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Originally Posted by Table 5
A few random thoughts from someone who lived in the US for a decade (and snagged himself a Yankee wife) and has now come back to Canada:
The US is a culturally richer, and much more interesting, place than Canada. For better or worse.
I've never met a people who can be so intelligent, yet so ignorant, at the same time. There are some amazingly smart people in that country...who have no idea what goes on outside of it.
The US has an unmatched entrepreneurial energy. People are not afraid to take risks and dream big. It's infectious and I miss it.
If you are rich, I have no idea why you wouldn't have a residence in NYC or LA. I think Seattle, Portland, and Minneapolis are great livable mid-sized city alternatives. Chicago is fantastic (but the crime there is a little nuts). I think San Francisco is overrated and overpriced these days (but no matter what, please don't call it San Fran).
For the average person, the things that affect basic quality of life (Education, Health Care, Safety, Childcare, Social programs) are much more reasonable and accessible in Canada. The more dependants you have, the bigger this gap.
That social safety net that Canada offers I think is extremely important for piece of mind. Even if you are well off in the US, the wrong medical issues can cripple you financially. What you save on that car or tv, you'll be paying for in health bills, schooling, and taxes. I paid $400 in health insurance a month as a healthy 20-something man who never had to use the system....I know friends who pay $2k/month for their families insurance. I know families who pay 15-20k/yearly to send their kids to K-12 private school because the public system is a non-starter in many cities.
The places most Canadians would want to live (NY, California) are fairly heavily taxed...especially when it comes to property taxes. Paying 10-20k in property taxes is the norm on a 400-500k house in the NY area.
The programs and maternity leave offered to new moms in Canada is infinitely more humane for everyone.
TLDR: If you're moneyed, single/childless, or career is important to you...the US is the place to be. If you have a family, are elderly, or have any health issues...Canada will for the most part give you a much better, if less interesting, quality of life.
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Jeez, they must have a lot of Spendshis running the show there.
You're right, the lack of a real social safety net is a massive problem. The lower taxation federally and in most states is offset by costs of healthcare, good quality education, local taxes and other things. One of the most shocking things is the lack of a paid family leave. That's just nuts.
I like to think of Canada as a blander, yet much more functional America.