I think so, yes. Coquitlam really is ugly sprawl to me. I'd assume property may be slightly cheaper but if you're looking to be closer to the action then i would suggest you look at Burnaby. I'd hazard a guess that the population of Burnaby and Halifax wouldn't be hugely different. I could be wrong though.

Plus it has the Public Transport infrastructure.

Take some time to look around.

Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Moody all have their own vibe but are predominantly suburban cities. Everyone has their own wants but I always feel that Mission is in the back of beyond. Maybe a move to suburbia will work for the OP's family.

Only one way to find out - and it's a lot cheaper than moving across the country.

You have a point.

ha ha .. it's the vibe that we're after, too, because there is a limited one in Mission, or, if it exists at all, it's too 'hicky' ... of course, this will change bujt whether it happens in our lifetime or at a time when we're just too fed up any more remains to be seen.

Halifax and its environs seem to offer the following:
city feel and size (small city but with something city-like to offer)
large plots within easy city commute and affordable
good schooling (allegedly)


but without the prospect of secure employment, it'd be a risk so I'll have to research and really apply myself to getting and keeping gainful employment. Doing this takes much time during which we might all go mad with frustration ... we also don't want to feel trapped by being in a place almost 5 years and deciding we can't move on now because kids are getting older ... it's Mr Lousid this time, btw.... Mrs has been responsible for all previous posts on this thread ... we both feel the same, however.

With the Golden Ears up and going now, take a look over the river, Walnut Grove, Langley.

That's been in the back of my mind, too. We certainly have choices but, having made so many bad ones in times past, we need to be closer to getting it right this time. Expect more posts with more questions and asking for more ideas (plus our own research) before we are in a better mental position. Thanks to all for the replies so far. Keep 'em coming - it all helps, seriously.

So, Walnut Grovers, what's it REALLY like out there in the big L?

From the places you have mentioned so far, Langley WG is the only one that would appeal to me. Renting gives much more flexibility, so may not be a bad idea for 6 months to see how you get on. We lived in Abby for many years and all the friends we had in Mission we looking to go somewhere else.

Thanks Aviator,
Your post makes sense to us when you mention others all wanting to get out of here, too. It can't simply be us, then, can it? There are days we love it here and more days than countable when we can't handle it anymore. Much of the issue resides in us as itchy-feet people, but it's that missing something that we now appreciate from our UK lives that is causing us issues. However, after such an investment in time, effort, emotion and money coming over, we don't want to give up too readily so renting elsewhere while keeping my work in MR will be a good step. It's out poor 7 yr old we fret about. He's been shoved from pillar to post and it's simply not fair on him, but we can't see ourselves in this place much longer ... better to do it once more to him while he's in elementary and not high school when resentment will become a feature. Not pleasant to imagine.

If we're happier about our combined circumstances, so too will the kids be. Living on here so he can continue his happy schooling while being miserable ourselves won't work, will it? There are two other little ones coming up, too. It's all a mess. When we look back at our perceived notions for moving from Cardiff in the first place, we kick ourselves ... and then get constant reminders about how gritty life is there, too, for so many. However, it's a case of one's perceptions isn't it? Maybe our perception of Mission is skewed? (probably not - it's been four bloddy years already) ... more Langley comments anyone?

There are some nice bits of Langley. I particularly like Fort Langley to visit. However, if it is the Valley mentality you want to get away from then Langley is the most Valley like part of Metro Vancouver. It might not be too much of a change of scene.

C'mon, Langley or Mission? Not even close. Personally Langley is not for me, but it is way up from Mission. Mission is the town that never was.

Can't argue with that.

As a matter of interest, where did your friends from Mission go?
BTW it's Mrs Lousid on this now. We are taking turns!!!

Mexico

are you serious???

Originally from Langley the moved to Mission and lived out north of Hatzic Lake and loved it (Miracle Valley). Then moved up on the hill at the back of town, a newish sub division and loathed it. They were gong back to Langley but became missionaries and went to Mexico instead. Probably not quite what you had in mind eh.