Hey guys, So I'm about to finish my Masters degree and have been looking at potential cities to try and get a job and begin my professional life. I've been looking at different cities sur as New York, San Francisco, LA/California and Denver in the United States. But recently I've been thinking about Canada, most specifically Toronto. Has anyone have any living experience in any of these cities? And Canada? Thanks! Edit: Background info, I am living in Brussels, Belgium at the moment.
This. Canada is better than most the world but it is basically a colder, crappier version of the United States with mediocre food. Better than moving to Brazil or Mexico or even Eastern Europe... but not as nice as USA.
What's your field? Some markets are better for certain things. But in general, I suggest hitting for SF, NY, or Chicago. Great metropolitan cities if you like the urban thing.
Well other places like Chicago, NYC, Boston are also cold. I'm saying that based on quality of life metrics Canada always performs well. Plus poutine is like gods food.
If I could get my master's anywhere, it would be at McGill University in Montreal. Beautiful city, culture, people and with a European flair. It's very scenic & outdoorsy with terrific food and nightlife. Great school too -- best of luck!
Will receive my Master's degree in Management Sc., Asset Management in June. Master's degree in Europe are very broad, my thesis and most of my classes are very much concentrated on the financial field, but I can work in any business position really, from management to marketing to the street. Thanks for the tips!
also I've worked in toronto some when I worked at the investment bank. it's a nice metropolitan city. the only thing I didn't like was the cold. I do prefer vancouver or montreal to it though.
Never been to the East Coast but I can attest to how beautiful British Columbia is. Vancouver is a gorgeous city where if you can afford to live there, it's one of the best cities in the world to live in. Personal reason I prefer Vancouver over East Coast like Toronto is weather is nicer in Van compared to Toronto. Since Vancouver is closer to the ocean it doesn't get as cold weather conditions as Toronto. Only downside to Vancouver is the fact that is so expensive to live there.
I've been living in Calgary for the last 12 months, having lived previously in Perth Australia, Houston and the Bay Area. I would guess that Canadian cities compare well to the midwest and north-east of the USA, because both have the snow and cold. Having lived only in relatively warm climates, it was a big adjustment for me, although something of a novelty. For me, the advantages are much safer, more family oriented, kids stay "younger" longer, good schools, great outdoors life (notwithstanding the cold). Disadvantages - short summer/not being able to go outside anytime you want, expensive, poor customer service in almost every sector.
Its a lot harder to get a Canadian work permit than it used to be. The Harper government has really curbed immigration (which is stupid because Canada, more than America, lives off of immigration). Research the immigration laws now as they have changed. With that said, its still easier to immigrate to Canada than the US if you dont have a permit to work in either. If you are going to move to Canada, I agree on Montreal or Vancouver over Toronto. But all three are just fine. I'd agree with everyone complaining about the cold but I live in Minneapolis which is colder than all three so I'd move to any in a heartbeat for the "warmer" weather.
I've been to Vancouver and Toronto and can attest that Canadians cities are far superior to than most of their US counterparts. Saying Canada, as a whole, having a higher quality of life than the US is misleading. But Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are definitely some of the best cities in the world in a league of their own. Here are my points below from a guy who's been to all of these cities more than once. So I have pretty balanced perspective. - Americans like to think NYC is the center of the world. Well, it's not. Toronto has more diversity (50% of its population is actually born abroad), much cleaner, and more ethnic diversity in their cuisine than NYC. For example, Chinese and Indian food in Toronto beats NYC any day. NYC may have a slight edge in Italian cuisine simply due to its immigration history with Italy. - Canadians in general are friendlier and less racist than Americans. Why? Because Canada has always been an immigrant driven country and they never had to deal with slavery. They have a better world-view than most Americans (loves to stay neutral) and more socialist (universal health care). - Vancouver, until a few years ago, was ranked almost annually as the most livable city in the world. Most rankings for the most livable cities in the world would have three Canadian cities (Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary) in the top ten. Montreal and Quebec would probably make the top 25 list. No US city has ever cracked the top ten most livable cities in the world. I think crime and guns have a lot to do with US cities being shut out of the top ten list. - The economy of Canada is not as diverse as that of the US but it's still pretty strong. Toronto has a robust economy since it's the financial center of the country. Lots of IT, consulting and banking jobs. Vancouver is more geared towards the service industry as the weather and scenery are a lot nicer than its east coast counterpart. Ultimately it's up to you and where you can find good employment.
