I lived in New York City for a few years. Anna Haines
After living in Brooklyn for a few years, I returned to Canada in 2018, after having lived in New York City for a while.
I am not a fan of America's healthcare system, or its lack of concern for the environment.
It is much easier to obtain cannabis in Canada because there are fewer bugs indoors.
I moved from Canada in 2018 to Brooklyn, New York. I fell in love not only with the American lifestyle, but also many other aspects.
These are the things that I miss most about living in the US.
American grocery stores can be too cold
It was so cold that I wondered if I'd get a cold from the frigid air I felt every time I entered a store. Although New York is known for its hot summers, the indoor temperatures were surprisingly cold.
Although I will still bring a sweater to the grocery shop in the summer, our stores are slightly more comfortable than those in the US.
I am not averse to the general lack of concern for the environment.
Canadians are known for being very serious about recycling and littering. Anna Haines
While some cities and states have made progress in reducing climate change, I felt that Americans often treated the environment like an afterthought.
After years of being served double-bagged groceries in NYC it was a shock to be forced to go home and have to purchase a plastic bag for any reason.
Canadians are more concerned about recycling than Americans and it would be difficult to catch one littering. Even Toronto, the most populous city in Canada, is quite spotless.
Cleaner streets also mean that there are no insects in the sheets
Although mice and cockroaches are a New York rite of passage, I have never gotten used to them.
After finding a cockroach in my bedroom and a dead mouse in my cat's mouth, I began to worry about having unwanted roommates.
I do not miss the possibility of having unexpected guests at dinner, or being surrounded by creepy crawlies while in the shower.
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With the Canadian healthcare system, I don't have to worry about getting sick.
I purchased insurance in the US but I was still afraid of being in an accident, falling seriously ill, and having to pay a high amount for hospital bills.
Canadian healthcare is not free. We pay our taxes. However, it is still remarkable.
I am grateful to be able to see a doctor and get blood work done after moving back. I just need my health card.
Real tea is easy to find
Warm tea is something I love. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Although the US has made great strides in iced tea selection, I was still served tea at restaurants.
Canada is heavily influenced by Britain so tea is taken seriously. Since I moved back to Canada, I have enjoyed having many choices when I crave a hot cup of tea during the cold months.
Our politics are more gentle
Although I grew up in a family that thought politics was impolite, I soon adapted to the American brashness and culture while living in the US. They speak up and aren't afraid to tackle big issues.
However, it was emotionally exhausting to be in NYC following the 2016 election. News bombarded every screen. People argued on the streets and wept on the subway.
The most recent Canadian election campaign was so friendly that it was hard to forget it was even happening. While I believe Canadians' insensitivity to politics can lead to a lack of important conversations, I prefer it to extreme division.
The look of confusion when you ask for the "washroom" is not what you get
When I asked US servers about the "washroom", I was often treated like an alien.
It is often called the "bathroom" in America, or worse, the "toilet". I didn't adopt the term. It is called the bathroom even though there isn't a bathtub.
Canadians may be polite but I prefer to avoid bodily excrement.
Canada is far more accessible to cannabis
Canada has legalized recreational marijuana. Adam Melnyk
It is amazing how easy it is to get marijuana in New York. Although I don't smoke a lot, I would sometimes crave some marijuana in New York City to help me sleep or relieve stress.
Despite the stigma surrounding smoking, Canada's 2018 legalization of recreational marijuana has helped to normalize cannabis use. This is especially true as more people are aware of its health benefits.
There are many cannabis shops around the block and fast delivery. I have never had to struggle to find a gummy.
More people are welcomed at our borders
While I was not referred to as a visitor or immigrant when I lived in the US, I was legally called a "resident alien". This seems to be the American approach to immigration.
Canada is home to one of the most high immigration rates in the world. We have a more open policy for immigrants and refugees, and we don’t consider them victims or outsiders.
Immigrants make up more than 20% of the country's population. They are essential to the economy as well as the identity fabric.
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