Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Oshawa, located in Ontario, Canada, is known for its rich automotive history and vibrant community. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 170,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 120 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CAD ≈ 0.75 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Rogers, Bell, and Telus |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular services include TD Canada Trust, RBC, and Wise |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options available on Airbnb, Vrbo, and local rentals |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rentals available via Airbnb and local options |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | The Travelodge by Wyndham Oshawa is a budget-friendly hotel option |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Oshawa Waterfront and Downtown Oshawa are popular areas for tourists |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Oshawa downtown area offers access to amenities and coworking spaces |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Connect Workspace offers flexible office solutions |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Brew Wizards is a popular cafe with ample workspace and Wi-Fi |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events hosted by the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce and Meetup groups |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Oshawa Expats' facilitate networking and community events |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used in Oshawa |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Oshawa offers bike rental programs through various local companies |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lakeview Park Beach is the closest beach, approximately 10 minutes away |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Canada is a primary service provider for regional flights |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major international flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Highway 401 provides major road access to and from Oshawa |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Oshawa GO Station serves as the primary train and bus transit hub |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Durham Region Transit offers various monthly and day passes |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local trains (GO Transit) and buses connect Oshawa with nearby cities like Toronto and Whitby |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Lakeridge Health Oshawa serves as the primary hospital |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga House offers various classes for wellness enthusiasts |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | GoodLife Fitness and Anytime Fitness are popular gym chains in the area |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat options available at locations like Ashburn Laundry |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and SkipTheDishes are popular food delivery services |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Poutine from local diners such as The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Green Earth Vegetarian and The Neighbourhood Café cater to plant-based diets |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Butter Tart Trail is a must-visit for dessert lovers |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Oshawa Centre offers various budget shopping and dining options |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local e-commerce sites provide online shopping |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Instacart and local grocery chains like FreshCo offer delivery services |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Simcoe Street is known for its nightlife with various bars and pubs |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Oshawa's own Legends Aleworks offers local craft beers |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar at Oshawa's Parkwood Estate provides a cozy atmosphere |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local food trucks can often be found in downtown Oshawa during events |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Kraj Kebab and D'Angelini's serve varied international dishes |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Canadian Automotive Museum and Parkwood Estate are key attractions |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade and the Oshawa Art Gallery are notable venues |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Robert McLaughlin Gallery offers insights into local history |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. George's Anglican Church and other historical churches |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Oshawa's Fiesta Week and other community festivals showcase local culture |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Oshawa downtown features various cultural events and local artists |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Oshawa Little Theatre hosts regular performances |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Oshawa Farmers' Market operates every Saturday from May to October |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues like The Music Hall host live music events |
| 🎨 Street Art | Oshawa's murals can be found along the downtown area |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Culinary Arts Centre offers cooking classes for all skill levels |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Oshawa Art Gallery showcases local and international artists |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Oshawa City Hall is a notable architectural landmark |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Oshawa is internationally recognized for its automotive heritage |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Waterfront Trail offers beautiful views and walking paths |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Durham Regional Forest and other protected areas are accessible for hiking |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens provide scenic paths for walkers and cyclists |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lakeview Park's waterfront provides stunning lakeside views |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Oshawa Second Marsh is ideal for birdwatching |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks such as Lakeview Park allow bonfires |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Canada Post and DHL provide reliable parcel services |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Geek Squad offer tech repair services |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Wellness Centre has community tables for ping pong |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language instruction offered at the Oshawa Public Libraries |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Oshawa Public Library offers quiet spaces for study |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Northview Community Centre provides spaces for community events |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes like Level Up provide a place to unwind |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Ajax is a short drive from Oshawa for gaming |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 210,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = CAD 150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. CAD 3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. CAD 2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = CAD 184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is approximately 15% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The tax rate applied to dividends is around 25% |
| 🏦 Tax System | The Canadian tax system is based on worldwide income for residents |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is approximately 50% |
| 🧾 VAT | The Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate is 5% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Canada has specific CFC rules |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation system applied based on assessed value |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically, land transfer tax is paid during property purchases at varying rates |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Canada offers various tax credits and deductions, but strict residency and taxation rules apply |