Oshawa, Canada 🇨🇦
#1972
43.887729, -78.851221
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Oshawa is a city located in the Durham Region of Ontario, Canada, with a mix of suburban and urban characteristics. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 170,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | CAD (Canadian Dollar); 1 CAD ≈ 0.74 USD; 1 USD ≈ 1.36 CAD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and treated to high standards |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Bell, Rogers, and Telus |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most banks accept credit/debit cards; consider options like Revolut for easier access |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and extended stay hotels |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely including contactless payments |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local hosting platforms offer flexible rental durations |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels can be found in downtown Oshawa |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Workary Oshawa offers a vibrant workspace for remote workers |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Durham's Cafe is a popular spot for remote work with good coffee and Wi-Fi |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at the Oshawa Civic Centre; check local listings for current events |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Oshawa Expats Facebook Group organizes meetups and social gatherings |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely available in Oshawa |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike and e-scooter rentals can be found through local services like EcoRide |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Ontario beaches, approximately 15 minutes drive from downtown Oshawa |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Canada provides regional flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Canada, WestJet, and American Airlines operate from Toronto Pearson International Airport |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Highway 401 and 407 from Oshawa makes regional travel easy |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Oshawa GO Station connects to Toronto and other nearby regions |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Durham Region Transit offers day passes and monthly passes for all users |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train (GO Transit) and Bus services connect Oshawa to surrounding areas like Whitby and Ajax |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Lakeridge Health Oshawa is the primary healthcare facility in the region |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in the Park is a popular local yoga studio offering classes |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | GoodLife Fitness and Anytime Fitness are two popular gym options in Oshawa |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats such as Oshawa Coin Laundry offer coin-operated washing machines |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | SkipTheDishes and UberEats are popular for food delivery in Oshawa |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Butter tart, a local favorite dessert |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green Leaf serves a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Creations is known for its delicious cakes and pastries |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Farmers' markets operate seasonally, providing fresh local produce |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.ca offers a wide range of goods delivered to Oshawa |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and local grocery stores provide delivery services |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Downtown Oshawa is home to a variety of pubs and bars like The Atria and The Moustache Club |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Oshawa’s Zero Point Brewery offers local craft beers |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Cellar is a charming spot for wine lovers |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Downtown events occasionally have food trucks with various cuisines |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Local favorites include Naan & Chai for Indian and Cafe Mondo for Italian cuisine |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Canadian Automotive Museum and Oshawa Museum offer cultural insights |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Robert McLaughlin Gallery showcases local art and exhibitions |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Parkwood Estate, a historical mansion, is open for tours |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. George's Memorial Anglican Cathedral is a notable place of worship |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Oshawa hosts Winterfest and Music Fest annually |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area features a mix of shops, galleries, and eateries |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Regent Theatre hosts concerts and performances year-round |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Oshawa Farmers' Market operates from May to October |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Music Lounge hosts local band performances and open mics |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found throughout downtown Oshawa, showcasing local artists |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Chef B's Culinary School offers cooking classes featuring diverse cuisines |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Oshawa Art Gallery features rotating exhibitions and community art |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Oshawa City Hall is a historic landmark worth visiting |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Oshawa Downtown Historic District preserves the city's architectural heritage |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens offers scenic walking paths |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Rouge National Urban Park is about a 30-minute drive from Oshawa |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Harmony Valley Trail is popular for cycling and walking |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints along Lake Ontario offer stunning sunset views |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Oshawa Second Marsh is a recognized birdwatching site |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks allow bonfires; check local regulations |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Canada Post and UPS provide reliable parcel services |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFixit provides electronics repair services in the area |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Oshawa has several community centers with ping pong tables |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Oshawa Library offers language learning programs |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Oshawa Public Library has quiet study areas and resources |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Northview Community Centre hosts events and classes |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes like Player One provide a spot for video game enthusiasts |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Ajax Downs Casino is a nearby option for gaming and entertainment |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 140,000 CAD) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 112,000 CAD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 192,000 CAD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 150,000 CAD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 240,000 CAD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 184,000 CAD) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% in Ontario |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Eligible dividends are taxed at 15% federally |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on worldwide income |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 53.53% (combining federal and provincial rates for high earners) |
| 🧾 VAT | Ontario has a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of 13% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Canada has CFC rules |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on assessed value; average rate around 1.07% |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Ontario charges a land transfer tax based on property value |