Any happy expats in the US? reading a lot of negative comments... specifically from UK!
Posted by Realistic-Quality877@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 92 comments
Hello - I would like to hear good (and bad I guess) stories of immigration to the US. Specifically
1) Where you came from?
2) Which state you are in?
3) Did you have reservations? For which reason did you move, love, work?
4) Any advice to keep me sane during this whole packing boxes/moving dogs across countries/dealing with moving crap?
5) Just generic comparisons from UK to US - yes I know its car dependent, yes I know trump is a worry, but what about the actual positives? Or, if you regret it, then why?
Local-Role-6100@reddit
I would like to move back but I have kids and grandkids here. Not sure how safe its going to be for any immigrant here, it seems 50 percent of the US voting population hates immigrants. Not sure what to expect going firward but it isnt what it was here 30 years ago
1Angel17@reddit
1) I’m from the US, my husband is from Belgium, we will likely move “back” to the US from the EU in the next few years. 2) We plan to move to TX or FL, we have more conservative views on life so I would love to stay in the south, and we don’t mind the heat. 3) We will be moving for quality of life, we live in one of the most expensive countries in Europe and while social benefits are great my husband enjoys work and in the US we can afford for me to be a SAHM and also have a nice house, cars, live in a good area and have good healthcare. 4) Don’t move with a lot, there are great thrift stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army to shop at and Facebook marketplace too for things but overall with no VAT things are over all cheaper in the US, just take a look at Amazon US website and you see a big difference. For the dog, try to get him/her as excess baggage if you can, this would save you a lot of money. 5) I don’t think Trump is a worry, I’ll be happy to move back sooner if he wins tbh (not a popular opinion on Reddit so ready for the downvotes). But crime has increased in a lot of Democratic cities so when you’re looking to move somewhere look at the crime statistics. In the US we have apps such as Spotcrime and others that show all sorts of information, it’s good to know so you don’t end up in a bad area. 6) Have fun! In the US we always open our arms to new people, it might seem fake and of course some people are but most people are curious, welcoming and kind. We smile a lot and there’s lots to do and see, good luck and safe travels!
cafecake@reddit
Not downvoting or judging but curious on your thoughts about Trump. I understand you have conservative views- is that the only reason for your support for Trump or anything specific you believe/ support in him specifically. Again, would love an honest & open answer, absolutely no disrespect intended & would encourage others to be respectful too. P.S- As an expat in the UK currently, I do agree with most of your points above & I’m from Tx.
1Angel17@reddit
I’m voting for Trump and I hope he wins for multiple reasons. I’ll talk about the top 3 because I could go on.
Military. I’ll preface this with I’m a veteran, and the daughter of a retired army colonel. During Trump’s presidency we weren’t brought into any new wars or proxy wars (Ukraine, we’re in a proxy war, Biden has sent billions upon billions of taxpayer dollars, it’s incredible and not in a good way. I’m not saying I don’t support the war effort, but the amount that we have put into another country and not our own is ridiculous). During Biden’s presidency we had the devastating Afghanistan withdrawal where billions of dollars of equipment, planes, weapons were left behind, our afghani allies were hung out to dry AND 13 US Service members died. The drone attacks this year where another 3 soldiers were killed. We’ve also had 7 embassies evacuated under Biden, that’s never happened, nor should it.
Immigration. Under Biden over 7 million illegal aliens have successfully entered the US. They’re getting free healthcare, shelter, food, social security, meanwhile one millions of Americans are homeless or in poverty and two what about those of us who are doing the immigration process the legal way? Spending thousands of dollars, waiting years just to work hard and pay taxes for people that say they want a better life but are committing so much of the crime in our cities? It doesn’t make sense. Then that brings me to the point about crime, it’s only gotten so much worse in blue cities, NYC and Chicago have always been a zoo, but now? Ha, I wouldn’t go there at all. You have democrat politicians allowing illegals to take up schools, hospitals, physically attack police officers, what?? It’s insanity.
Economy. I hear Biden talking about jobs, I watched his “debate”, I will say Trump was also disappointing. But he’s been talking about how inflation isn’t bad and he’s brought so many jobs, sorry but that’s a straight up lie. I bought my house in 2019 at 2.25% interest, now you can’t get below 5, and that’s with excellent credit and a generous down payment, and almost no debt! I work in finance, I’m not deaf, dumb, or blind. This administration has been manipulating the numbers and doesn’t understand that the average person can, in fact, notice that the price of a cart of groceries has gone up exponentially. Gas used to be $2.30 for premium, now it’s $4.67 (where I was in the US). If I didn’t own my house and had to buy now, my payments would go from $1331 (including all taxes, was $1131 when I bought it) to almost double at around $2400, unreal. I am in a great financial position but still, it’s just sad that this is the reality, and I know way too many people are struggling.
