Help I hate it here!!!
 

Its only been 8 days but 8 days of 'what have I done' so far! We cant seem to find anywhere in Ottawa that we would want to live. Its either just full of houses crammed in together (Orleans, Kanata, Barrhaven etc) or just too remote to live in if you need to work. We are applying for jobs and expect that we would have to work in the city (if we can get jobs that is) - hence the need to live commutable distance (hate the rush hour traffic already) and the cost of parking / transport is extreem. We miss the UK!!

I dont think I can take much more of driving to areas and finding them without parks / trees or any amenities etc but surely I have to give it longer than a week right????

I hate the fact I traded quaint green Britain for a concrete and weatherboard existence. I knew the exchange rate wasnt great (my PR visa was running out so decided it was now or never to give it a try) but wasnt banking on just how expensive everything is. I mean $6 for a beer and $9 for cereal!!

Anyone else in Ottawa cant settle or moved somewhere that I may like? Without jobs we are stuck living with my brother who loves Orleans but then he hasnt lived in the UK for many many years so probably just got used to it. At this stage I would happily leave today!

Are there any areas we havent tried that maybe have more space / parks / forests etc and that you can actually get jobs nearby? We dont have to live near the centre but need jobs to enable us to move. Yesterday we went to Kemptville but I didnt even get out of the car! HELP!!

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Auld Yin will be along shortly to help you out.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Door. Out.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

On a more serious note, if the OP has landed in Ottawa and sees absolutely no redeemable features then perhaps that is that. If you don't like the city itself (where you will likely go for work), or any of the outlying areas, then maybe the place is not for you.

As you have the luxury of staying with family, I'd invest in a couple of trips to other places. Stay a couple of days and see if you hate it all, or if it's just Ottawa.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

It's called the Glebe innit? The nice block of Ottawa.

Oh, and there's a park in Manotick. I assembled some sort of children's climbing frame there as part of a "community" effort.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

We've been here now for 20 months, and it was hard at first but now we're getting used to it (I'm sure the missus will be along later with her side of things).

Definitely stay away from Barrhaven, Kanata and Orleans, they are miles away and even with the excellent transit available, the commute time really adds up.

We are in the Hunt Club Park / Greenboro subdivision and really enjoy it. Great bike paths connecting the parks and communities and easy access to Downtown via the Transitway. It is a bit 'crammed in' but the greenspace around kind of makes up for it. If you don't want to be 'crammed in' you'll need to look at more established neighbourhoods such as Riverside Park / Mooney's Bay and Alta Vista, but then you'll pay alot more rent / mortgage.

With regards to the Glebe, it's over rated. Extortionate rent / house prices and very dense. If you are looking for open space, this isn't for you.

We are looking at maybe moving further out of the City when our PR eventually comes through (and brings with it access to decent morgage rates...). You definitely get a lot more for your money, but then you spend a lot more time commuting, so you need to find the right balance. We have friends in Arnprior, and really like it there - it's alot friendlier than Ottawa and about an hour and a bit away so that is definitely on our list. Check out Carp, Kinburn, Dunrobin and Carleton Place.

With regards to Kemptville - it's a really nice town in the Summer with some great little pubs. This town was also on our possible to move to list, but we struck it off as kids facilities such as beaches and parks were non-existant. Excellent Chinese restaurant there though.

Feel free to PM me if you'd like to chat more.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Perhaps try some other places in Canada. Ottawa is certainly a bit dull, but is livable. We live in Kanata and I find that OK for traveling into town to work as there are many express buses available. Ottawa's bus service has its flaws but it's far cheaper and quicker than driving.
Yes, the houses are quite close together but the house we have we could never afford that in the UK.
If you're paying $6 for a beer then stop drinking those European imports. If you're paying $9 for cereal then switch to cereal that normal folks eat.
Think about the reasons you chose Ottawa and not, say Toronto or Vancouver.
BTW - there are something like 90 parks in Kanata.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

$9 for cerial? Whats that all about?

