“Crossing the 49th parallel, I traded in the familiar rhythms of American life for the maple leaf’s promise of a fresh start. The Great White North, with its reputation for friendly folks, stunning natural beauty, and a reputation for being a haven for progressives, beckoned. But as I settled into my new Canadian digs, I quickly realized that this move came with a hefty price tag. From skyrocketing housing costs to steep taxes, the expenses added up fast. Yet, despite the financial pinch, I’ve found myself beaming with a sense of contentment I’d never known before. So, what’s behind this paradox? How can a place that’s draining my bank account be the key to my happiness? In this article, we’ll explore the unexpected ways that Canada’s high cost of living has led me to a life of unprecedented fulfillment.”
Crossing Borders for a Better Life
After living in the Midwest, I felt suffocated by the lack of diversity and the unwalkable streets. When my partner was offered a job in Toronto 13 years ago, we felt like we’d won the lottery. We were thrilled to leave behind the stares and awkward encounters that came with being a multiracial couple in a predominantly white community.
The Allure of Canada: Diverse, Walkable, and Less Violent
Settling in downtown Toronto was a dream come true. We could walk or take public transportation, and over half of the population was born outside Canada. It was like living in a smaller, cleaner version of New York City. The promise of Canadian healthcare was the icing on the cake. We were close to nirvana.
After living in Canada for more than a decade, we’ve come to realize that the country is far from perfect. But there are many factors that make it unimaginable for me to live in the US again. Canada’s diversity, walkability, and lower crime rate make it an attractive option for those seeking a better quality of life.
The Imperfections of Canada’s Healthcare System
While the majority of care is free, people typically have to pay out of pocket for prescriptions, mental-health care, and dental and vision care, which can make these services inaccessible to many. Despite this, I can’t envision living without socialized medicine again.
I had a complicated pregnancy and an emergency C-section, and I developed long COVID-19 four years ago, but I’ve never paid a cent for healthcare here. When I lived in the US, I worked in public health in California, helping uninsured families access care. I saw firsthand how medical debt could ruin people.
There was also a brief time when I was in my 20s, before the Affordable Care Act, when I lived without health insurance in California and was terrified of getting injured and ending up with a huge hospital bill. Canada’s healthcare system may not be perfect, but it’s a system I’ve grown to appreciate.
Making Travel Work in Canada
Traveling in Canada can be more expensive, but we’ve found ways to manage. Because of federal regulations, domestic flights in Canada are often more expensive than flights to the US. But we’ve found ways to coordinate work trips and visit friends to afford domestic flights.
Canada’s nature is one of our favorite aspects of living here. We’ve vacationed across the country, but we have a special fondness for Québec’s Laurentian Mountains and the forests of Ontario. We also spent months in the Yukon subarctic, where we glimpsed a grizzly bear, lynx, moose, scores of ravens, and wilderness more pristine than I thought possible.
We love exploring Canada’s natural beauty, and we’ve found ways to make it work despite the higher costs. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a longer trip, we’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of Canada.
Racism and Diversity in Toronto
We love the diversity in Toronto, but we have experienced racism. My Afro-Latino partner often laments the racism he’s experienced in Canada, which has been more directly harmful to him than the racism he experienced in the United States.
For example, he sold his bike after nearly being hit by drivers so many times, including one who told him to get off the road before calling him the N-word. When he does porch drop-offs of kids’ items I’ve sold on Marketplace, he gets followed and questioned by people who act like he’s a thief.
And when we renewed his employer-sponsored work permit at the border a decade ago, an immigration official grilled him and said, “Couldn’t they find a Canadian for the job?” It’s experiences like these that remind us that even in a diverse city like Toronto, racism still exists.
Finding Community and Friends in a Global City
Despite the challenges, we’ve found a community of friends through community groups and parent-and-baby classes with other immigrant parents. Our friends are from all over, including Nigeria, Russia, Pakistan, Mexico, China, and Peru.
