Will you live in Calgary for the rest of your life?

[gallione11]

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.

[CliffFletcher]

I don't see the appeal of retiring to a developing country. Winter doesn't bother me, and I frankly wouldn't feel very secure living in a country where I would always be regarded as a rich, white, foreigner. If any kind of political turmoil broke out, I wouldn't have faith in the local police and judicial system to safeguard my property or security.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

I don't see the appeal of retiring to a developing country. Winter doesn't bother me, and I frankly wouldn't feel very secure living in a country where I would always be regarded as a rich, white, foreigner. If any kind of political turmoil broke out, I wouldn't have faith in the local police and judicial system to safeguard my property or security.

But since you're so rich and white, just use your chopper to fly to safety.

[Flamenspiel]

nm

[N-E-B]

I don't plan on leaving. Only other place I've ever lived is Lethbridge and I can safely say no force on heaven or hell could get me to live there again. I really started to appreciate how good Calgary is when I left.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

I don't see the appeal of retiring to a developing country. Winter doesn't bother me, and I frankly wouldn't feel very secure living in a country where I would always be regarded as a rich, white, foreigner. If any kind of political turmoil broke out, I wouldn't have faith in the local police and judicial system to safeguard my property or security.

I don't know man, I like the idea of having a bunch of fellas with AKs in a white Toyota ripping around with me as I go for morning coffee.

[FlamingHomer]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

I don't see the appeal of retiring to a developing country. Winter doesn't bother me, and I frankly wouldn't feel very secure living in a country where I would always be regarded as a rich, white, foreigner. If any kind of political turmoil broke out, I wouldn't have faith in the local police and judicial system to safeguard my property or security.

You don't need to wait for political turmoil. Any car accident will be your fault unless you have a dashcam.

[PostandIn]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

I don't see the appeal of retiring to a developing country. Winter doesn't bother me, and I frankly wouldn't feel very secure living in a country where I would always be regarded as a rich, white, foreigner. If any kind of political turmoil broke out, I wouldn't have faith in the local police and judicial system to safeguard my property or security.

This is a real thing. You think of places in the Caribbean as being generally safe and as long as you are on resort most of the time and not acting like an easy mark you should be ok. But it's no guarantee. Guy from Hamilton was abducted and held for three weeks while banditos drained his bank account by the max allowed each day then they let him go. Having been to the DR several times, and seeing a little more of the desperation of the people each time, this scenario is far from out of the realm. Last time I was there, one of the guys from the resort was perfectly willing to pimp his sister and a couple of her friends that very night.

/cool story.

[woob]

My anchor will likely always be dropped in Calgary, but I don't see us spending most of the year here in our later years. Summers will be back and forth between Calgary and BC. Winters, I'd love to spend in Mexico. The convenience and affordability of Phoenix is appealing from an economical standpoint, but every time I go there I always have a slight underlying feeling of betraying myself.

[Lubicon]

Moved here in my late 20's and I can't see myself leaving for the remainder of my career. My O&G job does not exist elsewhere in Canada and there are not a lot of opportunities overseas for that matter although I would consider the U.S. if necessary. Still, I'm happy here and want to stay as long as I am working. Once I retire I cannot vision staying here however, it's too expensive. I can see a smaller community in my future, ideally in BC somewhere.

[Ozy_Flame]

Massive cold front coming in next week. I bet we'll have some "I want to get the heck out of here" sentiments from most folks, including myself

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Massive cold front coming in next week. I bet we'll have some "I want to get the heck out of here" sentiments from most folks, including myself

Nope, means the rink will be flooded and frozen.

This type of fall/winter to date is pretty good.

[Bigtime]

Very interesting to see all the talk about Panama, we had neighbours that went and sold everything here and moved down there to open this place up:

http://www.dlaaya.com/home

They did this for two years and only sold it a few months ago before finding their next adventure.

We went and visited in March, and I have to say I really liked Panama as a place to visit. Clean drinking water, so easy to travel with kids. People were friendly when you engaged with them (both in Panama City and outside of it), none of the usual Mexico style people bugging you to buy stuff all the time. Panama City was crazy, as was pointed out it is a mix between gleaming skyscrapers and urban slums, with some gentrification in-between (like the old port area we stayed in). We rented a car and I found driving around to be easy and no crazier than a place like Rome. Beaches wise we only checked out the Pacific side but we did a trip for two nights to Cambutal, and I have to say that is probably my favourite beach location ever. A very small village, beautiful boutique hotel (The Hotel Playa Cambutal) and a huge black sand beach that forms nice rolling waves for you to play in. I'd go back for that very area alone.