Living in Windsor - 2023 Beginners Guide

[@timlucasentertainment]

Moved to Windsor 6 months ago and all the stuff Ryan talks about is bang on. I would say Windsor is a good place to move to! I rent here and even though renting sucks, it probably sucks here a lot less than anywhere in the vicinity of Toronto. My warnings: 1) Even though Windsor is through the worst of what happened 15 years ago with all the loss of jobs and changes, there is still a sense of loss. And I'm not talking about the homeless situation. That speaks for itself and it's not unlike Hamilton where downtown it can be sad to be around people who are really struggling. I wouldn't say Windsor it is a really sad place overall, there is plenty of good vibes. But if you are a sensitive person to energy, you need to be aware that the energy here can still show the losses and changes people have experienced in the last 15 years. And as I'm sure you know, energy is infectious. This energy attaches itself to anyone who have dealt with losses and have anger as a result of it, whether they were here in Windsor when they experienced losses, or elsewhere. The negative energy here will find you easily if you are also negative. So come here ready to be proactive in your mental and emotional health so that you don't fall into negative energy or bad situations. I have seen several outbursts of anger in this city that show what kinds of energy people are dealing with. That energy will find you if you are not proactive. 2) Driving here is awesome, the way the city is set up is wonderful. But there are lots of pretty bumpy roads. Be ready for that because you will certainly find out how bad some of the roads are. Other than that, driving here is great. Yes there are some aggressive and angry drivers but like I said, be proactive and ready to chose your vibe for yourself! Don't come here ready to go along with whatever flow because not all the vibes here are good. By the way, 95% of the drivers here are great. It's just the 5% who lay on the horn and get mad and stuff are so noticeable. Don't let it discourage you! Most people here are good. Windsor is an awesome place imo and I'm thankful to be here. Thankful for how convenient everything is, space to grow and be a part of it, programs to help you if you are in need, friendly open people, cutest houses ever, warm weather, border city :)

[@JohnQTaxpayer.]

Can I ask a personal question? I was born and raised in Sudbury and moved to Hamilton when I was 10 and lived there for 15 years afterwards. Would you say Windsor and Hamilton are similar in terms of that downtown dynamic? Because I felt what you were saying about people going through shit, because in hamilton, you just can see people struggling and stuff. I guess what I am asking is that if I am used to being a Hamiltonian and had that type of exposure to what is casually seen in that city, Windsor shouldn't be any less surprising? Quite generally, being in Hamilton, I am quite desensitized to it, and when I bring my GTA companions over here, they feel like they are in a completely different world. Would love to know your thoughts. Jacob.

[@timlucasentertainment]

@@JohnQTaxpayer. Great question Jacob. This is something I love thinking about. Yes I think there is definitely similarities between Hamilton and Windsor. You will not be fazed/surprised by Windsor's downtown, I promise. I know exactly what you mean by people being taken back by Hamilton. My buddies from Kitchener/Waterloo were fazed by Hamilton when they visited me. I hope its ok if I mention a few more comparisons! 1) Windsor is 1/2 the size of Hamilton so it has a bit more small town (or small city) feel. It's slightly "warmer" than Hamilton in terms of peoples interactions with each other. But it has that blue collar edge like Hamilton does. So I wouldn't say people are super super warm but definitely more warm than Hamilton overall. 2) You mentioned GTA. What is special about Windsor is it has absolutely nothing to do with Toronto. That's refreshing to me. I lived many areas within the vicinity of Toronto and no matter where you go, the one thing they all have in common is Toronto. Coming all the way to Windsor is nice because if you include Detroit, Windsor has everything Toronto has. Only better weather, better prices and there is something else, I can't put my finger on... something to do with tradition maybe? I just feel like the main part of Ontario is just so big and expansive at this point that I just feel I've had enough of it. Windsor makes me feel like there is room for me and I can breathe and be a part of it however I wish to be. Toronto area makes me feel like it really doesn't matter whether I am there or not. And it's true! For eg. I moved to Hamilton and 4 years later I left, and I don't think anyone even noticed. lol 3) This last one is personal for me. What I love about Windsor is it doesn't have the anti-USA attitude that a lot of Canada has. I'm guessing that's because it is a border town and connected with Detroit auto industry and such I think people here just understand how connected we are with the U.S. and how were really not that different (on most levels) so we don't have to prove we are different all the time. The "bubble" a lot of Canada lives in tires me out big time. I love being here because I am proud to be from North America and all it includes. I love Mexico I love the USA and I love Canada. I love being close to the good old USA Thanks for letting me give a ridiculously long answer to your question and also answer questions you didn't ask lol I'm just passionate to talk about this stuff. ha have a great one and hope to see you here soon! there is so much room for you! p.s ok ONE more lol The one thing that is pretty obvious but I have to say. Hamilton kicks Windsors ass in terms of trails. I LOOOVVVE the trails in Hamilton. There is none of that here. BUT for whatever reason it doesn't seem to bother me. I don't know why. But I just have to point this out. The escarpment is such a special thing and there just aint anything like that here. Maybe the better weather, views of Detroit, the River, The Bridge and the endless cute houses and neighbourhoods keeps me from missing the escarpment. I'll just say this in closing: Windsor is Big enough that you can be anonymous when you want to be, and just do your own thing without people in your business, but it's small enough that people are decent and you can get involved easily if you want to.

