Can someone tell me what to expect if I am moving to Ottawa next year?

...in terms of the employment, housing, schools, and cost of living?? I've done a lot research online and I just want a personal opinion from ppl that have lived or visited there. I will be making this big move with my wife and kids so pls consider my family in your responses - so far I love everything about Canada and I haven't been there yet.

I've been there for almost 5 years and all I can say is great. Mostly government jobs. There are few big corps as well. Ottawa is rather big so it really depends where you planning to stay and where you going to work. The prime areas around town would definitely going to costs more but from what I remember, renting apartments are pretty reasonable too. I used to stay like 5 mins away from town and it only costs me 1000 bucks for a 3 bedroom apartment. However, I doubt this price is still available today. Maybe 1000 bucks for 2 bed room apartment now. Food and grocery is very convenient. Daily meal would range from 5 to 10 bucks per meal. The public transport is excellent. It's always on time no matter which day of the year. Daily rate is around 2 to 3 bucks but it will be cheaper if you buy monthly or yearly pass. The weather is slightly colder but apart from that, everything is good. Lots of outdoor activities during summer and autumn. Winter is really beautiful too. Everywhere is white and the canal is filled with skaters. Ottawa has really good schools starting from junior to universities. If your kids are really good in basketball, they should go to Carleton University. Best basketball team in Canada.

It's a safe place and rules are stricter. Parents need not worry about the kids smoking or drinking. The legal age is 19. Crimes are very rare but since it is the capital and most governments buildings are located at town, when there's country emergency cases, it would be slightly chaotic. Was there during the 9/11 case. Police evacuated citizens around town especially nearby the parliament.

Hope that'll help.

Ottawa is a beautiful city. I lived there for about 10 years and loved it. Government jobs pay very, very well so you can always apply there for work depending on what you're interested in. Housing can be quite expensive but there are also reasonable rents but you have to look around. Minto Corp. is a very large rental property owner so you could try them but there are also a lot of others to check out. Just don't go to one of these places that give you a list of rental properties as they are very often out of date and they just get their info from the newspaper anyway. I fell for that $cam when I first moved there. My adult kids are still there and plan to stay. I'm only 2 hrs from them so get the see the city quite often. Good luck.

Well it's an awesome place to be first of all! The employment is pretty gd here, housing is good (you can get a townhouse / single home in the suburbs or an apartment downtown). Schools are really gd...everyone is co-operative and good to get along with...there are usually buses to pick up the kids so you don't have to worry about that, transportation's good, the streets are clean most of the time, the ppl are rele rele rele rele friendly....and the cost of living isn't that high - not like New York or Toronto atleast. anyways you should definatelly move here - it's awesome! (oh and bring a coat with you :D)