I was in the states working for a few years, and 1/2 of that was while living in canada.

I echo Roarmeister's comments about getting a good tax accountant. If you choose the path of living in windsor, ontario and workign in the states (in that area they are called 'commuters'), then you need a tax guy that can handle both countries. If your going to live in the states, declare non-residency. Usually you have to move all your bank accounts, credit cards, sell all property, etc before canada will grant it to you. But in some cases, thats not true. Basically, pead your case with them and see where it goes. Worse case, hire a lawyer. (been through all of it - twice).

Culture shock is all relative. You can get it from going from rural New Brunswick to downtown Toronto. There will be places in the states that will 'shock' you and others that won't. My suggestion is to take a road trip down south and visit some areas your thinking of moving too.

The exchange rate now is crap when sending money back home. But don't let that choose where you want to go. Pick a place where you want to live and work.

My suggestion is to keep your options open. If your thinking of moving to another country, don't set your sites on USA only. Many other countries out there that will offer what your looking for.

Kris