These are my biggest things, as they all directly impact my family and I. I would love to move back but to be honest if Biden wins again (somehow), I don’t want to. It’s not going to be a safe place, and not somewhere I want my children to grow up and that breaks my heart because my parents worked really hard to give my siblings and I a pretty good childhood. But I’m going for a month in October, we all are, so my husband will have a bit more time in the US then just 10-14 days so we will see! Maybe he will change his mind, but we’re going to FL & DeSantis has done a great job of running things (IMHO). But anyway, sorry for the late response, wanted to give a real answer. I’m also open for respectful discussion, which is hard to come by these days haha. That being said I’d love ti hear your thoughts as well.
Mangodust@reddit
How can 7 million illegal aliens successfully enter the US? That number can only be counted if they were documented? Could you share where you got that number?
1Angel17@reddit
Just because they are undocumented doesn’t mean they’re not illegal aliens. “We” haven’t been deporting them, so they’re entering and then being allowed to stay in the US until their court dates. Here is the link that says it’s exceeded 7 million:
https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/nationwide-encounters
Here’s another link that does a better job explaining the process and what happens to those who are crossing illegally:
https://www.cbp.gov/frontline/border-crisis-cbp-s-response
Mangodust@reddit
Those links refer to border crossings and they also say they turned away anyone without a baby. It’s not 7 million successfully migrating into the US by any stretch…
What would Trump do differently?
1Angel17@reddit
Not to be rude but you didn’t read the article or look at the statistics that I also shared with you.
This is part of the article:
“the illegal aliens were allowed to stay while their asylum claims make it through the courts, a process so backlogged it lasts for years. It’s a fact not lost on the criminal organizations profiting off the exploitation of migrants.”
“These families are not concerned with being caught by the Border Patrol; they are actually turning themselves in, knowing that they will be processed and released with a court date years in the future”
“only 1.5% of family units from Central America caught in 2017 were sent back to their home countries”
“In addition to having a roof over their heads out of the summer heat, CBP provided hot meals and snacks, hygiene kits, medical services, transportation, sleeping mats, blankets, drinking water, diapers, wipes, baby formula and clothing sets.”
““The supplemental has provided much-needed resources for the care and processing of the record-breaking numbers of migrants illegally crossing our Southwest border,”
The statistics are self explanatory.
Only NOW has this administration done what Trump already did and said he would. Here’s a link:
https://www.dhs.gov/immigrationlaws#:~:text=Migrants%20that%20are%20caught%20crossing,the%20Department%20of%20Homeland%20Security.
1Angel17@reddit
These are my biggest things, as they all directly impact my family and I. I would love to move back but to be honest if Biden wins again (somehow), I don’t want to. It’s not going to be a safe place, and not somewhere I want my children to grow up and that breaks my heart because my parents worked really hard to give my siblings and I a pretty good childhood. But I’m going for a month in October, we all are, so my husband will have a bit more time in the US then just 10-14 days so we will see! Maybe he will change his mind, but we’re going to FL & DeSantis has done a great job of running things (IMHO). But anyway, sorry for the late response, wanted to give a real answer. I’m also open for respectful discussion, which is hard to come by these days haha. That being said I’d love to hear your thoughts as well.
vixenlion@reddit
You must have seen some really bad changes in Belgium since you have been there. Is your husband Flemish? I use to live a Flemish area in Spain.
1Angel17@reddit
Yes, he’s Flemish
vixenlion@reddit
Flemish cowboy https://youtu.be/eMjulfKXjKU?si=lyDTHPZWJJuwKmVA
1Angel17@reddit
Haha I’ll send this to him, thank you lol
amoryblainev@reddit
Original-Storm-7593@reddit
Ok I’m from the uk and never even visited the USA but I know many Europeans who moved to the USA and freaking LOVE IT!
Ppl go online to complain because they don’t feel comfortable complaining in real life as they don’t want to bring others down but I promise you lots of Europeans and Brit’s love it over there.
Personally it’s not for me but i definitely get the appeal/ I think you need to assess what you truly want out of life and be honest about the pitfalls
Pitfalls like - are you ok with driving everywhere?
can you handle ppl being overly nice and maybe a bit over friendly (depending on where in the USA you move to?
are you prepared for a very different climate?
are you adaptable to cultural differences?
how do you handle stress like job insecurity? More crime (again location dependent)
ppl are much more opinionated and will you feel comfortable around ppl discussing controversial topics more openly?
have you already considered areas you might struggle and ways you will mitigate that?
