Ottawa Accommodation

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

When searching for a place to live, some important factors to consider are safety, location preference and individual needs. Depending on your preference, you may want to find a place close to work, school, shops, medical facilities and most importantly an area that fits your needs.

Below are some helpful factors to keep in mind when looking for a place to live:

  • Price -- Ottawa's numerous neighborhoods offer a wide variety of price ranges

  • Neighborhood -- some expatriates prefer a more country setting, whereas others may prefer to be at the heart of the excitement

  • Housing type -- house, townhouse, condominium, apartment, duplex or multiplex

  • Housing condition - older dwellings look more historic, but may require more renovations than newer dwellings

  • Size of family -- this may affect housing type and location

  • Distance to work -- will you drive, walk or use public transportation to get to work...

  • Distance to schools -- if applicable, will the children walk to school or is transportation provided for them

  • Proximity of services -- public transportation, fitness centers, shopping centers, etc....

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What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

  • The CENTRAL OTTAWA area consists of the most prestigious and fashionable neighborhoods which include: Downtown, The Byward Market, and the Glebe. The Glebe is one of the wealthier communities in Ottawa, and mostly populated by families with children; subsequently, a good deal of its social services are geared towards youth. The Central Ottawa area also includes the Parliament Buildings and the Supreme Court. Housing includes condominiums, apartments, and older single family homes and townhouses.

  • The SOUTH OTTAWA area neighborhoods include: Alta Vista, Billings Bridge, Hunt Club Estate, and Mooney's Bay. This area contains the Ottawa International airport, the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, and the Hunt Club Woods, a large open area of meadows and woods. These areas are highly residential with strong community ties, many churches, schools, and community centres.

  • The EAST OTTAWA area includes one of the most inexpensive areas in Ottawa; Vanier, and the wealthiest community in Ottawa; Rockcliffe Park. Vanier, while considered by many to be up and coming, is an area known for its crime rate. It also has a large francophone population. Rockcliffe Park is just north of Vanier, and is home to many ambassadors, politicians and heads of corporations. The average salary in Rockcliffe Park is more than double the average for Ottawa, and the homes reflect that.

  • The WEST OTTAWA area consists of neighborhoods such as: Woodroffe North, Westboro and contains the Civic Hospital, and the Experimental Farm. Westboro is a thriving community with a lively street scene. Boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and condominiums contribute to it being a trendy neighborhood.

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Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

Expats normally rent their homes if their stays are for a short duration. However, some might decide to stay longer and purchase their house.
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Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

You will be expected to pay first and last month's rent up front. Beyond that, your lease will clearly state the cost of rent per month, along with whether or not this includes your utility bills. The lease also clearly states the length of the occupancy of the property (generally one year), how payment is to be made each month, which appliances (if any) are included and (if applicable) whether or not parking is included.
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Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

That depends. When renting a home, utilities are not typically included in your tenant contract. However, in condominiums and apartments, some utilities are included in your leasing contract.
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Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

Ottawa is a very safe and clean city. Most homes come equipped with security features such as door locks, bolts and security alarm services. Many areas also have neighborhood watch programs that allow neighbors to report any suspicious activity to authorities.
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I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

The electric current in Canada is 120/40 volts. The electrical Hertz (Hz) is 60.

Below are examples of the types of plugs that are used in Canada:

Type A - Flat blade attachment plug

Note: In the U.S. & Canada, two-blade plugs are often polarized, with one blade larger than the other. Most outlets are designed to handle these. The larger blade is the neutral side of the current. This is a safety feature intended so the plug can be inserted one way only to reduce the chance of accidental shock. If you try to plug a modern plug into an old-style receptacle for equal size blades, it won't go in unless you file down the larger blade to the older plug size. Outside the US, many countries with Type A use the old style plug, and a newer US plug with unequal pins might pose a problem. This can be bypassed using an adaptor (found in many travel kits) which converts the newer Type A plug to the older model with equal-sized blades. Be aware, though, that you might also be bypassing the protection that polarization provides.

Type B - Flat blades with round grounding pin


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Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

If you are interested in a particular property, you will be required to complete a preliminary application. At that time, you may be asked to include a letter of employment from your current employer on company letter headed paper.

This should indicate your salary, job status and length of employment. In addition, you may also be required to provide a letter of reference from a former landlord stating something to the effect that you paid your rent on time and were a good tenant. You may also be required to provide your Social Insurance Number for credit reference, along with personal reference numbers.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.