Moving to Barrie, Ontario in Canada?

Question

Hello, I am from the UK, & my husband was born in Canada, but we both moved to Cyprus at a very young age. We are seriously thinking about moving to Canada. We originally decided that Toronto would be a good choice after visiting last year. We have heard that Toronto, & surrounding areas are expensive so we think it might be better for us if we moved to Barrie, which isn't that far from Toronto & cheaper. We are extremely nervous about moving to Canada, because we've been accustomed to a completely different way of life, so I was hoping some of you could shed some light for us. My husband is 34 & has been a computer technician for 10 years, doing mostly pc maintanance, network configuration, trouble shooting hardware & software, network administrator for small offices (up to 30 users). I am 26 & a Veterinary Assistant (I don't have a degree) & have worked in a privately owned animal clinic for the past 4 years. (Continued below....)

Answer 1

I agree with the first poster that you have little reason to be nervous. The economy is in fact still in good shape unless you want to be hired on as a factory worker. Barrie is right at the edge of the Toronto "commutershed" with daily commuter train service just recently established so the location is a good one.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I live just outside of Barrie (about 10 km away).  You should be able to find work although Barrie is mostly retail, very little of anything else.  If you are willing to commute, you will be fine.  Houses run about $230,000 and up.  Renting in Barrie, 1 bedroom apt's run between &600 - about $900.  To rent a house, there aren't many under $1000 per month.

Barrie is a great city, it has doubled in size in the last 10 years.  It is one of Canada's fastest growing.  It has a beautiful lakeshore, great schools, a well known college, lots of well maintained parks and is relatively safe.  Yes there is crime but that is everywhere.  I hope you will enjoy it.

If you have any more questions please email me.

Answer 3

I'm not familiar with the current job market in Barrie but I'm quite sure that you and your husband could find jobs fairly easily in those fields. You could certainly make enough money to have a decent lifestyle as well. It would probably be a good idea for at least one of you to secure a job before you arrive but it shouldn't take too long. Good luck and welcome to Canada.