Anyway- lots of Europeans love the freedom, nature that is completely wild unlike in England, dramatic landscapes, more money and career progression, the feeling you can do anything, amazing food, endless stuff to do
I would never move to the USA though unless you have a very well paying job otherwise you will just be struggling and not get to enjoy all the perks, USA doesn’t seem like a fun country to struggle in
-
amoryblainev@reddit
“Driving everywhere” is also location dependent. Many people who live in major cities don’t have cars. I lived in Philadelphia for 15 years and never owned or drove a car. My sister lives in Washington DC and doesn’t own a car.
Hellolaoshi@reddit
The gap between the rich and the poor is a very real problem in the USA. Also, it is possible to not be poor, but to find that you are always working but can't save a lot.
Original-Storm-7593@reddit
Yah then don’t move
Spain, Italy, Greece those are countries that can still be nice on a low income (good weather, nice beaches, don’t need a car, beauty everywhere)
USA is where you move to if you want the good life- big house, nice car, meals out
Pin_ellas@reddit
You better be coming here with big money. And be properly insured or not sick.
Hellolaoshi@reddit
That is true. I once saw a TV documentary about British citizens who had started companies on the American E-2 visa. You needed at least $500,000 and had to hire Americans to qualify.
A lot of these people did very well. Some were very happy, especially the café owners. One lady worked in infomercials, and she liked her job, but she had to have high energy. There was a third couple. Their business did very well, but...oops. The husband had prostate cancer. And oops, just one more thing. His health insurance did not cover it. So, they had no choice but to sell up and go back to the UK, and socialised medicine.
Fancy_Plenty5328@reddit
You don't have to drive everywhere though. There are some cities that are walkable or have good public transit. Fortunately I have lived in DC and Boston after living in Spain.
wagdog1970@reddit
Exactly. People tend to come online to complain. People that are happy are out living their lives. As for the US, yes the political and labor systems are different. If you don’t want different, that’s fine but don’t expect Europe (or the UK) when you choose to move away from it
proof_required@reddit
Reddit is very US dominated and hence their who complains are also very loud and visible. Lot of issues Americans are facing like high costs, expensive housing etc are much worse outside of US. It's just that you aren't going to read it in English media.
Low salary, unaffordable housing, failing pension system etc are very prevalent around Europe but it's just that those issues are mostly discussed in local news and hence don't reach out to wider audiences. You do hear a bit about how Spanish are complaining about over tourism leading to them being priced out etc.
NoMoeUsernamesLeft@reddit
If you're not affected by politics, and the nuances that you learn from living there for over 15 years, yes there's less to worry about. There are always pros+cons. You ultimately accept the current situation as good and this applies to most countries when you immigrate.
I think specifically people see rapid success starting businesses. But if you have dependents and aren't making buckets of money, most of same problems follow you.
To be happy we all need balance and the way the US is trending, it's unsustainable. Not everyone can make a lot of money, and so someone else's comfort will be sacrificed. Education, failing infrastructure, housing costs, safety, childcare, beautification, decisive politics, etc. It is framed as charity rather than a benefit.
Rarely when Americans go to Europe do they complain about the free museum, clean streets and affordable education. In fact, I anecdotally spoke with a conservative couple who visited Canada and positively raved about the affordable healthcare and housing.
Many people don't know what they are missing until they experience it both ways.
FloridaSunshineYes@reddit
I find US politics extremely entertaining.
LyleLanleysMonorail@reddit
Even in Europe people will be affected by politics though, for better and for worse.
FloridaSunshineYes@reddit
Typically for worse. NL for example has dysfunctional government policies.
FloridaSunshineYes@reddit
I do not miss 50% less salary, 2X the taxes, the tiny houses, tiny and expensive cars, crappy weather and population density of NL. Aside from punitive government interference in NL that is suffocating compared to FL.
SatoshiThaGod@reddit
Affordable housing? In Canada? Was their visit in 1985?
NoMoeUsernamesLeft@reddit
This was 2012ish. These people were/are American doctors.
FloridaSunshineYes@reddit
The US is way better than the EU/EFTA.
