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Originally Posted by djsFlames
I like nature and in particular I like varied natural geography to see and experience, so while a great lake is appealing, concrete jungles and minimal elevation does not appeal to me.
My trips around Ottawa and Kingston were some of the most boring growing up too.
I'd love to hear what someone living there who uprooted from yyc can attest to when it comes to positives about living in Southern Ontario though and where it beats Alberta in their mind.
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Sure, happy to try but I want to be clear I’d never bash Calgary as I still consider it home.
Career wise I don’t work in Oil&Gas, engineering etc and in my particular career Calgary is basically the home to field offices not Head Office. Career wise it was the right choice and there are just so many large companies and the entire economy isn't dominated by a single industry (which adds some stability).
Like you, I love nature and growing up in Calgary I took full advantage of the mountains most every weekend. Here I live in a commuter town called Oakville (part of the GTA). Its basically small town life w big city amenities…If I want more its a 45 train ride to the heart of downtown Toronto. My town is on the shore of Lake Ontario which is honestly very neat for someone like me who grew up landlocked. I’ll never tire of seeing the big laker freighters etc and the vibe shoreside. I’m an avid cyclist and within 10 mins of riding I’m in the escarpments or headed out to Niagara. Lots of camping options around the various lakes too…Not backcountry but provincial campgrounds and local wineries and fresh fruit orchards.
If I venture downtown pretty much anything you would want in a mega city is there. Broadways type shows, bars, resturants etc. Basically a smaller, cleaner NYC in some ways. If culture is your thing it’s available or a 4/5 hr drive away in Ottawa. Also NYC is basically a puddle jumper flight away if thats your thing but I’m more of a homebody.
The climate surprised me when I moved here. It simply doesn't get as cold as Calgary can and the summers are hot, humid and long compared to AB. I mean, I have an orange tree and grow grapes in my yard. It shocked me when I first moved here but I love it.
The other thing is more personal and I hope you understand that I know Calgary has changed/evolved since I left in around 2006/7….My family is multicultural and in my personal experience the GTA is VERY multicultural. This was a huge draw for us. Personally I’m a middle aged white guy but my wife grew up overseas and is more comfortable here so who am I to argue? Also my parents have passed on so thats one less tie to Calgary.
I still have cravings for Calgary style ginger beef, Big Rock beer and CB Burger fries though. Being a Flames/Stamps fan sucks w the time zones and shipping costs for merchandise.
Calgary is a lovely place and I’m lucky to have called it home for most of my life but I doubt I’ll move back…..Plus I like remaining married
. I hope that helped and Go Flames Go! Please excuse typos as I’m terrible at typing on glass.
