Shard

In truth, I think very few move based in cost of living. The interminable debates on here simply prove that the costs are broadly the same. It's not like a move to Hungary or Greece, for example. However, depending on location, the cost of property (especially with land) can be quite different, and I think that drives many people. Big house, spacious neighbourhood, access to uncrowded parks or beaches.

rivingtonpike

We were in the Royal Borough of Richmond. I must admit I haven't actually looked up the last bill or anything, but that's what my wife tells me and she paid all the bills.

daisymoll

Good to hear Mike that you are doing so well.

After ten years in the GTA also, we will more than likely be heading home this year too. We absolutely have a lovely house on a great street, but just miss being English too much now. Lifestyle is very similar in both countries, but actually find life a bit too empty here. Everyone is all about the work work work and money.

Sure I will find things to grumble about in the UK, and we will have a smaller house, but the luxury of no looooooong cold winter will be great.

xxdb

My 2p is this: don't fall for the grass is greener thing. Because there are problems and annoyances everywhere you go. There are things I love and miss about the UK and things that drive me up the wall. Right now there are things I like about Canada and things that drive me up the wall.

For me personally to keep my sanity I take the position that everywhere is sh!te. That way you're not dissapointed if the wheels fall off anything.

xxdb

Yeah. This is exactly it.

Pizzawheel

This is a good one. Another way of keeping your sanity is to live for a while in a "challenging" environment, then you think of Canada and the UK being pretty much the same!

(unless you lose your sanity in that challenging environment )

christmasoompa

Top band according to the RBR website is £3172 a year now, maybe it's reduced since you moved 5 years ago.

And if your annual travel was that amount too, you must have been going via Brighton.

Shard

I would be checking Mrs RP's closet for boxes of new shoes.

christmasoompa

Rosie Lee

oliverjude

We feel the same. After 4 1/2 years in the GTA we want to go back. We miss being English and want our children to be English. We don't like the North American way of life. The only thing here we like and will miss is the space, bigger homes and warm summers!

It's going to be tough as my husband is self employed and will have to start again at the age of 53. We like just outside of London so our home is very very small but it's in England. Plus for the children they will leave here in elementary and start there in secondary.

Another long road to travel and there will be things I miss about here and moan about there.

Shard

What are the kids views on returning?

oliverjude

And 9 and 11 they are happy to go back or stay. They miss family and the food!

MikeUK

Ours did fine at 6 and 9
A bit of work to bring them up to speed with the UK curriculum, other than that no issues

You realise that they are much more flexible than we give them credit for

daisymoll

Mike how do you go about bringing them up to speed, I have printed off the curriculum from here, do I just compare to a print off over there, was planning on having them do some English workbooks etc over summer to help? Going into secondary school and Year 5 over there in September, (have two more but they are preschool and Sk, so not as worried about them)...

Thanks!