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

We will check out some of the areas you have mentioned later today. Fingers crossed! Thanks ;0)

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

I wasnt aware Fortnum & Mason had a store in Ottawa..you live and learn.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

8 days......

Well at least you gave the place a chance.....

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

RRhodes wrote
"I hate the fact I traded quaint green Britain for a concrete and weatherboard existence".

Love it! No rose tinted specs in evidence here then.....:lol:

Welcome to the 'collective', though in your case, resistance may be far from futile.....

Best of luck

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Good job you haven't seen the wastelands of the GTA then otherwise you'dve turned straight around and got on a plane back to UK.;)

The Glebe is an older, but pricy area of Ottawa. My S-i-L used to live there. She now lives in Stittsville which is to the West & is another sprawl of sub-divisions but she tells me she is in the old part that has more character.

Sadly, your problem is more that you are experiencing North American suburbia in all it's hellish glory. That's going to be difficult to move beyond.....;)

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Maybe Ottawa isn't for you, is family the reason you chose Ottawa? Give elsewhere a chance first, there must have been some reason that made you decide to go through all the stress and expense of emigrating, you can't give up straight away (well you can but...). Do you think maybe the reality of what you have done has just set in?

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

I cant help but think that somewhere around Ottawa has to be a neighbourhood thats OK.

I look at google maps and there are certainly parks around, lots of them

http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=ottawa&...h&z=15&vpsrc=6

Traffic is a consideration in any big city these days isnt it? How is Ottawa for transit, I thought it was pretty well sorted for busses and the like?

my bosses kid works in the city, she and her husband comes in from around Vernon or Metcalfe every day, its not too onerous a commute AFAIK.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Zooming in on your Google Maps link and going to Street View brings up this gem

http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=ottawa&...2,6.54,,1,6.72

That would make me seriously consider not moving to that part of Ottawa.

I'll re-read the OP's post but I'm not sure how much research she did prior to moving here.....

To many on this forum, the UK has many variations...from chocolate box thatched cottage Berkshire to the Milton Keynes of the world, to urban depravity of inner city Manchester and other industrial revolution cities...ditto goes for Canada..from breathtaking scenery to pave paradise and put up a parking lot Mississauga to rough parts of our cities...to paint the UK as paradise and Canada as soul crushing and horrible in one sweeping set of generalizations makes me wonder how much thought was put into emigrating to Canada.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

I think lots of thought goes into it, but i think it's often misaligned with reality.

When dreams become reality, the shock of normalcy may be a little confusing for some and the realisation that their reasons for moving may have been misguided could no doubt bring on the "oh shit..." moments.

I've said before, some dreams should remain just that. And from the words of our esteemed Oink, some people should stick to holidays.

I also think people can tell whether an area is for them or not in quite a short space of time. I know i would never want to live in Edmonton or Calgary after only spending short amounts of time there. They're just not for me. No doubt if i had to i would get used to it, the same way as your body gets used to discomfort, as no doubt many immigrants do. I'd hate to be in that position though.

To the OP, after the many years you've dreamed of this move, there's nothing wrong with not liking the reality. As others have said, while you have the time and inclination, pop to select areas within Canada if possible to see if anything tickles your fancy. Failing that, listen to Oink.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

You've clearly put a lot of time and thought into this move. Your dream is obviously a thirst that couldn't be quenched by a mere adventure holiday. Although after five years of dreaming and planning, I can see why Canada seems like such a disappointment. To use a rather stretched analogy, its a bit like finally getting Megan Fox to go on a date with you only to find Ann Robinson has turned up instead. You're bound find it a little off putting until you get head around it. As the saying goes, booze helps.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

As said previously Manotick sounds like it might be up your street! We've been here nearly 5 years now and wouldn't live anywhere else. I know what you are saying about Orleans, Barhaven., etc., my idea of a nightmare.

