Is it sensible to return to Canada, and where?

I'm a Torontonian but have lived in the UK for 19 years. BUT my life has totally changed beyond all recognition and so I am thinking of whether I should stay here.

Until about a year ago, I was married to an English guy. We had raised two children to adulthood here in northern England. The National Health Service even cured my son's cancer when he was not expected to survive, and they received a good education up to university graduation. We had a little house on the coast of Spain and were planning to move there shortly, as my health isn't good and I had to leave my job. But we had our long-planned Spanish move imminent and things were looking up.

THEN, without warning my husband of 28 years suddenly deserted me 13 months ago and moved a girlfriend of 7 weeks into our Spanish home. I haven't seen him since. I was forced to apply for a divorce to get some money, although we hadn't a lot between us. He has the casita and I have a house here with a mortgage, which I can't hold (the Spanish one was worth much less). I don't have a job and live on UK disability benefits, but the current government is cutting them next year, to add to my woes.

I have been thinking of returning to Canada and with my house equity could buy a duplex in Windsor, let's say, and receive rent too, as well as living there. Because I have a small pension, it would take me some ways to surviving, although I would probably have to get a part-time job if anyone will hire me (I have very good qualifications, experience including in Canada, but am disabled and 56). I don't want to rent for the rest of my life, so please don't suggest Toronto or Vancouver. On current money (and the pound's value is low) I can't really even afford London, Ontario. However, I will have some cash after my house sells, better than nothing, and need to rebuild my life after this disaster.

With property prices so high in the UK, and the horrendous current government cutting right, left and centre, my adult children have also considered returning to the land of their birth. Is Windsor really terrible? Views are divided - I've been there once, but just for a day. In the UK I can only afford a dreadful little terrace house in northern England or a studio flat in a southeast seaside town (and even that would be a struggle). I have a chance to live in what looks like nice houses on treed streets in the centre of Windsor. It's all daunting for someone who's rather disabled but I have to do something.

Please give me some advice on this issue, if you can. Thanks a lot!

I recently returned to Canada after 17 years although not due to the same circumstances I am reasonably happy with my choice. I was 9 when I left Ontario and am 26 now-I always knew I would come home.
I feel you about Toronto I wanted to move there but it is too expensive so instead chose Guelph. Guelph, while not as exiting as Toronto is a nice enough place and cheaper so I would reccomend somewhere like there-I can give you more info if you wish.
Do you have any family/friends in Canada? If so, perhaps they can give you a place to stay until you found your own place.
Its really hard to give advice on whether someone should leave and make a change I guess it depends on the person.
As I said, while our circumstances are different I too spent many years in the UK and am happy to pass on my thoughts about life back in Canada.
Ben

Guelph is a cute little University town (Equine Guelph anyone?! ).

I'm in Burlington and don't mind it. Nothing exciting but we at least have the GO Train to get into Toronto (not that it's very reliable lol especially during the winter).

Hamilton is quite cheap to buy a house however the property taxes are astronimical.

I believe that it would be a good idea to return to Canada, There may be several programmes available to help you make the transition more smoothly. It is up to you to do the research on how the provincial and federal government may help you. Repatriation is certainly something that I am considering. Ontario is a very large province and I am sure that if you are willing to not be too near Toronto, you should be able to find a good place to live and sette in nicely. My cousins have a home near Muskoka and the drive there from Toronto is beautiful and not very long. there is even a Walmart nearby and many restaurants. Keep in touch.