Considering family move to Canada

[islander99]

My husband has been approached about a really interesting job opportunity in Toronto, Canada and we are considering moving the family. Initially it would be a 2 year contract but could be extended if we are settled.

We are currently deliberating what to do - leave the safe, predictable slightly boring life we have now. Or take the leap into the unknown. The job and destination are much more appealing than other international opportunities that have been suggested in recent years, which were remote areas or the Middle East.

I lived abroad a couple years of times in my twenties (before we met and had a family) and neither of us have ever been to Canada, although we are relatively well travelled. We have 2 DC age 7 & 11. Both are changing schools anyway this September so this is as well timed disruption as it can be.

I'm really interested in other peoples' views. I have spoken to lots of acquaintances but not family or close friends until we have made our decision. What do I need to consider? We will have the safety net of effectively an internal move and I have a career which I could continue (visas allowing) although I would focus on settling the family initially. He should be decently renumerated but will be paid in Canadian dollars and taxed there. I understand it's a higher cost of living than the UK.

There just feels like so much I don't know. Any specific advice about the Greater Toronto area? I understand public schools are good - do we need to consider private school? We would intend to come home well before exam years.

Any wisdom would be very welcome!

The climate in Toronto is insane, with extreme temperatures in both summer and winter. There's brief respite in spring and aurora a few weeks, but the rest of the year you need to be made of stern stuff to spend much time outdoors...

I've spent a lot of time in Toronto (lovely safe city surrounded by nature) but I'm not sure I could cope with the climate!

The GTA is huge. Traffic is horrendous, housing is ludicrously expensive as is childcare. They have 4 seasons Winter,still winter, construction, Winter.

But if you can overcome the above it's a melting pot of culture, people, experiences. It's very welcoming, public transport downtown is good but if you live in the GTA you will need a car.

For some reason Dairy products are expensive. More expensive than grocery items usually but in addition grocery is expensive.

If you husbands work will pick up the tab for the expensive stuff then 100% go. If they won't then think about how expensive it is and the impact of that!

It's a brilliant place if you can afford it.

I live in the GTA and lots of positives. Cost of living is crazy but gas is cheap as is heating.
Lots of traffic but you can live near rail connections, they are not like London though.
Weather is ok, I like the snow and unlike the UK the roads are cleared immediately and life goes on.
Taxes are high, schools are good, NHS is probably better than the Canadian system. On the upside you can get employer health insurance to cover going to the US.
Other upsides are people are nice, crime is less although rising and its an hour flight to NY