News Summary
Erin Smith, a 47-year-old freelance marketer, has moved from Brooklyn to Montreal due to her husband’s new job in indoor agriculture. The transition involved meticulous planning and coordination, including securing a more affordable rental property. While Erin faces challenges adjusting to the local bureaucracy and establishing a social network, she appreciates the improved healthcare and gluten-free options available in Canada. The Smith family is excited about their new life in Montreal, hoping to extend their stay in this vibrant community.
Montreal, Canada – In a significant life transition, Erin Smith, a 47-year-old freelance marketer and founder of the travel blog Gluten-Free Globetrotter, has moved from Brooklyn, New York to Montreal, Canada in 2024. The couple’s decision to relocate was spurred by her husband receiving a job opportunity in the field of indoor agriculture.
The Smiths, who previously called Brooklyn home for twenty years, had initially moved from New York to Santa Cruz, California, for a period of 2.5 years. However, they found Santa Cruz unsuitable for their needs, prompting their eventual return to New York before their current move to Canada.
Preparing for the monumental shift involved planning and coordination, as the family worked with a relocation coach to navigate the complexities of moving to a new country. From January to July, they meticulously organized their plans while waiting for their son to conclude his school year in New York. During this time, the couple scouted potential neighborhoods and schools in Quebec, making multiple visits—including during winter months—to ensure a smooth transition.
One of the couple’s primary objectives was to secure a rental property in Montreal that would offer a more affordable living situation than their Brooklyn home, which cost approximately $3,500 per month. They were able to find a rental in Westmount, a neighborhood in southwest Montreal, for about $2,500—a saving of nearly $1,000 each month. Their new residence is conveniently located close to a metro station and a mere 15-minute walk from downtown.
Settling into their new life in Montreal, Erin has encountered a variety of new experiences. For the first time in two decades, she now enjoys the luxury of having a washer and dryer in her home, a feature unavailable in their Brooklyn apartment. However, the transition has not been without its hurdles. Erin has faced challenges with Quebec’s predominantly French-speaking bureaucracy, particularly regarding the school system for her son, who is now enrolled in an English school with a French immersion curriculum. This enrollment required navigating specific paperwork that was unfamiliar to her.
Establishing a social network has also proven difficult for Erin. While she manages to connect with other parents from her son’s school, she continues to seek broader social interactions. Additionally, setting up their finances in Canada presents its challenges, mainly due to their absence of an established credit history. Financial hurdles have made the transition period challenging for the family.
Healthcare in Quebec, however, has been more favorable compared to the costs they previously faced in New York. In Montreal, Erin has discovered affordable health insurance traits, an improvement from their situation in New York where insurance costs were nearly equivalent to monthly rent payments.
Living with celiac disease for over 40 years, Erin has also noted a significant improvement in maintaining her gluten-free diet in Canada. The country’s stringent food labeling laws have made it easier for her to find suitable food options. Furthermore, she appreciates Montreal’s cleanliness, safety, and the overall calmer pace of life compared to her former residence in New York.
Currently, Erin holds a Canadian visa that is valid for three years, but the family hopes to extend their stay. The vibrant culture and welcoming community in Montreal have made a lasting impression on the Smith family, enhancing their excitement for their new life in Canada.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Business Insider: Day in the Life in Montreal
- Wikipedia: Montreal
- International Living: From Stressful New York to an Easy Life in Bali
- Google Search: Cost of Living in Montreal
- Montreal International: Best City for Expats
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Quebec
- French Entree: My Village in Montreal
- Google News: Expat Life in Montreal
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
