Auld Yin

My focus initially will always be on good jobs. But no point in having a great job if its in an area thats no better than clydebank/ Glasgow!

I really can't think of any part of the GTA that isn't better than Clydebank/Glasgow.

el_richo

You didn't have to answer each point, they were thoughts on what you need to ask yourselves.

Analysis paralysis and having no real life clue as to why you want to move to Canada is your main problem.

The problem is, you'll never know whether is better or not until you live there (wherever you choose).

Is living with beautiful scenery and a larger house worth "losing" family or friends?

Are you ok to have little midges replaced with ****ing horrible biting black flies taking chunks out of your family during the summer, or having to stay out of the garden for mozzies.

Are you willing to gamble $10k's of your hard earned cash, and quit your good secure jobs, to see whether the reality of living in Canada is no better that what you can get in the UK, just different?

As for areas to live, your answers earlier narrows it down considerably. Now just Narrow them down further via interweb research then jump on a plane and get to as many places as possible for a few weeks or so.

Think of your return on investment over the rest of your life.

Tony-the-Tigger

I don't know anywhere in Ontario that can be likened to Clydebank. Same goes for Cumbernauld. Thing is though, have you lived anywhere else for some time? After a while, the novelty wears off and the things that matter a lot suddenly become really important. As El Richo said before, for many, Canada is not better - just different. Others will tell you different though, I've met many expats who have no regrets at all. Proud to be originally from Scotland or England but equally affectionate of Canada. It's all about personal experience and opinions.

Don't underestimate the draw of family. When you are far away from a family member who is ill, it can be very upsetting. Or, even to miss a wedding or a special birthday can set you off on a downer.

Diversity is a strange one too. In particular, Toronto is described as being diverse but the truth is that Toronto wants to be diverse but many of it's dweller's don't. Different nationalities have clumped together to call that part their own.

In my opinion, the work ethic is far stronger too than what you will be used to and it does take a while to normalise within it. I would also say that for people who are driven to succeed, there are more opportunities there. Benefits are not handed out anywhere near as easily as the UK either. For the most part, in order to be entitled to a benefit, you will have to be earning and the benefit will be rewarded to you in the form of a tax credit.

Using my experience within Ontario, I would say it's a much better place to raise kids than the west of Scotland. Many people on here have, quite rightly, posted that it shouldn't be all about "for the sake of our kids" but I believe there's a greater opportunity for children to develop and flourish there. I'm aware that there's a drug problem in Canada too but there's nowhere near the same underage drinking problem as we have in Scotland.

There may be undesirable places to live in Ontario, but nothing like the crumbling post war and ex local authority housing schemes rotting all over the Central belt of Scotland. I laugh out loud when expat members call Brampton or Barrie undesirable places to live. I guess it's all about what you have experienced.

I can fully understand why you want to move to Canada. I'm not sure how you're going to achieve it though, or should I say do it without having regrets later. That could be the tough part for a couple who have very good jobs already.

I'm going through the process of returning right now. If you have any questions, fire away.

Tony.

Tony-the-Tigger

Maybe if it was right for you, there would be.

el_richo

+1

helcat12

Honestly, alcat, if you are looking for some way to know which is the right place while still in the UK, you are not going to find it.

Go somewhere you can get a job initially and then think about it.

Many Expats come to Canada to one area because of their first job and then move elsewhere when they have had time to establish themselves, reflect on their desires and look around calmly.

There is no way to ensure you will be in the perfect place right at the outset.

dbd33

I think it fair to say that Brampton and Barrie are undesirable places to live. I accept that Scotland may be worse, indeed I understand from the posts on this thread that Scotland looks like Rexdale, which is certainly worse. It's a wonder anyone's alive to emigrate from Scotland.

ExKiwilass

haha

Tony-the-Tigger

Rexdale is not as bad as some areas of Glasgow. Scotland is a beautiful country. The parts where no-one lives.

I've read all the posts about Brampton and Barrie. I've been there and I even stayed in a hotel for a week on Queen Street East. It's not wonderful but again, for me, not that bad. However, your argument of how undesirable they are deemed, is backed up by house values there.

Auld Yin

As someone pointed out recently, you can't eat scenery.

fletcher m

I will tell you how we came to the decision of VI, hoping that this will give to a place to start.

We knew we wanted the rockies, yes, they are a massive obsticle if you wish to travel, but we wanted the mountains AB or BC?

We looked at employment ops in both Provs and both looked promising, therefore we applied for registration with CARNA and CRNBC. Assessments done, CARNA required a little more education in some areas, therefore, like water finds the easiest route, we decided on BC.

Massive prov, where in BC? Work everywhere, freezing north, mild warm south, South chosen- no brainer.

How much does a nice house with access to the sea cost? Vancouver - too much, Victoria pretty expensive, just outside victoria, fairly reasonable. Fairly reasonable chosen if we can find work?

Checked with VIHA, loads of jobs in Victoria and in other places too if Vic doesn't trip our switches. Are/is there uni's nearby for the kids? yes, is there employment ops for me and the kids as they get older, yes! Just outside Vic will do then.

Recce to see the island in some detail this summer (Sept), another quick look around vancouver, just to be sure....

If it does not work out, bugger! We will just accept that it is not to be. Move house, buy that new car i have been promising myself and have been putting on hold for a year so far, and, to hell with Canada.

We dreamt, we tried, perhaps we will fail, you only live once. New house and a new car is not so bad if it turns to SH!!.

before some smart arse says the rockies are not on VI, we can see them if we want to, they will be close enough. fletch

el_richo

You do realize the distance, right? It would be quicker to fly from the UK to Calgary if you wanted to drive out to see the Rockies

el_richo

But that's just moving to canada for no reason and the expense and upheaval of a family with kids in tow could be a huge risk.

I personally don't see the point in going through the financial hit, emotional strain, and huge risks, without a clear vision that includes a better or equally enjoyable standard of living. Especially with a family.

Crap analogy but; if you were desperate to marry a blonde Yorkshireman would you just marry the first one you met on the first date so you can calmly look for a more suitable husband at your leisure, even though your current hubby is a bit shit and makes you unhappy?

Or would you gain a clear vision and understanding of what attributes you want, what you want out of the marriage, then invest time and money finding what appears to be right, going out on dates to learn more seeing if it's the right fit for you, etc etc etc.

Novocastrian

How much does he earn?

fletcher m

How about a blond canadian woman, that would tick all the boxes....hold on for a year and Bingo!