Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with relocating

Relocating to Brisbane, Aus.

fox_terrier_guy — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:03:35 -0800

I have been shortlisted for a job in Brisbane, Aus. Obviously I am thrilled and would like to know a little about Brisbane. (Yes, Google is my friend). I would like to know from any Aussies or someone who has been in the same "boat". I have multiple questions, which branch into.... My son (who will be 18) will be with me, most likely to live.

Question 1: How hard will it be for him to obtain a visa if he is just out of high school and living with me? I don't exactly know what my visa will be, but I suspect it will be a skilled work visa (I am an engineering manager in an SOL - if that helps). He would like to work or attend college (he is a little unclear on that right now, but is also interested possibly in joining the ADF. Could that be a way in for him?

Question 2: Brisbane looks like a fabulous place. Other than touristy things to see and do, what are some of the cool, fun and non-touristy things to see and do?

Question 3: I will be working in the Acacia Ridge area. Are there any areas in Brisbane to avoid living in? Any I should look for that would be close to work? I am a left hand driver, and will have to take some lessons before attempting the roads (I almost got killed at a roundabout in Scotland - and so am a little nervous driving there without some training).

Thanks all!

Best way to move from Chicago to Milwaukee

desjardins — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:58:52 -0800

Need recommendations for the best (read: lowest stress) way to move from Chicago to Milwaukee. We've never dealt with a moving company before. We've moved three times in the last five years and it has ROYALLY SUCKED each time, probably because we did it ourselves (with help from family). So we're willing to pay someone this time, but we don't want to get ripped off. We have an average amount of stuff for a middle-class couple with no kids. A bedroom, a living room, 2 home offices, kitchen stuff. Nothing particularly valuable; we'll move the few sentimental things on our own.

We've had one of the most stressful summers on record, so I'd like this to go as smoothly as possible. Your suggestions?

Can you help me move?

motsque — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 08:16:01 -0800

Where do I go? Can you recommend your city / town / country based on what you like about it? I'll be graduating from law school in May. The law school isn't very highly ranked, but my grades have held steady around a 3.5 GPA. I've got experience doing academic legal research as well as small (one lawyer) office experience. All I really know is that I don't want to stay and take the bar here (it is COLD).

Please, tell me a little about where you live or have lived, and why you like it. Can mefis recommend places that they like that:

1. Need (and hire) new lawyers like me.
2. Have no winter (rainy seasons OK...but no snow!).
3. Maybe have a little ocean front.
4. Are a little like Chattanooga, TN or Charlottesville, VA (but aren't actually those places).
5. Are pretty liberal, even if the state is red.

If you're a lawyer, why did you go where you are? Do you like it? Or, if you're an expat American with a J.D. .... how did you get there?

I know this is pretty broad, but I'd like input from real people, rather than a brochure in a career office! Thanks!!

Where to live in or around Green Bay?

catseatcheese — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 10:34:56 -0800

I will be relocating to the Green Bay, WI area in about 5 weeks and need advice on where to live. I would like to rent. I have been looking online (craigslist, local newspaper classifieds, and other rental sites) but I have only spent three days of my life in Green Bay. I do plan to go visit next month for a few days to search for an apartment (or other dwelling) but would like advice on good neighborhoods, complexes, and even towns around Green Bay. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thinking about relocating to Savannah - any advice?

HolyWood — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:00:49 -0800

I'm thinking about relocating to Savannah, Georgia in a few months to stay for probs a year or so. My background is in advertising and art and also office admin and plenty of retail, customer service and food service - a little bit of everything. Anyway, I was wondering about cost of living and if it's a cool city to stay in (loved it when I was there) and job prospects. I'm prepping a portfolio to apply to fashion school next fall so I'm looking for a good place to go. Love big cities but they seem to be a massive drain on the bank account (too many awesome rock shows!), but I'm not opposed. Mostly I need a place where I can afford a live/work situation so I can get the artwork done. Any other recommendations for hip / inspiring / artistic / progressive / bike and walk friendly (no car) cities are welcome. Female, mid-20s and tired of the Midwest. :) Thanks in advance!

