Winterdiva

We are considering moving to Calgary from UK (Surrey). Has anyone moved from London suburbs and regret it?

I’m worrying about winters Please can you tell me how you cope with driving etc in snow?

SanDiegogirl

Last year you wrote that you hated the idea of moving to Canada even before you got there?

.... and you are still c onsidering moving? to Calgary? even though you worry about winters - which are really cold and snowy in Canada!

Winterdiva

We didn’t move. I really want to think this through properly again - to be sure we are not throwing away a really nice life just because I fear unknowns or uncertainty.

christmasoompa

Lots have moved and regretted it, lots have moved and loved it.

Honestly, there’s nobody else that can make this decision for you. You’ve been agonising about it for so long now, at some point you have to just either go for it, or accept moving isn’t for you and be content staying put.

I’d say go, as you can always move back if it doesn’t work out. But you seem to have so many doubts that perhaps moving just isn’t the right thing for you?

I can’t remember your visa status, have you got any time constraints like PR status at risk or similar?

OrangeMango

If you're a skier, you love it there. People can be a bit shallow in mind there and a bit more racist, but most likely not against Brits.

And yes, the winters can be cold, however it's a dry cold, not that moisture coldness you'll be getting in the UK.

Driving in snow is just something what you're either used to, or have to get used to depending on where you've lived before or on experience.

Farmer on a bike

Depends where in Canada one is. Not all of Canada is cold and snowy. The world does not turn white at the 49th parallel!

scilly

Driving on snow is a heck of a lot better than in the UK! We laugh at hearing the trouble an inch of snow can now cause. It didn't used to be the case of course .............. where I lived, on the edge of the Pennines we got lots of heavy snowfalls when I was a child in the 40s and 50s.

For one thing, roads are cleared quickly here, gravel spread, and cars have snow tires by law within most jurisdictions .......... even in BC. Even in Vancouver cars have to have good winter tires, preferably with the mountain symbol if one wishes to drive outside the Lower Mainland ........... and even within it on the odd occasion because there are lots of hills in the city that can halt traffic.

You learn!

OrangeMango

I think, overall Calgary offers a good value and a good starting place for any immigrant. Property or renting is not too expensive at least compared to Vancouver or Toronto, taxes and car insurance seem to be lower than in the rest of Canada, plus the international airport is big enough to have decent direct flights to Europe and parts of Asia. And whether you like skiing or hiking the mountains are just around the corner. Only drawback is probably the mentality, people seem less friendly, a bit more conservative, a bit more single minded or boring or any combination of all of that

SanDiegogirl

You've been asking questions about Canada - first Toronto and then Halifx - for 4 years now. From earlier posts you are both IT specialists and have 2 children.
Have you looked into the job situation is Calgary?
Finding a job is much more important than worrying about driving in the snow in Canada - although if you don't like cold winters and snow, then probably Canada is not the best place for you.
Yes, it is cold. Winter temperatures in Calgary range from -1C to a low of – 12C and with the wind chill, it could drop to below – 20C. The only way to enjoy the winters in Calgary is to layer and dress warmly! The coldest month in Calgary tends to be January and (usually), Calgary is colder than Toronto.

jeremy brewer

Hi
i havent been to calgary, I am in BC

but regarding canada

my theory was

if you dont move you may always wonder
.........
what if for the rest of your life
.........

its better to try and fail than not try at all

cheers
jerry

Siouxie

You appear to worry about many aspects of living in Canada, (whether it's Toronto, Ottawa, Oakville, Halifax, Calgary or anywhere in between), but there are pros and cons no matter where you live in the world.

I would suggest you try and decide on a Province based on a) what you like to do as a family and b) what work is available to you. and c) what you can afford.. Rather than concentrating on the biggest cities perhaps consider some of the smaller ones, or towns, which will be cheaper and possibly less overwhelming. Have you checked the availability of jobs in the finance support sector and the type of housing you want (4 bed detached, 2500 sq ft, not including basement) at an affordable price in Calgary (or elsewhere)? That should really be your priority. Prices have gone through the roof in many parts of Canada in the last couple of years.

Our wiki may be of use about Calgary. https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Calgary - what draws you to Calgary?

If you are not confident about driving in snow, you may want to live downtown in a town/city where you can use public transit / cabs... or consider a course on 'winter driving'.
https://ama.ab.ca/driving-school/cou...driving-lesson
online: https://ama.ab.ca/business/corporate...driving-online
https://www.fleetsafetyinternational...g-skid-control
online: https://www.fleetsafetyinternational...driving-course

Lychee

Winter wouldn't be my biggest concern moving to Calgary. Culture and values would be my biggest concern trying to fit in there. You can learn how to adapt to winter. You can't change the values or culture of the locals.

Winterdiva

“If you are thinking, then canada is not for you.
if you are not uprooting your family and just moving, then canada is not for you.
If you’ve been considering multiple cities, then canada is not for you.
Oh and the last one, if you aren’t worried about jobs, then canada is not for you! “

Do you realise, not all immigrants come with the same set of circumstances?
do you realise people have different risk appetites?
If Ive been thinking for 4 years, do you realise there could be a lot at stake and I really need to think this though to be double sure?

<snip>

Winterdiva

answer is YES.

Winterdiva

thanks a ton. Our personal circumstances have considerably changed in the last few years. We have new parameters to consider and have to carefully weigh, filter and prioritise our needs.

thanks for your post.