Ottawa vs. Belleville: Bigger is Better
So you’re looking into post-secondary education but you aren’t sure if you should stay in Belleville or come to Ottawa? Maybe we can help. Belleville is cool and all but we think you’d fit right in with the Ottawa crowd. Here’s why:
Ottawans have more fun
Bigger isn’t always better but in this case, it is! Belleville isn’t known as the city fun forgot (and we’re not saying it should be) but Ottawa is certainly more fun. You can let loose and party hard in the ByWard Market. Bar-hop to all the local hotspots like El Furniture Warehouse, Pub 101, The Lookout, Blue Cactus, and so many more. The best part? They’re all within walking distance of each other.
Bar-hopping isn’t your cup of tea? Maybe you’d prefer a cup of tea? Would you like to pet a cat at the same time? Then, you should check out the Feline Cafe, one of Ottawa’s many hidden gems! Ottawa has oodles of great cafes, and restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood or scrumptious Indian cuisine, an authentic bowl of ramen, or mouth-watering tacos, Ottawa has you covered.
Maybe you’d rather get in touch with nature? You can do that in Ottawa too. With loads of green space to chill in, you’ll never feel claustrophobic. You can run, hike, ski, skate, tube, and so much more right here in Ottawa. We really do have more fun. And yes, Ottawan is a real word.
We make bank
You’re probably thinking, “Gosh, there sure are a lot of fun things to do in Ottawa! How ever will I afford to do them all?” Don’t sweat it, pal. Ottawa has one of the most attractive job markets in Canada right now. We ranked first on the BMO Capital Markets list thanks to our strong employment growth, low unemployment rate, impressive median income, and more. Basically, we’ve got jobs to spare! You can check these stats out here.
There is safety in numbers
Moving is scary. It’s imperative that you feel safe. Ottawa might be a larger city but according to Maclean’s Most Dangerous Places in Canada list, it’s actually safer than Belleville by a lot. Your parents will find this reassuring. Ottawa is nicer in many ways. In fact, it was voted as Top Student City back in 2017 with the leading factor being friendliness. The people here are as nice as the city itself. You’ll fit right in.
You do you
Moving away is often better than staying home. You have a whole new world to discover, and all new people to befriend! You know absolutely everything about where you’re from. Why not try something a little different—broaden your horizons.
Real talk, Belleville and Ottawa rock. They’re both great places to study and live in, and you’ll kill it no matter where you go. You’ll learn a ton, and have the time of your life while doing it. Our (slightly biased) opinion is just a helping hand. You do you, friend. You got this!
Chelsie McHugh is a third-year Advertising and Marketing Communications student. She’s a funny, fiery redhead with a passion for writing.
