where would you choose to live!

[drag n' fly]

Agreeing with Calgarygary. We lived in Toronto area, Newfoundland, BC, and now in Nova Scotia, and if I could afford it I'd be back in Victoria BC in a shot. Housing is very expensive there but if Calgary looks good, Victoria would look the same! Lovely weather, as close to winter as you want to be (a few dustings of snow a year usually, though this year is worse). Very pleasant and refined, not a metropolis but a good level of services, very beautiful. I also quite like Vancouver and though the infrastructure doesn't match Toronto, if I had to pick a "real" city I'd pick Vancouver. My bro lives in Calgary, though, and raised his boys there, and loves it (except for its relatively conservative politics, if that matters to you).

I think the Op said she had to chose between Alberta and Ontario. Wouldn't we all love to live in Victoria! My Dad who is 72 says the only thing B.C. stands for is bring cash lol. Alberta's housing market has cooled a bit. A five bedroom house in a crummy part of town is asking about 405,000, a 5 bedroom house with a pool in a nice part of town is running 2.5 million. A five bedroom Victorian house built in 1914 is asking 1.2 million and a 5 bedroom house in an older part of the city (built in 1961) is asking 599,800. In Calgary it is all about location. We built our house 5 years ago in a newer community, did lots of energy upgrades when we built. It is three bedrooms with an attached garage on a fifty foot wide and 150 long foot lot at 1610sq feet. The basement is not developed yet.(see new years resolution thread) An average house and it was appraised at 400,000 by an actual appraiser not a real estate agent. So it gives you an idea of how inflated the prices are. Five years ago the house was worth 190,000. What I can say is absolutely nothing compares to the quality of life here and being one hour from Banff National Park is wonderful.

 

[bbangel]

If you are thinking BC and want a bigger house and more defined seasons, I would suggest moving closer to Abbotsford. Smaller city than Vancouver, but it isn't that far to drive in for events. They have their own airport and flights are often cheaper out of it than YVR.
If the choice is Ontario or Alberta - Alberta wins hands down. Beautiful summers without crushing humidity, great school system, great economy. There are a lot of smaller communities in Alberta that are close enough to either Edmonton or Calgary to give you everything you need, without some of the problems of booming cities.

 

[aaronandterri]

Wow

Great reponse - Thanks for all the replys.
Because of the ridclous cost of housing here in the uk , espically here in london were in a good place, so should be able to find somewhere.

I think i need to go back and read over all the replys again in depth , theres a few place im going to add to our visit to go and see.

If how friendly you lot are , are anything to go by, im sure we will setlle well wherever we end up.

Ill let you know ..........keep them coming.....
You never know i might end up as one of your neighbours!

 

[aaronandterri]

Hi
Took some more time to read thr replys in depth and look at some of the places on the net, thanks a lot for the input , have send off for lots of info aswell!

Will welcome any more advice / ideas....

Thanks for the links in the pm by the way, very useful, i pmd you x

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

You can check out house prices across Canada at www.mls.ca - might give you a general jumping point as to where you want to look.

 

[SplashMom]

I live in Nova Scotia but have visited both and I would choose Ontario. While there are advantages to both, I think a more central location and established infrastructure would give you more of what you are looking for. There are huge numbers of maritimers travelling to Alberta for temporary (sometimes permanent) work and it seems so transient. I realize that most people are permanent residents but it's hard for me to think of it in that way. The growth is so quick, I can't help but wonder how much more the economy can absorb. We all see the housing shortages and huge price increases, and the schools, hospitals, etc. just can't be built quickly enough.

I'm not bashing Alberta, it is truly beautiful and full of opportunity, but I would prefer Ontario right now.

 

[mommytodarlings]

Ok I am going to post my totally biased opinion, lol.

I live in Cambridge, ON and love it so I totally recommend it.

It is one of the fastest growing and strongest economies but it isn't really fast paced and busy, (if that makes any sense)

We are close to everything-Buffalo or Detroit for cheap flights to WDW. Shopping isn't too bad and it's only 45 mins to Hamilton's Limeridge Mall Disney store or an hour to Toronto.

As pp said check it out on www.mls.ca, for price ideas on houses.

You said you have visited Cambridge, what areas?

 

[F4disneyfan]

Hi
Were in the uk, and would like to live in canada Trying to choose bewteen ontario and alberta , for base office, where would you choose and y?

(of course anywhere nearer to disney would be a bonus!)lol

Ontario would put you closer to Disney World in Florida but Alberta would get you closer Disneyland. Now Alberta has much longer and colder winters than Ontario not sure if that would or could be a factor at all for me it wouldn't be as I love winter but some people prefer to have as little of it as possible if they have to be in a province that gets a winter.

