Many of our team members have lived in Ottawa for most of their lives, so we’ve personally experienced how much our city has changed over the years. Ottawa’s population grew by over 8% between 2016 and 2021, surpassing the 1 million mark in the same period, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada.

But what makes Ottawa so great, and why is it so attractive to new people?

For one, Ottawa is the Capital of Canada and is home to just over 1.4 million people. A steady population increase is due to many factors, including immigration and ample employment opportunities. 

Ottawa is not only a hub for government employment due to it being the capital & home to Parliament, but it has also become a hub for high-tech industries that have contributed to the population growth. There are now over 1500 advanced technology companies based out of Ottawa that employ approximately 65,000 people. 

International immigration added 66,455 people to Ontario’s population in the first quarter of 2022. This was an increase of 70.6% from the same period in 2021.

Under the Immigration Levels Plan, Ottawa plans to welcome 431,645 permanent residents this year, 447,055 next year, and 451,000 in 2024.

Ottawa has ranked as the best place to live in Canada based on incomes, car ownership, unemployment rates, housing, weather and lifestyle. 

The average salary in Ottawa is $54,605, which is 15% higher than the average Canadian salary of $47,487. As of August 2022, the city’s unemployment rate sits at 3.4%, much lower than the provincial rate of 5.3% and the national rate of 5.4%.

Also contributing to our city’s attractiveness is its affordability compared to other major cities. As of September, the cost of living in Ottawa is approximately 6.22% lower than in Toronto, and rent is about 23.56% lower than in Toronto.

According to Zumper, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Ottawa is $1,694, whereas, in Toronto, the same would cost $2072.

The city of Ottawa also boasts great cultural diversity and experiences. While still maintaining the safe feeling of a small town, Ottawa has grown to welcome new cultures and has become a place where cultures can be shared and experienced. Our city is filled with museums, art galleries, historic sites, and beautiful places. There are also ample opportunities to find cultural and community festivals and events to enjoy.

There are so many reasons why we love Ottawa; these are only a few. Our team is proud to be a part of such a diverse and welcoming community.

If you or someone you know is interested in moving to Ottawa, send them this article! Knowing a little bit about the people and the place you’re going to live is always helpful! Our team would also be happy to help you find your dream home in our dream city. Just send us a message or give us a call!