Is ottawa a good place to live?

I'm thinking of moving to Ottawa from Edmonton. I was hoping to get some general information about the city like things to do in the city, apartments, and good areas of the city to live in. I appreciate anything anyone has to offer!!

Ive lived in Ottawa for four years, 8 months out of each year. (i go to University there) and I find it a very good city.

the city is newly expanding, particularly southwards....this is known as the South Keys area by locals (its actually the name of a shopping center in the area) its good if you are looking for a newer area of the city.

A more centrally located area is known as "Billings Bridge" or "old ottawa south" its basically the middle of the city, close to amenities but not too close to downtown. its a calm neighborhhod, but not too far from the major commercial areas...its kind of a middle ground.

If you prefer a larger house, like a Victorian, ask about an area called the "the Glebe"it a slightly artsy older area of town with many large homes. there are also often rooms available to rent in this area. it is centrally located as well.

All rent is generally high in Ottawa, but if you hunt carefully you can get deals.

Generally Ottawa is great. Public Transportation is very good, and there is also an abundance of taxis. Policing is also generally good. The town is home to 2 Universities and one college, so there are many Pubs and Clubs. Most Common are Irish Pubs. There are also many great restaurants, art galleries, and a few museums.

Winters are typically very COLD. but thats any Candian city really :)

Ottawa is a beautiful city with many things to do all year around. As you are from Edmonton you know what winter is all about. Ottawa is cold and windy in winter but with plenty to do.
If you are planning to work in Ottawa you must realize if you wish any job dealing with the public you must be fluently bilingual. This includes taxi drivers, policemen bus drivers delivery people even pizza delivery people have to be able to converse in both official languages.
Check out the Ottawa website. There is lots more besides government there.

If you are looking for a job with in the public service (feds, province, city) you had best be able to speak French or they won't look at you (VERY Bigoted that way, English only staff have been fired).

HOWEVER for ANY OTHER JOB in the Ottawa area the knowledge of French is not required and you can get along fine without it. I've lived in and around the eastern Ontario and western Quebec area for a long time and Ottawa really lives up to its name the "town that fun forgot".

Transportation in and around Ottawa sucks they only have an east west highway almost downtown and have been "planning" an Ottawa bypass for 20 years or so. If you live along the transit way the bus service is great although it is bus, they can't figure out how to put in a light rail system again for about 20 years or so. If you live/work off of the transit way then you may be in for a world of hurt cause the bus may not go there or may go there at the wrong time.

Housing has become expensive there as it is with everywhere, a large number of people live in Quebec for the cheaper housing and better social benifits and higher income taxes.

Things to do, there are concerts and festivals and Canada day and bars and and and, OK you get the idea its a city and there is lots to do and the Ottawa Valley is close by so there are lots of outdoorsie things as well. Major concerts usually hit either Toronto or Montreal they usually don't come to Ottawa.

I know that I sound down on Ottawa but I believe in being as truthful as possible especially to folks who are thinking about moving to an area, because everyone always trys to paint a rosie picture and trys to hide the warts. Would I move back there NO WAY only because it is a large city and I don't like city living any more