FloridaSunshineYes@reddit
1: NL. 2: FL. 3: No. life is an adventure. My wife is a USC. 4: Less is more. 5: Lots of driving but more larger parking spots. Cheaper cars and petrol. Ignore politics. Amazing weather. Cheap larger houses with lots of bathrooms and larger yards. HOAs with pools, tennis courts, golf course, playgrounds, boat docks, walking trails. Double the income. Half the tax. Amazing.
cafecake@reddit
I love the honesty on this post & I am so glad you said it as it is. A lot of people talk shit about the US & how bad it is. It is the same & different kinds of bad everywhere + the unnecessarily inconvenient everyday lives. I have said this recently to so many people I meet (as an expat in the UK), that no one does ease of living & comfort of life better than the US esp if you are in a regular white collar profession or higher.
FloridaSunshineYes@reddit
Yes. And there is so much free $ in the US. Coupons, timeshare presentations, credit card incentives/points/offers, banking incentives, high yield savings accounts, sweepstakes, rebates, sales and so on. Customer service is paramount. All these things are minimal in the UK/EU/EFTA. No waiting lists for medical services. No gatekeeping for healthcare either: direct access to specialists. Truly an amazing place.
BassMasta@reddit
Expat from Canada living in the US. Currently in Massachusetts. (Didn’t realize it would be so expensive but I love everything about it). Everyone’s circumstances are different, and I already had citizenship so I figured why not. For me it wasn’t too culturally different, I’m sure in another state it would be. But I think someone from the UK would have a harder time because I can at least hide where I’m from. The most annoying being people assuming I want to meet someone else from Canada or that I’d have some sort of connection to them (which I often do). For me it was career wise, just more opportunities. It is very hard to move to a new country (even thought I was able to drive). Make sure to stay connected to your friends back home. That’s what helps me.
LyleLanleysMonorail@reddit
In my experience, many Canadians under-estimate how expensive the expensive states/cities in the US can be. Depending on stage of life and personal spending habits, it can be more expensive or on par. But I guess it makes sense, since I see people compare Toronto and Buffalo, NY, which is not a fair comparison at all.
BassMasta@reddit
You make a good point. I did Toronto to Boston essentially which is pretty similar. Not sure what Toronto is like post pandemic though.
roger_the_virus@reddit
I’m from the UK and have been in Southern California for ten years. I love it, I’m never moving back. Pros and cons have been well documented but I’m making more $, and live in an amazing climate.
ceramicfiver@reddit
How do you feel about how your skin will age more rapidly in SoCal and that you’re more likely to get skin cancer?
I’m legitimately curious
Personally, I am not anti sun screen, I just don’t like how greasy it is, how it’s so difficult to get off, reapplying it is such a chore, and remembering to bring it and reapply it
I’d rather live in the UK and wear a coat, hat and scarf
roger_the_virus@reddit
Weird discussion point but in context the vast majority of planet earth lives in a similar climate to me, it’s barely a thought in anybody’s mind at all.
Skating_suburban_dad@reddit
From Denmark moved to south Florida for work with the family. I make more money than in Denmark but COL is insane so we are struggling more than when living in Denmark.
We love it and it's a cool adventure.
panicRobot@reddit
Curious, I live in Copenhagen (not a Dane) and moving soon to the PNW with my American wife. Is the higher COL a Florida thing? If you don't mind me asking, what makes the difference between ultra-costly Copenhagen and where you live?
Skating_suburban_dad@reddit
Hard to say, I spend most of my time in boca and ft. Lauderdale Areas.
Insurance is going up like crazy both housing and car.
I'm on vacation in Copenhagen right now and I think that groceries things a laughable cheap in Copenhagen. Like half price.
Restaurants, coffee and bear same priced but no tip in Copenhagen.
Car rental is more expensive in Copenhagen, can't compare public transportation since yeah... Florida.
Hotels... About the same i reckon.
Housing... Uff don't know probably cheaper in south Florida but hard to compare because while you can find cheap housing, you also get really shitty schools. Like real bad. Not the same in Denmark.
We rented a townhouse last year, 4kusd per month, 3 bd room,1500sqf, from 1985 and clearly not renovated since then. Most places, even bad ones are at that price range, that's a lot even for Copenhagen I reckon?
panicRobot@reddit
Thanks for answering.
4k per month for a rækkehus is exorbitant, but not surprising. I'm assuming it was an Airbnb and most landlords here see it as a license to print money.
Very surprised that groceries are half price here compared to the States. Will need to consider that. Over the last three years, inflation has done a number on everyone. At least in the US there's Costco
Skating_suburban_dad@reddit
That was not an airnb but a 12 months contract.
Aldi has made it's move into Florida and also the Aldi group bought trader Joe's so here's hoping they see an opportunity to shake up the market a bit.
