Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Employment
In the employment category, a low score could be attributed to low income levels and high unemployment in the area, suggesting potential difficulties in finding lucrative employment.
Ottawa is a smaller city located in the state of Ohio. The city has a population of 4,349 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Ottawa is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Ottawa is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Ottawa, Ohio. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Ottawa, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, health & safety, education, housing and more.
Ottawa has a livability score of 79/100 and is ranked #106 in Ohio and #1,674 in the USA. Based on this score, Ottawa would be considered a very livable city! Ottawa has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Ottawa ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+) and education (A-). Ottawa does not do well for the following: amenities (D-) and employment (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Ottawa, the average school test scores reached an impressive 77%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Ottawa an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.
Assuming that Ottawa meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Ottawa. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Ottawa are simply unattainable. The median home price for Ottawa homes is $150,000, which is 13.7% higher than the Ohio average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Ottawa, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.3, which is 26.9% higher than the Ohio average.
| Statistic | Ottawa | Ohio | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 81.2% | 83.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 12.1% | 7.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.7% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.8% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 2.3% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.9% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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