Help us move to Canada!

[skysaw]

Please read before voting. My wife and I are beginning plans to move to Canada from Virginia. It will probably be about two years before we make it happen, but there's a lot to consider, and I hope that some of you familiar with Canada (hopefully residents) can help us decide between some of our first choices. Originally, we were targetting only Vancouver, but started widening our search just in case we were missing anything (see poll choices). Please select as many as you think are a good fit for what we're looking for. Here are our main concerns: 1. We want to be near (but not in) a medium to large city most likely in B.C., Ontario, or Quebec. Consider the poll questions to mean "the suburbs of..." 2. We don't want any completely unbearable Winters. We don't mind some snow and cold as long as it's confined to normal Winter months, and isn't so cold that cars won't start. 3. We are interested in an area with a lot of culture, especially in the form of music and arts. We figure first-rate symphony is a good sign (like Toronto or Montreal). Also a province that has a good history of artistic grants, etc. 4. Near water is good (though not in flood plane). 5. Any place with good tech jobs is a big plus, since I'll need to find work. 6. Progressive, young, liberal, non-religious climate is preferred. 7. Near US border is a plus as well. We appreciate any and all feedback! Thanks!

[Bayside]

Well, I'm not sure if we have exactly everything you're looking for, but we do have quite a few of the things on your list here in Nova Scotia. 1. Halifax is a good sized city, and it only takes about 15 minutes to get to the bridge to get over there from where I live in a place called Eastern Passage, which is a relatively small community, but we're just starting to expand a lot. Homes are always going up here now, and for not bad prices either. 2. We're at one of the most southern parts of Canada, so the weather isn't too bad here. I've never seen it be so cold a car wouldn't start, and winter only generally lasts from like December to March-ish. 3. I'm not sure about this one, we do have a pretty big music scene over in Halifax, but it's probably not what you're after.... I'm not too sure about the other arts. 4. We're right by the ocean here, and are known to have one of the best ports in the world, because of it's accessibility to other areas, it was a major help in WW2. 5. I'm not entirely sure about tech jobs, so I can't really speak on this one, but I'd imagine it can't be half bad since the population here is booming lately and everything is expanding. 6. As far as I can see, we're pretty close to that. Non-religious for sure, there's a lot of atheists around here, no one really preaches around here, there's not really any religious intolerances, we have many many different cultures and religions around here, and apparently one of the biggest followings of Buddhism in the world in Halifax city, though I've never really noticed. 7. It's a little ways to the border from here, but not too far, check it on a map. This is really a beautiful place to live, it's pretty simple here where I live, it's a nice community, but I do admit we have some trouble with race, as the community where I live is mostly all white, and the community that's just next to us is like all black. Most of us don't mind and get along with one another, but we do have some backwards idiots who still think race is an issue. So, I'm not sure if this is exactly the place you're looking for, but just another spot for consideration.

[skysaw]

Thanks, Bayside As a matter of pure coincidence, my wife is in Nova Scotia as I type! She's doing a little mini cruise with her mother there, and I'm sure she'll have some opinions upon her return! Anyone else have any ideas?

[NeAvO]

Wow, I like how when I joined this forum. There was the whole rivalry between Americans and Canadians. Now I've noticed a few Americans seemingly wanting to go there to live.

[skysaw]

Wow, I like how when I joined this forum. There was the whole rivalry between Americans and Canadians. Now I've noticed a few Americans seemingly wanting to go there to live. I guess I missed most of the rivalry. I've loved canada for many years!

[kichu]

Come to Vancouver!!! Seriously. I finally moved downtown and am loving it insanely. The non-summer months can suck because of the rain, but this past year it actually wasn't too bad. And our city is beautiful. BEAUTIFUL!!! Come, come, come!

[skysaw]

Come to Vancouver!!! Seriously. I finally moved downtown and am loving it insanely. The non-summer months can suck because of the rain, but this past year it actually wasn't too bad. And our city is beautiful. BEAUTIFUL!!! Come, come, come! Wow! Thanks for the invite! Vancouver is currently our top pick, we're just being thorough in our research. We don't mind rain so much. How's the humidity in Summer? Oh, and happy Canada Day!

[Adrenaline Junkie]

I can't really offer much on an insight. But when i went to Vancouver on holiday i really did enjoy my time there. I went during the July/August time last year and it was great, we actually got quite a bit of sun, there were a few damp moments and fog at times but all in all it was a great place to be, especially with the mountains in the background. I did however find that there was always plenty to do there which was great for me. Thats as much as i can offer, its a great place from what i have experienced. All the best in your decision making.

[skysaw]

Thanks to all who replied so far. I appreciate it. And whoever is voting "other," how about providing a little more info? We can't very well move to "Other Canada," can we?

[Replicon]

I've spent some non-trivial time in several cities, but I'd say it's between Vancouver and Montreal. Or Toronto, except they have the leafs, which disqualifies them

[kichu]

Wow! Thanks for the invite! Vancouver is currently our top pick, we're just being thorough in our research. We don't mind rain so much. How's the humidity in Summer? Oh, and happy Canada Day! Yay! Glad to hear it's the top pick! The humidity is....ok. It's weird. It goes from dry to humid, dry to humid....so???? Happy late Canada Day to you too future Vancouverite!

