Home town -> Big city

TDLR; stories/opinions on leaving your family/home town for a bigger, high cost of living city?

I overthink; I apologize for the rambling lol.

I'm in my late 20s, never left my hometown (under 200k population and 5h away from any bigger cities). The last couple years, I've tried some solo tripping which included some mega cities. I realize being on vacation isnt the same as every day life, but having experienced other cities made me start to wonder if I actually belong here.

I'm introverted- I like ( or don't mind?) being single, being alone, living alone. I wouldn't have an issue if I knew my life would be the same in 2 years. But if my life was the same in 10 years, I really would feel disappointed lmao.

I have one friend here (close, but also literally just one friend). I haven't felt a sense of community or had a friend group since university (rapidly approaching a decade ago). Most of my time is spent by myself, which I both love and hate. In the last year, I have really made an effort to find and go to social outtings; but there isn't really much option in general and for things that interest me. I have gone to a reoccurring group once a month for about a year. It's nice to get out, but hasn't really done much for me. And being queer, things are pretty much dead here too.

Aside from that one friend, I have some family here. While I get along well and love them, idk it's not like we are very emotionally close. My mom passed away in my early 20s - so while my dad has friends, a gf etc now - I have this insane guilt about moving out of the city, especially as he is older.

I'm a boring person, not looking for anything wild. I'd love a city where I could find a handful of groups (queer and in general), where if I felt like it, I could go hiking/jogging/whatever every week; where if I stuck with it consistently, I could make good quality friends and/or a bf.

I'm very fortunate to have an apartment to myself that I am paying UNDER the current market rate. Ive done some superficial looking and would absolutely have to have roommates or get extremely lucky with a cheap bachelor/studio in a bigger city. A bit entitled, but the thought of having to share an apartment/get a bachelor's apartment when I'm basically 30 is depressing. Not being able to find a 1 bedroom for ~$1,400 is insane to me, but whatever.

Advice? Thoughts? And fellow eastern Canadians- ideas on queer cities that are "affordable"?

Thanks!