 

[pxlbarrel]

Might I make an observation...while it's fun to find out how close you the OP might be to DL or WDW depending on which province she picks, it really ought not be the reason she decides to move to said province. LOL

Affordability, employment, cost of living (who cares if you can afford the big house if you can't afford the groceries or transport?), education and family life should be the deciding factors (I know everybody knows that...just wanted to keep this all in perspective...Disney or no Disney board. )

I live just north of Toronto where the housing prices are going crazy at the moment...so as much as I love where I live (it's close to Toronto without being in Toronto and it's close to the highways and major airports and I can cross over to the States easily), I wouldn't recommend trying to find a 5 br house in this area.

I don't know how old your kiddies are but if you're hoping for university for them, perhaps that might make it easier for you to decide where to go.

I grew up in Kitchener which is near Cambridge. It's a wonderful city.....because everywhere is only 10 minutes away. LOL

Anyway, if you become MY neighbour...we'll have fun talking Disney.

 

[striker3636]

I live in Waterloo, Ontario, only 20 minutes from Cambridge. (1 hour from Toronto, and 1 1/2 hours from Niagara, 2 hours from Buffalo). This area is very diverse - our region is growing into a large centre, but still much, much smaller than Toronto or Calgary. I love this area because we are not too far from anything - camping, boating on the Great Lakes, theatre in Stratford, big metro attractions in Toronto etc etc etc...yet is is a high tech area with great schools and universities. Here is a link if you are interested.

http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/fmFrontPage?OpenForm

A typical 3 bedroom house with a nice yard in a good neighbourhood will be about $300,000 in my part of Waterloo. As other posters have said, have a look at the MLS sites for an idea of what housing prices are. Your major centres will always be significantly more in housing costs.

If you let us know about any other criteria we can give you more ideas! Once you decide on an area, let us know again and I am sure a Canadian DISer can help with more details...

 

[deany]

BC is absolutely lovely if you enjoy the outdoors. I live in Kamloops, BC, which is south central BC. Vancouver area is so busy and the housing prices are astronomical but prices are a lot better here. Do you need to live in a really large city?

 

[c&m]

Another vote for B.C. The weather is mild compared to the rest of Canada. In fact, it is quite like the U.K. (I used to live in Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire.) The housing prices are high in Vancouver. But, I wouldn't live in Vancouver. It's too busy.

We live in beautiful Steveston Village in Richmond, a suburb near Vancouver, just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Steveston Village is a fishing village that is now a boardwalk, with restaurants and small shops. It's safe; you would see families taking walks at all hours in the evening. There are 3 great elementary schools and 1 good high school that surround the area. This area is very nice to live in and to raise a family in.

Also recommended is White Rock, Delta and Tsawassen -- all suburbs in the Greater Vancouver area.

 

[sweetascanbee]

I vote for Vancouver Island. Which is of course in BC. If you are looking for a larger city there is Victoria and Nanaimo is booming.
I live in smaller Port Alberni, where you get a lot of house for less money and the small town feeling.
Vancouver is too big and expensive for us, but on the island you get similar but cheaper.

Becky

 

[aaronandterri]

Hi

Wow great reponse, have been looking alot on the msl site but no subsitute for real thing.
Hubby works in constuction so have to be near for him, hes actually been approached by a company and is in discussions at the moment with them they have offices in both places we mentioned, but sites all over the place, due to the nature of his job hes never going to be office based completly as he has to go to sites, so will always have to do some travel, that being said there s a diffrence of an hours drive or commuts and a days travel!



weve been to cambridge as thats where they live n1t , also visited Kitchener and waterloo , and other areas around there. We visted there friends in Barrie as well while we was there, also been to calgary, edmonton, and the rockies of course!, and the falls.(tourists - i know)

I think our reccie trip will prove to be a real eye opener, now i just need to decide where to go for it lol, ITs worrying as even when we do decide on an area, atill then need to decide a district, thats where u lot can help again, tellling me all the good/ bad streets and parts of towns x


I appreciate what you are saying about there being a diffrence bewteen winter and - 30!
would like some snow and more defined seasons but dont think i could handle temps that low- not straight away anyhow, although do like the idea of winter activities,
Uni will be an issue one day but not for a while kids are 9 , nearly 8, nearly 4 and 18 months x

Also while its not a massive prority woyld be nice to be nearer / cheaper to fly for holidays , flights from uk cost us over £3000 for our may trip!




great reponse- keep them coming.

Terri x

 

[NARM Forever]

As I haven't been to Alberta, I can't answer the Ont vs Alberta question. I'm in Ottawa (a very affordable, livable city, especially with kids) but I'm presuming from your responses that you would be looking at SW Ontario.

I've been here for 12 years (moved from London) and I found that -10C days can be warmer than those damp bone-chilling +5C days in London so don't be put off by the low temperatures. Plus everyone dresses for the season!! You definitely need your trips to Disney and your visits back home.

Good luck and happy adjusting, it takes a little while (I do still miss the UK) but its a great place to live and, despite the Government , I'm proud to be Canadian!!

Narm

 

[aaronandterri]

Thanks for all the replys and pms, ill be sure to keep you all posted .