Heres a link to a local agent who I've met in the past.

http://manotickhomes.com/our-listings/

Manotick isn't cheap but there are some cheaper places on the Island and on the outskirts. The schools are very good, lots of open, green spaces. Really worth a drive out here. Only 15 mins from Ottawa Airport (South). 45 mins to downtown although nobody I know works in the City. If its more high tech then Kanata is a 40 min commute and certainly do-able. Everyone has to commute here in Manotick as limited public transport. Everyone has 2/3 cars.

If you want to PM me I'm more than happy to help you, hope you have a better day today :thumbsup: Its all part of the immigrant experience and if its meant to be it'll all come together. But Canada is not for everyone.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

I agree.

And as far as I'm concerned, the OP is bang on with the description of suburbia. No wonder he/she is thinking of running screaming back to the UK.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Possibly the scariest piece of advice ever offered on an internet forum.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Cheeky bastard. :p

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Scary? Or Genius?

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

It's a fine line.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Can we get back to the OP's OT? The problem as I see it, not only with the OP, is that need to emigrate is not based on objects (houses, cars, washing machines, cheese), but on the need for difference (a desire for social meaning), only then will we understand that satisfaction can never be fulfilled.

I've always thought of the desire to emigrate from the UK is rather analogous to that of Alice in Wonderland. Boredom and desire to transcend can take to you into a very strange place indeed.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

I'll go with scary.

BTW did you do a lot of acid in your yoof?

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Nope, that's all them bloody beatniks isn't it? Ban the bomb and do **** all for living? Its diabolical. Choose life.

As to the OP, be patient, its amazing what the human condition can get used to with time.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Hi here is the missus ;)

to be honest the first few weeks were ok, then the reality kicked in and I hated it. I find many Ottawans quite, let's say unapproachable, or even rude. Especially in areas like Orleans and Kanata. I went to playgroups and recreational stuff with the kids and just met very competitive mums that were comparing their children's achievements in hockey, sleeping patterns and how well little Britany can play the piano, blindfolded, only using her feet lol ;). And I just wanted a chat, a brew and some biscuits :D
Then I just met some expats on here and we started to meet regularly for a coffee or chat and then I met some Canadians from out west and the Maritimes and they are all absolutely fabulous. Ottawa can be a difficult city to settle, even according to my Canadian friends it was hard for them in the first time and it might take you a lot longer than in other parts of Canada.
Living wise, I find Ottawa a very green city with loads of parks, splash pads, wading pools, skating rinks. Like hubby said we live in the Hunt Club /Greenboro area and it's nice here. Quite a few parks and bike trails. Check out Findlay Creek, Kinburn(close to Kanata) or Richmond . Arnprior is lovely but quite a commute, it's worth it though I think.
PM me if you like or if you want to meet for a brew let me know, don't give up yet:D

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

i moved from the UK to canada 3 years ago. we moved to Calgary and i hated it. well some parts of it the cost of renting in the city was way to high , anyway i decided to move a little out of the city to a small town called Strathmore it was cheaper less cramped and views of the country side. i have now brought mu own house made lots of new friends and a few English ones too, like me didnt want to live in the city, so i suggested a different part of canada or move just outside to a smaller town. but dont hate canada its beautiful. especially this side with the rocky mountains.
:thumbsup:

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

I disagree with this as someone that lives there.

The Glebe is a great example of a highly liveable north American neighbourhood - walk or bike to everything, shops, bars etc., parks, access to canal, historic attractive homes, plenty of trees, great local community centre, library, other services, walk to work downtown etc.

