I agree, and I’m very grateful to everyone.
Oh I know how it works. I said it “can” be a pain in the butt, and it really depends on what kind of work you do and how much you earn. Keep in mind that with no french, Frank is unlikely to land a job in the gov’t.
I’ve got a close co-worker who lives in Aylmer and works in Ottawa who is having difficulty with his taxes this year.
Me, too. And Nate’s. And Rideau Bakery. And the Canal - especially skating on it. And Beavertails. It’s been too long since I’ve been back. Victoria is great, but it comes second to Ottawa in my heart.
And the ByTowne Theatre, and the used bookstore besides it is great too. The many shawarma places along Rideau are great cheap places to eat, along with the Horn of Africa. I love this area of town, I really do!
If I moved to Ottawa, I’d find a place within walking distance of the Lee Valley head office and store. No more having to order stuff over the Web! A serious woodworker’s mecca right next store. I can only dream. It’s located somwhere near the highway in the east end. (No, I don’t work there, and I’m not pumping anything.)
East End? Isn’t in the West End, next to the big Ikea by the Queensway?
You’re right. I’m a moron. West end. Is that a good area? I’d love to live in Ottawa.
Can I ask, out of curiosity, why you’ve decided to move to Canada? It’s not material to the thread, of course, but I’m sure I’m not the only one wondering (unless I missed the memo).
Of course you can.
Um, okay, consider yourself asked.
Short answer: because I’ve wanted to for decades, and now I can.
My mom is Canadian, and I spent a great deal of time there in the 70s (mostly in Toronto, but I also hitch-hiked the Trans-Canada from Toronto to Vancouver and back), and I’ve always liked it - loved it - socially and politically. Had the citizenship rules at the time allowed it, I likely would have stayed. Now that my citizenship has been straightened out, I’m ready.
Another reason is financial. If I get enough working years in in Canada, I will qualify for a decent retirement income from both Social Security and Social Insurance.
I’m not running away from the U.S.; I’m running to Canada. I’ll still have a love for the U.S. in me, but I have that for Canada too, and, now, for better or worse, it’s Canada’s turn. 
I’m always happy to play the straight man.
Thanks for assuaging my curiosity. And I’d love to see another thread – not to hijack this one any further – on how people have reacted to your decision.
It probably wouldn’t fill up a whole 'nother thread.
My family is supportive; they’ve known all along that I’d be in Canada if I could. Two of my sisters are jealous (at least of the citizenship - I don’t know that they’d want to move). They were also eligible but were waiting for me to work the kinks out of the process before they applied. While I was working out the kinks, the Minister stopped new applications.
My co-workers think it’s cool, except for a couple who think it reflects badly on the U.S. (I tease them by telling them I’m tempted to stay for the election. I am one the few who could seriously say, “If the Republican wins, I’m moving to Canada!” and pull it off.) My boss is still hoping I don’t go.
Acquaintances and strangers (when it happens to come up) are mostly simply polite, although some with Canadian connections of their own get almost as enthusiastic as I am.
Canadian companies that I’ve applied to are either bewildered or haven’t read the cover letter: “We don’t help with work visas.” :rolleyes: It’s hard to believe it’s that uncommon for people to move north, but maybe it is.
Figures the one time someone actually mentions me I miss it. 
Welcome to Ottawa Frank! And yes, you are freaking out the HR people. 
You’ve probably found this rental listing Ottawa MLS - Rentals which has a nice bit of information about the city and surrounding area.
If you’re planning on being downtown, or even out where I am in the west end the OC Transpo site will give you lots of good information about getting around the city via public transport. The site includes a travel planner (wish it had one when I used the bus!) and if you’re a cyclist a listing of which buses have bike rack mounted on the front.
The Market will be loud. It’s staggering distance from the University of Ottawa, how could it not be loud. The Sandy Hill area will be quieter but the area is right next to the university. Filled with vitality would be a good way to put it. It’s also close to the Royal Oak which is a great local pub with a great patio.
The Glebe is…having never lived there it’s hard to describe but it is its own little town nestled inside downtown Ottawa. Lots of neat little shops and the Loon and Arrow a great little place to grab a beer and food. Service used to be slow but the food was great. Been 18 months so things may have changed.
Not being an Ottawa native I’d say that the place is nicely screwed up. There’s tech companies, local politics (which are likely as nuts as anywhere), provincial politics (Ottawa is the second largest city in Ontario and believes it never gets its due) and federal politics where silly season is just starting.
Restaurants downtown are getting much better. Luxe is very nice but fancy, while the Fish Market and The Keg are perfect for regular dining out. Which I admit I did a lot more of than I do now. Things likely have changed.
Hope that helps, and yes you are freaking out the local HR people.
Talking about restaurants reminded me: there are a ton of good pho, good chinese, and good vietnamese places along Somerset (in chinatown). Whenever the boyfriend and I go out to eat, we sometimes just pick a restaurant at random. I’ve never been to a bad restaurant there, some were not as good as others, but never a downright bad restaurant.
Well, you don’t want to live right on top of the restaurants, but by the time you’re getting near 24 Sussex and the GG’s place, it’s a little tamer.
But that’s the bit just by the Canal and around King Eddy - as you get closer to the river and Strathcona Park, it’s quite peaceful.
Well true but would you really call that the market?
I used to live around Russell and Laurier which was roughly the edge of the “vital” area :). You’re right though, the further east you go (towards Strathcona Park) the quieter it gets, mainly due to the lack of bars and easy downtown access.
Oh forgot to mention,I think elfbabe moved here recently. She might have useful moving/rental hunting information.
don’t forget the Sconewitch for a nice Saturday morning scone, tea and read the paper session…