I’m a Retiree Who Moved From the US to Canada After 30 Years; Happier

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Maureen McMahon, in her 70s and living in Edmonton, Alberta. It has been edited for length and clarity.

For years, people would ask me, “Which do you like better, Canada or the US?” I would tell them, “It’s not that simple.”

I moved from Canada to the US for a relationship when I was 40. In 2024, about 30 years and several states later, I moved back to Canada for retirement. What I have discovered, to my amazement, is the absolute contentment I experience on a daily basis being back here.

The time I spent in the US was a good experience; I enjoyed road trips and my career. I don’t regret the time I spent down there, but I wish I’d come home sooner.

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I always knew I’d move back to Canada

I spent most of my roughly 30 years living in the US in Las Vegas. I also lived in Georgia and Los Angeles, all while working in the IT industry. When my marriage dissolved, about five years in, I really thought about going back to Canada, but I had such a good job and really enjoyed the work I did.

I decided to stay, knowing all along that I’d eventually move home to Canada for retirement. I didn’t expect to retire until I was 70, but at 63, I was laid off. If I’d known I was going to get laid off when I did, I probably would’ve moved home sooner.

Instead of leaving the US right away, I stayed put because the house I owned was not worth much. I wanted to wait out a couple of years until I could get some decent money for it. I was excited about coming back to Canada. I knew I’d miss my friends in the States, but that’s what phones are for.

I loved traveling around the States and how easy it was to buy things

The US has some amazing qualities. One of the best things about the US was how I could buy pretty much anything. If I could imagine something I wanted for my home or wardrobe, I could get it. There was much less availability in Canada when I left 30 years ago. There’s just so much consumerism in the US.

I also loved doing road trips in the US. I used to hike at Bryce Canyon in Utah a lot, and I drove to Wyoming just to see Yellowstone. I was thinking the other day how it’d be nice to just get in a car and go an hour and a half out of town. There are things to see here in Canada, but I’ve already seen them. That’s what’s cool about the US: all the quick road trips you can take.

I don’t miss the gun violence in the US

I was supposed to attend a concert where a shooting took place, but I couldn’t go since I was visiting Canada. Otherwise, I would’ve been there, and who knows? I didn’t really go anywhere in the US where there was a crowd after that.

It’s not that Canada doesn’t have violence, but we have stronger gun controls, and it feels a lot safer.

Based on the political climate today, I wouldn’t want to be in the US at all. I miss my friends, and they could come up, but nobody seems to be eager to travel right now. My friends in the States are waiting to see what happens with the political climate.

I’m glad to be retired in Canada

Canada is a great place to retire because of the weather. I have so many friends who say, “Oh, I couldn’t stand it if I couldn’t go south for the winter,” but I love winter.

I enjoy the snow, fresh air, activities, cross-country skiing, and skating. I like experiencing the four seasons, and I don’t miss the heat of Las Vegas. I also think people are friendlier here, even if it’s more out of necessity than anything else. You help each other out in minus-30-degree weather.

Edmonton has grown while I was out of Canada. There are more restaurants available, and we have festivals throughout the year. It’s exciting because there’s always something going on.

Regardless of whether you’re retired, think of moving like buying a car

Before you buy a car, I think you should rent it and see if it’s really what you want. Same with moving. I think you should spend some time in the city, talk to people, and do some research before moving.

Consider what it is you want. Do you want outdoor life and activities? Do you want everything indoors? In the US, I lived in Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, and I wouldn’t have picked any one of those places. Once I spent a week hiking and attending concerts in Vermont, I realized I should’ve picked a place like that.

I think anybody who does their research and really knows what they want will do very well moving from the United States to Canada.