We need rema1000 imo
Chri_ssyyyyy@reddit
From Austria moved to Colorado. Moved for work and so far I’ve been really loving it. Life is so much easier out here. The only issue I have is language barrier sometimes, but that’s only because my first language is German, so I do have an accent, but you’re from England so you’ll be just fine.
As far as moving goes, try and bring as little as possible. I moved out here with 3 suitcase and everything else came over time again.
I was able to get around 1 year without a car. Between Uber and friends I was totally able to do that. And yes politics are a big deal but they don’t influence my day to day tbh. So don’t worry too much about any of that.
I found really good friends within my first half year and I had a great time so far. I’ve been traveling and exploring a lot since I moved here and the U.S. has a lot to offer from the big cities to insane nature and landscapes. The vibes are just way more chilled and relaxed in the US compared to Europe and people are really friendly and not as grumpy lol.
Bonezy765@reddit
My ex gf was from Tirol and if me and her ever lived in the US, I only imagined she would feel comfortable in Colorado, the Cascades in the PNW, or Lake Tahoe in California. Austrians really love being by mountains and I am not surprised you chose Colorado.
Chri_ssyyyyy@reddit
We are who we are 😂
Educated_Clownshow@reddit
You chose the best state in the country IMO
I’ve lived in WA, TX, VA, SC, and now CO. None of the former compare to this place, even remotely
Team503@reddit
Colorado is pretty great, I'll admit, and I'm a Texan. Lack of proper Tex-Mex and barbecue, but you can't have everything!
DatingYella@reddit
It's not California. It's not NYC.
Function-Over9@reddit
California compares favorably to Colorado for sure, plus they have beaches. Quite a bit more expensive though.
NYC? Tons of them are moving to Colorado after they realized how great life can be when you can play in the mountains every weekend.
DatingYella@reddit
Ok partial towards nyc.
Chri_ssyyyyy@reddit
Yayyy I’m glad you like it too! Colorado is precious
DatingYella@reddit
"DMV, I WILL BE BACK ... For my license plate after I get my other paperwork"
On a separate note, it's kind of amazing that an Austrian managed to become a US governor. Seems like Austrians are pretty skilled at getting elected in others countries.
Chri_ssyyyyy@reddit
Hahahahaha DMV and social security office were WILD 😂 We love Arni!!
Anonymo123@reddit
Welcome to CO! Look up Helgas near 225\Mississippi for good German food and Uwe's in COSP if you ever get down there. Solid choices for a taste of that area.
Chri_ssyyyyy@reddit
Oh thanks so much for the tip! Appreciate it!
Pancake80@reddit
how did u move do us?
Chri_ssyyyyy@reddit
The company I work for sponsored my visa and paid for my relocation.
DatingYella@reddit
Congrats! You're successful
noctorumsanguis@reddit
I’m from Colorado and I love it!! I love the people, the nature, everything else. It’s getting quite expensive but that’s my only concern
I moved to France since I like it just as much as I like Colorado (albeit for very different reasons) and my partner lives in France. However, I certainly didn’t leave because I disliked it :) It’s always a pleasure when I get to go home for a few months. I don’t know if I’d move back to the States, but if I did it would be somewhere in the Rockies or the Pacific Northwest again
rhrjruk@reddit
I am a UK/US dual national who has move US > UK > US > UK > US over the last 50+ years.
Which country do I prefer? Whichever one I'm not living in at the moment.
Which one is most screwed up? Not sure, but neither of them is my fault because I'm never from here
WaterViper15@reddit
Yup, I'm dual US/UK here, too. I was born in the US and live in the UK at the moment. Honestly, I think I prefer the US. But again, as you said, that's probably because I'm in the UK right now...
Easy-F@reddit
oh god is this my future… haha. I feel the same. where have you lived in both? were you born in the u.k. or US?
CuriosTiger@reddit
I live in Florida (although at the moment, I am on vacation in Alaska)
There's always some trepidation with moving to a foreign country. I initially moved as a high school exchange student, then college, then work, then love. It's been a complicated immigration journey
Boxes: Label everything. Unsupportive family members: Ignore. Find supportive family members and/or friends instead.
I find car-dependent to be a positive. The roads are great, and I can go wherever I want, whenever I want, in comfort and at my own pace. It's very popular on Reddit to hate on cars, but they have a lot of positive sides. I can name other positives all day long, from the proverbial melting pot to the fantastic national parks to being able to wear a t-shirt outside in January. (Did I mention I have palm trees in my yard?)