The best way to move across the country?

inatizzy — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:53:47 -0800

What’s the best way to move halfway across the country if I’m leaving the biggest items behind? For me, "the best way" = a balance between lowest cost, least hassle, and best protection of my stuff. I do not have my own car. If you've moved long-distance before, what worked or didn't work? How did you decide which items to sell off and which to bring with you? Details:

I'm moving from the east coast to the midwest at the end of next month and will live with my parents for a few months before moving abroad. I'm selling off a lot of things beforehand, including all of my furniture. (unless you tell me otherwise.) But I still have a lot of stuff to get from point A to point B.

First, the easy ones: books, small kitchen items, DVDs, office files and supplies, clothing/shoes, and other knick knacks. These are able to be packed up in boxes and shipped UPS ground without much trouble or worry, I think.

But what about these types of things, which are more delicate/bulky?
1) a couple of computer mini-towers, a Mac Mini, and two external harddrives.
2) a widescreen LCD monitor without its original box (I should've kept it, I know!). It's about 19" on the diagonal.
3) a couple of vases.
4) sentimental photographs, and other memory-filled items. (I keep a lot of things like that and am a little scared to ship them UPS.)
5) sentimental mugs and pint glasses
6) some heavier/bulkier things, like a couple of tents and tarps, framed wall hangings, pillows, blankets/linens, some board games, etc.

I've looked into PODS/Door-to-Door moving solutions as well as a one-way car/van rental, and both come in around $1000 or more. For the sake of price comparison, I priced out a 40lb box, 20x20x20" via FedEx home delivery and it costs about $30 each. Hard to say how many boxes it will take; I don't think I'll know until it's all packed up, though. (FWIW, I live by myself in a small apt that has one bedroom, a living room and a galley kitchen, if that helps to estimate the amt of stuff I have?)

Unless I wind up driving, I'll spend about $200 on a one-way flight, as well.

So given all that, what would you think is the best way for me to move myself and my stuff? Any creative solutions I haven't thought of? Thanks in advance for your advice. :)

So long, farewell, Auf Weidersehen, goodbye…

inatizzy — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:27:10 -0800

When moving away, how do you say goodbye? (And how do you keep up friendships after you're gone?) After living in the Boston area for more than 4.5 years, I’ve decided it's time to leave and travel the world, which I've wanted to do since I was young. I will probably settle in a different city when I return to the US.

I'm going to miss a lot of people here, including a few who I'm somewhat close to. It takes me awhile to get close to people, so I really value these friendships (even the moderately-close or acquaintances, of which there are a lot.) So I don't want to just brush these friendships aside when I leave. I want to maintain a lot of them once I'm back in the US as well as during my trip, if possible. Keeping up email exchanges, or even better, real letters/packages or phone conversations. I just am not sure how to go about instigating that, and then maintaining it when I'm living across the country.

I'm also struggling with how to wrap things up in my last weeks here. This is my first time moving away from a place when everyone else is staying. (My other two moves were at the end of high school and college.) I want to make sure everyone knows how much they mean to me, especially my closer friends, that I'm quite bummed to leave them, that I really value them and our friendship, and that I hope we'll keep up our friendship across the distance.

How is this done? What should I make sure to do, or to not do? Any fun ideas for how to put a nice ending on my time here? I don't want to just slip away quietly and disappear. I want to stay connected to my friends.

Thanks for your advice. :)

Relocating with an outdoor cat

pilibeen — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:40:57 -0800

What sortve cities/towns should I consider moving w/ my indoor/outdoor cat? A yard, trees, plants, and small animals to hunt required...and things for me to do as well. I'm wondering what sort've cities, large or small, have some nice affordable suburbs just outside the city (or spots within), where I could find a reasonable apartment or house for me and my cat?

I just moved from State College, PA, which was perfect for me and Lizard (the cat) in that I had cheap, decent housing with a nice wooded yard, within a 15min bike ride from downtown.

Some of the other cities I've been looking at are Madison, Tucson, Portland, Eugene, Chicago (Evanston?), Asheville, Chapel Hill, Providence, Austin, Ithaca, etc.

I'm sure some of these choices can be scratched right away based on my requirements. But the general theme is youngish cities, w/ a lively arts scene, outdoor activities nearby, maybe a university, and outdoor cat friendly - either in the city or a within a short commute.

The cat has been indoors and outdoors her entire life, so switching her to indoors only isn't an option I'd consider.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Ich bin ein Berliner?