[AnDUHrew]

Ya, I think Vancouver would be the right choice, because; 1. Right next to the ocean 2. Great art and Culture, First Nations, 3. 1 hour from the Washington border 4. Vancouver was voted to have the best quality of life in the world (UN)

[The Cusp]

Stay away from the prairies, especially Calgary. The weather there is insane. I can be clear skies as far as the eye can see, and then five minutes later, it's pouring rain! And you don't even want to know about the winters. For water and high tech jobs, I would suggest Ottawa. Especially if you plan on owning a cottage or a boat. Not too far from the US border either, and the weather is neither too hot nor too cold. For the mildest climate, Vancouver good, but the cost of living is very high. Also a good place to be if you're into the Cheeba! Culturally, you can't beat Montreal, but to me the whole french artistic scene seems inbred. The whole cirque du soleil thing to me is french to a fault.

[skysaw]

Can anyone offer any insight into public transportation around Vancouver (and other locations)? We like clean, easy, and safe of course! And cheap doesn't hurt.

[Replicon]

I've taken PT in Montreal for many years, and it's pretty reasonable (some delays when there's a lot of snow, but it only infrequently reaches that point). It's also cheaper than most (a monthly pass is like half the price of the same in toronto).

[Niddiboy]

I dont live in canada but from another OUTSIDER's point of view i believe that Vancouver is one f the greatest places to live because of culture, outdoor lifestlye and its also a plus for me because im BIG into winter sports And the rainy part??? Well im from Northern Ireland so im pretty sure im used to rain as the sun has not shown its face here in literally 3 weeks... depressing!

[Pastro]

I've spent some non-trivial time in several cities, but I'd say it's between Vancouver and Montreal. Or Toronto, except they have the leafs, which disqualifies them I agree with Replicon regarding Toronto, don't go there. I live about an hour away from Vancouver and get the chance to go there every so often[I will be going to school there in a year], and I highly recommend you move there. 1. There are many smaller communities in and around Vancouver, you should have no trouble finding a Suburb. 2. The Winters are quite mild for Canada, there is the odd snowfall here and there but it's never very serious. 3. Vancouver is loaded with culture and diversity. 4. Aside from the rainfall that comes with living in B.C you shouldn't have to worry about flooding. 5. I can't speak from experience, but my cousin has worked for a few different tech companies in Vancouver, so there must be some jobs available.... 6. Progressive, young, liberal, non-religious climate is preferred. -Check 7. Near US border is a plus as well. - If your outside Vancouver it will only take about an hour to get there[assuming there is little to no traffic]. You won't regret moving to Vancouver.

[Venomblood]

I think you should move to Oregon, it fits most of your requirements. We've got clean air, some snow in the winter (but not much), not many weirdo's, some city and some suburbs, quite a variety.

[Replicon]

Hehe we were hanging out in Portland, OR and there were some hilarious signs saying, "no cruising after 10PM" or something. Does Portland have a cruising problem or something?

[skysaw]

I don't understand the objection to Toronto... what were the reasons again?

[Alcarinquë]

So why Canada? Do you have a problem with the U.S. or just looking for a change?

[Replicon]

I don't understand the objection to Toronto... what were the reasons again? It's the Leafs. Damn leafs hehe. There's really nothing wrong with Toronto. I just don't react too well to the vibe I get from the city for some reason. Like, it's great when I'm there, but I know I wouldn't really enjoy living there.

[Kael Seoras]

I went to Victoria on Vancouver Island in the 4th grade...I'm going into college now so this probably wouldn't be too much help But I do remember that the summer weather was rather nice, quite a change from California heat, and there was a lot to do...and it's only a ferry ride away from Port Angeles in Washington.

[skysaw]

So why Canada? Do you have a problem with the U.S. or just looking for a change? Both, I guess. I've been in the US for 44 years now, and I'm afraid we've grown apart. I'd rather not get into too much of a discussion on that here, since it would completely take over the thread. If it weren't for language difficulties, we'd probably be considering Norway (seriously). I've been there, and it left an impression.

[CoLd BlooDed]

Yes, Vancouver is the place to go. Everyday I wake up here I thank whoever's decision it was that lead me to live my life in this city. I live in Port Moody, which is about half an hour away from Vancouver. It's one of the nicest suburbs you'll ever find, and I'm not exaggerating. Translink, the bus/skytrain/seabus system is very well maintained, and extremely cheap. You can buy month passes for $40, I think, and that can get you just about anywhere in the Lower Mainland. This last winter was really bad, but it's very rare, and this summer has been more than making up for it. Oh, and the humidity is almost nonexistent (but then again, I'm comparing it to the humidity of say, Mexico). Still, the heat is nice and crisp - you can enjoy it without feeling overwhelmed. Immense amount of culture here. First Nations, Punjabi, Hindu, Muslim, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and so on and so forth. Vancouver itself is a beautiful city, one of the cleanest in the world (and that's one of the reasons why it's better than Toronto, which is a festering pot of smog). Plus, the view here is just unmatched. Do come! Join kichu, Pastro and I in the land of Beautiful British Columbia. (I sound like a fuckin' brochure, baby)