I am ready to move from Vancouver to Halifax (or anywhere Maritimes) tomorrow! I’ve had enough. Then final straw was this holiday season.
My mom died last July. This was my first Christmas alone, without family. I always thoguht I could count on my closest friends for support, but no. No one. No one from curling or Pride or work or any of my communities reached out. No one invited me to anything. No cards, no visits. I got one text and a Bill Murray patch from my “best friend.” We are in our late-30s…..not 10 years old.
My work place hasn’t even sent condolences.
I thought I should wait and give things time and let folks support me before making a decision. I’ve decided. It’s time to move. I’ve hated the west coast for decades, and was only here for my mom.
I’m done. I’m actively going to look for work (in the health field) and hope to relocate ASAP and start a new life. There is nothing left for me here and I can’t afford it anyway. I have no illusions things would be better there…..but I’ve been given a big “there is no place for you here” message.
—YVRgoodbye
This article appears in Jan 10-16, 2019.
Be VERY CAREFUL picking Halifax as a destination for your brave new world. Jobs are scarce (unless Tim Hortons or similar will do), rents are sky high unless you want to live in a dump (and Tim Hortons still won’t do), the Health Care System is in crisis (meaning your chances of getting decent healthcare here are nill…you won’t even be able to find a family doctor), the public transportation system is in tatters (it would almost be funny if it weren’t so sad and ridiculous), the entire city is being demolished and re-developed…this place is an absolute mess right now.
Check us out in another 10 years…but may I recommend Montreal instead? Or even Moncton might be a better choice.
Halifax is a great city! Certainly one of my favorites.
Just like any city in Canada, it is tough to make a go of it if you’re relying on a minimum wage job. But if you have a trade, or profession and some work experience, there or loads of jobs. Just like other cities in Canada.
Halifax is just big enough to offer great experiences in live entertainment, theater, great places to dine, wonderful, warm pubs, great history, fantastic outdoor activities, good shopping; all without a two hour commute. And within a 20 minute drive form downtown, you can be on a beach on the Atlantic ocean or hiking coastal trails with incredible views and World War II history you can touch.
Halifax airport, a half hour away from the downtown core, provides quick access to the world; you can fly to LHR faster than to YVR from YHZ!
There is no other city in Canada where I could afford to have a waterfront apartment, over looking the yacht club where my sailboat is moored within a 15 minute commute to work.
No city is perfect but Halifax is close!
What a relief to read this person’s post and know that I am not alone in both my own experiences and feelings, western Canada is home to some of the nastiest, shallow, superficial, selfish and dysfunctional people anywhere, I myself am only living for the day when I can finally leave Calgary and Alberta once and for all and return to Nova Scotia…
First off, sorry for your loss. I’ve lived in both cities (as a 30 something professional) and can say without a doubt in my mind Halifax is a fantastic city with lots to offer. I prefer Halifax over Vancouver for many reasons listed below:
1) The People Are Friendlier
Friendly conversations are easy to have with Haligonians. They are way more approachable. One thing I noticed is that people run into each other all the time. It’s a small city so I see this happening all the time and it’s about 3 degrees of separation.
2) Cost of Living is Lower
Despite what the first commenter said, rent, gas, auto insurance IS more affordable. Do your research but Downtown Dartmouth is a Gem in terms of a location especially if you don’t have a family. HST is 13 percent but you don’t notice the difference coming from Van
3) The beer scene is on point
Shout out to Battery Park.
4) Outdoor amenities at your doorstep. (similar experience to Westcoast)
5) Shopping. Anything that Vancouver has, Halifax has it (with exception of top end luxury brands)
6) You actually have a Canadian winter unlike Vancouver. I see this as a pro!
Top Cons
1) Though the food scene is good, Vancouver has Halifax beat.
2) Public transportation is worse. Buy a car.
3) Work can be difficult to find, although if you have a marketable skill it could be easier.
4) Construction everywhere
LIFE IS GOOD in Halifax. If looking to rebuild, I would seriously consider taking the plunge.
My mother died; no condolence and no casseroles from work, my community, etc.
My father died; no condolence and no casseroles from work, my community, etc.
My ex-partner and dearest friend died; no condolence and no casseroles from work, my community, etc.
I will die; my family will not receive condolences, casseroles will be exchanged by the staff at work, my community will care less. But, I will be DEAD so I don’t have to find yet another way of saying, I’m sorry for your loss; I won’t be forced to make and then receive a tuna noodle casserole; and there is no community to which Pride refers so I could care less.
sounds abit whiny . Sorry the world didn’t stop for you . Guess what , 3600 other people ddied today around the world also . death isn’t unique , its part of life . Everyone gonna do it