Three Reasons Why You Should Retire In Ottawa
What Makes Ottawa A Top Destination for Senior Citizens?
Ottawa is a great city for all people of all ages. It’s affordable, it’s fun, it’s got culture, and it’s only a couple hours’ drive from either Algonquin Park or Mont-Tremblant in the Laurentians. There’s plenty to do in and around Ottawa in all seasons, whether you love city life or you can’t wait to get out and explore nature on the weekends.
Seniors in particular have a lot of reasons to consider Canada’s National Capital Region as a place to settle down when their working years are done:
- Municipal property taxes are relatively low
- There are 145 family doctors per 100,000 people
- It offers a high quality of life
It also helps that there are many quality senior residences in Ottawa and the surrounding region. As the city gains a bigger profile as a retirement destination, more senior residence options become available, including senior apartments, independent living, and assisted living facilities.
Here are three reasons why many consider retiring in Ottawa:
Great Culture
Ottawa is a great city to retire for practical reasons like affordability and access to healthcare, but it also offers a rich cultural life. Just some of the attractions the city has to offer include:
- The National Arts Centre (home to theatre, ballet, and the symphony)
- The National Gallery of Canada
- The Canadian Museum of Nature
- Ottawa Art Gallery
- Canadian War Museum
The center of the city’s public life is the ByWard Market, a historical market where you can still find an outdoor farmers’ market and tons of specialty shops. ByWard is also the heart of Ottawa’s nightlife, offering great pubs.
Where to Eat
If you have a taste for the finer things in life, you won’t be disappointed. ByWard Market is your source for local ingredients and artisanal foods, plus about 60 food trucks and street vendors offering an authentic taste of the city.
When it comes to restaurants, there are some truly iconic locations, including the North American outpost of Le Cordon Bleu, Le Café (specializing in authentic contemporary Canadian cuisine), and fine dining luminaries like Restaurant e18hteen. Ottawa has dining options for everyone.
Great Places to Walk
Walking is one of the best types of exercise seniors can get. Situated along the Ottawa River, the city offers some great natural settings for you to take in while you exercise. Without having to go far out of the city, you can check out a number of parks, walking trails, and neighbourhoods:
- Mer Bleue Bog Trail
- Gatineau Park
- Petrie Island
- Pinhey Forest
- Stony Swamp
- The Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal also becomes a winter wonderland when the water freezes and the snow falls. Winterlude takes over in February bringing fun festivities to warm you up on those chilly winter walks.
Retirement is a chance to go anywhere you want. As you look for a place to retire, you want affordability, but also easy access to healthcare and a rich and vibrant place where you can enjoy your free time. Ottawa has all those qualities in spades.
