I will point out the pros and cons re: living in Sarnia:
Pros:
1. It's a smaller city resulting less crime
2. Summer & Spring are bit long; so you can enjoy the good weather bit longer
3. There is a higher ratio of senior citizens living in Sarnia mainly because of it's cheaper living
4. It's a border city, so convenient travel to US
5. Good for oil/chemical/power related field
6. In long run, Sarnia offers one of the cheapest housing price in Southern Ontario
7. It's on the lake. Lots of parks, small beaches, river-view area etc.
8. For Muslims; we have 2 mosques. There are almost 70 Muslim families living in Sarnia.
Cons:
1. It's not yet a diverse city (very few black, Chinese or Arabs); only a handful of Indians. So, the odd jobs are mostly filled with white (largely HS kids or seniors). I haven't seen any Indian working in any of the chain store (restaurant/grocery) other than one of gas store where I usually go. I see 4~5 Indian students all time. And there is a new Indian restaurant (only one) as well.
The reason is first 6 months you are not allowed to work in any kind of job, by the time you get the SIN you will go for Co-op in 3sem. so most the students move to Alberta for the better future. In Sarnia you dont need to work the room rent you will pay around 160dollars and food will cost you around 100dollars. you wont think about working and can concentrate more on study.
2. Again, it's a small city, so not much opportunity for any kind of job (other than oil/chemical plant)
There are some jobs but most of them preferred to move out from this dull city.
3. Public transportation is worst here. FYI, there is no coach bus services either (only available option is train which is more expensive)
It is improved alot recently, RobertQ buses offers 5 services a day from Toronto to Sarnia. And there are lot of changes in Sarnia Transit recently. We are not having any problem with that.
4. The nearest Canadian city is London (100 km, an hour drive on highway), GTA would be 2.5~3 hour drive.
5. It's considered the "chemical valley" of Ontario. So, the risk factor of air/water pollution is always high.
6. We've only 1 mall and that's not big either.
7. If you're a Muslim, there is no halal restaurant/meat store. People either cross border and go to Detroit (1 hr drive) or drive to London for this purpose.
I think recently Superstore and food basics providing halal packed meat, i could not remember but i saw once.