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Considering that since 9/11 it can sometimes seem to take 6 hours just to get across the border, it is kine of a moot question.
Everybody has different tastes. If I had to live within, 6 hours of the border, I'd feel comfortable in Wheeling WV, but google maps calls it 6:14, allowing no time at all for immigration. For smaller towns the places in the New York Finger Lakes are pretty nice. I've always liked Syracuse.
The Detroit metro area is actually quite nice--it's mostly Detroit itself that's having a terrible time (though its downtown core is doing much better these days). If you can secure jobs there, then it could be a pretty good place overall for your needs.
I've heard nice things about Niagara Falls, NY (as well as Niagara Falls, ON). I've been there. Despite being tourist destinations, the towns have a very nice feel about them. The falls are really impressive, and I think periodically taking walks in view of them would be very interesting. I guess one could find work in Buffalo.
Not trying to bring anybody down, but on my last trip through Ontario and into New York, I ventured into the city of Niagara Falls, NY to get gas. I was only a few blocks from the falls, and it looked like a war zone! I mean... it was bad. But if you stay in the touristy areas, you would never know it (although I thought the touristy areas were a little worn looking too). I was not impressed with what I saw on the NY side at Niagara Falls. Definitely wouldn't live there if I was living in NY. There are lots of better choices in upstate NY.
The Detroit metro area is actually quite nice--it's mostly Detroit itself that's having a terrible time (though its downtown core is doing much better these days). If you can secure jobs there, then it could be a pretty good place overall for your needs.
Though I tried to push Grand Rapids, I will admit that Metro Detroit probably makes more sense. If you don't mind the suburban lifestyle, you can get a lot of bang for your buck there. You could get an absolute dream home for $400,000 in a well-to-do suburb.
Not trying to bring anybody down, but on my last trip through Ontario and into New York, I ventured into the city of Niagara Falls, NY to get gas. I was only a few blocks from the falls, and it looked like a war zone! I mean... it was bad. But if you stay in the touristy areas, you would never know it (although I thought the touristy areas were a little worn looking too). I was not impressed with what I saw on the NY side at Niagara Falls. Definitely wouldn't live there if I was living in NY. There are lots of better choices in upstate NY.
You are right. Actually, both cities are pretty worn down in areas. Both have their nice parts too, but they aren't as easy on the eyes as one might think. Nearby Lewiston and Youngstown would be nice alternatives and both have attractions of their own.
Though I tried to push Grand Rapids, I will admit that Metro Detroit probably makes more sense. If you don't mind the suburban lifestyle, you can get a lot of bang for your buck there. You could get an absolute dream home for $400,000 in a well-to-do suburb.
Or you could try closer to Port Huron, which is lower cost than the Detroit area.
Though I tried to push Grand Rapids, I will admit that Metro Detroit probably makes more sense. If you don't mind the suburban lifestyle, you can get a lot of bang for your buck there. You could get an absolute dream home for $400,000 in a well-to-do suburb.
I agree, suburbs like Troy or Sterling Heights are beautiful and a steal with custom homes selling in the 350K-400K range with quite reasonable property taxes.
Considering that since 9/11 it can sometimes seem to take 6 hours just to get across the border, it is kine of a moot question.
Seeming or not, crossing time is relevant. If you chose a location that typically has a 20 minute wait, your search radius is reduced to 5:40 (that, or you'll have to drive faster to make up the time ). Current crossing delays are found at Borderlineups.com Traveler Info
There are probably other sites with wait histories at each crossing. If you are not a "wait in line patiently" kind of person, you should factor in both the time and aggravation into your re-lo decision.
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). Current crossing delays are found at 
