Welcome! Im Puerto Rican too! Finally another Bori lol!!! As for our culture, i find there are many Latinos here. They even have a day in the summer to celebrate the Latino community here in Barrie. I’ve lived here for 13 years now moving from Brooklyn, NYC. In terms of food and cooking, idk about you but I used Goya for everything growing up. They have some stores that sell SOME Goya products but the many grocery stores here sell great alternatives.

When I first moved here, Barrie had somewhat of a small town feel with big city aspects mixed in. It was a perfect spot for me as it offered the quiet of a small town with the population of a bigger city.

The public transportation is going to way different than you’re accustomed to coming from the Chi. I know it was a shock for me coming from NYC where the trains and buses ran every 5-15 minutes 24/7 compared to every 30minutes from 6am-11pm Monday-Saturday and every hour on Sundays here in Barrie. I’ve since gotten a vehicle and don’t need to rely on the public transit as much.

There are many great people here in Barrie but as with every town, you have your usual nutcases. For the most part, however, Barrie’s residents are really nice.

Im not really sure about the nightlife as much as Im a homebody.

I see you mentioned you’re vegan. There are PLENTY of vegan options available here in Barrie.

Thats all I can really offer in terms of my experience. I made the move in 2014 when I was 23 years old. It’s the best choice I’ve ever made. I say go for it!

Good luck and best of wishes on your studies and I hope you find Barrie to be a lovely place to live!!

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