u/Maximum_Repeat_2823

Wife and I are in Tech, currently in the Toronto suburbs. Almost 30, planning to have our first kid in about a year. We are looking to relocate to the states on either L1/TN (ongoing conversations with current employer)

Why we're leaving:
- Canadian winters are genuinely brutal. We're indoors from November to April and it's affecting our mental health and lifestyle. We want to actually be outside year-round.
- We feel like we've hit a ceiling here career-wise. The US tech market is at a better level in terms of opportunities, compensation, and the sheer number of companies to work for.
- Taxes and cost of living in Canada have gotten painful for what you get in return.

Cities we're considering:

Austin  -  No state tax is huge. Tech scene has grown a lot. The weather is warmer. Also wondering if the hype has cooled.

Bay Area - Best tech market, no question. The weather is perfect. But the COL is intimidating. We're open to renting for the first few years while we get settled.

NYC area - Walkability and energy closest to Toronto. Massive job market. Hoboken seems like a smart play tax-wise. But concerned about raising kids in the area long-term.

What matters to us (roughly in order):

1. Career opportunities - both of us want to keep growing. Being in a market where we can switch jobs without relocating again is important, especially on work visas.
2. Raising kids - good public schools, safe neighbourhoods, parks and outdoor stuff. 
3. Weather - literally anything better than Toronto winters. We can handle heat.
4. Meeting New People - We don’t know a lot of folks in the US and it would be nice to meet people around our age.

We're open to renting for the first couple of years in any of these cities while we figure out neighbourhoods and settle in. Not rushing to buy.

Anyone made a similar move from Canada? Or moved between any of these three cities and can compare?

Wife and I are in Tech, currently in the Toronto suburbs. Almost 30, planning to have our first kid in about a year. Wife would transfer to the US on an L1 visa (remote), I'd go as her dependent.

Why we're leaving:
- Canadian winters are genuinely brutal. We're indoors from November to April and it's affecting our mental health and lifestyle. We want to actually be outside year-round.
- We feel like we've hit a ceiling here career-wise. The US tech market is at a better level in terms of opportunities, compensation, and the sheer number of companies to work for.
- Taxes and cost of living in Canada have gotten painful for what you get in return.

Cities we're considering:

Austin  -  No state tax is huge. Tech scene has grown a lot. The weather is warmer. Also wondering if the hype has cooled.

Bay Area - Best tech market, no question. The weather is perfect. But the COL is intimidating. We're open to renting for the first few years while we get settled.

NYC area - Walkability and energy closest to Toronto. Massive job market. Hoboken seems like a smart play tax-wise. But concerned about raising kids in the area long-term.

What matters to us (roughly in order):

1. Career opportunities - both of us want to keep growing. Being in a market where we can switch jobs without relocating again is important, especially on work visas.
2. Raising kids - good public schools, safe neighborhoods, parks and outdoor stuff. 
3. Weather - literally anything better than Toronto winters. We can handle heat.
4. Meeting New People - We don’t know a lot of folks in the US and it would be nice to meet people around our age.

We're open to renting for the first couple of years in any of these cities while we figure out neighbourhoods and settle in. Not rushing to buy.

Anyone made a similar move from Canada? Or moved between any of these three cities and can compare. would love to get some honest opinions. Thanks!