Born in Calgary, moved here to Oregon when I was 10. My dad was one of those in early nineties who left the uncertainty of the Oil industry during one of its downturns. Why we ended up here, I don't quite recall.
While I was growing up, I always thought I would move back, but after 24 years, this is home now. Weather is fantastic, minus the grayness of winter, but it rarely drops below 40 F. I do miss the snow a bit, but there are mountains an hour away so I can get my fix that way. Summers are almost always dry and not too hot. Average of about 75-85 F. And I'm close to a lot of great outdoor areas. Cascades to the east, the beach an hour to the west, Central Oregon is a great place for outdoor fun and that's only 3 hours away.
While I do miss family, at the same time, I've gone so many years without seeing most of them, it's not something I think about often.
I'm fortunate to have had jobs with decent health care coverage, so that $1500/month Table 5 mentioned, I've never dealt with. I currently pay < $200 / month and that is pretty much my only out of pocket expense for health care. School was expensive but I'm on the low end of education debt for this country (about $30k) and that'll get paid off eventually.
I would love to go back and visit. I think last time I was in Calgary was around 2003. Take in a long trip in the Rockies as I wasn't old enough to fully appreciate them while I lived there. But, moving back? Don't think it'll ever happen.
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