Question 2: Would you live in America if you had the choice?

[Shazam]

Somewhere in Maine.

Huntington Beach, California. I have thought about this move seriously.

San Francisco. San Jose would be okay as well.

Although I like New York, I don't think I could live there.

[the_only_turek_fan]

Originally Posted by missdpuck

Well I've got an extra room, and a family down the street just walked away from a really nice house near the beach and golf course.

What city do you live in?

I have family in Tampa Bay, Gainsville, and Fort Mhyers. That would be a likely starting spot for me.

I just woke up today and realized I needed a big change in life.

[OilersBaby]

hell yeah i would, i already did 8 years ago and it was the best decision i ever made.

[OilersBaby]

And I wouldnt live anywhere but California..best jobs, weather, so what if its a bit more expensive, you also get paid a boat load more.

You do NOT need citizenship to buy a house and the mortgage laws are less strict than in canada. A friend of my parents was saying in Calgary if you buy a house you have to put at least 20% down or you get penalized pretty bad. My husband and I bought our house 11 months ago with 0 down and we still got a good interest rate..teh same as everyone who put some money down. Of course it would be better to put some money down so you have some equity but ah well.....

[OBCT]

Well, I guess my answer is yes. The hypothetical for me came true, and I've been down here in "Sharks Territory" *ptooey* for a year now.

I'm not sure what my verdict is yet. Where I am in life (23 and single), friends are pretty huge. I left many of them behind. Being an introvert and not at all into the bar scene, finding friends down here has been a slow process (when my interests include the Flames, Stampeders, Raptors, Jays and ... lacrosse ... and stuff ... it can make for awkward introductions: "So, you like Stanford or Cal?"; "Uhh... neither?"; "Oh, I getcha. Let me guess then... the Trojans? I'd put money on them this year."; "No. Actually, I don't follow college sports."; *gasp* <blank stare>).

Still, I knew I needed a change of pace in my life and am fortunate enough to be a dual-citizen, so I went for it ... and for the most part it's been great. Like OilersBaby said, there is a ton of opportunity down here and the weather is pretty gnarly. The traffic isn't so bad, but the people... they're endless. Even Calgary isn't as spread out as it is down here, just town after town after town.

Right now my plan is to move back to Alberta. Eventually. I don't see myself being financially content living here long-term (I'm currently a paraeducator at a middle school), and I'm not a big city person at heart. Even with the economy plunging, California is not a cheap place to live. I've very much enjoyed my time here, will continue to enjoy it while it lasts and will always count it as a blessing, but I think a move back to rural-ish Canada is inevitably in the cards. Which I look forward to, in many ways. I remain a Canadian at heart.

[OBCT]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

I just woke up today and realized I needed a big change in life.

Not to be too forward or anything, but I've gotta say ... go for it. It might not wind up being a permanent solution to any problem, but it's amazing how easily people can get into a rut. I know I was. For me, moving to California was a welcomed change and the added perspective has improved my outlook on life.

I know it's not feasible for everyone to just up and move to San Francisco or Tampa Bay -- or Los Gatos (might as well be neighbors with OilersBaby it's so close to San Jose) -- when they're feeling low, but I do think that being open to (drastic) change when the opportunity presents itself can be extremely beneficial. Even if that change doesn't mean moving to the States, in keeping with the theme of this thread, I encourage you to keep that possibility in mind down the road too. Remember, I get great Flames coverage down here with Center Ice, plus I got to 4 Flames playoff games last year to boot! (I'm not sure Iggy's ever played better... I'll never forget it.)

[Table 5]

I live in the U.S. right now, and if the job situation where different north of the border, I would move back to Canada.

[Tilley]

I'm another living example of the debate about moving to the States.

Moved to Omaha from Southern Alberta in 2003 for school and now have a wife (she's from Omaha) and a baby. Despite the negative opinion of the midwest from one poster it is scary how similar Omaha is to Calgary. The only difference being the mountains are a little further away. The people and the city are similar to one another. During the '04 run it was funny to see all the Flames jerseys. There are a lot of business connections between the two cities.

The Mrs. and I have talked about moving back to Southern Alberta. There is a definite possibility that it might happen. Just not in the near future. I have to get more letters after my name first.

Housing and healthcare are the biggest differences. House prices in Omaha are about 1/3 to 1/2 of Calgary prices. I work at a University and my wife is a teacher and despite both of us having healthcare through work, after having a baby 4 months ago we are still paying bills. The problem is not just getting affordable healthcare, but insurance that is worth the money. There are estimates of 1/3 of Americans are under insured.

As for watching hockey, I watch more Flames games than my friends in Calgary (thanks to Center Ice).

[bradster57]

I would definitely take the opportunity- but like most people it depends where in the States and it wouldn't be permanent.

