Everyone Hates Dallas

For about 2 years my husband (30M) and I (31F) have been set on moving to Atlanta and even started working with a realtor recently. My husband had lived there a few years ago, we were really attracted to the prices of 5bd/4bath new construction homes in the vicinity like Marietta and surrounding areas- specifically because they cost the same as our 2bd/2bath in Vancouver, Canada. However, we know we’d be sacrificing scenery, seasons, the ocean, the mountains and the people. Now we’re heavily leaning towards a city/suburb not too far from Dallas like Rockwall. I have a bit of family there and with us expecting our first we thought it would be great for support and also generally have family around for the holidays and stuff. When I discovered this sub and started looking into people’s thoughts I’m having second thoughts 😬 All I want is to get out of a 800k 1000 sq ft condo, give my dog a backyard and get out of Canada before shit hits the fan

Edit: For anyone that’s hasn’t been following Canadian politics, immigration, affordability crisis, housing crisis, homelessness, and crime trend- the reason we want to leave is because we simply cannot afford to live here anymore. Making $150k in Canada is the new $60k. An average 1 bedroom apartment starts at $2500- God forbid you want anything that’s not older than 20 years. ANY house in the lower mainland costs millions. The job market is absolutely insane due to immigration laws that can now not handle the amount of influx. Our grocery runs have gone from $200 to $500 in the last 3 years. Our principal morgage has been stuck on the same number for the past 3 years because interest went up 5-6%. Trust me I never thought I’d leave, I love Canada and the people but it’s just not sustainable and I can’t fit in kids into this tiny apartment when we’re wanting to grow our family. As the breadwinner I also can’t fathom watching half my paycheck go to taxes when I don’t reap any of the benefits. Please don’t get me started on our free healthcare. It might be “free” but it’s completely inaccessible and takes a ridiculous amount of time to even see a doctor.

Edit 2: Guys, I am not conservative by any means-not even close! That was never a factor when considering Texas, and honestly, that was a dumb oversight on my part, especially as a woman. Some people took my comment about the job and housing market being impacted by immigration as me pushing anti-immigrant or Republican views-absolutely not.

I am an immigrant, and unless you’ve lived in a major Canadian city for over a decade, it’s hard to grasp how rapid population growth has put serious strain on housing affordability and social services-even for immigrants. People move here for a better life and end up in tents because the government promised short-term housing, food, and support yet can’t deliver. Toronto is a perfect example.

The issue isn’t immigration itself, that’s not even a question-it’s the failure to build enough housing and invest in public services to keep up. Zoning laws, bureaucratic red tape, and slow development timelines have made it impossible to meet demand. Acknowledging that rapid growth plays a role in this crisis isn’t anti-immigrant-it’s just realistic.

Immigrants are a vital driver of Canada’s economy (and the U.S.’, despite what the current government thinks), but the Canadian government isn’t reinvesting the influx of money into expanding housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. The solution isn’t to restrict immigration-it’s better planning, investment, and regulation.

But in the meantime, I want the freedom to spend the money I work hard for on things that bring me joy, instead of constantly feeling like I’m drowning under housing costs and grocery bills. Go on Zillow, set a max price of $1 million in Vancouver, BC, and filter for houses. You’ll get two results: a parking lot and a 1-bed, 1-bath. That’s it.