Personally, I would not want to live in the burbs, but hey, if that floats your boat, good for you.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

What exactly do you hate? There are thousands, quite literally, who would love to be in your shoes.... I AM in your shoes, and I don't find ALL of Canada delightful, but nowhere is all delightful, and lots and most of it is scary and different. Why did you come? It has taken you some amount of effort to arrive, so have a quick think about what it was that stirred you to take the effort? Could you just 'forget' about living here, and just mentally set aside a week or ten days to holiday and see what you think at the end of it? Best of luck. Xxx

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Yes, you may have access to shops, bars, parks, community centres (which, incidentally, I have access to within a 10 minute bike ride that doesn't involve traversing one of the busiest arterial streets in the city ;)) but you're telling me you don't think that it's dense? We have friends that live in that neighbourhood and I get claustrophobic when I step out of the car.

Also, the house prices are extortionate - you reckon an average of $600,000 for a 3 bed fix up (and then some) is good value?

Like you say though, each to their own!

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

I hated Ottawa for the year I was there but I think that was in part because I was stuck in a generic suburb, Hunt Club something, it could have been Milton or Mississauga or anywhere really. There wasn't a pub or even any tortured foxes.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Sounds to me like you're putting a lot of pressure on yourself to find your Canadian "UK equivalent", as soon as possible. And it also sounds like a bigass bout of cultureshock!
Give yourself a break, try not to compare everything (I know this is tough, everyone's the same at first) and try and view it as an adventure. Nothing is forever, so you won't be stuck in a dismal dive til the end of time.
Emigrating IS a hard slog and it doesn't get easier overnight. If you do it, you have to be aware you're playing the long game.
I've been here a year and although I still have the odd irrational hankering for a trip round Sainsburys, I know I don't want to go back to Britain.
If you have good solid reasons for doing what you're doing to fall back on in hard times, you get through it. If you don't, you may want to re-consider...

Good luck!

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Hi I used to live in Barrhaven as a Nanny and have to say liked it, but my sister lived in Perth a little drive from Ottawa it is a beautiful small town one of nicest I have seen here. We are in London arrived as PR's in August and have decided that a small town is where we think we will probably settle so check some out, there are many and they have a very different feel to the suburbs you don't much like.
Good luck anyway Paula:fingerscrossed:

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Supply/demand?

If its expensive, there's probably a reason. I.e. people want to live there more than they want to live in other places. Westboro is another good example of that; great neighbourhood, expensive prices.

I'm a bit surprised by claustrophobic though? Its in the downtown of a 1m person city; and its leafy compared to lots of places. Guess you've never lived in Peckham!

Basically everything, except petrol, so far is about twice the price that we are used to, the houses are more expensive and what you gain in inside space you lose in outside space (gardens). We have yet to find anywhere where we could potentially live that doesnt cost above 600,000 dollars. With the fact that if we could get jobs (it isnt looking great) then we would be earning less than we were in canada and with having to pay out more - we are worse off. I know everything is not about how much money you have but we do have to compare our standard of life. In the UK we had lots of spare money and a large house with a huge garden / plot. I appreciate Canada is different and I perhaps didnt do as much research as I should have but seriously dont know where to go back whilst we can still get our jobs back and just go back to normal life or to stick it out loosing more of our savings and becoming more unhappy.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Where in the UK is your reference point? I think Chelsea, for example, is quite expensive compared to Ottawa.

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

Cute house, convenient to the bureaucracies of central Ottawa, less than $600,000:

http://www.realtor.ca/propertyDetail...ey=-1974725606

Easy!

Re: Help I hate it here!!!
 

If your gut tells you this, then go back to the UK... we did not find Ottawa to be a great place to find work to be honest- takes a while and its better if you know someone and can network.

If we had been able to move back to the UK after 6 months of being in Canada, we would have, only thing stopping us at the time was the fact that the "pet Passport" system was not in place and we did not want to put our doggies in quarantine.

My husband still has not found work in his field and has given up- its taken me 9 years to achieve the same level workwise as when i left the UK.....we are planning to retire in the UK because right now we couldn't afford a rabbit hutch in the UK!!!

Good Luck- give it time though but go with your gut!