ottawa compared to Vancouver.
Benefits of Moving to Ottawa
In Ottawa, you'll find beautiful parks that stretch far beyond the city's borders; whereas in Vancouver, many of the parks are limited to a small area. Meanwhile, Ottawa is known for its affordable housing compared to Vancouver's sky-high prices. Moreover, there is a wide variety of cultures and customs to explore in this bilingual city. Job opportunities are plentiful in Ottawa due to its active job market and good education system. All these benefits make it an ideal destination for those looking for a fresh start!
Best areas to live in Ottawa
Choosing the best neighbourhood to live in Ottawa can be quite challenging. This is due to its diverse cultural mix, unique architecture and sheer size of the city. With so many options to choose from, we have compiled a list of five neighbourhoods that come highly recommended for those moving to Ottawa in 2023.
Rockcliffe Park
Rockcliffe Park is one of Ottawa's wealthist neighbourhood with a median family income exceeding $150,000. It's surrounded by the majestic Rideau River, beautiful Rockcliffe Park and the picturesque neighbourhoods of New Edinburgh and Lindenlea. Being close to both downtown Ottawa and some of the city's most beloved parks, Rockcliffe Park offers easy access to a wide variety of attractions – from walking and biking trails to shops and restaurants mere minutes away. Living in Rockcliffe Park gives you the best of both worlds – peaceful green spaces combined with vibrant inner-city life.
Manotick
The picturesque Manotick is a small community at the south end of Ottawa, located along the Rideau River. A charming village centre features unique shops, antique stores and restaurants, while nearby homes boast lush gardens and plenty of parkland. With a thriving arts community, Manotick has something for everyone – theatre events, concerts in the nearby Millbrook Park and lots of outdoor activities. It's also just a few minutes away from Ottawa’s downtown core and its many attractions such as Parliament Hill, Byward Market and the National Gallery of Canada. Moving to this vibrant neighbourhood means you’ll be surrounded by nature yet still have easy access to all the amenities that come with living close to Canada’s capital city. From scenic leisurely walks along the Rideau Canal Pathway or aquatic adventures on Dow’s Lake to biking around in nearby neighbourhoods like Kars or North Gower – there’s something for everyone living in Manotick!
Rothwell Heights
The bustling and energetic Rothwell Heights neighbourhood is home to many aspiring professionals, families and students. Situated in the heart of Ottawa, it provides easy access to the city's public transit network, parks and lakeside attractions. With big box stores being a short drive away and great restaurants popping up all around - living in Rothwell Heights is an experience like no other. From quick strolls or bike rides to nearby recreational areas such as Lake Ontario Park or spending an evening on restaurant terraces with friends - the life here will keep you engaged and entertained for years!
New Edinburgh
New Edinburgh is a buzzing neighbourhood in Ottawa and is renowned for its diverse cultural attractions. Historic sites, museums, and galleries are within walking distance of each other, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate art and history. Riding the LRT or taking the bike trail along the canal makes accessing nearby hotspots such as Byward Market easy. The vibrant lifestyle of this area means you can always find something exciting to do from attending festivals to discovering hidden gems. Whether living alone or with family, New Edinburgh offers something for everyone to enjoy and make it their home.
The Glebe
The Glebe is a bustling neighbourhood located in Ottawa, and one of the oldest neighbourhoods in town. Known for its friendly atmosphere and vibrant streets, it is surrounded by lush green parks and a variety of local attractions such as the Rideau Canal. From The Glebe you'll be just steps away from Ottawa's downtown core, which has a wealth of sightseeing options including museums and galleries. The area also offers convenient access to restaurants, cafes, shops and more. Living in The Glebe means enjoying the vibrancy of urban living while still having easy access to nature with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy at nearby parks or on the canal itself.
Pros
- The advantage of moving from Vancouver to Ottawa is that the cost of living is more favourable to your budget.
- In Ottawa, four distinct seasons bring a variety of experiences that are unparalleled compared to Vancouver's milder weather.
- Moving from Vancouver to Ottawa puts you closer to major cities like Toronto and Montreal, making it easier to visit other places.
Cons
- Moving to Ottawa from Vancouver can come with the burden of longer and more intense winters.
- The absence of an ocean nearby makes Ottawa a less attractive destination while considering the move from Vancouver.
- Moving from Vancouver to Ottawa in 2023 can be a difficult decision due to the significantly lower population diversity in Ottawa.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Vancouver to Ottawa?
Moving from one city to another can be a daunting task, but with the right moving company, it doesn't have to be. There are many moving companies available for people planning on relocating from Vancouver to Ottawa in 2023. Hercules Moving Company is just one of these options, offering end-to-end services that provide assistance with packing, loading and unloading your belongings as well as transporting them safely to your new destination. Moreover, there are plenty of other companies that offer similar services and it's worth researching each option carefully so you can make the best choice possible. Meanwhile, you should always remember to check the online reputation of each company and verify their registration with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). This way you can ensure that all aspects of your move go smoothly and securely.
Conclusion
Moving from Vancouver to Ottawa in 2023 is a great way to experience the diverse culture, vibrant lifestyle and affordable housing of Canada's capital city. With Hercules Moving Company, you can enjoy reliable end-to-end services for relocating with ease. Be sure to research all available moving solutions online for making the best choice possible and verify their registration with Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). Ottawa also boasts numerous parks, attractions and job opportunities that make it an ideal place for those looking for a change!
