Top 10 Best Ottawa Neighborhoods for Singles — Moving Company
By Foosun Moving Ottawa — Updated September 2025
Introduction
Moving to a new neighbourhood in Ottawa is an exciting fresh start — especially if you’re single and seeking nightlife, transit convenience, social opportunities, or budget-friendly housing.
Choosing the right area can affect your commute, social life, and monthly expenses. This guide explores the best Ottawa neighborhoods for singles, giving practical pros and cons, transit and nightlife insights, rental vs. purchase considerations, and how a trusted moving company can simplify the transition.
Whether you’re searching for “moving companies Ottawa,” “ottawa movers,” or “movers in Ottawa Ontario,” this article walks you through neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood recommendations and Ottawa-specific moving tips — plus a checklist to prepare for move day and reduce stress.
How to Choose an Ottawa Moving Company (what to look for)
When evaluating local moving companies and professional movers Ottawa, prioritize: licensing and insurance, clear written estimates, transparent extra fees, local Ottawa experience, and strong reviews. Ask for references, confirm coverage for high-value items, and ensure the movers provide a written timeline on move day.
Red flags and questions to ask
- Are they registered/licensed to operate in Ontario?
- Do they provide written, itemized estimates and hourly vs flat-rate explanations?
- What’s included in the price (packing, furniture disassembly, taxes, travel time)?
- What is their claims process and insurance limit?
- Do they have an Ottawa office or local phone line?
Booking early is recommended — seasonal peaks mean the best movers in Ottawa book out fast. Aim to secure your crew weeks in advance for summer moves. This planning tip is consistent with industry guidance on booking lead times.
Top 10 Ottawa Neighborhoods for Singles
Below are neighbourhoods ranked for common priorities singles have: transit, social life, affordability, and lifestyle fit. For each we give a quick snapshot plus why a local moving company Ottawa can help.
The Glebe — Walkable, community-first
The Glebe is an excellent choice for singles who want walkability, cafes, and galleries. Expect mid-range rents with easy access to downtown and Lansdowne Park events. A local moving company nearby will appreciate narrow streets and permit rules around game days — book them earlier if you plan to move during large events.
Downtown / ByWard Market — Energy & nightlife
For singles who love nightlife, restaurants, and cultural events, Downtown and the ByWard Market are top picks. Short commutes make it possible to leave the car behind. Keep in mind parking restrictions and narrow apartment hallways — choose ottawa furniture movers near you experienced with downtown builds to avoid surprises.
Westboro — Trendy, outdoor lifestyle
Westboro blends boutique shopping, patios, and quick access to the Ottawa River pathways. Great for singles who value outdoorsy weekend plans. Moving logistics are straightforward here, but book a professional crew who can handle narrow laneways and multi-storey walkups.
Hintonburg — Artsy & affordable
Hintonburg is popular with younger renters and creatives. If affordability and community events matter, Hintonburg is worth a look. Many buildings are older; ask local movers about stairs and elevator access to avoid extra time charges.
Mechanicsville & Centretown — Central & convenient
Centretown and Mechanicsville put you just minutes from Parliament Hill and main transit lines. Great transit for work and play. Single professionals who need a quick commute love this area — but expect smaller apartments.
Little Italy — Food, festivals, and friendliness
Little Italy is lively, with cafes and restaurants that make meeting people easy. It’s walkable, and for move day you’ll likely find accessible loading zones if planned ahead.
Old Ottawa South — Laid-back & community
A quieter option with great access to the Rideau Canal pathways — perfect if you want a quieter base but still near city amenities.
Kanata — Suburban tech hub
Kanata suits singles working in the tech corridor, offering newer condos and transit corridors. For longer-distance commutes, plan logistics and costs with your chosen movers.
Orleans — Value & family-friendly areas
Orleans tends to be more affordable and is a good pick if you want space for less money — an option for singles planning to share housing or save on rent.
Barrhaven — Growing outskirts with modern condos
Barrhaven is expanding rapidly. If you’re looking for newer build pricing and suburban amenities, this could be a contender — though it’s farther from central nightlife.
