Big cities and small towns: where is better?

Is it better to live in Canada in a big city or a small town? It depends on your preferences and career goals. All communities have their advantages and disadvantages. Here we list the most common ones. We hope that they will help you make your choice.

What has changed in Canada?

Canada is developing very quickly. It took only a couple of years for most professions to work remotely. The local infrastructure is growing, so many localities are connected by fast public transport — trains and buses. Almost everywhere you can order goods online, and they are delivered quickly. So if you live in St. Andrews, a small town in New Brunswick, you'll have access to the same goods as Toronto residents.

Most small towns in Canada have fitness centers, schools, hospitals, supermarkets, beauty salons, etc. There are limited choices, but you will have a place to exercise, get your hair cut, and buy pet food. Your child will be able to go to school and attend various clubs.

Is it worth believing the stereotypes?

Some of the old notions about small Canadian towns are no longer true. For example, their community is not as close-knit, and also not that interested in the lives of their neighbors. Social networks and good transportation infrastructure help to find friends and like-minded people all over the country.

Also, Canadian society is very tolerant. Your neighbors may not share your beliefs and lifestyle, but they will not attack you over them or insult you. The main tactic Canadians use when approaching ideologically unpleasant people is to stretch a smile and say hello in a deliberately polite way.

You can get an education online, too, so where you live says little about a person's intelligence. Toronto is not home to only intellectuals, and Lethbridge is not all rednecks. The latter city has its own university.

By the way, it is also possible to live on a budget in metropolitan areas. We recently published tips from a not-so-wealthy writer in Toronto. Prices in Canada's largest cities are high, but don't think you're too poor to live there.

When do rumors not lie?

Some of the rumors about the Canadian outback are true. It's mostly true in the north and in the province of Nunavut. Fruit and vegetables are really expensive there, crime rates are relatively high, and hospitals are short of equipment. You should only move to such specific places if you agree to live in spartan conditions and are interested in Inuit crafts. However, it is not easy to move to Nunavut because the province does not have its own immigration program. You can choose to live there after obtaining permanent residency or citizenship.

How are things with the big cities?

They have many advantages of their own. Chief among them are great choice, a melting pot of cultures, and lots of career and educational opportunities. If you are just starting your career, it makes sense to do it in a big city. You'll find jobs easily, be able to advance quickly in your career and pursue the most interesting field. You don't have to think about Vancouver and Ottawa, but you should focus on Winnipeg and Calgary. When you have a lot of experience in a certain field, you can work remotely or choose a city where such professionals are in demand.

It's easy to find friends and company in metropolitan areas. There are places for people of different faiths and nationalities. For example, local siddhis study ghatka, the national martial art of Punjab.

Competition among entrepreneurs in big cities is also higher, so you can choose what you need among hundreds of gyms, cafes, pharmacies, schools and other things.

The main disadvantages of Canadian metropolitan areas are high rent prices, dirty air, noise, and a busy pace of life. Sometimes you will feel like the city never sleeps, as do your neighbors in the neighborhood — noise will be around the clock. You'll have to fight for rent, even at a high price: there are plenty of willing tenants. And the glittering luxury buildings can be drowned in smog from the factories.

What about small towns?

They are cleaner, quieter and more peaceful. They are easier to breathe, and nature is very close by. The choice of food and entertainment options may be limited: for example, there are only two gyms, three cafes and four supermarkets in the whole town. You'll have plenty of places to hang out, but not a lot of variety. Getting out into nature is more interesting: it might not take a lifetime to get around the nearby mountains, forests, and lakes.

Rental and purchase prices are lower. It is especially convenient for those who work remotely. You can earn as much as in the capital, and spend five times less.

If you live in a very small town, you will be close to your neighbors. Introverts may not like to participate in local events and have guests all the time, but there are pluses, too. For example, your kids and pets will always have plenty of caregivers. You can park your child or dog with friends and acquaintances. Residents of the townships work like a big surveillance network — your kids and pets will always be watched. If your dog runs away, he'll be caught and brought back, and a child who's fallen off his bike will be treated for knee wounds. But you'll have a long walk to the store to get some bread: you'll meet lots of people who want to talk. Local grandmothers are ready to tell you about their health and what's new in their garden.

Internet and communications are expensive, like everywhere else in Canada, but they work decently. They are enough for work and leisure.

Jobs and wages are different everywhere. There are towns where all people work in the same sector — for example, logging or furniture production. You can find a locality where you will be in demand. There is also an option with remote work, even if you are not a programmer — for example, often need "white collar workers".

In general, both large and small Canadian cities are quite livable. Before you move, you should research your proposed place of residence. It is not difficult to do this — there is a lot of information on the Internet.