[SABBATICAL!]

Hm, OK. Thanks! I may do that separation. It's really the combination of those two that is the driver though. Low cost you can get in many other small cities and towns, but Hamilton has those prices in a "big city" setting, which is the unusual thing.

I'd say Mississauga has comparable amenities to some of those you listed though... education (UofT Miss., Sheridan, Everest) and theatre companies. No? All the rest are great though, and duly noted!

And you guessed it — I'm not from Hamilton. I've had the same thing happen in Brantford. I see potential in places where most born-and-raised Brantfordites can't. Funny the way that works.