 

[briarberry]

Another "vote" for southwestern Ontario. I have lived in Alberta and SW Ontario. Alberta is lovely but I found the winters hard to take - too cold!!! I live near London, Ontario so since you have been to Cambridge you are vaguely familiar with this area. You are still close to the Toronto airport if you need it but also have the options of Buffalo and Detroit. We fly out of Detroit to Disney World. Public schools are fairly good around here (I am a elementary school teacher). If you live in a decent neighbourhood, the school will be okay. Housing costs are great if you compare to the UK that is! My sister lives in Wiltshire and I know housing costs are horrendous over there!
If you need any information on education/curriculum etc just do a search under the provincial government sites.
Good luck with your search and welcome to Canada!!!!!

 

[BraMax]

As I was reading through the post the first thing that jumped out at me was what kind of employment does your husband do. And as soon as I seen you say Construction then really for job purposes Alberta would be my choice. Things are booming in the construction industry. He wouldn't not have a problem getting a job and they are paying really good out here. The cost of housing isn't too bad depending on where in Alberta you choose to live. We live in a little town just outside of Edmonton (15 minutes your in the city) and I love it. The housing market isn't as high here as in Edmonton and I love the school system here and people are so friendly. As for closeness to Disney. We leave Feb 3rd for Disneyland and our flight is direct and is only 3.5 hours long. Weather can be interesting here. But you do get the seasons although the joke is Alberta has 2 seasons snow and no snow lol. But we had a really warm winter last year and a hot summer this past year. We have had a colder winter this year but if you love snow this is the place to be. My parent moved from here back to Windsor Ontario 6 years ago and for the most part we have had a warmer winter than them this year being the exception. Keep us posted I would love to hear what you decide.

 

[aaronandterri]

hes a project manager for a construction firm.
Our first thought was alberta as well, have looked into calgary loads, have rakes of info on it here, !
The only thing i wasnt sure about was the summer, now i dont mind snow! (ob diffrence bewteen snow and - 30!!)but the kids want a warm summer to counteract it, they would love a pool, but this is not the be all and end all of it.

Many many decisions.
I want a nice area , friendly with good schools, we have 4 kids! need good schools, i have brought my children up with manners and would like them to go somewhere that reflects that, (and im sad to say that is not here in the uk anymore )


I think that unless a wonderful job comes up and decides for us we will go where the work is in alberta and go from there, maybe once weve got pr maybe then look around more if we change our minds about the area.

So now im wondering whether to book my cruise for 2008 xmas, (can be booked on 31st jan) with airfair from >??????

maybe thats just a watch and see.

I have definatly met some lovely people on here though, and small world one with relatives just around the corner!
And a lovely lady who works for the school board who hasnt even batted an eye lid at all the silly questions ive asked.
Hope to see some of you once im out there.

Terri

On a lighter note , will be time to make my 90 day reservations in a few weeks!

Anyone got any good fishing places in florida they know of to book hubby and daddy in for???

 

[PreciousSadies]

Hello-
I grew up in Oshawa, Ontario for 16 years, and moved to Calgary in my last year of highschool, and have been here ever since.

In Ontario, I miss the lakes, the green maple leaf trees, the green grass, my backyard pool, and the lakes, and cottages! Since, going back to visit, I can't tolerate the humidity especially in July, anymore. I also miss the drive to Toronto, and seeing all the buildings along the way. I also enjoy seeing the country, if you want to head away from the city.

In Calgary, it's dry, when I visit Ontario, my skin softens up. Some will get nosebleeds until they get used to the altitude. The chinook winds, (cold wind coming over the mountain warms up) “Those who have not the warm, invigorating Chinook winds of this country, cannot well comprehend what a blessing they are. The icy clutch of winter is lessened, the earth throws off its winding sheet of snow. Humanity ventures forth to inhale the balmy spring like air. Animated nature rejoices.” (1900–Calgary weekly Herald)
We have had a chinook most of January, so it's been fairly balmy!
Some people do suffer from headaches when there is a Chinook, because of the pressure change. A typical Calgarian, may be wearing, "a sweat shirt and shorts at the same time! If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes and it will change. This is especially true in the winter months, which I do dread. Ontario, has exceptional seasons...the trees changing colours, here you get yellow, yellow trees, yellow grass...eventually it turns to green grass. Calgary, the snow comes, and sometimes is going as fast as it comes, it also get really icy, so you do need to drive with caution! We can have a freak snow in May or August.

I only know of a few heated pools in Calgary. Many will say it's simply to short of a season to have one, although we did put air conditioning in this summer. Raise bed gardens do better, in Calgary to retain heat. I love Calgary, for how clean it is and how big the sky is, most days, you see how blue it is! I have come to appreciate enjoying the praires, along the drive south, or north, or east. The mountains also are visible in Calgary, and it's a beautiful drive to go out to B.C. for camping, etc.

You husband should do well with construction here and I consider Calgary, still a very safe place to live. I have a friend who is from Peteborough, England, who her family and her 6/7 siblings with their families and her parents have all immigrated to Calgary, within the last 15 years.

Alberta advantage, there is no provincial tax.

There are pro's and con's to both, and I'm hope you can make a great decision for you and your family!