I'm not blind to the negatives. I worry about Trump winning another election. I worry about another January 6th. I worry about gun crime. I wish people wouldn't drive drunk. I groan when people confuse Norway with Sweden. Or with the Netherlands. I miss proper bread.
But overall, I'm happy I moved. I'm fortunate in that I can have a good life in both Norway and the United States, but it's indisputable that choosing to live in the United States has made my life much more of an adventure. For better or worse. Mostly better.
SpeckledPomegranate@reddit
Love it here. The US gets a lot of unnecessary flak and everyone just concentrates on the negative news, but it is also an amazing country full of amazing people. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Humble_Hat_7160@reddit
From Australia
living in NYC for 8 years.
Moved for work, stayed for fun. No intentions to go back “home” (in fact I become a US citizen tomorrow.
Moving sucks regardless of the distance. My only advice is to treat your international move as permanent (as in, don’t leave stuff in storage). Forced you to cull and only bring what you value. Yes, you will deal with family guilt. You are an adult and need to maintain boundaries. Besides, London is only a 6 hour, relatively affordable flight away.
Politics, guns and healthcare are all a joke here, consumer culture & waste is rampant, but apart from that it’s an incredible, diverse, friendly and largely optimistic country. If you have a decent income the quality of life is unparalleled IMHO. There is more to do here than anywhere on earth and each state can feel like a different country between the landscape, climate and cultural norms. Ohio gets a bad rap but it’s central to a lot of great places and Cleveland is the least worst city (and very affordable compared to most of the country)
If you’re used to suburban living you’ll be fine in Cleveland. Decent arts scene, great sports scene, and a short, cheap flight to Chicago, Toronto, NYC, etc.
Good luck!
LyleLanleysMonorail@reddit
Did you feel that the US felt really similar to Australia? Because Australia felt so similar to the US for me. If I was randomly dropped in the middle of a Brisbane suburb, and someone told me it was Florida, I would have believed them.
Humble_Hat_7160@reddit
Yes absolutely. Manhattan is unique of course but even Brooklyn feels similar to Surry Hills or Fitzroy
905_jetman@reddit
I am in Texas and I like it. Moved from here cold Canada.
Hutcho12@reddit
The English will complain about anything. From the amount of complaints heard, I thought the UK must be amazing and then lived there for a few years and realized it’s barely a first world country. Then I found out about English exceptionalism and it all made sense.
Easy-F@reddit
where did you live in england? I always feel like the us feels like a third world country, england looks like it’s pretty nice and clean…
DifferentWindow1436@reddit
My wife was happy with the US. Also lived in Canada. As a Japanese person, the two were basically the same to her. We lived in NJ on the Hudson and worked in Manhattan. She liked the laid back culture, the space, and definitely the shopping options. The president -although a huge headline grabber- doesn't make an enormous difference on your life. Not that I don't worry for my country.
Can't advise on the UK, but worked at Reuters and hence with a number of UK expats. They seemed quite well adjusted. My advice is that perhaps you might be more comfortable in a more liberal/progressive area with a corporate job that has good healthcare benefits. You may be surprised just how good they can be. And salaries can be quite good. But this all depends on what you want.
Full disclosure - we eventually moved back to Tokyo, for the simple reason that my wife was in automotive and I was in Finance and you won't find that in NYC. She missed her career, I had several years to catch up with family so it all worked out. Good luck to you!
GraceIsGone@reddit
I am American so maybe my opinion doesn’t count, but I lived in Germany for years when I was younger and then moved back to the U.S. I’m very anti Trump but I live in a very conservative area. You’re 100% right about the president having little impact on your life. I hated Trump being president and I’m scared he’ll win again but it really didn’t change my day to day life.
DatingYella@reddit
Totally agreed. the amount of hysteria surrounding him is awful.
I want him and the entire conservative SCOTUS thrown out, but your day to day life is determined by your city and your economic circumstances more than anything.
kgargs@reddit
The USA is just so large it’s like someone saying they don’t like Europe because they had a bad experience in Paris.
It's so different on east coast vs west. Southerners vs northerners.
We don’t even get to count Hawaii and Alaska because it’s so crazy different.
But yes we have one currency and one language and no metro really lol.
Politics isn’t a thing everywhere. Guns aren't either. Religion isn’t either.
It’s very different experiences living in northeast vs Texas.
I would say the one thing that is omnipresent is the work culture.
We largely work too much for too long until we die with bankruptcy from healthcare.
That’s pretty standard unfortunately.
postbox134@reddit
I grew up near Oxford, but lived in East London immediately before moving to...
New Jersey, just outside NYC - so more like NYC than the rest of the state.
