OK, I’ve decided. Though I’m still sending out random job apps when it looks good to almost anywhere (for instance, in the last week I’ve sent my resume to Sudbury, Ontario and St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador), I’m not sanguine about finding a job from down here. The few responses have seemed mildly astonished that I want to move to Canada from Denver.
So, I’m figuring on going up cold, and if that’s the case, it’s Ottawa.
It’s a nice city. Though I didn’t spend as much time there as in Toronto, I liked it. I have an aunt and a step-grandmother there. It’s (though mountainless) pretty country. There’s enough culture and restaraunts to suit me, it’s the size of a city that I like, and it’s in a good location for weekends in Toronto or Montreal, or for catching a train to Halifax or Vancouver. I’m 98% certain I’d be happy there.
Where I’m looking for advice at the moment is on rental of an apartment or house. I’ve been looking on Craiglist, and most prices seem reasonable, but I’ve no idea on what part of town is good.
I’ll be 50 when I move, and frankly, I want quiet nights; I’m well beyond being able to sleep through the bars closing. But another priority is to be within an interesting walking area, where there are places and people to eyeball as I stroll along. Are these incompatible in Ottawa?
I’ve noticed that on the Hull/Gatineau side places seem to be better and cheaper. Is this true? Quebec has a different retirement plan from the other nine provinces. Better? Worse? Would I be able to get along on that side of the river before I learn French?
Five appliances are fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer, and dryer, right? I assume four is without the dishwasher, and three is without the washer and dryer, and two is only a fridge and a stove. I’ve seen some that expect the renter to bring their own appliances; is this common? Does an air-conditioner (for July and August) count as an appliance?
No parking available is right out.
Well, any advice and comments are not only welcome, but needed.