What keeps you where you are?
- Thread starter Pinga
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Low rent, good access to public transit, comfortable and quiet neighborhood, located in my favorite Canadian city.
Pinga said:
Haven't lived here forever. Have also resided in various rental units and a couple of houses I got to live in for free.
ChemGal
One with keen eye
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We're coming up on 4 years I think. Big upsize from our last place.
I don't see us moving anytime soon unless it's a job relocation.
For the city, I like it here. I can't deal with the humidity in Ontario. The summer I spent there the smog and humidity was brutal on my asthma. While economically things aren't going great now, there typically are good job opportunities here. The cost of living for a growing major city is reasonable. I don't have to travel elsewhere to see my specialists. I have multiple hospital options. Had Chemguy gotten a job offer for another major city when we were looking at moving, I wouldn't have been attached here. Anywhere from BC-MB would have been fine with me if the job opportunity was right with decent income to cost of living ratio. Back then I would have said any major centre actually, but I wasn't seeing the number of specialists then that I need now. It is nice to be close to family, I actually wished my sister had moved closer with their last move.
We like this neighbourhood, the community has something that no other communities in the city have (yet anyway). We're close to lots of major access points yet have lots of nearby amenities for the suburbs, certainly more than I grew up with in the house I was in the longest.
We like our house. There are certainly things that need doing, but we're not the type to rush into things. Furniture, the garden boxes, a shed, it's all been a work in progress and I'm not eager to start fresh. I'd rather gradually change things here.
I also hate moving. Dealing with showings, selling and buying and the actual moving process - that's a huge deterrent to me!
I don't see us moving anytime soon unless it's a job relocation.
For the city, I like it here. I can't deal with the humidity in Ontario. The summer I spent there the smog and humidity was brutal on my asthma. While economically things aren't going great now, there typically are good job opportunities here. The cost of living for a growing major city is reasonable. I don't have to travel elsewhere to see my specialists. I have multiple hospital options. Had Chemguy gotten a job offer for another major city when we were looking at moving, I wouldn't have been attached here. Anywhere from BC-MB would have been fine with me if the job opportunity was right with decent income to cost of living ratio. Back then I would have said any major centre actually, but I wasn't seeing the number of specialists then that I need now. It is nice to be close to family, I actually wished my sister had moved closer with their last move.
We like this neighbourhood, the community has something that no other communities in the city have (yet anyway). We're close to lots of major access points yet have lots of nearby amenities for the suburbs, certainly more than I grew up with in the house I was in the longest.
We like our house. There are certainly things that need doing, but we're not the type to rush into things. Furniture, the garden boxes, a shed, it's all been a work in progress and I'm not eager to start fresh. I'd rather gradually change things here.
I also hate moving. Dealing with showings, selling and buying and the actual moving process - that's a huge deterrent to me!
Mrs.Anteater
Just keep going....
As an OT and knowing that I have a bad knee, I chose this one level, 2 bedroom home with retirement in mind. It is 2-3 km from shopping area which I could also do with a scooter, if I was not able to drive. In these times of uncertainty (political/ environmental ), I feel it important to have my home paid off ASAP, so it an also can be a place of refuge if the young people can't afford their place for some reason. (Though a third room would have been better). I love how I have sun in the front of the house in the morning, on the side at noon and in the back all afternoon. It also only uses up $110/month in power for heating and everything else.
My friends are considering selling their place when the kids are out and then travel the world and Canada, living a couple of months here and there- I am not that adventurous. It is comforting to have a place you call your own, create your own and can come back to anytime.
My friends are considering selling their place when the kids are out and then travel the world and Canada, living a couple of months here and there- I am not that adventurous. It is comforting to have a place you call your own, create your own and can come back to anytime.
Seeler
Well-Known Member
Coincidentally Seelergirl and I were talking about this recently - why do we live where we do?
Both born and raised in NB. Both of us had moved to Montreal or Ontario as young adults, returning occasionally to NB. Met here when I was in Teachers' College. Moved to Ontario where we worked, had children, bought a house (Stoney Creek), and as far as I was concerned we settled down. But Seelerman was not content. He kept talking about 'back home in New Brunswick' until the kids thought it was heaven. So, when they were still in elementary school, over 40 years ago, we moved back to NB. Not to our little villages but to the capital city (which people in large cities would still think of as pretty small).