[@JohnQTaxpayer.]

@@timlucasentertainment I love the response man. Thanks. Through and through, Hamilton will always be in my heart, but I started mid last year exploring outside and I have made my way to Chatham. And being outside what I thought was home, I realized how much I started to not miss the city as much. I just felt like I was stuck doing the same thing, as I don't know, I guess I just got too comfortable there in Hamilton. And I love the potential right now in Hamilton. The amount of mega projects they are doing is unreal. It will be the next best thing in Ontario in my opinion, however I wanted to see what it was like to live in different areas and had the opportunity to do so, and if I didn't like it, I could always go back. But I still have not found much of an itch to go back home, and the adventurous curiosity side to me is itching to do more experimentation with Windsor... I guess that's just part of the life cycle of change for ya? You gotta love it. And yes I think no city compares when it comes to nature to Hamilton. The trails, lookouts, waterfalls, etc. But like you said, Windsor got the factor of being a big city because of the proximity to Detroit. That is a big benefit. And I have a love for living in blue collar as Hamiltonians have hustle. You are poor, you are a drug addict, you are a parent, you are rich, you live in the mountain, Muslim, Asian, White, no matter what, everyone there is a hustler and we try and get by and do what we can even when times are tough. Hamilton has for me been the best city for a true community from poor neighborhoods to wealthy neighborhoods, the dynamic there is truly nothing like any other. But I want the dream of also owning a home one day, and I think Windsor will give me the potential of that. Your long rant to my long rant. Lmao. Cheers. P.S. Lived in Etobicoke for a couple years during school. Still believe Toronto is not my cup of tea.🤣

[@timlucasentertainment]

@@JohnQTaxpayer. Thanks for sharing, it's cool to hear about your journey! You have the same outlook as me - why not keep it moving, it's not a big deal to try a different city :) Glad to hear I have a fellow Hamiltonian down here - all the best to you brother I would love to know about your experience coming from Sudbury (like in the beginning of your journey). I went to summer camp in Chapleau so I guess I drove through Sudbury. I love Northern Ontario. I've been to Kenora for a wedding that was such a cool experience this Provence of ours is vast - I like to imagine Ontario in 100 years what it will be like.

[@CuscaKid]

@@timlucasentertainment wow great summary of Windsor. Just wanted to add most trails can be found in the surrounding municipalities such as Lasalle and Tecumseh. Speaking of the towns they each have their own feel and amenities. They make for a great day trip. The best Imo is Leamington. It's full of Latinos, Italians, Portuguese and Lebanese therefore the food is supreme.