Anonymous — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:59:08 -0800

I want to move to Berlin. Is it a good idea? I would like to move to Berlin by the end of this year. I am attracted to the place for many reasons, not least the cultural vitality of the city. I am an EU passport-holder and so can work in Germany without any issues. At present I have a professional accounting job in financial services.

So far so good. Now the downside. I don't speak any German at all. I plan to go to night classes to to get a basic level of proficiency. How vital is it that I can speak business German to get a job there?

What is the market like for jobs in the financial sector there? Particularly for foreigners? I know much of these businesses are located in Frankfurt but there must be some businesses with offices in the capital, right?

How easy is to get an apartment there? Would I have to rent a place or is it straightforward to buy a place?

What other stuff should I know about moving to Berlin as opposed to just going there on holiday?

It would be good to hear from people who are living/ have lived there at some point and the downs as well as the ups of the place.

Posted as Anon as don't want sleuthing colleagues to know my nascent plans.

Oakland Introduction

mikoroshi — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:20:47 -0800

Help us get the best out of our Oakland exploration We moved to Sacramento a year ago and already are chafing from the cute-but-tiny-ness. We've got our eyes on the Bay area in the next year or so and think that Oakland might be the place we'll want to end up. Our few friends in SF don't know the Oakland so well, so we've a plan to make monthly excursions over the next few months.
I found this thread, which will be great for house hunting time, and a thread from 2005 which talks about up and coming neighborhoods, but I hear the city's done some changing in the last 3 years. So, which areas have, um, up and come? What we're looking for is not necessarily "sell us on Oakland", but more, what's to do, where is cool, what's it got to offer from a locals perspective?
Examples; funky indie-rock dance nights, rock shows, hole in the wall bars, art scene (noticed Oakland has lots of split use artist/residential spaces, which is quite exciting), coffee houses, books stores, funky restaurants, all the usual liberal accoutrement's.
It may also be good to mention here that we've come from 8 years in DC, so we're down with ethnically diverse and/or developing neighborhoods, but it'd be helpful to know what areas are still sketchy for the hanging out/living.

Ayúdenme, Boricu@s!

mynameismandab — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:02:17 -0800

Puerto Rico: Help Me Find Stuff in Ponce. I'm helping a family who is moving to Ponce, PR. This family is in need of English-speakers that provide the following services:

--Orthondontics (orthodoncista)
--Home Remodeling (private residential bathroom and kitchen)
(remodelación de casas residenciales)

--General Handyman (hammering, fixing stuff, etc.)
(servicios de arreglamiento técnico)

Names, phone numbers, and addresses would be very helpful.

¡Gracias!

Is finding an apartment in NYC without going there to see it an option?

makonan — Thu, 29 May 2008 19:42:02 -0800

Relocating from St. Louis to New York (Queens/LI border). I need to find an apartment to move into July 1st. How screwed am I? Here's the lowdown:
After four months of interviewing and multiple flights and hotel stays, I've finally been hired for this job. It starts in five weeks. Due to prior commitments including two out-of-state weddings, my current job, and studying/sitting for my board exam, I really, really do not have the time to fly out there for a fifth time this calendar year to hit the pavement looking for an apartment. I'm seriously at a point where I basically need to just pick something based off photos, send over a wad of money and then haul myself and my stuff there at the end of the month. The whole prospect of apartment hunting in the NYC area is daunting enough as it is, but am I making it even worse by trying to do it remotely? Am I fooling myself by thinking I can trust a property management company or a broker to find something for me? I've heard enough Craigslist horror stories that I'm not really sure I should bother looking at it anymore. Am I wrong to dismiss it as a viable option at this point? I have a few phone numbers for property management companies and will start making calls tomorrow, but I'd love to hear from anyone who has been through this and can give me any tips, or tell me that there's no way in hell this is going to work, or anything.

Help me feel I made the right decision in moving to NYC.

HotPatatta — Tue, 20 May 2008 08:14:04 -0800

How did you adjust to living in New York City? I just got here and I'm feeling incredibly overwhelmed and uncertain about my decision to move here. Any advice? I don't officially move until June 16, but I'm here this week to check out apartments. The shuttle driver who drove me from the airport to my friend's apartment cut off a taxi and the two drivers rolled down their windows and started shouting at each other. At the time I thought it was humorous and "so New York", but now I realize I am actually going to be living among people like this. I'm from California and the culture is so much more relaxed and friendly there. A deep sense of doubt is consuming me.

