# Making New Friends in Ottawa After the Kids Have Moved Out - Tips for Empty Nesters Downsizing in Ottawa  The journey of life brings many changes, and one of the most significant is when the kids move out and the house suddenly feels too big and quiet. For empty nesters in Ottawa, this transition offers a unique opportunity to downsize and embrace a new phase of life. Along with choosing a new home comes the exciting challenge of meeting people and starting fresh in a vibrant city like Ottawa. This guide looks at how downsizing can work smoothly while helping you build new connections. --- ## Understanding the Ottawa Real Estate Market ### Current Market Trends Right now, the Ottawa real estate market is experiencing interesting shifts. There is a noticeable demand for smaller, more manageable homes, particularly from empty nesters looking to downsize. However, a growing concern is the slowdown in listings, which is evident in neighborhoods such as Orleans and the Glebe. Comparing this to last year, there's a 10% decrease in available homes. As fewer homes become available, the prices are slowly rising, making it a seller's market. ### How This Affects Empty Nesters For empty nesters planning to sell a larger family home, the current market conditions can work in your favor. You’re more likely to get a higher price due to the demand. However, finding the perfect smaller home might be a bit more challenging and competitive. It's important to approach this with a focused plan and professional guidance. --- ## Making Connections While Settling In ### 1. Join Local Clubs and Groups Ottawa has numerous community centers and clubs that cater to various interests. Whether you're interested in gardening, book clubs, or art classes, joining these groups is a fantastic way to meet people. Consider visiting community hubs like the ones in Alta Vista or Downtown to find activities that match your interests. ### 2. Volunteer Giving back to the community is re ...