Ever notice how people naturally gravitate towards certain neighborhoods, housing types, and communities? Turns out, it’s not just about affordability or convenience—it’s wired into us. Two key psychological concepts, the Dunbar Principle and the Savanna Theory of Happiness, explain why people move the way they do. Understanding these instincts helps us predict migration trends in Ottawa’s real estate market and, more importantly, helps you make smarter buying or selling decisions.
The Dunbar Principle & The Need for Community
The Dunbar Principle suggests that humans can maintain meaningful social relationships with about 150 people—this comes from our evolutionary past when small, tight-knit groups were the key to survival.
How does this relate to Ottawa real estate?
Buyers today aren’t just looking for square footage; they’re looking for connection. Young professionals, growing families, and even downsizers want communities that offer familiar faces, a sense of belonging, and walkability to social hubs. It’s why areas like The Glebe, Westboro, and Barrhaven are so popular—walkable streets, community events, and vibrant local businesses make them feel like modern versions of ancient villages.
For sellers, this means that marketing your home isn’t just about showcasing the granite countertops. It’s about selling the lifestyle—the neighborhood coffee shop where the barista knows your name, the local park where neighbors gather, and the farmers’ market that brings people together. The more you can highlight the built-in sense of community, the more desirable your home becomes.
The Savanna Theory of Happiness & The Pull Toward Space
The Savanna Theory of Happiness argues that humans are happiest in environments that resemble the landscapes where our ancestors thrived—open spaces, greenery, and the balance of nature and community.
This explains why we see so many young families migrating out of the downtown core to suburban and semi-rural areas like Manotick, Stittsville, and Rockland. The appeal isn’t just bigger backyards—it’s the subconscious pull towards environments that align with our evolutionary happiness triggers.
Sellers looking to downsize should take note: empty nesters moving from the suburbs to the city aren’t just looking for a condo—they’re looking for a new kind of freedom. While they’re giving up space, they’re gaining proximity to urban parks, bike paths, and social hubs, which satisfy that same savanna-like need for balance between movement and connection.
How This Applies to You—Whether You’re Buying or Selling
Understanding these migration patterns can help you strategically position yourself in the market.
- For Buyers: If you’re debating between urban and suburban, consider not just your current needs, but where you’ll feel most at home in five years. Do you thrive in a high-energy, walkable environment, or do you crave more space and access to nature?
- For Sellers: Knowing where your likely buyer is coming from (both literally and psychologically) allows you to tailor your home’s marketing to highlight what really matters to them—whether it’s community engagement or a retreat from the noise.
The Big Takeaway? We Move the Way We’re Wired To
Every real estate decision, whether buying or selling, is shaped by instincts far older than the housing market itself. By understanding these deeper motivations, you can make better, more informed decisions—ones that don’t just fit your budget, but fit your nature.
Looking to make a move that aligns with how you’re wired? Let’s talk.
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