Living Local: Why Ottawa is One of the Best Cities to Call Home

Thinking about moving to Ottawa or just curious about what makes Canada’s capital such a desirable place to live? As a team that lives and works right here in the city, we can confidently say: Ottawa is one of the best cities to call home — and we’re not just saying that because we’re biased (okay, maybe a little 😉).

From its family-friendly vibe to its thriving job market and unbeatable access to nature, Ottawa offers a unique lifestyle that’s hard to match. Here’s why we love living local — and why you might too.

🏙️ Big City Benefits, Small-Town Comforts

Ottawa is the fourth-largest city in Canada, but it doesn’t always feel like it. While it has the perks of a big city—strong infrastructure, cultural diversity, and economic opportunity—it also boasts the warmth and familiarity of a smaller town.

Whether you’re grabbing a latte at your favourite local coffee shop, exploring neighbourhoods like The Glebe or Westboro, or chatting with your neighbours on the front porch, Ottawa offers a sense of community that’s increasingly rare in major cities.

🌿 A City Surrounded by Nature

Ottawa is an outdoor lover’s paradise. You’re never far from green space — in fact, the Rideau Canal runs through the city’s core and becomes the world’s longest skating rink in winter.

For hiking, biking, or cross-country skiing, Gatineau Park is just a 15-minute drive away and offers over 300 square kilometres of protected land. Summer weekends are made for kayaking on the Ottawa River or exploring trails along the Trans Canada Trail.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Living

Ottawa consistently ranks as one of Canada’s safest cities (source) and is known for its excellent schools and family-oriented neighbourhoods. Communities like Barrhaven, Orléans, and Kanata offer everything from parks and splash pads to community centres and libraries.

Whether you’re raising a family or planning for the future, Ottawa makes it easy to feel at home.

🧠 Education & Career Opportunities

With two major universities — Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, plus leading colleges like Algonquin College, Ottawa is a hub for learning.

It’s also a top destination for careers in government, tech, health care, and education. The city is home to a fast-growing tech sector known as Silicon Valley North and is a major centre for federal government positions.

Looking to grow your career? This is the place.

🛍️ Local Love & Community Connection

We love Ottawa because people here show up for local businesses, for events, and for one another. The city has an incredible selection of farmers’ markets, pop-ups, festivals, and small businesses that make it feel vibrant and connected.

We regularly highlight local gems in our Ottawa Business Spotlight Series, featuring places like Miller’s Farm, Abby Hill Farms, Elite Beauty Lab, Suyin Lifts Gym, and incredible local artists and makers. Supporting small businesses is just one way to feel like part of something bigger here, and it’s one of the many reasons we’re so proud to call Ottawa home. You can check out our latest spotlights and tag your local favs on our Instagram.

❤️ Why We Call Ottawa Home

At The REALity Group, we do more than just sell homes in Ottawa — we live, work, shop, and raise families here. We’ve helped countless clients find their perfect place in the city, and every transaction starts with one goal in mind: making your real estate dreams your REALity.

💬 Thinking of Moving to Ottawa?

We’d love to connect with you — whether you’re new to the city or already here and looking to make a change.

📩 Email us at info@therealitygroup.ca
📞 Call us at 613-707-5174
🌐 Explore more at www.therealitygroup.ca