[@Sifa85]

After putting an offer for a raised ranch in South Windsor, I started watching your videos to get an idea of what I was moving into, and they really helped. I moved here a week before Christmas from Toronto, and right now, I'm just getting settled, but I think this was the right move for me. I am hoping to eventually get the second property for rental, so hearing about all the opportunities for rentals is great! Thanks, Ryan. 😀

[@ryancrits8180]

That is awesome!

[@ABCDEFGHI118]

I would like to know more about the area am truly considering on moving to the area.

[@Sifa85]

@LEAH HILDA Martha I've been here a little over two months, and the couple things I've noticed so far are that the area is very quiet (the mall closes at 8 on weekdays). People are genuinely nice and want to help - I don't drive, so few people (men and women) have offered to drop me with their vehicle when they saw me with my grocery in the snow! It's a quiet life, so there's not much to do like Toronto. However, you are on a 10-minute driving away to Detroit, so you won't miss Toronto so much. The biggest thing I'm finding difficult is the fact that everything is spread out and the public transport is not the best and doesn't go everywhere so you need a car. I started learning to drive as a must here.

[@Sifa85]

@NATOJUSTICE Funny thing, I was told that I'll miss Toronto snow when I moved to Windsor as it's hotter here. But since we moved, we've had to shovel a couple of times, so I feel like the snow followed us. 😆

[@Sifa85]

@NATOJUSTICE True

[@lilipop5080]

I always look forward to your videos, so interesting and informative 👍😊

[@ryancrits8180]

Happy to hear that!

[@MDavidG1]

At 0:29 I see mountains. I thought Essex County was pretty flat. We learn something every day!

[@atarileaf]

I certainly wouldn't sell now and unless you absolutely have to, I would recommend sitting on it until the market improves, which it will. It will be interesting what the seller market in windsor looks like in the spring

[@patricia1557]

Thank you for the information .

[@odisp.1788]

Thanks very much is good information

[@ryancrits8180]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fgarza]

I'm trying to buy now, but there is a lot of people buying too and I don't have that much budget haha. Rent is lower now too but I got here last year and I'm locked for a year.

[@ryancrits8180]

Yeah depending on the price range there can still be some houses with multiple offers. I would still say you have a better chance now than ever before

[@unclebhoy3753]

I'm in Alberta planning to move there hopefully I can get job soon and get house to buy with your help...

[@ryancrits8180]

Absolutely. Text or call anytime

[@evalimavlog8976]

Wow

[@romeoandjuliet6522]

You Explain very well i Really Enjoy your Video . i live in Saskatoon it is Affordable and very sunny quality of life jobs are good only problem is extream harsh winter minus 50 every year please tell me which city is better . Montreal or Windsor what will you suggest ?? Please Tell me Thanks

[@ryancrits8180]

Truthfully I'e never been to Montreal - its a big city with lots of culture, so that is probably a plus; however, they definitely get winter more than we do! What I like about Windsor is the weather, the access to cheap Domestic U.S flights, and the people!

[@marcopolo9751]

bit of a stretch but do you know the laws of living in a trrailer in your backyard or driveway in windsor? :) i wanna rent out my rooms in my house

[@ryancrits8180]

You can add an additional dwelling unit if there is rear alley access to the back unit (A fire truck has to be able to get to it if need be) but it must meet all building codes - proper plumbing, separate utilities, etc. You can't just drop a trailer in the back and live there

[@marcopolo9751]

@@ryancrits8180 gotcha thank you, could i just live in a 10x10 shed/ with a small washroom in it than rent out my rooms in my house? probs not legal, but no one would really know.

[@varunpathakamudi6348]

New to your channel, loving your content. You forgot to mention @Taylor Swift concert in Detroit June 2023

[@ryancrits8180]

lol Thanks for watching!

[@jodiannbirch]

I have been trying to reach out to you

[@ryancrits8180]

Hi Jodi I haven’t received anything. Text my cell please

[@lenuanch8869]

Everyone is moving here is more affordable than any city stst fsr from wyndote period bissness to not only tenants in less they move the shelter far this stuff will always be there but least is more safe than GTA in less the guys shoup here

[@yahavdoumhrgb3471]

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