We bought a house in a nice settled neighbourhood of similar houses, near an elementary school, within walking distance of high school and two universities, short bus ride to hospital or shopping, 20 minutes or less drive from almost everywhere else. We've been here over 40 years and will likely stay until we need to move into some type of assisted living.
I would have liked a modern kitchen and a larger or separate dining area, but we are too old to think about that now. Over the years we have refinished the bathroom, put on new roof, siding, insulation, windows - repurposed a bedroom to a den, added a deck with gazebo. But we haven't done any major changes to the basic house. It suits us; and we love the neighbourhood. Some of our neighbours have been here longer than we have. Seelerboy thinks of it as 'home' when he comes on vacation from Korea. He would understand if we sold it, but he would find it upsetting to no longer have a 'home'.
Seelergirl's Pete, who was military, was asking her why we came back to NB after settling in Ontario. Cheaper housing was part of it. But a different lifestyle that we had grown up with was also a big part of it. Shorter commutes in the city; nearby lakes and rivers, lots of forested land accessible for hiking, biking, cross country skiing, hunting or fishing. And with the two universities and a capital city, I find lots of intellectual activities - lectures, discussions, art, music - bilingual (but with more English than French in this area, and slowly becoming more multicultural (although many people, like Seelerman and I can trace our roots back several centuries.
Both born and raised in NB. Both of us had moved to Montreal or Ontario as young adults, returning occasionally to NB. Met here when I was in Teachers' College. Moved to Ontario where we worked, had children, bought a house (Stoney Creek), and as far as I was concerned we settled down. But Seelerman was not content. He kept talking about 'back home in New Brunswick' until the kids thought it was heaven. So, when they were still in elementary school, over 40 years ago, we moved back to NB. Not to our little villages but to the capital city (which people in large cities would still think of as pretty small).
We bought a house in a nice settled neighbourhood of similar houses, near an elementary school, within walking distance of high school and two universities, short bus ride to hospital or shopping, 20 minutes or less drive from almost everywhere else. We've been here over 40 years and will likely stay until we need to move into some type of assisted living.
I would have liked a modern kitchen and a larger or separate dining area, but we are too old to think about that now. Over the years we have refinished the bathroom, put on new roof, siding, insulation, windows - repurposed a bedroom to a den, added a deck with gazebo. But we haven't done any major changes to the basic house. It suits us; and we love the neighbourhood. Some of our neighbours have been here longer than we have. Seelerboy thinks of it as 'home' when he comes on vacation from Korea. He would understand if we sold it, but he would find it upsetting to no longer have a 'home'.
Seelergirl's Pete, who was military, was asking her why we came back to NB after settling in Ontario. Cheaper housing was part of it. But a different lifestyle that we had grown up with was also a big part of it. Shorter commutes in the city; nearby lakes and rivers, lots of forested land accessible for hiking, biking, cross country skiing, hunting or fishing. And with the two universities and a capital city, I find lots of intellectual activities - lectures, discussions, art, music - bilingual (but with more English than French in this area, and slowly becoming more multicultural (although many people, like Seelerman and I can trace our roots back several centuries.
Mendalla
Happy headbanging ape!!
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We live in London because that's where our work is. Neither of grew up here, though I am from nearby. Once we are both retired, there won't really be anything keeping us here, though ultimately, where we end up may depend on Little M. Mrs. M is getting eager to be a doting Grandma so where we live may end up being strongly correlated with, if not caused by, where he lives.
Our house was a custom built for us and meets our needs nicely. The neighborhood is nice and handy to work, shopping, etc. It will be a bit big for two once Little M moves out but as long as we are in London and are healthy enough to look after the place, we will probably keep it.
Our house was a custom built for us and meets our needs nicely. The neighborhood is nice and handy to work, shopping, etc. It will be a bit big for two once Little M moves out but as long as we are in London and are healthy enough to look after the place, we will probably keep it.
Carolla
wondering & wandering
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We live in a walkable neighbourhood - which is a wonderful thing. We've also got great walking trails right by the lake. We're also in close proximity to public transit and GO train, as well as major roadways. Excellent health care nearby - important with aging. So location, location, location.
We love our house - it's old, has huge windows on all sides so it's filled with light which is important to me. I've developed and tended our gardens, and fully enjoy being out there, peacefully 'working' - although it's more like play to me!
