Ottawa's industries, neighbourhoods, historic residences and buildings have been attracting some of Canada's best citizens to the area for generations. If you are one of the many people considering moving to the area, here are some guidelines to how the real estate market here compares to others in Canada.

Because of its specialized workforce and the size of the area and population, Ottawa's real estate market is similar to what one might find in Victoria B.C. or Windsor Ontario. Similar to Ottawa's listings surrounding the downtown core, two bedroom homes cities like Victoria and Windsor list for around $220,000; three bedroom detached homes for about $260,000 there.

Family homes are available outside of the city in suburban areas similar to Burlington or Brampton. Real estate agents are a great resource for answers on the unique features and benefits of each of Ottawa's suburban communities. Three bedroom homes in the city's largest suburbs (Nepean, Kanata and Gloucester) start at about $130,000 and sell for about $240,000 on average.

You will also find that there is a great deal of access to town and country real estate markets in the Ottawa/Gatineau region. Numerous properties are available that are similar to what one might find in and around cities like Red Deer or Toronto. Real estate in Ottawa's neighbouring towns like Smiths Falls offers the best of small town living, farm and cottage country, all within an hour's drive of the city's downtown core.

Ottawa's surrounding, suburban communities offer a number of properties in vibrant, beautiful settings. Similar to Burlington, Mississauga or Oakville, you will find a large number of growing and active communities. Like those areas, Ottawa has a dedicated rail system to shuttle commuters in and out of the city's mainly government and high tech workforces.

For those interested in commuting to or fro one of the many small towns surrounding Ottawa, you will find quaint and beautiful homes available at a great value. Listings in areas like Manotick or Orleans are similar to the Port Hope, Perth or Markham markets. Listings usually start at about $190,000 for a detached two bedroom home. There are premiums to be paid, however, for the opportunity to live in a historic, period or waterfront property.

Ottawa has seen a lot of growth and development in recent years, bolstering one of the healthiest real estate markets in the country. Nationally, Ottawa ranks as on of the top major cities in Canada in terms of building and development activity. And with one of the highest qualities of living in the world amid a beautiful mixed urban and outdoor setting, real estate in Ottawa is increasingly in demand for good reason.