This city is overwhelming. I have only one friend here and I'm wondering if I made the right decision in leaving all my friends and family to be here. I'll be living on a teacher's salary (~$45k) and I'm worried I'll be stuck living with a creepy roommate in a tiny apartment because I can't afford anything else.

Reassure me, MetaFilter. Hold me.

Tips/Links/Advice for traveling across the country?

poryphia — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:36:18 -0800

Possibly moving from Southern CA to Rhode Island. Do you have any Tips/Links/Advice for traveling across the country? Both my boyfriend and I would be going and we don't have too much stuff..But..
He just leased a new car and he can't run up too many miles on it. What would be the best way to get his car from one side of the country to another without all the wear and tear?

Also, I haven't driven much more than 5 hours away from where I live. How would I go about planning a trip across the country?

Any kind of help would be great.

Find myself a city to live in (NYC isn’t doing it for me)

SampleSize — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:11:14 -0800

I need some suggestions for a place to live that fits me better than NYC – somewhere liberal, outdoorsy, and friendly. East Coast preferred. Further explanation inside. I like many things about NY – great food, edgy culture, intelligence, left-wing politics, open day and night, energy, but there are other things I really don’t. In particular, the constant fever pitch, type A pace, the general coldness of people, and the fact that being an outdoor person (whitewater kayaking, hiking, backpacking) is an anomaly. Where are my people?

The criteria that are non-negotiable:
- Access to hiking/backpacking/whitewater kayaking (currently takes me 45 minutes to get to Harriman for decent hiking, 1.5 hrs to the Catskills. 1.5 hrs to the nearest whitewater river. Within 3-4 hours are a bunch more. This is all acceptable – I just need it to be within driving distance.)
- A more outdoor-oriented culture (and active outdoor clubs, since that is my main social outlet). Here, I say to someone that I whitewater kayak and they say, “Oh wow. What’s that like?” I want to be somewhere where they say, “Oh wow. I mountain bike.”
- Friendlier, more open people (I'm a single, 33-yo male, btw)

Other criteria, in vaguely descending order of importance:
- In or near some kind of city. I loved Amherst/Hadley/Northampton (where I went to college). It had all the appeal of a big city (culture, educated population, great food, music) while still having a “town” feel and being easy to get out of.
- East Coast is preferable (My dad still lives in NYC and we’re very close. My business is mostly in NYC and, although it’s 95% online, it would be helpful to be able to get there somewhat easily.) That said, I’m open to any and all ideas.
- Somewhere that having a car isn’t completely insane
- Liberal politics
- Not colder than NYC, not more precipitation/less sun than NYC (probably takes out Portland, OR and Seattle, WA)

After a small amount of research, I’m intrigued by North Carolina (exactly which parts, I’m don't know). I’m still in the brainstorming stage, though, so please toss out any thoughts and suggestions.

Please please please do not go

cooker girl — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 17:21:37 -0800

Where should my liberal South African friend move? My bias: I don't want her to go! So my friend and her husband are facing the possibility of relocating to Atlanta (or the suburbs). The husband is a doctor and is about to be offered a plum job with the potential for more money. Problems: (1) She's really happy here. Moving to the states from SA was one of the most difficult things she's ever done and they've relocated a lot since coming here. She feels like she finally has her life under control and is satisfied with nearly every aspect of her life. (2a) Two of her three children have fairly severe ADHD and she's found really great doctors and would have to start from scratch (2b) and likewise with schools. Both boys are on intervention plans and starting over with a new district/principal/teachers is incredibly daunting to her. (3) While we live in a red state, we're in a moderately liberal area. She's worried that Atlanta would be a huge step backward in terms of political leanings. (4) Moving from SA to the US was a culture shock, moving from the East Coast to this red state was a culture shock, and she's not sure if she's up to moving South. (5) She is very apprehensive about uprooting the kids. The three of them are very well-adjusted here.

Pros: (1) The potential for a huge job satisfaction shift for her husband. She wants to be supportive, of course, but not necessarily at the expense of the happiness of the family unit. (2) The potential for more money. She doesn't so much care about stuff, but he isn't really making what he's worth right now.

