- A millennial left the South for Montreal in 2015 to “culture himself” and pursue higher education.
- He said food, safety, health care and quality of life are the biggest benefits of living in Montreal.
- But he said he wanted to return to Texas for the climate, lower cost of living and his family.
If you ask Dexter Linton, there aren’t many downsides to living in Montreal. But that may not be enough to hold him back.
The 33-year-old sales professional grew up in Arlington, Texas, attended college in Kansas, then landed a graduate internship in Georgia, he told Business Insider via email. In 2015, he decided to move to Montreal on a student visa to pursue a master’s degree in sports business management.
Aside from attending graduate school, Linton said one of the main reasons he moved to Montreal was to “culture himself” and experience something different. The city did not disappoint in this regard.
“It’s extremely cultural, the food is very good, it’s safe, bilingualism is an asset,” he said.
But Linton always planned to return to Texas one day, and he said his feelings haven’t changed.
In recent years, millions of Americans have moved south. Between July 2022 and 2023, South Carolina, Florida, and Texas were the three states with the fastest growing populations in the country. Business Insider spoke with several people who have moved to the South in recent years, from other parts of the United States and Canada. Weather conditions, lower cost of living and job opportunities were among the reasons they decided to move.
However, some Americans – rather than heading south – moved north to Canada. People who moved from the United States to Canada told Business Insider they did so for more affordable health care, a different political culture, and a fresh start.
For Linton, Montreal and Texas have their advantages and disadvantages.
Montreal offers better health care and quality of life, but Texas has a nicer climate and lower cost of living
Although Montreal’s culture initially attracted him to the city, Linton said there were several other reasons why he and his wife might want to raise their family there rather than in Texas.
“My wife often brings up comparisons: the health system, the quality of education and the quality of life in general,” he said.
He said he also feels safer sending his children to school in Canada, given the gun violence that has occurred in the United States in recent years.
However, Linton said he thinks Texas is ahead of Montreal in three areas.
“In the South, the weather is better, there are more career opportunities and the cost of living is lower – for now.”
While falling housing costs, for example, have attracted some people to the Lone Star State, rising demand coupled with a booming population has caused real estate prices to soar in recent years. Texas still has the advantage of not imposing an income tax.
Ultimately, Linton said being closer to his family – many of whom still live in Texas – is one of the main reasons he wants to return one day. However, part of his wife’s family lives in Montreal.
“You earn your money in the United States and get out before it’s too late”
The timing of Linton’s return to the United States is very uncertain. He said it would be difficult to move his family since his children are young, but he hopes to return home within the next decade.
Looking back, Linton said he regretted moving to Montreal so early in his life.
“If I had known what I knew today, I would have settled in Texas, while frequently going to Montreal to visit my wife’s family, rather than the other way around,” he said. declared.
Linton recalled a friend’s advice to him: “You make your money in the United States and get out before it’s too late.” » Linton said his friend was referring to strong economic opportunities in the United States, but insufficient support for older Americans — compared to some other countries — to help them pay health care costs in retirement.
“I wish I lived in Texas now and moved to Canada later in life,” Linton said.
Have you recently moved to a new state or country and want to share your story? If so, contact this reporter at jzinkula@businessinsider.com.
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