Living in such a global environment is simply second nature for our Canadian-born child, who became trilingual in kindergarten in a public French school. We’ve learned to appreciate the diversity of Toronto and the opportunities it provides for our child to grow and thrive.
Building Relationships through Community Groups and Parent-and-Baby Classes
When my husband and I first moved to Canada, we found friends through community groups and parent-and-baby classes with other immigrant parents. Our friends are from all over, including Nigeria, Russia, Pakistan, Mexico, China, and Peru.
Living in such a global environment is simply second nature for our Canadian-born child, who became trilingual in kindergarten in a public French school.
Raising a Trilingual Child in a Diverse Environment
Our child’s ability to speak three languages is a testament to the diversity of our community and the efforts of our school to promote bilingualism and multiculturalism.
As a family, we have always been open to embracing different cultures and languages, and we have found that living in Canada has provided us with opportunities to do so.
Experiencing Racism in Canada
My Afro-Latino partner often laments the racism he’s experienced in Canada, which has been more directly harmful to him than the racism he experienced in the United States.
For example, he sold his bike after nearly being hit by drivers so many times, including one who told him to get off the road before calling him the N-word.
When he does porch drop-offs of kids’ items I’ve sold on Marketplace, he gets followed and questioned by people who act like he’s a thief.
And when we renewed his employer-sponsored work permit at the border a decade ago, an immigration official grilled him and said, “Couldn’t they find a Canadian for the job?”
Acknowledging and Addressing Systemic Racism
Part of the reason my partner has experienced racism in Canada is because of systemic racism.
As a society, we need to acknowledge and address systemic racism, and we need to do it now.
We need to recognize that racism is not just a personal issue, but a structural issue that affects our society as a whole.
We need to work together to create a more inclusive and equitable society, and we need to do it now.
Leaving Toronto for a Sunnier Climate
After living in Canada for more than a decade, we decided to leave Toronto for a sunnier climate.
We were drawn to Miami because of its warm weather and outdoor lifestyle.
We wanted to leave the cold winters of Toronto behind and enjoy the sunshine and outdoor activities that Miami has to offer.
Navigating the US System as a Newcomer
As newcomers to the US, we found it difficult to navigate the system.
We struggled to open bank accounts and get credit cards, and we had to deal with the challenges of renting a place without a work permit.
But we were determined to make it work, and we are now enjoying our new life in Miami.
Embracing an Active, Outdoorsy Lifestyle
One of the things we love most about Miami is its outdoor lifestyle.
We love going for walks, playing tennis, and exploring the outdoors.
Since moving to Miami, we have become more active and outdoorsy, and we have found that it has improved our mental and physical health.
Finding Happiness in the Outdoors
We have found that being outdoors and active has brought us a sense of happiness and fulfillment that we never had before.
It’s amazing how much of a difference it can make to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
We are grateful for the opportunity to live in Miami and enjoy its outdoor lifestyle, and we are excited to see what the future holds.
Conclusion
In the article “I moved to Canada from the US. It’s more expensive, but I’ve never been happier.”, the author shares their personal experience of relocating from the United States to Canada, highlighting the challenges of adapting to a new country, but ultimately finding happiness and fulfillment. The article sheds light on the cultural and economic differences between the two nations, emphasizing that while Canada may be more expensive, it offers a unique quality of life that is hard to match.
The significance of this topic lies in its ability to spark a conversation about what truly matters in life. As the author notes, the initial shock of the increased expenses wore off, and they began to appreciate the benefits of Canada’s socialized healthcare, public education, and strong social safety net. This article serves as a reminder that happiness and well-being cannot be measured solely by financial metrics, and that sometimes, taking a leap of faith and embracing change can lead to a more fulfilling life.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the allure of Canada as a destination for American expats will only continue to grow. With its welcoming culture, stunning natural beauty, and commitment to social justice, Canada is poised to become an even more attractive option for those seeking a better quality of life. As the author so aptly puts it, “I’ve never been happier, and I think that’s the greatest thing I’ve learned: that happiness is not just about money, but about living a life that feels authentic and meaningful.”
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