Moving to another country?

[Albertan_Reef]

Does any one have any advice or resources on moving to another country? Wife and I want to move to the states, as we want to escape the cold winters, and sky high cost of living in Canada.

 

[Deedles]

I moved in the opposite direction of you. I'm an American living in Canada (well...Quebec). Have you explored the various classes based on which you can immigrate to the US? For Canada, it's the easiest to go family class (a family member sponsors you). If that's not possible, there are certain skilled classes and/or work programs under which you can relocate. Again, I'm not as familiar with the US process, as I'm US born. Good luck. Immigration is expensive and a pain.

 

[Dsnakes]

Where in the states would you like to move?

Sadly, I don’t have any good advice to offer though... I hope you can find some here!

 

[Albertan_Reef]

I have one family member who lives in Northern California, a cousin. So I don’t know if that was you work.
Money isn’t an issue, as I’d be saving over the next 2 years to either A) buy a single family home in Alberta (average cost is 500K) or move to the states. Wages are comparable to here, and they work all year around in the southern states.

 

[Albertan_Reef]

Where in the states would you like to move?

Sadly, I don’t have any good advice to offer though... I hope you can find some here!

My cousin moved to Northern California, we were going Southern California, Bakersfield area.

 

[juanmanuelsanchez]

I have moved country two times now. But I don't get what you are trying to do. Canada as far as I know is a country with a more social focused government that means that health and education is already covered by your taxes.

That alone could be a game changer in expenses if you don't take them into account.

If you are running away from winter. Then why not buy a house in a warmer place that you can visit in those times?

 

[Albertan_Reef]

Health care isn’t free, just cheaper. I pay $50 every pay for basic health care, then another $90 for extended. We also pay $5-7 a gallon for fuel depending where we are. Real estate, a house similar to what I’d purchase here, is around 300k in some states. compared to 500-600 here. There’s pros and cons to both. I won’t base my choice on who’s in office, again, both have pros and cons that I’d rather not get into.

My job is seasonal, soon as the ground freezes, I’m off work for 4-5 months out of the year. Trying to buy a house with a mortgage of $2500/month would be hard.

 

[juanmanuelsanchez]

I never said it's free. You pay it through your taxes and that's way better that the current US system. Which BTW can change depending who's in government.

Canada almost beats up the US in every measure that is important to develop a society. That means health, education, access to technology, access to the financial system, etc.

 

[davocean]

You may want to really explore Bakersfield before deciding to move there.

 

[Albertan_Reef]

You may want to really explore Bakersfield before deciding to move there.

Just a general area from the research I’ve done , that’s all. Southern California and Texas seem to cater to our needs as a family.

 

[coral diver]

You may want to really explore Bakersfield before deciding to move there.

Dave and I are in Sun Diego it ain't cheap to leave here defending on you line of work there are job here, like what we say here we are 30 minutes from all types of places desert, beach and higher elevation with snow diverse line of food

 

[Albertan_Reef]

Dave and I are in Sun Diego it ain't cheap to leave here defending on you line of work there are job here, like what we say here we are 30 minutes from all types of places desert, beach and higher elevation with snow diverse line of food

I’m a heavy equipment operator.not the best career, but from my research, wages are similar to here. Housing cost in Bakersfield is quite a bit cheaper then it is here, same with fuel prices.

 

[JoshH]

So we're you planning on buying a house right off the bat? Or rent and then purchase down the road?

 

[Albertan_Reef]

If I stay where I am, I’ll buy a house in the next 2-3 years. If I move I’ll rent first till we’re settled then buy a house when we find a neighbourhood / area we like.

 

[davocean]

I’m a heavy equipment operator.not the best career, but from my research, wages are similar to here. Housing cost in Bakersfield is quite a bit cheaper then it is here, same with fuel prices.

Well, just know there are probably a lot of people in Bakersfield that think Canada sounds like a better place to be!

 

[Albertan_Reef]

Well, just know there are probably a lot of people in Bakersfield that think Canada sounds like a better place to be!

I think there’s people all over the states and Canada who think the other country is better. The warm weather all year, is what attracts me the most.

 

[JoshH]

The warm weather all year, is what attracts me the most.

That would be the only reason I would ever consider leaving Canada, but TBH on the west side of the mountains they rarely get into double digit negatives. Just a matter of being able to afford living there :rolleyes:

 

[Albertan_Reef]

I grew up in Kelowna, only way I could do it, is working up in fort Mac. But even then, it’s still cold and I miss out in my family lol. I’m just not a fan of the cold.

 

[Peng]

Depending on where you go really. The biggest headache will be the visas for both of you if your wife isn't American. I don't know how easy it would be for a heavy equipment operator to get H1B and later on permanent residency. If both of you are Canadian citizens, your spouse may not be able to work here if she doesn't hold a H1B herself. The policy on that is changing and the current administration would like to cut down legal immigration. The new immigration system they proposed gives preference to highly skilled workers with American educational backgrounds.

 

[charles5261]

If you was to move to the usa. I would pick a state like florida. You save some on taxes when You retire. And when You go to the grocery store. I work outside year-round and here a lot of places slow down in winter some even do lay offs. Florida has little higher gas price but more money from gas sales go back to fixing roadways. So If your your in the line of road work could be little more work year round. Im in atlanta and really like it but if i was to move again today and pick a state it woukd be Florida. If your in to construction work and move to thw coast or the gulf. Could be more work because of the tourist business they would go more work in those areas.