moving to Windsor ...need advice

[travel4ever]

Hi all, it's been a while since I've posted. I just finished my degree, not fun at my age & a single parent; but i did it! I got a job offer in Windsor, but am worried about its reputation. Any info, especially on raising a family there would be helpful. I do know that I am soooo much closer to WDW than being here in Calgary,so that a big bonus! Thank you all for your help

 

[NancyK]

Congratulations on finishing your degree! I don't live in Windsor, but my in-laws do. They lived in London, ON their whole lives until they were almost in their 50s and then moved to Windsor. They absolutely love it there. They think it's very friendly etc. I've never heard anything bad about Windsor. It's just across the river from Detroit, but it's a totally different atmosphere in Windsor - as safe or safer than any other city in Canada. And on that Disney note - we have left my in-law's house and made it to Disney in 18 hours driving time.

 

[PoohBWV]

I live in Chatham, ON, about 45 minutes from Windsor and both of my daughters go to school in Windsor. I absolutely love the city. Very easy to get around, good shopping, friendly people and probably one of the warmest cities in Canada. Not sure what reputation you have heard about, but I never worry about the safety of my daughters living there. As a matter of fact whenever we go across the border to Detroit, we often comment on just how different it is from Windsor.

 

[WDWBOB1]

I've lived in Windsor and suburbs the past 30 years. I grew up in small town Ontario and attended schools in 2 other southern Ontario cities. I simply wouldn't live anywhere else but this area. I threw away 24 years seniority when I was laid off because I refused a transfer to Toronto. Sure we have problems (like pollution), but the positives far outweigh the negatives. I love our mild climate and the fact Florida is only a day and a half drive away. And it's great having a major entertainment metropolis a river width from us. This city always leads in per capita United Way giving which is such a positive reflection on this area.

You got a job offer in Windsor....CONGRATULATIONS!

 

[kg66]

I went to community college and worked in Windsor for 11 years, and loved it. I grew up a country girl, but easily adjusted and moved to Windsor when I started work. Everything is very conveniently located, as said before, people are friendly, and you are in a border city which has many advantages, as far as entertainment goes. If you are worried about the city itself, any county location would be approx. 20 -30 min. from Windsor. We live in Essex, which is 20 min away from anything we need in Windsor. Welcome and congrats. We turned disney in 20 hours straight through this month, not too bad, the kids slept most of the way, as we left at 9:00pm.

 

[cdnmickeylover]

I went to school in Windsor and loved it. My son was 6 when we moved there and the schools were fine. We lived near the University so it wasn't the best part of town but my neighbours were wonderful. It really has a small town feel except that it's really a decent sized city. Everything was close by and felt very safe. You will love it. Detroit on the other hand? Well we didn't visit there often.

 

[MECH8T7]

I went to University of Windsor as well. (It was my second degree and I was essentially a mature student). It was before the Casino, so things may have changed.

I really enjoyed my time there. The weather was mild and it is a lot easier to get around town there (at least in a car) than in T.O. The cost of housing seemed reasonable. The people are friendly and it is a city that has most of the amenities that you would expect from a major city. It has decent restaurants; Wah Court (dim sum), Sir Cedric's Fish and Chips, Tunnel Bar-B-Q, the Mini (Vietnamese/Asian'/Fusion) were some of our favourites.

To me, being right next to Detroit gave Windsorites a unique advantage of being near (and plugged into) one of the two most important cities in the U.S. midwest (Chicago being the other) but also live in one of the prinicpal cities in Ontario. I had a car while at school, so I spent a lot of time in Detroit; actually, the only time I was really in the City of Detroit was to go to old Tiger Stadium and Joe Louis Arena. Most of my time on the other side of the border were in the Detroit 'burbs. (Some of communities outside of Detroit have the highest per capita income due to the auto industry.) Detroit is also one of the hubs for Northwest Airlines, so I think you would be able to get non-stop, reasonably priced flights for many U.S. (i.e., MCO) and International destinations. If you like professional sports or U.S. college sports, you'll find yourself over the border a lot.

What didn't I like? Well, if you suffer from hayfever, it can be pretty brutal from the end of August into early September. It also gets very humid during the summertime. If you plan on travelling to London, ON or Toronto much during the winter, the 401 highway between London and Windsor is probably the worst stretch of highway on the 401 in terms of accidents and cars ditching. Fortunately, the Windsor station is on the Windsor to Quebec City corrridor for VIA Rail service. So, if the weather is bad, the train is a convenient, hassle-free alternative.

 

[travel4ever]

Thanks to you all, any info makes this whole process alot easier. I have alot to consider. But I think the fact that I am sooo much closer to WDW is really the #1 reason to move to Windsor!

 

[barb45]

I think you will love Windsor. I have lived here my whole life - now actually living in Tecumseh (just down the road). I can get to anywhere in Windsor in 20 minutes. I am 2 minutes from the Expressway and 5 from the 401. You will find the weather warmer in the winter and probably more humid in the summer. You will also find the people very friendly. Do you know where you will be living yet? What section of town? You can PM me if you like with any questions - and let me know when you arrive. I can help you find your way around if you like. Welcome to Windsor!