I kind of threw myself out there and moved before I could have regrets. I worked for a large US company in London and during that time I spent quite a lot of time in the NYC offices. I met someone in a different area of the company and we feel in love - doing long distance for about 2 years. During that time I made it clear to my managers that I'd like to relocate to NYC full time, and just before covid I managed to get an offer to move - which was also for a better role. So it was work and love combined. I was fortunate that it happened in 2019, after that it would have been impossible. My employer sponsored my visa and greencard, so no need for a GC marriage which I am glad about.
I moved with 2 suitcases and a carry on bag - was a nice opportunity to clear out stuff. Subsequently I have bought over more stuff in trips back home since (about twice a year) but it wasn't that bad. I am close to my family back home (and friends) - they are all still in the UK except my partner of course. Never had the guilt trip - but I do feel guilt sometimes when folks pass away/get ill/life happens and you aren't there. The worst was COVID when I was effectively stuck in the US for 2 years, which was tough. Now I have my GC that can't happen again though which is a relief - it's not that far east cost -> UK if I really need to get back.
US politics affects everyone to some extent, even if you don't live here. It's sometimes annoying not being able to vote here. I live in a non-car dependent part of the US (basically the only one is NYC) so that isn't a problem to me as much. Anywhere outside the city you have to drive though - car insurance is very expensive and terrible coverage compared to the UK. Fruit and veg is astronomical compared to the UK, plus there isn't good healthy-ish read meals either. You either cook yourself or buy very processed prepared food or eat out.
Positives are higher salary, more opportunity than the UK - the economy here is strong and the UK has stagnated for a long time now. I see that more and more when I visit - it's stuck in 2008. I enjoy the diversity we get here in NYC and the ability to travel easily to beautiful nature and national parks. Overall I don't regret it at all and more and more this is home for me.
monochromaticwords@reddit
I have a little different perspective here, but I thought I’d share. I’m from the US (Alabama, to be exact), and I met my German husband there. He lived there for 7 years, then we decided to give Germany a try. It’s been 2 years, and we are both ready to go back home.
Speaking specifically about living in the South, people are more open and flexible, and they don’t take themselves and everything they do so seriously all the time.
novicelife@reddit
So, your German husband (who already knows the INs and OUTs of Germany) and you moved to Germany for 2 years and it didnt work out? Was it primarily you not finding yourself in Germany?
monochromaticwords@reddit
Super long response incoming! Sorry for all the words. I just want to explain our situation, as it seems I came across as displeased with Germany due to some failed mission of self-discovery.
Actually, I've really enjoyed living in Germany. I'm a writer, so I work from home. I'm comfortable doing all the things I want or need to do, aside from the more complicated governmental-type stuff. I have plenty of friends, and my German is decent.
We are looking to go back to the US because we both are happier there. My husband finds life and work here far more stressful than it has to be. I'll give you a couple of examples.
He had always played in a community band, both in the US and here (the same band he played in before and after his time in the US). In the US, everyone was very chill about it. The focus was on having fun and creating an open environment for everyone to join. They played a few concerts a year at the breweries in town, and it was great. When we returned to Germany, he realized how uptight and stressed everyone was about the band. They don't want anyone to join who is at a not professional level, they get really upset if you miss a rehearsal, and the concerts are all super serious.
Oh, but it's just a community band, right? Surely that's not everything. But it's the same with the local volleyball clubs or anything else you want to do for "fun."
Another example is work. He worked in the same position for the same company in Germany and the US. In Germany, communication is terrible, no one wants to make decisions for fear of making the wrong decision, and everyone is always complaining about work even though they work 35 hours a week.
In the US, the hours were longer (typically 40-42), but people are more motivated with a "can do" attitude. People are willing to make decisions, and if something goes wrong, someone will ask you about it instead of just complaining behind your back and then being really cold.
These are just a couple of examples, but I think they hit on the core differences we noticed.
Of course, I'm more introverted and not as "involved" with extra activities and groups as he is, so I've been less phased by the cultural differences, but ultimately, he's the one who is ready to go back more than I am.
Of course, we are from the South. Maybe we are just really lucky with the community we lived in. I can't speak for the country overall. It's just what we've experienced.
GiraffeNatural101@reddit
Came from from Newcastle upon tyne in 1999 . First lived in Philadelphia, PA.. Moved to Delaware around 10 years ago, I came over on k1 Visa, we went back and forth. We got married I became an allowed resident then Naturalized about 7 years ago. I'm still married to the same girl :) I still have the remnants of a geordie accent and I still get asked If I'm Irish or " Where are you from"
Don't bring stuff you don't need :) I sold pretty much everything, I landed with 2 suitcases, a large box and a pocket full of cash. your moving for you, not your family. Its like a fresh start, yes it may be scary for the first few months while you navigate but.. work hard, and you will like it, Folks say the American dream is dead.. I worked for me..
