100-222 Somerset St. W. Ottawa, ON K2P 0A7

Ottawa Blog

Living in Ottawa

Why Ottawa is a Great Place to Raise a Family

Play Video

Why Ottawa is a Great Place to Raise a Family

Relocating becomes more complicated when you’re moving with a family. Every Ottawa real estate agent understands your struggle to find a home with access to everything the adults and children in your household need. Well please read on as today we are going to cover Why Ottawa is a Great Place to Raise a Family!

The most important thing you need as you look for your new home is information. So today we’re going to talk about why Ottawa is a great place to raise a family.

Ottawa is on a lot of shortlists of the best places to live in Canada, and the world! A Canadian Business study and MoneySense Magazine 2016 had it in the top slot. It has been honoured for its quality of life as well as eco, bicycle, and pedestrian-friendliness.

Ottawa has received top scores for its use of technology and its culture of knowledge. Let’s take a look at some specific areas in which Ottawa shines for families.  

Knowledge

What do we mean when we say that Ottawa has a culture of knowledge? More than 25% of Ottawans use technology, creativity, or knowledge-intensive applications in their fields of work or study. 

The focus on continued learning and growth affects everyone in the city. Children and adults living in Ottawa are curious and have access to excellent public schools at every level, from kindergarten through higher education.   

Kids benefit from high-quality after school programs, and families love the easily accessible public library system. Families living in Ottawa benefit every day from being surrounded by systems, businesses, and institutions dedicated to acquiring and using knowledge and education. 

Ottawa is also a bilingual city, and both French and English are spoken in daily life throughout the area. Commerce, culture, and education all reflect this special aspect of Ottawa’s daily life. Raising a family in Ottawa gives children the opportunity to gain fluency in a second language.

Culture

Ottawa is a multicultural city filled with people who were born all over the world. Its vibrant ethnic and religious diversity makes it a very modern cosmopolitan city that continues to grow and develop. Immigration strengthens the community at every level, bringing in new ideas, traditions, and ways of looking at the world.

This multi-cultural framework sets the stage for festivals and events throughout the year. Families can attend celebrations of cultures from across the globe. 

Ottawa continues to be a popular destination for immigrants and their families. The diversity, economic opportunities, and welcoming environment grow every year. 

As the nation’s capital and seat of the Canadian government, Ottawa is rich in history. Filled with national monuments and museums, there are nearly endless ways to learn about the past and how it affects the present. There are many, many family-friendly museums and historical venues where kids can have fun and learn about the region.

Ottawa is perfectly situated for family day trips. The surrounding area is filled with small towns and villages. The Rideau River and other waterways are home to treasure troves of local history and lots of fun activities for the whole family.

Mill towns dating back hundreds of years are home to architectural gems, great shopping, historical landmarks, and many local artisans. These areas also attract families looking for fun in the great outdoors. 

Nature

If you don’t want to venture out on a day trip, there is plenty of beautiful nature to be found right in Ottawa. The city has many parks and other green spaces with outdoor activities of all kinds. 

Hiking and biking trails, forested areas, and conventional parks dot the city and surrounding area. Waterways are all around, with beaches and opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and ice skating, as well as picnics to enjoy the scenery.

With four distinct seasons, Ottawa makes the most of its climate. Families can enjoy everything from biking and swimming in the summer to skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing in the winter.

Though Canada is known for its cold winters, Ottawa also has lovely, mild springs, warm summers, and crisp autumns. Each season offers different celebrations, events, and activities.

The city is very environmentally friendly. Just a short drive from the city centre is Gatineau Park, a large, biodiverse conservation park. It’s a popular destination for eco-minded outdoor enthusiasts.

Practical

Now that we’ve talked about the things that are nice to have in the city where you raise your family, let’s talk about the essentials. Ottawa has the lowest violent crime rate in Canada. City streets and neighbourhoods are safe and friendly. The focus on green space helps keep the city quiet.

Ottawa’s provincial healthcare is excellent and covers the whole family. Child care is plentiful and reasonably priced. Public transit is reliable and widely used. Over 20% of the population rides the bus to work. Families find it easy to traverse the city and access all it has to offer. 

While museums and skiing are wonderful, your family needs to feel safe, cared for, and that they have excellent public services. Ottawa gets top marks for quality of life in many surveys because it combines high-quality public necessities and a rich cultural tapestry.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to raising a family in Ottawa. There are great schools, museums, festivals, parks, and so much more. Though it is Canada’s fourth-largest urban area, it’s safe and quiet with lots of green space.

The Ottawa real estate market is more affordable than Canada’s other large urban markets. The area has many of the qualities of a smaller region while maintaining the economic and cultural benefits of an urban centre. 

If you’re considering moving to Ottawa, or moving in Ottawa, talk to a local Ottawa realtor. They can help you decide which neighbourhoods fit your family’s needs and show you the many different areas of the city.

As you’re planning your move, visit Ottawa and experience its unique combination of small-city appeal and big city vibe. Families enjoy thriving, diverse communities, a stellar culture of education and knowledge, and excellent public services. Its beautiful natural surroundings are the icing on the cake of family life in Ottawa.

RECOMMENDED VIDEOS:

Will the Ottawa Real Estate Market Crash?

Top Small Towns near Ottawa with Ottawa Real Estate Agent

SOURCES:

https://www.readersdigest.ca/health/relationships/best-canadian-cities-raise-family/

https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/immigrants/why-choose-ottawa

https://www.narcity.com/ottawa/the-healthiest-cities-in-the-world-to-raise-a-family-include-a-canadian-spot

https://www.kidsinthecapital.ca/blog/2015/1/23/ottawas-top-5-family-friendly-neighbourhoods

https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/gatineau-park

Looking to relocate to Ottawa?
We Can Help!

Learn More About Living in Ottawa

Privacy Preferences
When you visit our website, it may store information through your browser from specific services, usually in form of cookies. Here you can change your privacy preferences. Please note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the services we offer.