Everything You Need to Relocate to Ottawa

Published on 26 January 2021 in Blog Ottawa by Jenn Chamberlain

Last updated on May 10th, 2024 at 01:48 pm

Relocating to Ottawa and not sure where to start? Moving to a new city can be an overwhelming process. But no need to stress! This blog has you covered with some key steps that will help you can sail smoothly through the entire moving process.

Explore Employment Opportunities

Ottawa has a low unemployment rate and one of the highest incomes of all major Canadian cities. The city also has a booming tech industry as well as large government and healthcare sectors. Kanata Research Park in the western part of the city has even been nicknamed ‘Silicon Valley North’ with over 1800 companies there, among them including large tech firms like Adobe. With so many services available in the city, it’s also easy to find a job in the real estate and finance industry along with the restaurant hub, professional sports industry, boutiques, museums, theatres, and galleries.

Find a Realtor and a Lawyer

An experienced realtor will make the moving process much easier. They can help identify the best neighbourhoods based on your needs, find the right home for your lifestyle and budget, and answer any questions you might have about Ottawa. They will essentially guide you through it all, making the transition easier for you and your family. You should also find a good and reputable lawyer to manage the transfer of ownership. Your real estate agent should also be able to help you with setting up a mortgage, obtaining legal services, and professional inspection services if necessary. They will enable you to determine all the closing costs before you make a commitment. At the same time, they’ll ensure that your mortgage timing and transaction process go as smoothly as possible.

Decide on A Neighbourhood

Once you have an agent, it’s now time to decide on a particular neighbourhood. Ottawa has over 23 areas to explore and so many great neighbourhoods to choose from! Whether you prefer a city feel, suburban home, or rural lot, there’s something for every homeowner here. In fact, Ottawa has been described as one of the most beautiful cities to live in with all the attributes of a major metropolis but with a small-town feel. Your agent will help you short-list a few potential districts that are best suited to your lifestyle and budget needs.

Find Your Dream Home

As soon as you have decided on a particular neighbourhood, the agent will then pull the available listings (on and off the market) for you to review. If there’s anything that peaks your interest, your agent will help to arrange a tour of the property. You should also take some quality time to explore the area around the home to see if it has all the services and amenities that you desire.

Planning and Booking Your Move

Once you have your employment and realtor lined up, it’s time to start planning your actual move. As soon as you know your official moving date, we recommend calling to book your movers. Choose one that is properly insured and has a proven track record – do not take chances with your belongings. This way, you can make sure to get the date you need and won’t have to scramble looking for movers who are available, especially if you are moving during the peak seasons. Creating a to-do list for packing, sorting through your belongings, cancelling subscriptions, and transferring utilities to your new address should be included too.

Reach Out to Schools

For those who have children, be sure to give their school notice about your move. This way, their teachers can adjust their schedules to wrap up assignments accordingly. They might even be able to offer recommendations about ideal local schools in Ottawa, of which there are many sizes and varieties including Catholic, private, and public institutions.If you’re planning to relocate to Ottawa, our real estate team at RE/MAX Affiliates Remax Affiliates Results Realty Ltd., Brokerage is here to help you. We are an award-winning team with over 30 years of experience helping homeowners achieve their goals. We’re also experts in the Ottawa area and can help you find the perfect property. Contact us today to get started.