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Three Reasons to Go Urban in Ottawa

Almost 20 years ago I committed to an Ottawa Urban Lifestyle, here are three of the reasons

Time

In January 2001 my wife and I moved back to the Ottawa area after 4 years abroad (I was working for BNR/Nortel/Netas/Nortel-Dasa) in Turkey and then Germany. We had both grown up in the west end of Ottawa and knew it very well. It would have been easy to buy a home close to family and some friends.

While I was working in Istanbul, I was spending 45-90 minutes driving, in each direction, getting to/from work.  It was a cool job for a year, and a wonderful experience, but it really helped me realize how important my time is worth. Our home in Istanbul had a view looking out over the Bosphorus and enough space so that family and friends could visit and stay for weeks. It was an amazing home in a spectacular location. I like to joke that I “peaked” early, but the fact is that I was working 9.5 hour days plus commuting for 1 1/2 to 3 hours per day in some of the craziest driving and traffic I have ever experienced.

I put on weight, often felt sick and knew I couldn’t live like that long term. My time and health was too important. Great experience for a year, but not conducive to a healthy lifestyle.

That was my Reason #1 to Go Urban in Ottawa, I knew I needed to live close to wherever I often had to go. For you, it may not be work, it may be your kids’ school, family members’ or close friends’ homes.

Be sure to see the blog: Ottawa Runs East-West

Stress

After Istanbul I landed a job in southern Germany, close to Friedrichshafen. It was almost the exact opposite lifestyle in many ways. We had a small apartment backing on apple orchards and vineyards (map). I could bike or walk to work. The air was usually very clean. On clear days I could even see the Swiss Alps! What a difference in lifestyle. I often worked hard, but the stress reduction of being closer to work, limited traffic (it’s a German holiday area, so the summer had some traffic) and the ability to have enough time for more than just work changed my outlook even further.

I believe the elimination of long-term continual stress will lead to a longer and more fulfilling life.

Ottawa has a lot of parks, a multitude of festivals throughout the year and very easy access wilderness and outdoor sports in every direction. Reason #2 to Go Urban in Ottawa is to reduce stress and be happier.

Front Porch Neighbourhood

Many of older Ottawa Urban Neighbourhoods were designed to be about the front porch. When you have a front porch your home is generally more inviting. You see your neighbours. You may just wave and say hi, or you might have a short chat. There is very little of the driving in to your garage and hiding in a fenced back yard or basement. Many urban dwellers walk or bike to work. You see people. You can smile. Living and experiencing life with the people around you.

We have lived in the Glebe since 2001. We are raising our kids here. On any day of the week, all times of the year, I can have a short, happy and personal experience just walking down the street to the grocery store or coffee shop. A quick hello, or sometimes a longer chat. Reason #3 to Go Urban in Ottawa is to live in a Front Porch Neighbourhood.

Some more thoughts on Buying in Ottawa Urban Neighbourhoods.

Happy couple buying a house in Ottawa.

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