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Six Tips for Finding the Right Neighbourhood in Ottawa

Posted by premierottawa on December 8, 2023
Buying Properties, House Hunting, Local Info, Location, Moving, Ottawa's Best Neighbourhoods, Real Estate
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Moving is filled with big decisions. And deciding which neighbourhood to move to is just as important as finding the right house. After all, you can update your house, but it’s a lot harder to change a neighbourhood. Whether you already live in the Ottawa area or are relocating to the Nation’s Capital from elsewhere, it can be tough to figure out which community will be best for you and your family. There are a number of important factors you should consider when choosing which neighbourhood to move to. Here are our six best tips for finding the right neighbourhood in Ottawa.

 

1.      Choosing the Right Neighbourhood

The easiest way to begin narrowing down your search is to decide if you want to be in an urban, suburban or rural community. Ottawa and the surrounding areas offer a great selection of each type of neighbourhood, so you have plenty of options no matter what lifestyle you’re looking for. From Orleans to Carp and everything in between, we can help you find the right neighbourhood in Ottawa for you.

 

2.      Decide How Far You Want to Commute

How much of your time is spent commuting can play a big role in your quality of life. As can your method of transit. Do you want to be able to hop on a bus at your door or do you love a long drive to relax at the end of the day? Maybe your dream is being able to walk or cycle to work. Some people prefer to be close to their family and social destinations while others prioritize being close to the office. Whatever the case, be sure to take your commute into consideration when choosing which Ottawa neighbourhood to move to.

 

3.      Finding the Right School in Ottawa

If you have children or are considering having them in the future, schools in the area will likely be one of your top concerns. Factors such as language, distance, curriculum, and extra-curriculars can vary from school to school, so it’s important to have a list of criteria when looking at school options in your chosen neighbourhood.

 

To learn more about Ottawa’s best neighbourhood schools, visit the appropriate education board’s website:

 

4.      Are the Amenities You Need Close By?

Do you like to go to the gym every day? Are you a fan of gourmet and specialty shops or do you prefer big box shopping? Maybe you frequent restaurants and like to order in? Make a list of amenities you use regularly and look for a neighbourhood with easy access to these things. Having the things you like to do close by saves time and money and makes your daily life easier.

 

5.      Check the Available Utilities and Community Bylaws

The type and quality of utilities available in different neighbourhoods can vary. Especially as you move further out of the city. Many rural homes have a well and a septic system instead of sewer lines and city water. Or you may have to take your garbage to the dump in areas where there is no weekly pickup. And high-speed internet can be hard to come by in some areas, so if you work from home this is important to confirm before you select your neighbourhood.

 

But even in the city and suburbs, different neighbourhoods have different restrictions that could limit activities you enjoy. Before you commit to an Ottawa neighbourhood, take the time to look into local bylaws. Some communities prohibit working on a car in your driveway, or having a backyard firepit, or even what colour you can paint your door. You don’t want to buy a home in a neighbourhood that restricts your favourite pastimes.

 

Ottawa’s Best Real Estate Agent

The easiest way to find the right Ottawa neighbourhood is to ask an expert! Our team of local Ottawa Realtors® has the knowledge and experience to help you find exactly the right neighbourhood to meet your needs. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you narrow down the perfect place for your next home.

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