Need: Advice on liberal-leaning, foreigner-accepting areas in or around Atlanta that have great public schools, lots of ADHD support (good doctors, I suppose), and very few social-climbing people who all have to have the "right" cars, homes, clothes, etc.

I don't want them to move. I really like the family as a whole (as do my husband and kids) and it's hard enough to find like-minded people here; it sucks when they move away. However, I'm trying to be a good friend. Help me, hivemind!

Flea Market Maven

jasondigitized — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 07:28:15 -0800

My wife and I will be moving stateside from Bermuda next year. We will be moving into an empty house with NOTHING except outdated wardrobes and cash. With that said, we will be acquiring a lot of stuff. We will need cars, furniture, appliances, electronics, art, tools, clothes, insurance, etc. etc. How can we maximize our investments in all this stuff? What is your opinion on getting good deals in each of these categories? Our financial planner suggested we incorporate to get some tax write-offs. Another friend said to look into SwapLease. Yet another said to buy all of our furniture in North Carolina. If you were starting with nothing, how would you approach it? Should I walk into Best Buy and tell the manager to make me a deal? Should we buy used cars? Hit garage sales? Buy fine art and antiques? Get a part-time job at the Gap? Where and how can I find the best deals / best investments?

Moving Company recommendation needed

FLHunter3006 — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 11:07:22 -0800

My friend and his family are relocating from Freehold New Jersey to Coral Springs Florida (Broward County) he is trying to find a moving company, but prices quoted vary greatly from company to company! Could you guys recommend an honest company that you or someone you know have used to do this kind of trip. Also any tips on what to expect will be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

To where should I move?

amethysts — Sun, 27 May 2007 06:59:51 -0800

To where shall I move? Can you recommend a good place for me to live? Background:
I am a 23 year old girl. I graduated college with a useless degree a year ago and I live in Long Island with my family to help with their mortgage. I need to move though, because i don't like long island, i don't like my job (administrative assistant) and i don't like living here. My current job has no potential for transferring somewhere better.

i'm going to be applying for grad school (information science?) in november/december but until then i have to find something to do. i can get a job doing basic administrative assistant work or maybe i can get a job in retail although i haven't done that since 2002 (i always fail those "integrity" tests.) i would rather move now then wait till i know where i'm going because my situation is ridiculous and i want to start over.

i've considered moving to westchester (new rochelle/rye/whiteplains) because i went to college there and i still know a few people there. but i also want to broaden my horizons a bit if possible.

Question:
With that in mind, i need to find a place that has these things:
- it will not take too long to find a job that pays enough money to pay my rent and car insurance. (this doesn't exist on long island).

- it won't be too hard to find nice people close to my own age who are doing interesting things that i can make friends with.

- it's not more than 4 hours away from here. (this is flexible, but that's where everyone i know is, and i don't want to be *too* far away from them)

- preferably it has a pretty good craigslist or some way to start this process now.

Is there a place like that?

Secondary question:
Move, then job? Or job, then move? Do I have to get a phone number for the area code i'm targeting?

Raleigh The Troops

jasondigitized — Wed, 02 May 2007 04:52:47 -0800

After leaving Bermuda in the near future ( 6 year term limit ), my fiance and I will be relocating to the States. One place that looks great, based on demographics, trends, and our own personal requirements is Raleigh-Durham. We are actually going to visit for a few days in June to check it out. What should we do while we are there to get a good feel for the area? What neighborhoods should we drive through? Shopping and entertainment 'districts'? Parks, Schools, Libraries, Gyms, Churches, etc. etc. How can we make the most out of our visit? She is an accountant. I am in I.T. We would like to have kids soon. We are both pretty outgoing, active, and down-to-earth. If you have lived, or are living there currently, what is your take? Good choice? Does it look a lot better on paper than it actually is? Can I really get a nice house for 300k? Does traffic suck? Cool people? What's the scoop?

