Ottawa Diser's Off Topic

[East Coaster]

My son is attending U of O and staying on campus. He wants to rent next year and is looking at an apartment on Second Avenue. Is anyone familiar with the area? It appears to be about 4k to campus, which he says he doesn't mind. He has looked at quite a few places and this seems to be the one. Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Bette

 

[nepean]

Second Avenue is in a neighbourhood called The Glebe. It is a really beautiful old neighbourhood with many large homes. Also, many homes have been converted into apartments. This area is very close to Carleton University not Ottawa U. It is safe. There are good restaurants, pubs, and independent stores in the neighbourhood. I would definately love one of the restored homes there but it would be out of my budget.

Second Avenue is not far from Landsdowne Park which is the football stadium( that has no team), the Ottawa 67's hockey rink, many trade shows and the Ex inthe summmer.

 

[East Coaster]

Thank you Nepean! I have two children and this is the first one to go off to university, when he called today to say he found an apartment I really didn't feel great about it. But he's at the age where he has to make his own decisions and I feel if he wants to stay in university I will support his decision. I sometimes think he would be better off staying in an apartment on campus.......he thinks he will save some $$, but it will probably cost the same when you figure in the extras.

 

[debbiet1]

The glebe is a very nice area. Like nepean said it has some really nice little shops. Its a safer and more relaxed area. From 2nd Ave its easy to get down to the market (for the Rideau Center) and to Billings bridge area for malls. There is also sparks street that has nice shops too. I dont know how much extra $ he'll have lol . It is a nice area though so you dont have to worry about that.

 

[East Coaster]

Thanks, it's good to know that it's easy to get to the Rideau Centre and Sparks Street as he works part time at the Parliament building. I know I'm an over protective mother who needs to let go of the apron strings, but he's only been away 9 months and I'm not sure how much homework he has done while looking for an apartment. The fact that we'll be in Orlando enjoying Disney while he is moving on May 1st doesn't make me feel real good either. I'm sure he'll do just fine though.

 

[abirdd]

Does your son rely on public transport (OC Transpo)? If so, I would have him make sure the bus schedules will meet his travel needs to/from campus. While the Glebe is a wonderful area with beautiful homes, I found the commute rather frustrating in winter months to Ottawa U. Certainly the Glebe is a better place to live when attending Carleton U.

If your son is driving, ask him to ensure with the landlord his expectations for winter parking. Again, while the Glebe is a great place... the parking situation leaves lots to be desired in the winter months (parking bans).

Hope this helps!

 

[cmmc]

If he's 4 km from U of O then the apartment must be nearer to Bronson than Bank St. If he was going to Carleton that would be great.

I hate to say anything because I really don't know what the rental situation is like these days. But I do take buses so I'll give my 2 cents.

Taking a bus from that area of the city isn't great; both Bronson and Bank are busy streets and bus rides will be very stop and go. If your son is athletic, then walking, cycling or skating along the canal will probably be very enjoyable. If he's primarily going to be relying on OCTranspo, then it's going to be frustrating.

My recommendation, if he's going to be taking the bus, is to live somewhere within walking distance to the transitway. Check out the map at http://www.octranspo.com/mapscheds/Transitway/tway_map_menuE.htm and the Travel Planner tool to get an idea of ease of travel.

Another thing to consider is food, the only grocery store I can think of in that area is the Hartman's Independent Grocer on Bank and Somerset. It's kind of expensive. However, if your son is going to be living with friends or close to friends then they could always do a big shop once a month and split a taxi.

Kudos to him for starting the apartment search this early.

Catherine

 

[East Coaster]

Thanks for all of the replies, one thing for sure, he will be biking and blading and skating. As you say transportation could be an issue, in talking with him he has used the transit system to there and seems to know the ins and outs. I challenged him twice on it, his come back was that they had looked at lot of places close to campus but they were really nasty, leaking roof one place, he would prefer a two bedroom so as not to be too noisy, (he really has to study for his marks and the dorm is not the greatest as he will join the crowd and put off what he can do tomorrow). It appears it might be a done deal now, but any further comments I would appreciate. He has made an informed decision and as parent I will support the decision as long as he stays in school!

 

[captainpixiedust]

I lived on First Avenue in the Glebe while attending U of O. I lived closer to Bank Street than Bronson and relied on OC Transpo for transportation to school. I do not recall transportation ever being an issue... I just took whatever bus could get me to the Rideau Centre and then the University was just a short walk away. I enjoyed living in to Glebe... many nice shops, pubs and parks nearby.
There was also a small Loeb grocery store on Bank street near Second or Third Ave.

 

[abirdd]

I lived on First Avenue in the Glebe while attending U of O. I lived closer to Bank Street than Bronson and relied on OC Transpo for transportation to school. I do not recall transportation ever being an issue... I just took whatever bus could get me to the Rideau Centre and then the University was just a short walk away. I enjoyed living in to Glebe... many nice shops, pubs and parks nearby.
There was also a small Loeb grocery store on Bank street near Second or Third Ave.

Anyone know if the Loeb is still there? Was talking with a friend on the weekend who is apt hunting in the Glebe, and she does not remember seeing it. Tons of restaurants, but no Loeb... I remember it being small, but at least it used to stand out!

 

[East Coaster]

I was talking with my son and he says it's right across the street from where they will be renting on Second Ave.

Thanks to all your supportive comments are helping me feel better about this decision.