Moving To USA from Toronto

Cultural Heritage & Historic Charm

Every region of the USA has a story to tell — rich in tradition, art, architecture, and cultural pride.

Key cultural highlights by region:

• Northeast – Revolutionary history in Boston and Philadelphia, Ivy League institutions, art museums, and classic American architecture.
• South – Jazz, blues, country music, historic plantations, and culinary traditions like barbecue and Creole cuisine.
• Midwest – Known for its deep Indigenous and immigrant roots, industrial history, and strong sense of community.
• West Coast – Creative innovation, diversity, and a blend of global cultures, especially in California and Washington.
• Southwest – A mix of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican heritage, seen in architecture, art, and festivals.

Canadians moving to USA gain access to a wide cultural landscape that blends modern living with meaningful local traditions.

High Quality of Life & Infrastructure

Across many regions of the USA, residents enjoy strong infrastructure and a well-rounded quality of life — particularly in suburban and urban areas.

What contributes to high living standards:

• Modern transportation networks – Highways, subways, commuter trains, and international airports.
• Access to healthcare – While private, the USA has advanced medical facilities and specialist care.
• Education options – Excellent public and private schools, plus renowned post-secondary institutions.
• Green space and recreation – National parks, biking trails, and community spaces are well integrated into cities and suburbs.
• Civic services – Waste management, emergency services, and utilities are reliable and widely available.

For Canadians used to structure and convenience, many US regions offer comparable — and sometimes enhanced — infrastructure and service quality.

Top Cities & Regions to Live in the USA

From bustling metros to calm coastal towns, Canadians can choose a location that suits both lifestyle and logistics. Here’s a look at popular destinations:

1. New York City, NY

• Global business hub with rich culture, theatre, and food
• Ideal for professionals in finance, media, or international trade
• Extensive public transit and major international airports

2. Los Angeles, CA

• Centre for entertainment, tech, and startups
• Coastal living with access to beaches and mountains
• Diverse neighbourhoods with strong creative communities

3. Austin, TX

• Fast-growing city known for tech jobs and live music
• No state income tax and a lower cost of living than many coastal cities
• Popular among Canadian entrepreneurs and digital nomads

4. Seattle, WA

• Close to the Canadian border
• Major companies like Microsoft and Amazon headquartered here
• Great for outdoor enthusiasts — near mountains, water, and forests

5. Miami, FL

• Warm, tropical climate year-round
• Latin American influence, with strong cultural identity
• Thriving industries include tourism, trade, and healthcare

6. Chicago, IL

• Strong job market in finance, healthcare, and logistics
• Urban living with historic architecture and deep cultural roots
• Central location for easy travel across the country

Each city offers a distinct vibe and economic profile — your choice depends on career goals, family needs, climate preference, and lifestyle.

Thriving Job Market & Economic Growth

The USA is home to some of the world’s most influential industries and employers. For Canadians looking to advance their careers or start fresh, opportunities are vast.

Top sectors attracting Canadians:

• Technology – Silicon Valley, Seattle, Austin, and Boston host thousands of tech firms.
• Finance and Consulting – New York, Chicago, and San Francisco offer major career pipelines.
• Healthcare – Doctors, nurses, and health researchers are in demand across most states.
• Creative Industries – From film to design, cities like LA, New York, and Atlanta are cultural hotspots.
• Engineering and Construction – Infrastructure and urban development projects offer hands-on roles across the country.

With a larger economy and broader scope of industries, the USA appeals to Canadians ready to take the next step in their professional lives.

The USA Housing Market – Where to Live?

Choosing where to live in the USA depends on lifestyle, work location, and housing budget. While some metro areas have high housing costs, many suburbs and secondary cities offer excellent value.

Common housing options for newcomers:

• Urban condos or apartments – Convenient for city workers, with access to public transit and amenities
• Single-family suburban homes – Ideal for families looking for space, schools, and community living
• Townhomes and gated communities – Popular in southern states and warmer climates
• Short-term rentals – Flexible option during your settling-in phase

Housing markets to consider:

• Affordable housing regions: Texas, Arizona, North Carolina, and parts of the Midwest
• Premium markets: California, New York, and coastal Florida
• Balanced cities: Colorado, Oregon, and Pennsylvania offer good value with strong services

Tippet Richardson helps coordinate your delivery dates and household goods planning in alignment with your housing situation — whether you’re moving into a permanent home or starting with a temporary rental.

After You Arrive to USA

Once your shipment arrives and you’ve entered the United States, your focus will shift toward settling in — and it’s important to have a checklist ready.

Important tasks after arriving:

Receive your shipment
Your Tippet Richardson coordinator will arrange delivery, unloading, and unpacking based on your destination address and availability.

Set up key services
Utilities, internet, phone plans, and vehicle registration should be handled shortly after arrival.

Update legal documents
You may need to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN), US driver’s licence, and update your banking details.

Register children in school
If this hasn’t been completed prior, most public and private schools have rolling admissions and support for international families.

Familiarise yourself with local services
Locate nearby healthcare providers, grocery stores, community centres, and other essentials in your area.

Stay connected with your coordinator
Your Tippet Richardson point of contact remains available to assist with any post-move questions or concerns.

We aim to make your first weeks in the USA as seamless as possible, with practical support and reliable communication throughout.

How to Move to the USA from Toronto

International moves involve more layers of coordination than domestic ones — especially when crossing borders. At Tippet Richardson, we help simplify this process with clear steps, expert planning, and premium service.

Our process includes:

Step 1: Consultation & Survey
We conduct a virtual or in-home survey to assess your household and build a tailored move plan.

Step 2: Planning & Scheduling
We align your move with your visa timeline, desired delivery window, and housing availability in the USA.

Step 3: Packing & Preparation
Our professional packers use high-quality materials to secure your belongings for international transit.

Step 4: Customs & Documentation Guidance
We help you prepare the required paperwork for US customs clearance — including inventories, declarations, and applicable forms.

Step 5: Transit & Tracking
Your shipment is monitored closely. We provide updates and maintain contact until your goods arrive safely at your new US home.

Step 6: Delivery & Settling In
We coordinate final delivery and offer unpacking services to help you get settled with minimal disruption.

Each move is unique, and our consultative approach ensures your relocation reflects your needs, timeline, and destination.

Shipping Household Goods to the USA

Transporting your personal belongings across the border requires specific documentation and adherence to customs regulations. Tippet Richardson provides full-service support to ensure your shipment is compliant and secure.

What to expect with cross-border shipping:

Customs declarations
A detailed inventory and customs forms are required for entry into the USA. We assist in preparing these and explaining the process.

Duty-free eligibility
If you meet certain criteria (e.g., relocating for work or residency), you may qualify for duty-free entry of used household goods.

Prohibited and restricted items
Items such as certain food products, plants, or hazardous materials may be restricted. We’ll advise you on what can and can’t be included.

Carrier liability and transit insurance
Tippet Richardson will explain the level of coverage included in your move and offer options for additional protection during transit.

Storage-in-transit options
If your US residence isn’t ready, we can arrange secure short-term storage of your shipment before final delivery.

By working with an experienced Canadian moving company familiar with US requirements, you reduce the risk of delays and ensure that your goods cross the border smoothly and on schedule.