Up and leaving was the best thing I ever did, there was no way I could have the same standard of living that I do now if I had stayed in the UK, I miss my friends, But I go back every 2 or years for 2 weeks to see close family and friends.
Unable_Tumbleweed364@reddit
I’m from Australia and I’m not happy here as I prefer Australia. I moved for love and I’m in the Midwest. It’s been four years.
ladiavolina@reddit
I'm Canadian and live in the US. I initially came to study, moved back home, and then moved back to the US for a series of progressively better job opportunities. While I do have reservations about this country, and while I miss my family, I can say that I am better off, across a variety of metrics, for having made the move. Your experience will be different from mine. You may LOVE living in the US! You may hate it, and that's ok! You won't know until you try!
Tiggon169@reddit
I am a US citizen and work in HR. For people that come here from Europe, the thing I hear the most complaints about is the health insurance system. It is so different and expensive. Insurance is often tied to your workplace and each place has different plans with different rates and things. It's a complicated system compared to the NHS.
leelam808@reddit
you have to remember complaining is part of the English culture
Pin_ellas@reddit
Big money -> less problems, less stress, and less complaints. Don't come to the U.S. poor and not insured.
moonangeles@reddit
If you want to find things to complain about, you can do it in any country. At the end of the day, life is short and for me the best thing you can do is maximize your experiences. I always say there is nothing to regret when it comes to moving to a new country. You can always move back if you hate it and you would have learned to handle things you didn’t know prior. Good luck!
piglet33@reddit
I’ll answer.
I came from south-west England, and moved over for grad school. I moved to Pennsylvania and the small, rural college town vibe was perfect for a short term. After graduating I moved all around the country for a number of years with work and experienced everything from rural living in the Deep South, fast paced city living in the northeast, slower paced city living in the Midwest, and now I’m settled in Southern California. I love the variety and diversity of land, climate, and people in this country. I love that immigrants can belong (more so than in England at least - and I’m white and highly educated which definitely skews that perspective). I was nervous and excited to move, and moving into a community where we all were away from family made it easier to build a local support system (8 years later, they’re some of my closest friends).
Family: I moved to better myself and my career prospects. I also moved to have distance from family. Living in the US has been perfect for both, for me. Setting boundaries and using time zones to your benefit can be helpful. Moving: bring a few sentimental things, some clothes for the first year, important documents etc, and leave the rest. Your tastes will change, electric is different power and sockets here, style will change. No point lugging everything over. I relocated with 2 suitcases and set aside a few hundred bucks to buy things in Walmart. Now I’d increase that budget due to increased cost of living.
There are some very real threats in the US. Politics, mass shootings, terrible drivers just to name a few. Some are in your control, but many aren’t. You adapt to it. Being chronically online makes everything worse. At the end of the day, people are people wherever you live. However, I’d have the sense to be cautious until seeing how this upcoming election cycle shakes out.
Random advice: build your local community. Build your US credit as soon as possible - nothing from the UK carries over. Make a list of things that make you feel at home and make sure you incorporate them. But mainly - build your local community. It helps with many of the things people complain about. Oh and remember your why. Why did you relocate etc. Good luck!
Omnivek@reddit
Good luck finding a proper fry up
714pm@reddit
I suggest asking about your destination state/city.
Americans are sometimes - and not entirely inappropriately - mocked on reddit for likening the states to European countries.
Yet there's some truth to the claim that living in north Georgia is very different to living in northern California. Living in Paris is very different to living in Aix, right?
I'm a Californian and have moved around the US for school, love, work, etc. I've at times felt like an utter stranger.
So I'm a bit skeptical of generalizations about the US. We have unfriendly, insular, dangerous places. Cold, cloudy, dark places. Vast stretches of suburban south Florida that seem devoted to creating an ersatz Disney Tuscany. We have politically progressive and regressive areas, often within a single state. There are states I wouldn't live in because of their politics.
Suspicious_Direction@reddit
Are you a journalist? Lol these questions are very thorough...
In all honesty everywhere has pros and cons and that includes the UK and USA.
The cost of living, healthcare costs, cost of food and the tipping culture are all negatives as far as I'm concerned, as is the lack of labour laws and vacation time.
Major benefits of living in the states is the earning potential and having a huge country to explore (if you manage to get any time off).