Posted on: 01-02-09 04:07:20
Dear friends,
We are immigrating in the month of April . I would like to know which place is ideal to start of my journey as an immigrant in smaller cities like-Ottawa, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta and Yukon.
As my husband is in sales and marketing department as a 'Product -Manager ',which cities would be ideal for him.
If not in sales and marketing what other occupations are in demand as per his qualification(Electronic -Engineer and M.B.A. From India).
As I am housewife till now , what careers would you suggest to start of in the above cities.My qualification is M.A. in Sociology and basic computer knowledge. Have done Call center course and have worked as front desk in independent motel.
Do all these cities have low cost of living ,low car insurance , housing and low taxes compare to Toronto.
thanks.
Quote:No, this is a common misconception.
Originally posted by rovisha
Do all these cities have low cost of living ,low car insurance , housing and low taxes compare to Toronto.
Small towns will probably have lower car insurance and housing will be cheaper but cost of living is generally a lot higher than bigger cities like Toronto.
Gas, groceries and common household items are much more expensive in smaller town.
Especially in the places that you are mentioning like Yukon, etc.
There are some tax credits for settling in certain areas such as NWT, etc. but the cost of living and the poor quality of life far outweights the tax credits and any insurance savings.
These places are remote and less developed.
Common conveniences like high speed Internet, large shopping malls and desi/Asian shopping is not available.
Winters are long and harsh.
Very little new housing development, thereby making existing housing expensive.
Apartment occupancy rates run close to 100% and it's very hard to find decent, comfortable places to live in.
Jobs are seasonal and hard to find.
Quote:Ottawa is not a small city by any means.
We are immigrating in the month of April . I would like to know which place is ideal to start of my journey as an immigrant in smaller cities like-Ottawa, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta and Yukon.
It is the capital of the country and is very busy.
There are 'burbs of Ottawa that are relatively less busy but you have to weigh the pros and cons relative to your job prospects, commute times, shopping, etc.
You could consider Kanata, Kingston, and other nearby towns.
Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are provinces.
Relative to other provinces, you will find them much more remote and less developed.
You will find small towns and cities there for sure.
But as I said above, don't be under the misconception that a small town in North Alberta (for example) will be an idyllic, quiet, peaceful and cheap place to live.
Quite the opposite in most cases.
Quote:Both yours and your husband's qualifications seem more suited for the bigger cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, etc.
As my husband is in sales and marketing department as a 'Product -Manager ',which cities would be ideal for him.
If not in sales and marketing what other occupations are in demand as per his qualification(Electronic -Engineer and M.B.A. From India).
I don't wish to discourage you, but please do your research before selecting a place.
Check out tax rates, cost of living, typical housing prices (through MLS.ca) and if possible chat with people who live there or nearby.
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"Mah deah, there is much more money to be made in the destruction of civilization than in building it up."
-- Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind"
Quote:
Originally posted by pratickm
Quote:No, this is a common misconception.
Originally posted by rovisha
Do all these cities have low cost of living ,low car insurance , housing and low taxes compare to Toronto.
Small towns will probably have lower car insurance and housing will be cheaper but cost of living is generally a lot higher than bigger cities like Toronto.
Gas, groceries and common household items are much more expensive in smaller town.
Especially in the places that you are mentioning like Yukon, etc.
There are some tax credits for settling in certain areas such as NWT, etc. but the cost of living and the poor quality of life far outweights the tax credits and any insurance savings.
These places are remote and less developed.
Common conveniences like high speed Internet, large shopping malls and desi/Asian shopping is not available.
Winters are long and harsh.
Very little new housing development, thereby making existing housing expensive.
Apartment occupancy rates run close to 100% and it's very hard to find decent, comfortable places to live in.
Jobs are seasonal and hard to find.
Quote:Ottawa is not a small city by any means.
We are immigrating in the month of April . I would like to know which place is ideal to start of my journey as an immigrant in smaller cities like-Ottawa, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta and Yukon.
It is the capital of the country and is very busy.
There are 'burbs of Ottawa that are relatively less busy but you have to weigh the pros and cons relative to your job prospects, commute times, shopping, etc.
You could consider Kanata, Kingston, and other nearby towns.
Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are provinces.
Relative to other provinces, you will find them much more remote and less developed.
You will find small towns and cities there for sure.
But as I said above, don't be under the misconception that a small town in North Alberta (for example) will be an idyllic, quiet, peaceful and cheap place to live.
Quite the opposite in most cases.
Quote:Both yours and your husband's qualifications seem more suited for the bigger cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, etc.
As my husband is in sales and marketing department as a 'Product -Manager ',which cities would be ideal for him.
If not in sales and marketing what other occupations are in demand as per his qualification(Electronic -Engineer and M.B.A. From India).
I don't wish to discourage you, but please do your research before selecting a place.
Check out tax rates, cost of living, typical housing prices (through MLS.ca) and if possible chat with people who live there or nearby.
More importantly, there are fewer opportunities in smaller places. It is also difficult to change jobs in these places.
Social life is also lacking. However, if you can live in a smaller community which is close to a city, then you can get best of both worlds. An example would be Milton(close to Toronto). They have trains (GO transit) and people commute to city for work and recreation, but come back to a quieter neighborhood.
