I can't speak to how things are down south, but up here it is VERY rare for a father to get full custody of the kids.
It has happened/does happen.
If I thought that I could have my kids brought back to my province I would have that done BUT IT WILL NOT HAPPEN.
Based on what? You're just 'predicting' a future scenario that HASN'T happened...yet. So....you don't know unless you go for FULL custody.
Really...what I am seeing here is that you seem have made up your mind to offer 50/50 and give up a beautiful home to move a crime-ridden area. It's your life. Not mine.
It is very important that you can LIVE with this choice and quite comfortable with it because YOU will need live with the consequences of your decisions.
Okay...it's on! Then work with L on the 50/50 custody.