Life in Capital City

Q) Why would you want to move from Toronto to Ottawa?

A) I’ve always liked Ottawa.  It’s a nice town.  Not too big, not too small.  There’s enough going on that I know I won’t be bored, and it’s relaxed enough that I won’t feel as rushed as I do in Toronto.  Besides, I’m at a point in my life where the whole “big city/bright lights” thing doesn’t really do it for me any more.  I know I can always come back to Toronto if I really want to, and I know I can always visit.

Q) Do you hate Toronto?

A) Not at all.  There are things I hate about the city, but on a whole, I don’t hate the place.  You find things you don’t like about any city you visit or live in.  There are many things about Toronto that I know I’m going to miss, but my reason for moving has nothing to do with hate.

Q) Then why move?

A) Again, I’m at a point where I want some change and I want things to be less busy.  Toronto is big and there’s always a lot going on – even when there isn’t.  I need something new and I need to start a new chapter in my life.

Q) What do you do for a living that lets you move from one place to another?

A) I’m an analyst and a writer.  I figured Ottawa is a good place because its centrally located, close to really big cities (Toronto, Montreal) and from there I can get anywhere I need to go.  And best of all, when I come home at the end the of day, I’ll be able to enjoy my life.

Q) What if you move to Ottawa and you hate it?

A) That’s a risk I’m going to take.  I moved to Toronto in 2002 and right away I could tell the city wasn’t going to be like it was when I was only visiting.  When you live somewhere, the place you call home becomes much more.  I made Toronto work for me and I grew to really like it, not just as a visitor, but as a citizen.  I don’t doubt there will be some bumps along the way in a new town, but that’s just par for the course.

Q) What are some the good things about Ottawa?

A) A lot of people don’t know this, but Ottawa has some great restaurants.  There’s a lot of culture in Ottawa that extends beyond the Parliament, Government and museums. I look forward to exploring the lifestyles and the areas that locals know.

Q) Do you have family and/or friends in Ottawa?

A) I know a few people but I’m always willing and eager to meet more.

Q) What are the selling points to Ottawa?

A) Housing costs less…it’s close to Montreal (and my family)… the city isn’t too big… the people are nice… most of the things I have in Toronto I will also have in Ottawa (restaurants, movie theaters, shops)

Q) Where in Ottawa are you thinking about living?

A) As much fun as it would be to live right downtown, the chance of that is pretty slim.  Mainly because there are no houses right downtown.  The Glebe is probably the only area even close to that, and while it has its charm, it’s not quite what I’m looking for.  (Although I do enjoy spending time there.)  Most likely I’ll be looking to the east-end of the city.  Orleans (or I guess as some people could technically call it, “New” Orleans as there are new housing developments springing up every month it seems) is a nice place.  The houses are well priced and it’s not too far from downtown.  (A short drive by car or TransitWay.)

Q) Will you be renting or owning?

A) That was something I spent a great deal of time thinking about, and the funny thing is, I still don’t know for sure.  But I wrote a blog post about it with my first thoughts (and I’m sure I’ll come back to it often before I finally move.)