Is Canada for me? (fit in, house, schools)

[ColdCanadian]

Originally Posted by Scotslass

Thanks for the info. I think the Okanaga valley region of BC is beautiful, especially Kelowna. Is there alot of job opportunities aviation wise there?

I'd love to live in such a scenic place

same goes for the other places I mentioned

There's a large regional passenger service company called "Kelowna Flightcraft" there. (I think)
We have a branch nearby called "Ontario (or Hamilton) Flightcraft" of the same company.

[wallstreet1986]

Originally Posted by Scotslass

Thanks for the info. I think the Okanaga valley region of BC is beautiful, especially Kelowna. Is there alot of job opportunities aviation wise there?

I'd love to live in such a scenic place

same goes for the other places I mentioned

Aviation wise there would be opportunities in Alberta, BC and also in remote places like the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and possibly Northern Ontario. I assume you have a pilot's license. Otherwise you would need to train to get one. Alaska (USA) is another option also.

I would stay away from Saskatchewan - I do not find it particularly scenic. I like Northern Ontario but the climate might be too punishing for you. The Yukon is even worse for winter weather but it's scenic. BC is scenic but expensive. There are tradeoffs everywhere.

[irvm]

Originally Posted by Robynator

- Religion isn't nearly as big a deal in Canada as it is in the U.S. (at least where I'm from in Southwestern Ontario). In fact, growing up I didn't know anybody that even went to church on Sundays. In the U.S., religion is a big, divisive topic.

I think this is just a stereotype. I live in the so-called 'bible belt' in the deep south, and I don't know of any of my neighbors who go to church on a regular basis. Nor would I dream of asking them whether they do so or not.

Divisive? Perhaps for the pandering politicians, but the average person (at work or a cookout, etc) just does not talk much about either religion or politics. I think there's widespread agreement that all politicians are crooks, so bragging about your support for one or another would be like bragging about your ties with the Mafia. Not done.
Football is a different thing altogether.

[Scotslass]

Do you guys think i'd have better opportunities/quality of life in Canada or the US? If I was going to the US, I would be considering the Southern states/midwestern.

and with Canada i'd be considering, BC, SK, AB and ON.

Does anyone know what kind of qualification (or would i need any) to become a game warden/ranger?

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by Scotslass

I also dont want to live in a very expensive place where my income is lower.

You'll be happy to know that the tipping in Canada and Scotland is the same.

[juicypeach]

I read your post and just had to reply, even though I don't live in one of the cities that you have mentioned. I live in Maple Ridge, which is a suburb of the City of Vancouver. I'm sure you've heard of it....rated as as the top 5 places to live in the world!

I moved to Vancouver from Paisley in 1980, and love living here. Vancouver really is the most beautiful place in the world, with both mountain and ocean views. The employment rate is great right now....very easy to get jobs...especially in trades. The winter olympics will be here in 2010...lots of hype and construction because of that.

Do you have the ability to vacation to Canada and spend time in each of the locations you have mentioned, plus if you want to do yourself a favour, add Vancouver to your trip. You will be happy you did, and I'd be surprised if you didn't add it to your list of places to consider. Along with Kelowna, and some of the interior cities in BC. They are booming now, but house prices are still better than on the lower mainland of Vancouver. Cold winters, but long warm summers, which sounds like what you are wanting. Even in Vancouver, although we do get some rain in the summertime, generally we get lovely summers. Wet winters tho. Very wet. Not so much snow as the other places you've mentioned, but really wet winters unfortunately. But that is when you use the opportunity to fly off somewhere warm and tropical, right?

Good luck with your decisions

[mishigas73]

Care for an answer from a Yank who spends an awful lot of time in Vancouver?

DEFINITELY visit. Vancouver is a beautiful city (and you will find most people there do share juicypeach's sentiment that it's the "most beautiful in the world"...even if you disagree, just nod and change the subject....LOL).

All kidding aside, it's enjoying a terrific boom right now, and the general attitude of the population there simply can't be beat.

If you want to be near Vancouver, there are plenty of suburbs around that are experiencing great times now. If you enjoy the outdoors, you're within an hour or so of most things that you would want.

As far as weather goes...winters can be very gloomy. I'm currently living about 100 miles south of there, and experiencing the same *general* weather. The summer was fine, but this rain and dampness can surely take its toll.

Good luck with your decision, and definitely take the time to travel to these places and see for yourself.

[Scotslass]

Hey guys, thanks for the replies.

I've never been to Vancouver but i really want to avoid alot of rain at all costs as it rains here alot. I dont mind snowy winters but i would have to have a long hot summer. I've heard people say that Regina, Calgary, Halifax and Toronto area are nice places and have long summers.

My boyfriend is American we considered living in America but we've heard alot of bad stuff and good stuff about Canada. Am i better off in Canada or the US?

I've also heard the cost of living is really high in Canada, is that true? I believe the cost of living is high here but im just unhappy with the way life is here and the weather is terrible. I love the openess.

P.S my partner is from the South (Mississippi) I did consider moving to the southern states incl Arizona and Texas at one point.

I love both America and Canada

[mishigas73]

Originally Posted by Scotslass

My boyfriend is American we considered living in America but we've heard alot of bad stuff and good stuff about Canada. Am i better off in Canada or the US?

Frankly, it's just about what you want and where you are.

Don't be fooled by the hype. Canada DOES have its issues, and quite a few of them. And, dare I say? There are a lot of places in the US that are simply terrific.

Have you guys taken a look at places in northern California, Oregon or Washington? Aside from the fact that it will be a lot easier for you to live/work there since he's already a citizen, there are some terrific areas in the west of the US.

If you're into the outdoors, consider the Lake Tahoe area. Though California taxes are ridiculous, you could live on the Nevada side, and avoid them. Plenty of outdoorsy stuff to do, and you're only about 3 hours from San Francisco. And, about 40 minutes from Reno, which is an up-and-coming city where you can go shopping.

Portland, Seattle....there are also those areas.

Cost of living, without a doubt, is cheaper in these areas than it is north of the border now. I just moved to the Seattle area in August, and have to say that I've met some super people here. Even just going about my normal business, there's a terrific attitude with people I deal with. (Same goes for the Tahoe area, where I've also spent a lot of time).

Originally Posted by Scotslass

I've also heard the cost of living is really high in Canada, is that true? I believe the cost of living is high here but im just unhappy with the way life is here and the weather is terrible. I love the openess.

Yes, it is. Again, it depends where you go, but I've honestly been SHOCKED going into supermarkets up in the Vancouver area and seeing the much higher prices. (Same supermarket chain that I use down here, FWIW).

I've lived in 6 states in my 30-something years. And, as a "frequent mover", I can tell you, from my standpoint, that if you're unhappy with the way things are where you're at, then move. It's nothing that is permanent, right?

The weather isn't great in Vancouver (nor in the Pacific Northwest in general), so if you're looking to get out of the gloom, then find someplace else to live over the winter. Though, I DO have to say, the weather is MUCH more tolerable when you're in a nice place that you like.

Originally Posted by Scotslass

P.S my partner is from the South (Mississippi) I did consider moving to the southern states incl Arizona and Texas at one point.

I love both America and Canada

I lived in the South for 3 years. It was enough for me.

[Scotslass]

Hey, why did you only stay there for 3 years? Did you like the south?

I really like the Pheonix, AZ area and Denver, CO

Dont get me wrong I love the South too but i've never lived in Canada or America so i cant really say whats good or bad, all i want is good weather (bad winters i can handle) low crime, good income and nice area in general.

I was in MS and thought it was quite poor compared to Scotland.

Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia all looked nice though.

What do you think is better, Canada or the US?