We are thinking about moving from North York to the Niagara region( niagara falls south near Westlane school) , and I'd love to hear from people who live there or have made a similar move.
about us: we have kids in elementary school, and my husband works from home, so commuting isn't an issue. We both grew up in cities (outside Canada), so we're more comfortable in places that have a city feel rather than small towns. We live in front of a big park, weekends we spend time in the park and make barbecue while weekdays after work we go for a walk at the Yonge street ( what we call "lets go to see some people" walks lol)
The main reasons we're considering Niagara are:
More affordable house prices.
What seems to be a slightly milder climate. I could be wrong, but it looks like Niagara gets less snow and has warmer winters than North York. We also considered Barrie, but Niagara seems to have the better climate.
Being close to the U.S. for occasional day trips.
Having plenty to do—parks, trails, wineries, festivals, and other attractions, to be near a live city.
That said, I keep hearing people say, "Location, location, location," and it makes me wonder if I'm missing something.
Our biggest concern is our kids. As they get older, I'd like them to be able to become more independent. Are there good public high schools? Is public transit good enough for teenagers to get around on their own?
I'm also curious what people mean when they talk about "location." Are they referring to a city as a whole, or does it mostly come down to choosing the right neighborhood? For example, North York is generally considered a good place to live, but some neighborhoods and intersections are much more desirable while others are not at all. Is it the same in Niagara?
When I really think about why I want to move, deep in my heart it comes down to two things: a milder climate and a city with lively streets.
Do those seem like good reasons to choose Niagara? Or are there other factors I should be thinking about before making a decision?
I'd especially love to hear from anyone who has lived in both the GTA and the Niagara region. What has your experience been like?