As a lifelong Michigander, if I were to move out of the country, I would seriously consider moving to Canada. Of course, not to the Western part of Canada, as there is a greater chance of wildfires in British Colombia as well as other natural disasters, versus Ontario on the Eastern side, and it is much colder on the west coast than in the area of Ontario I am researching. Furthermore, living in Amherstburg, Ontario, would have weather similar to what we experience in Southeast Michigan, where I currently live.
According to Canada’s Area Vibes, below is a breakdown of the cost of living:
- “The cost of living in Amherstburg is 18% lower than the Ontario average
- The cost of living in Amherstburg is 9% lower than the national average
- Amherstburg housing is 52% lower than the national average
- Ontario general sales tax is 33% higher than the national average
- Ontario state income tax is 40% lower than the national average,”.
Here’s Area Vibes comparison between a city in Southeast Michigan and Amherstburg:
“Metrics Amherstburg Novi
Livability 67 86
Amenities F A-
Cost Of Living D+ B+
Crime B+ A+
Employment A- A+
Housing A+ A+
Schools B- A+
User Ratings A A+,”.
Also, what I found most interesting is that I could live on a Great Lake for far less money than it would cost in Michigan! For what I could sell my current home for, which is across the street from a mid-sized inland lake, I could purchase a larger home on Lake Erie, with stunning views that never end, that appear as if it were the ocean but no fear of a hurricane or sharks.
When looking at a particular home in Amherstburg on the map, it is located on a long peninsula, about forty minutes south of Windsor, on the coast of Lake Erie, north of Toledo, Ohio. From my home, it is an hour and a half south, which means it will be warmer in the summertime. However, they probably see more snowfall in the winter because of the lake effect.
What is Amherstburg Ontario known for?
Seeing that it is on the coast, I am guessing that it is a fishing town. Let’s see what the experts have to say.
The Canadian Encyclopedia states that, “Amherstburg, Ontario, incorporated as a town in 1878, population 21,936 (2016 census), 21,556 (2011 census). The town of Amherstburg is located on the Detroit River near Lake Erie. It is located on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy, which includes Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples (see also Anishinaabe). The land is covered by Treaty 35. During the 1850s, Amherstburg was a principal terminus of the Underground Railroad.
American abolitionist Levi Coffin referred to Amherstburg as “the great landing place, the principal terminus of the underground railroad of the west.” It is estimated that, after 1850, 30 African Americans arrived in Amherstburg per day via steam boat and the Detroit River.
Today, secondary industries in the town include plastic manufacturing and whiskey distilling. At Fort Malden National Historic Site (designated in 1921), original earthworks, stone buildings and a blockhouse have been restored,”.
Another source mentions, “The area’s above-average income per capita and employment scores reflect a financially secure community with ample job options. Residents benefit from low unemployment rates and a stable economic environment, contributing to a positive economic outlook. With a median household income higher than average, Amherstburg provides a range of employment choices that cater to various skill sets and interests, and thousands of other jobs are available in nearby Downtown Windsor,”.
Apparently, there is good sport fishing in the Amherstburg Channel, and it is most popular for fishing: Freshwater drum, Largemouth bass, and Walleye.
In addition to its rich history and scenic lakeside location, Amherstburg also boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene. The town hosts annual events such as Art by the River and Open Air Weekends, which draw both locals and visitors alike. Its charming downtown is filled with unique shops, cozy cafés, and local galleries.
Canadian Social Security benefits
At this stage of my life, should I decide to move to Canada, I need to consider what services and support will be available to me as I reach retirement age. Right now, in the United States, we are uncertain if there will be financial or medical support for our aging population, which is frightening to think about.
Canada’s official Social Security Administration government website shares, “For the elderly (persons aged 65 or older), Canada’s Public Pensions System has three major components. Together they provide benefits intended to “ensure a basic income to all eligible Canadians” (Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) 2005b).
The first component is quite similar to what is termed Social Security (the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program) in the United States:
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)/Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) is a compulsory, earnings-related social insurance program providing income for retired and disabled workers and their survivors. Its benefit formula also contains significant flat-rate components for the disabled and survivors under the age of 65.
The second component has no close parallel in the U.S. system:
Old Age Security (OAS) is a nearly universal pension financed from general revenues and paid to almost all Canadians aged 65 or older. The principal exceptions are those who do not meet residency requirements or who have very high taxable incomes.
The third component is an income-tested SSI counterpart:
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a non- taxable benefit paid to low- and moderate-income seniors—about one-third of the elderly population. It is a form of guaranteed annual income (benefits are reduced according to other income received). Like the OAS, the GIS is financed from general revenues,”.
Wow, moving to Canada is beginning to sound very inviting to this Michigander. So far, I have found the following incentives to be most appealing:
- Close proximity to family and friends in Michigan
- It’s south of where I live, with the possibility of experiencing warmer weather
- Universal health care
- Three different retirement income safety nets
- Lower cost of living
- Better lake living opportunities
- They speak English
Living in Amherstburg Ontario
With its beautiful waterfront, historical charm, and strong social support systems, Amherstburg offers both comfort and opportunity. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy life while planning confidently for the future.
