Question 2: Would you live in America if you had the choice? - Page 2 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

pepper24 · 08-20-2008, 05:14 PM

For a large, urban city I'd pick Chicago. Great for sports, food, culture, buildings and history. Plus, I'd get 2 Flames games per year! NYC is fun to visit but I don't think I could live there.

For warmth, climate I'd go with Hawaii. The earthquakes of CA and the hurricanes of Florida/Texas don't appeal to me.

moncton golden flames · 08-20-2008, 05:14 PM

I love Canada too much to leave. I'd miss the cold winters, the hockey coverage and my family. Actually, I think I could live in Maine, Vermont or New Hampshire....I've always loved it there.

FanIn80 · 08-20-2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troutman

If I had to move to the US:

1) San Fran 2) Seattle 3) San Diego 4) Portland

NY is intriguing but not a place I think I could live full-time

I'm in the same boat. The thought of living in NYC is very intriguing, but I don't think my generationally-injected, Canadian upbringing would be able to handle living there full-time.

NYC is absolutely in my top 3 places to visit, though. Well... Manhattan, anyway.

As for actually moving there... I think I'd like either Denver or Phoenix. Denver, because I've heard it's almost identical to Calgary... and Phoenix because I'd get to go to Suns games. As for Flames games... they'd come more times to Denver, but I'd have an easier time getting tickets in Phoenix.

Ayrahb · 08-20-2008, 05:20 PM

I lived there for five years and would definitely go back. As a matter of fact, I've regretted moving back to Calgary, but by then it was too late to go to the US again. As to where, eastern seaboard only--between Boston and DC. Townwise, it would depend on where I wouldn't have to put up with too much right wing crap.

FanIn80 · 08-20-2008, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayrahb

I lived there for five years and would definitely go back. As a matter of fact, I've regretted moving back to Calgary, but by then it was too late to go to the US again. As to where, eastern seaboard only--between Boston and DC. Townwise, it would depend on where I wouldn't have to put up with too much right wing crap.

Actually, yeah I'd love to live somewhere in the New England/Massachusetts area.

GreenLantern · 08-20-2008, 05:27 PM

No thanks, very proud of my Country and living in it is a privilege I plan to enjoy for the rest of my life.

evman150 · 08-20-2008, 05:29 PM

I could not live in the US, at least permanently. I could see myself going to school for a couple years, but most definitely not living there.

We live in the best country in the world, I wouldn't put the US in the top 20. Why would I move?

FanIn80 · 08-20-2008, 05:33 PM

See that's the thing. The fact that it's the US spoils it for me, too...

There are some serious benefits to living down there, and I would try to find the most Canadian cities I possibly could... but, at the end of the day, it's still the ol' US of A.

I really don't want to be a US American.

octothorp · 08-20-2008, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

There are so many economic advantages such as more cash flow, better job opportunities, less taxes, etc....

The thing that has really peaked my interest is the foreclosure market. I can get a house right now for about half of the value.

Be cautious about the foreclosure market. If you're just looking to own a home in a location that's close to your place of work, that's fine. But if you're looking for an investment, there's no guarantee that these properties are going to gain value faster than a regular home, and some analysts suggest that they'll be much worse. You may end up being the only person owning your home on a street full of low-income rental households and vacant properties. And while there's nothing wrong with that from a social level, your house won't gain value. Do your research, look for houses with a good location, in neighbourhoods that are getting bought up quickly by owners who are planning to move in, not rent out; I'd recommend inner city, preferably with a mix of residential and light commercial; these neighbourhoods will heal up faster than purely suburban neighbourhoods.

jammies · 08-20-2008, 06:02 PM

IF I had serious cash, I'd live in Manhattan - I loved it when I went there, and I would have no trouble at all fitting in. If it was to work at a job where I just got paid considerably more (ie - an extra 40-50 thou) than I do here, I might consider moving as long as it was in a reasonably sized city.

However, if it was to enjoy roughly the same lifestyle as I have here, no way. There are plenty of advantages to living in Canada and specifically in Calgary that there would be little point.

Azure · 08-20-2008, 06:13 PM

I love Canada, love Alberta, love the Flames, etc, etc....but I would move the US for a few years if given the chance.

Something different.

Igottago · 08-20-2008, 06:19 PM

Like many of you I think I could do it short term, I think there would be some fantastic places to spend some time. But ultimately I think I would miss Canada.

Displaced Flames fan · 08-20-2008, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

There are so many economic advantages such as more cash flow, better job opportunities, less taxes, etc....

The thing that has really peaked my interest is the foreclosure market. I can get a house right now for about half of the value.

You could do that without moving here.

Nice investments because at some point the real estate market will take off again.

I hope it continues to crash for a few years though. Would be nice to be able to afford a home in the Flathead.

Bagor · 08-20-2008, 06:24 PM

For a few years maybe.

For life definitley not.

It's the whole concept of someday the insurance company pulling the plug on your healthcare and losing everything you've worked for that scares me.

Or... is this just a baseless opinion?

Cowboy89 · 08-20-2008, 06:42 PM

I enjoy living in Calgary and have a fairly good standard of living and quality of life here so I would not choose to move. However if I was forced a transfer to a place like Denver, Phoenix or Seattle, I wouldn't quit my job to stay in Calgary. I'm not a big fan of Canada's rampent leftist political belief and would welcome an opportunity to live in a place without all that baggage.

missdpuck · 08-20-2008, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

Florida would most likely be my destination.

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.

MJK · 08-20-2008, 08:11 PM

I would. Real estate is pretty low right now isn't it? Probably some great deals to be had there for a summer home!

Devils'Advocate · 08-20-2008, 08:18 PM

As Sloan says, "One thing I know about the rest of my life is I KNOW THAT I'LL BE LIVING IT IN CANADA!"

I love this country. I spent 3 months living in the United States and it was absolute brutal hell. Do they have an arrogance quotion below which you get kicked out of the country?

Actual conversation:
"Hi. I'm Don. I'm with the computer consulting team that came down from Halifax." "Ah. One of the Canadians. I hear your health care system sucks."
Like, what the hell? I politely introduce myself and he responds with something akin to "American #1. Canada sucks!".

Winsor_Pilates · 08-20-2008, 08:24 PM

For the right city and job, I'd do it tomorrow. Would be a great experience and I can always come back.

If I had a wife and kids, I don't think I would.

moon · 08-20-2008, 08:30 PM

I would love to live in the States, but no way the wife would allow it.

For every arrogant American there are easily 2 or 3 smug Canadians that will tell you how much better Canada is and how much better Canadians are so I doubt that I would find that annoying.

I loved Houston when I lived there for 3 months and would love to get out of winter forever.

I have been down to the States for medical treatment with other family members already and had no problem with the healthcare system down there so that doesn't concern me too much.

However, I will be stuck up here with my wife for life I imagine.

At least I have 100x better hockey options which are almost enough to make it worth it on their own.