My uncle, who moved to Portland about 10 years ago always says "It's okay to live amoungst Americans, just never become an American."

[Bagor]

Originally Posted by OilersBaby

My husband and I bought our house 11 months ago with 0 down and we still got a good interest rate..teh same as everyone who put some money down. Of course it would be better to put some money down so you have some equity but ah well.....

Not saying you personally but isn't this where the credit crunch problems stemmed from?

Do you think you could do the same today? Was it compulsary to buy mortgage insurance?

[pepper24]

Originally Posted by OilersBaby

You do NOT need citizenship to buy a house and the mortgage laws are less strict than in canada. A friend of my parents was saying in Calgary if you buy a house you have to put at least 20% down or you get penalized pretty bad. My husband and I bought our house 11 months ago with 0 down and we still got a good interest rate..teh same as everyone who put some money down. Of course it would be better to put some money down so you have some equity but ah well.....

The interest rate in Canada is the same whether you put down a 0% or 50% payment. The penalty your friend is talking about is the CHMC Fee for anything under a 20% down payment. I recall reading something where Canada to avoid the foreclosures in the US particularly CA is limiting the amoritization period (to 30 years or under I believe) and eliminating 0% downpayments. I'll have to find the article. Not a bad thing in my opinion.

[HockeyPuck]

Oh yeah I would, and I'm planning to next year.

Thankfully, the company I work for has an an office in Dallas and I have a good chance to be transferred down there. Unfortunately, it would only be an ex-pat assignment and so I'd be down there a max of 5 years.

Can't wait!

[Bobblehead]

Nope.

Not that I would be against it. If there was a compelling reason to (super job offer, movie roles, Playboy Mansion masseuse) I would go, but just because I can would not be a reason to do it.

[soulchoice]

In a heartbeat I would move to the US. Preferably somewhere warm all year around. I cant stand the weather here in Calgary, as I like hot weather, hate cold and snow. I will be heading south sooner than later I hope.

[Sparks]

The only upside to moving to the US would be climate. There are many downsides that wouldn't make it worth it. If I had my choice (which I ultimately do), I'd rather stay in Canada. If I had to leave Calgary, there are many other places I'd look into before the United States... many countries in Europe interest me as do Australia and New Zealand.

What he said. No chance I'd move to the States permanently.

[Dan02]

I would consider moving to the US, if i was loaded anyways, the states don't seem to be a place i would want to be living if i was just trying to get by.

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

I've lived in the states for 10 years now, and let me tell you: stay in Canada.

I actually loved living in Iowa, and Boston is great too (Philly sucked, but that's another story).

But about 5 years ago my wife became seriously ill, and that really brought home for us a few things:
1. You don't want to be sick in the U.S. Even if, like us, you have good insurance.
2. You pay more here for worse care than you get in Canada.
3. Getting sick can make you go from a very comfortable lifestyle to just getting by.

Add to that the fact that I pay way more tax here than I would in Canada (don't let anyone tell you different--taxes here are BRUTAL, especially payroll taxes) and it's a home run. I also, now that I'm a parent, want to be closer to my family and my roots, and want my daughter to grow up as a Canadian.

It's not smug; Canada's far from perfect. But the U.S. has so many obstacles to a good quality of life that for anyone in the middle class, you're better off north of the border. The question should be this: should you take advantage of the chance to live in Canada rather than having to live in the states?

The answer is yes. And I'll be coming home next chance I get.

[habernac]

this is question 2, did I miss question 1?


I'm not sure I'd go permanently. I love to visit and I still have 24 more states to check off my list. Northern California would be my destination if I had to go.

[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by Iowa_Flames_Fan

1. You don't want to be sick in the U.S. Even if, like us, you have good insurance.
2. You pay more here for worse care than you get in Canada.
3. Getting sick can make you go from a very comfortable lifestyle to just getting by.

Add to that the fact that I pay way more tax here than I would in Canada (don't let anyone tell you different--taxes here are BRUTAL, especially payroll taxes) and it's a home run.

It's not smug; Canada's far from perfect. But the U.S. has so many obstacles to a good quality of life that for anyone in the middle class, you're better off north of the border.

I've lived in the States for 2 years now, and I whole heartedly agree with these points.

I'm in medicine, and it is my (bias?) opinion that the doctors are vastly superior and skilled in the US, but that doesnt make the quality of health care or delivery of health care superior. It costs a lot to get quality health care

Also, all taxes in total, not just income tax (property taxes, sales tax etc), is at least as high as in Canada, especially for lower and middle class. A small percentage of the very wealthy might have it better in this country, but if you are wealthy in Canada or wealthy in the USA, who cares, you got it good.

[You Need a Thneed]

I'd move to Portland, but I couldn't handle not being able to pump my own gas, so I'll just stay here.