Moving Costs & Timing — Ottawa Specific
Typical local moves in Ottawa vary widely depending on crew size, distance, building access, and extras like packing or specialty item handling. Expect hourly local-move rates to vary; industry sources and consumer reports show ranges and recommend booking well in advance during peak season. For summer moves, plan earlier; winter may have lower demand but adds weather risk.
Example cost breakdown (illustrative)
- 2-bedroom apartment within city limits: hourly crew (2–3 movers + truck): typical range depending on firm and timing.
- Special items (piano, gym equipment): additional fees — discuss specifics with the mover.
- Packing services and materials: optional but helpful if you value time and safety.
Pro tip: get at least three written estimates — include one local, one national brand, and one smaller specialist — then compare insurance and damage claims experience, not just price. A reputable mover can also advise on permits or parking restrictions for specific Ottawa neighbourhoods.
Transit, Nightlife & Lifestyle Match
When choosing where to live, weigh transit access (OC Transpo, LRT lines), bike/walkability, evening safety, and how much you’ll rely on a car. Singles who prioritize nightlife will trade some square footage for shorter trips; those focused on outdoor pursuits may prefer neighbourhoods near river pathways or parks.
Example: the LRT has reshaped commuting patterns for many Ottawa neighbourhoods — check current routes and projected expansions when planning a move.
Renting vs Buying for Singles: Key considerations
For many singles, renting is ideal early on — flexibility, lower upfront costs, and fewer maintenance headaches. Buying can make sense if you plan to stay 5+ years and want to build equity. Either way, prepare a budget that includes moving costs, utilities, and the upfront costs of making a new space feel like home.
Packing & Move-Day Tips for Singles
- Declutter before you pack — minimal moves are cheaper and faster.
- Label boxes with room and priority (e.g., “Bathroom — open first”).
- Book a mover experienced in condos and apartments if you’re heading downtown.
- Reserve parking/loading zones with the city or building manager when needed.
- Protect floors and walls — ask movers about their protection procedures.
If you’re moving alone for the first time, consider partial packing services: pack fragile items and let professionals handle heavy lifts.
Why Choose Foosun Moving Ottawa
At Foosun Moving Ottawa we specialize in local, reliable, and friendly service tailored to Ottawa neighbourhoods. We offer transparent quotes, professional movers with condo and downtown experience, and optional packing and storage solutions. For singles, we provide flexible scheduling so you can move with minimal disruption to your work or social life.
Book a free in-home or video estimate, or request an online quote on our Services page. If you’re ready to get moving, contact us.
Quick Takeaways
- Choose a neighbourhood that matches your priorities: transit, nightlife, cost, or green space.
- Book your moving company early — especially during summer and event weekends.
- Get three written estimates and compare insurance coverage, not just price.
- Downtown & ByWard Market are best for nightlife; Westboro and The Glebe for lifestyle balance.
- Declutter before the move — fewer items = lower moving costs.
Conclusion
Moving to the right Ottawa neighbourhood can enhance your social life, cut commute times, and help you create the lifestyle you want. Whether you’re drawn to the energy of the ByWard Market, the tree-lined streets of The Glebe, or the riverside paths of Westboro, planning and a trustworthy moving company Ottawa will make the transition smoother.
Ready to explore neighbourhoods and get a competitive quote? Contact Foosun Moving Ottawa for a quick video estimate, customized move plan, and transparent pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far in advance should I book a moving company in Ottawa?
Book as early as possible — at least 4–8 weeks for busy months; aim for 8–12 weeks in summertime if you need exact dates.
2. What does a professional mover in Ottawa typically include?
Most professional movers include loading, transport, and unloading; optional services include packing, furniture assembly, and short-term storage.
3. How do I keep moving costs down as a single?
Declutter first, move mid-week or mid-month, and handle small packing yourself to reduce hours charged.
4. Are there movers near me who do downtown condo moves?
Yes — choose local companies with condo-moving experience and confirmed policies for elevators and building rules.
5. Do moving companies in Ottawa provide insurance?
Reputable moving companies provide basic liability coverage; you can purchase additional valuation coverage for high-value items — always check written policy details.
Tell Us What You Think (and Share!)
Did this guide help you choose a neighborhood? If so, share it on social media or leave us a comment below. We’d love to hear which Ottawa neighbourhood you’re considering and why — what matters most to you when moving?