The Exclave Experience: Relocating To 'Almost Canada'

The speaker explains why he left a cramped, drafty house near Seattle during the pandemic and moved to Point Roberts, Washington. This small US exclave sits south of the 49th parallel and can only be reached by road through Canada. He describes the lower housing costs compared with Vancouver, the absence of state income tax, lower property taxes, and a quieter, more affordable lifestyle with beaches within walking distance.

The middle of the talk focuses on the trade-offs. Residents cross the border frequently, must complete the ArriveCAN app for each Canadian crossing, and can pursue NEXUS enrollment for faster lanes, though enrollment has been slowed by a dispute over armed US officers in Canada. Border agents can search anyone, and a criminal record, including a DUI, can block entry. Goods bought in Canada, bonded freight, and limited online delivery options all shape daily life. Internet is the weakest point, with slow DSL, Starlink with mixed results, and LTE as alternatives. The speaker also covers the pandemic border closure, the limited local services, and the small year-round population.

He closes by arguing that a safe, geographically isolated place close to a major city could draw the kind of creative community that gathers at hacker summer camps, and he invites listeners to visit. The takeaway for anyone considering a similar move is to check residency rules, criminal history eligibility, and border procedures before committing.