A new beginning: that's what our move to Hamilton was supposed to be. As the movers unloaded the last of our effects on that cool November day, my soon-to-be wife and I shared giddy visions of the great restaurants, inspiring nature trails and amazing people we'd be lucky enough to experience living in our new home. (As former Toronto condo dwellers, the three bedrooms may have heightened the excitement.)

Chris Helgren / Reuters A residential Hamilton, Ont. neighborhood, not far from ours.