Why are so many people choosing to call Ottawa home? 🏡 Zaeira Yakova of Northern Alliance, Powered by eXp Realty, breaks down some of the numbers behind the capital’s continued appeal. 📈 More than 1.1 million residents — Ottawa continues to grow, with the City estimating its population at more than 1.1 million. 💼 A diverse employment base — Canada’s federal government is joined by a major technology ecosystem spanning software, telecommunications, cybersecurity, engineering, aerospace and defence. Ottawa is home to more than 1,800 tech companies, including names such as Shopify and Nokia. 🎓 A highly educated population — 41.4% of Ottawa residents aged 15+ held a bachelor’s degree or higher according to the latest census. 🏠 Housing that remains comparatively attainable — the average residential sale price in Ottawa was $688,253 in August 2026, keeping the average below $700,000. For people looking for the combination of career opportunities, quality of life and a place to ...