Need advice - is Calgary for us? (insurance, crime)

[emr39]

Hi there, I have posted something similar to this post on the Houston board. My husband works for an oil and gas company and will likely have the opportunity for our next posting to go to either Houston or Calgary. We are both Australian and I am a lawyer. I have done my research on Houston and it sounds good, particularly from a work perspective. With its booming economy it should be easy for me to get a good job with a decent law firm. However, we are also considering Calgary for a couple of reasons. (1) We are both very sporty and love the outdoors. (2) From what I can see Calgary looks like a medium sized city which is quite picturesque and (3) We like snow.

So can anyone give me an idea on the culture, vibe and nature of Calgary? Are there lots of restaurants? Is there much to do on the weekends? What about shopping? We both like going out a lot, to restaurants, bars, movies etc. Not really nightclubs or anything but we like a lively city.

Thanks for any feedback anyone can offer.

[snappy]

I live in Calgary now. But lived in Houston (The Woodlands) for 7 years. I loved the Houston area but from what you say I would suggest Calgary. The mountains and hiking and skiing are only a short drive away. Lots of restaurants, festivals, bike paths, things to do. The winter is livable. Lower crime rate, less poverty.

I would say the only negative would be housing prices. You will get way more house for your money in Texas. Other cost of living - similar.

I just found it too dam hot in the summer. I never wanted to do anything outside and I love the outdoors here. And while you could say the same for the winter here - at least you can bundle up and go out. Even being nude in Houston wouldn't help. LOL.

[mikeyyc]

I grew up in Calgary and lived there nearly my whole adult life, and have just moved to Houston.

I like the change, but after 30 some years of winter, I'll take the heat for a change.

Scenery wise, and outdoor activities, Calgary wins running away with its proximity to the mountains. Restaurants, both excellent. Calgary has better Asian, but Houston has infinitely better Mexican/TexMex

Culturally, Calgary is good given its size. Houston is nearly six times larger population wise, and culturally reflects that.

Cost of living difference is substantial. Housing primarily, but fuel, vehicles, food and taxes are all higher in Calgary. There are plenty of opportunities for the legal profession in both cities, although being Australian, the Canadian system would be a much easier transition than the convoluded US/Texas one.

Good luck, and really, you don't have a bad choice.

Hot, huge, metropolitan, and inexpensive or Scenic, snow, large, and growing.

Mike

[ZX14TJ]

Calgary is about that same as any other mid-sized city. The mountains are not far away.

As already mentioned, Canada is VERY expensive. Aside from taxes, don't underestimate the cost of consumer goods, gas, housing, insurance, et al.

The medical system up here is inferior to the US system in my opinion. Of course, if you are relatively healthy, it shouldn't matter to you either way.

Also, obtaining a license to practice law can be very difficult, if not impossible, for foreign trained lawyers. Believe it or not, even Quebec trained lawers need additional education before getting a license in other parts of Canada.

I would pick Houston in a heartbeat.

[mikeyyc]

Originally Posted by ZX14TJ

Also, obtaining a license to practice law can be very difficult, if not impossible, for foreign trained lawyers. Believe it or not, even Quebec trained lawers need additional education before getting a license in other parts of Canada.

That's because Quebec doesn't use English Common Law. They use the Napoleonic Code. The bar is the bar everywhere. If the OP has passed the bar in their state in Australia, it shouldn't be much different in Alberta. The Canadian and Australian courts are structured the same, based on the English. Only PQ and the states are funny.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by mikeyyc

That's because Quebec doesn't use English Common Law. They use the Napoleonic Code. The bar is the bar everywhere. If the OP has passed the bar in their state in Australia, it shouldn't be much different in Alberta. The Canadian and Australian courts are structured the same, based on the English. Only PQ and the states are funny.

The U.S. system (except for Louisiana, whose system is based on French law) is also based on British common law, although for obvious historic reasons it has evolved further away from its origins than those of the Commonwealth countries like Canada (outside Quebec), Australia, New Zealand, etc.

Quebec's use of French law codes was retained (and even entrenched in law) by the British after they conquered New France in the late 1700s.

[Alt Dach]

If you like the "culture "of Texas, you'll like Alberta and would hate Ontario or Quebec.

[ZX14TJ]

Originally Posted by mikeyyc

That's because Quebec doesn't use English Common Law. They use the Napoleonic Code. The bar is the bar everywhere. If the OP has passed the bar in their state in Australia, it shouldn't be much different in Alberta. The Canadian and Australian courts are structured the same, based on the English. Only PQ and the states are funny.

I understand the differences. The Quebec comment was a very bad example. I just pointed it out because I find it interesting.

Regardless of similarities between Canadian, US, and Australian law, foreign trained lawers can find it difficult obtaining Law Society membership without additional, Canadian Specific, education.