How do I relocate?

emptyinside — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:18:15 -0800

Relocation/Jobhunt Filter: Partner and I just graduated college (no savings, short job history) looking to move from rural California to a more metropolitan area. We both work as creatives, she does marketing & print, I do A/V & Internet... How does one do this with little money and a very modest portfolio? Been living in a tiny town (20,000) for the last 5 years, going to a college, whose initials remind me of a sneeze. Met the girl, we each graduated with two degrees, and are looking to get the hell outta dodge. The reasons are numerous: 1) Few professional growth opportunities. 2) Intellectual Inbreeding. 3) High rents, low income. Sure, it's nice and quiet and isolated... but it's gotten weary. So, being the security-minded monkeys that we are, we gotta make sure the next tree has some fruit for us. Meaning, we need to have work before we move.

At our level, very few jobs seem to provide relocation assistance. Getting the job seems like an immense hassle, simply interviewing involves taking time off work, hotel rooms and >$250 in expenses. JobDango, Monster, Craigslist, has interesting stuff, it's just hard to make an impression, much less secure an interview from hundreds of miles away. I've tried contacting centers of commerce, but most relocation information seems to be oriented towards the 'you have a home, and need another one' type of thing. Hardly my problem. I can't see the american dream of home ownership working for me in the next 20 years. Anyway I digress...

I currently work in a place where I can do what I enjoy, video & audio, which is important. I don't want to go back to being a web monkey, or worse, retail clerk. My girl is less attached. When I move, I want to stay in my field, which is a hard one to get into. Compromises, I suspect will have to be made.

We are looking at Portland, Seattle or Vancouver. Any market specific tips would be appreciated, as well as stories from someone who has experienced the same thing. Any Americans grab Canadian dual-citizenship? I'd like to know that process, additionally.

That's all. Thanks bunches for anything you might provide.

Swede in New York

dshargel — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 12:14:29 -0800

I need to provide a foreign student studying in Sweden with information about relocating to New York for a semester. Specifically, she needs to know about the cost of food, housing, etc. Ideally, I'd like to find a website where all of this information is compiled. Now, I live in New York, and could probably guess what it will cost this person to move here, but I would like something a little more official, or quasi-official, or just more official than me. Also, if anyone has an idea how living in Sweden compares with New York, I'd appreciate it.

COBRA across state lines

jimmy0x52 — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 08:57:28 -0800

COBRAFilter: I'm quitting Thursday and moving out of state. Can I still use COBRA? COBRA allows you to keep your health plan(s) - but - most insurance is in a specific state. I.e. when I move to Texas from Arizona, can I still get COBRA that works in Texas or am I SOL?

My company currently resides in FL and I work in AZ as a contractor for a client so I know that they had to find difference insurance for me in AZ than the FL people.

californication

fumbducker — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 07:33:02 -0800

does anybody here live in big sur, california, and if so, is it possible to live there unless you are megarich? what type of jobs are in the area? whats it like to live there? can my wife and i pulling in about $150k live there? ive never been there but it seems like a place i would rather live in than north jersey. im kind of obsessed with it....

Yank needs advice on settling in Montreal

concourse — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 20:43:27 -0800

How to settle in Montreal? I have decided to move to Montreal this summer. It has been my dream to live there since I first visited four years ago. However, after months of job hunting I am still without a job offer and working permit and am concerned about my chances of finding long-term employment once I arrive there.

I will be in Montreal next week interviewing with an agency that specializes in Internet marketing, the field I currently work in. If they hire me and HRSDC confirms the job offer I am home free. If not, I will still move and instead work odd jobs (i.e., off-the-books) to pay the rent until I find long-term employment.

I need advice on the following:

1. What kind of temporary employment can a foreign national without a work permit easily find in Montreal (or in any big city)?
2. Will wages from temporary, service-level work, be enough to cover basic living expenses like food and rent in Montreal?
3. How might working off-the-books affect my future chances at permanent residency?
4. Should I start by subletting an (studio) apartment from someone? Also, can I expect to find reasonably priced apartments that are not far from the city centre?
5. Other than personal identification, do I need to show Canadian border officials specific documents when entering Canada for an extended visit?
6. Assuming I do not have a work permit by the time I cross the border, will border officials be suspicious if my car is carrying more 'gear' than average for a visiting American? (I would like to bring basic supplies for the apartment but can otherwise buy what I need in Montreal.)

Further background: I am 24 and live in Chicago, I have a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, five years of professional work experience in Internet marketing and marketing research, and limited (but slowly improving) French language skills.

(Also, if any Montreal MeFites are interested in grabbing a drink or checking out the Jazz Festival with me next week send me an email.)