We have a terrific sense of community on our street - carefully nurtured over many years. Neighbours are neighbourly in all the best ways. When we moved here we were young and childless, taking on an extensive renovation of the house. Now we are amongst the 'older folk' on the street, taking delight in sharing with the kids and younger families around us.
So for now, as long as we are physically able & can afford to do so, we will stay here.
We did talk about moving out of the city - to a smaller city north of here about 20 years ago, but that didn't occur for a variety of reasons. Now we're content to stay.
We love our house - it's old, has huge windows on all sides so it's filled with light which is important to me. I've developed and tended our gardens, and fully enjoy being out there, peacefully 'working' - although it's more like play to me!
We have a terrific sense of community on our street - carefully nurtured over many years. Neighbours are neighbourly in all the best ways. When we moved here we were young and childless, taking on an extensive renovation of the house. Now we are amongst the 'older folk' on the street, taking delight in sharing with the kids and younger families around us.
So for now, as long as we are physically able & can afford to do so, we will stay here.
We did talk about moving out of the city - to a smaller city north of here about 20 years ago, but that didn't occur for a variety of reasons. Now we're content to stay.
Pinga
Room for All
@Mrs.Anteater - our home has stairs up to the bedroom (and only bathroom), and stairs down to the family room / laundry room. Not the best for an aging family, though my Dad did stairs in and out of his home until he was 91.
BetteTheRed
Resident Heretic
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I live in my childhood home. I moved out, then 20 years later, moved back to look after my Mom, and to have a better place to raise my kids on my own. I hate moving, and the thought of moving from this house (which is now, wyrdly, something of a potential cash cow) gives me the cold sweats. I know that somewhere downstairs there is a bag containing every greeting card my mother ever received; I've also seen a box labelled "C___'s cowboy boats" ("C" being my 50 year old sister) in the garage...
crazyheart
Rest In Peace: tomorrow,tomorrow
Moving June 1st.Sorry guys, it s very upsetting to me because it is a one bedroom as apposed to 3 bedroom mobile
home.Too many changes in short time but I will survive.
home.Too many changes in short time but I will survive.
Carolla
wondering & wandering
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So many changes for you crazyheart. And most not of your choosing, which makes it even harder. June 1 will be here soon ... another goodbye, another chapter closed, another new beginning. Yes - you will survive, I have no doubt of that. Resiliency is a strength of yours I think. But nevertheless, sending gentle hugs to you.
Tabitha
journeying
ah Crazyheart moving is tough. What are the advantages of your move?
as for me I have a house larger than I need but it's not just about houses.
I moved here from Alberta for a job I like and a milder climate.
Job wise I could go back-many jobs come up for me but the cold winteres were hard with my asthma.
What keeps me at work? this is the longest I have stayed at one job. It's both large enough and small enough organization. I am busy but respected and cared for-and everybody knows my name.
And I am near 2 of my 3 kids .
as for me I have a house larger than I need but it's not just about houses.
I moved here from Alberta for a job I like and a milder climate.
Job wise I could go back-many jobs come up for me but the cold winteres were hard with my asthma.
What keeps me at work? this is the longest I have stayed at one job. It's both large enough and small enough organization. I am busy but respected and cared for-and everybody knows my name.
And I am near 2 of my 3 kids .
Seeler
Well-Known Member
Crazyheart - so much going on in your life recently. So many stresses; you must feel overwhelmed. Downsizing must be hard - parting with so many treasurers that you and Morley collected over the years. New arrangements to be made. I hope that your family are able to give you the love and support that you need as yu go through this move.
In the meantime, let me tuck a prayershawl around you and prepare your breakfast.
In the meantime, let me tuck a prayershawl around you and prepare your breakfast.
KayTheCurler
Well-Known Member
Oh crazyheart - so many sudden changes to adjust to. It would make me feel overwhelmed. Now moving and downsizing to be faced and dealt with.
Is there any 'upside to this? Maybe the new smaller place is bright and cheerful - or is in a building with others for easy company? I'm sure you will soon put your mark on your new surroundings.
Hugs.
Is there any 'upside to this? Maybe the new smaller place is bright and cheerful - or is in a building with others for easy company? I'm sure you will soon put your mark on your new surroundings.
Hugs.
crazyheart
Rest In Peace: tomorrow,tomorrow
I will tell you upsides and downsides later