Bear with me here?

Posted by Scudbud21@reddit | AskABrit | View on Reddit | 54 comments

So I will be honest, my grammer is not the best so please forgive me (I was more a work with your hands in shop then study in Englishpluse im wring this on my phone.

So my wife and myself have been seriously considering moving to the UK with our 12yr old daughter, to get out of the current state of the US cause im sure everyone sees in the news how much of a shit show it currently is and it will take decades to get back to where it was even a year ago and that wasn't much better

Moving to the UK will obviously make us immigrants/ transplants and seeing how bad "brown folks" are being treated here scares the hell out of me.(I absolutely do not agree with how any of it is being handled, went to protest and such and pissed they lied to us when they said they are only are taking the harden criminals)

The main question is, how are american transplants viewed in the uk?

Im not worried about rude comments or anything for my sake (I grew up blue collar) but for my wife and daughter is scares the shit out of me.

Also we have been doing alot research but we are also curious what cities or towns are best for transplants and would be an affordable place for lower middle class families.

And just cause im curious. what is one thing you would tell an American moving to the UK that they should know,

Thanks in advance.

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Opposite_Funny9958@reddit

Just don’t do that bloody annoying thing of talking like you do everything better/ invented stuff - your country is a baby, Europe is so, so much older, show it the respect it deserves.

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Sea_Kangaroo826@reddit

I'm American and Ive lived in the UK for 11 years. The one thing I would tell someone else is, don't constantly do that thing we Americans always do where we see something done differently to how we are used to and we have to say 'oh, in America we do this instead' 'in America we don't have this'... they know. It gets so old so quickly hahahah

Nobody will care. You will constantly get asked how you feel about Trump (this has been happening to me since 2015). But nobody has ever said to me 'ew why are you here' or 'go back to America'. No one cares about you individually being American.

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Fibro-Mite@reddit

To be honest, I think anyone moving to a new country has a tendency to say that. Not in a "in my old country we did it better" but more like "I'm used to doing it differently, so bear with me" kind of way. I moved to Australia (much against my wishes) from the UK with my family when I was 16, and I definitely did that over there. Then when I moved back to the UK in my early 30s, I did exactly the same here. Especially when I was trying to find/do something that I had no trouble with over there but was being a nightmare here. "Why was it so easy to find XYZ in a backwater like Perth but damned near impossible in London!?" Was a frequent question my husband heard from me in the first couple of years.

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YouSayWotNow@reddit

I wish that were the case.

Both of my first cousins who were born and raised in the US had this inbuilt assumption that America is the number one country in the world, and that everyone else wants to be them / envies their lives, so everytime they encountered something different, the way they phrased it was incredibly rude and condescending.

"Oh my god, your supermarket cashiers do their jobs sitting down? How lazy is that? Ours stand up!"

Honestly, it became dull very fast, not to mention that they really, genuinely couldn't comprehend that the much of the rest of the world actually don't see America (ignoring the current shitshow) as some amazing place!

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simonjp@reddit

Oh totally - but if you're not careful it sounds like criticism.

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Englishbirdy@reddit

I was guilty of this when I first moved from the UK to CA. I must have been insufferable.

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YouSayWotNow@reddit

Americans are treated pretty well here but expect a lot of mostly good-natured teasing, that you will probably struggle to realise is good-natured when you aren't used to the way people here talk.

Your biggest challenges will be securing the right visas to live and work here, so I'd do full research on that first because it might nix your plans before you even get started.

Some things cost a lot more here, relatively speaking, and note that the average house (that someone on an average/ middle class income might live in) is considerably less floorspace than the equivalent in the US. I have a lot of family in various regions of the US.

School system and our curriculum is completely different and that will may be a big issue for your kid(s). And again, you'll need the right kind of visa to be able to live here and thus enroll your kids into school.

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Gnarly_314@reddit

Don't worry about skin colour or being different. Just in my little bit of road we have Chinese, Muslims, Turkish Kurd, Hindu, Bulgarian, Nigerian. No-one cares. We are just all human.

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Englishbirdy@reddit

Is it true that no one cares? It seems there's a lot of anti-immigrant sentiment and racism is rising. It breaks my heart that the English flag is starting to be viewed as a simbol of white supremacy.

Full disclosure, I don't live in the UK anymore, but am I misinformed about this?

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ronicmo@reddit

It's very area dependent. In bigger and more diverse cities it feels much safer for POC, but racism is undoubtedly getting worse. People seem to have forgotten that there were racist riots less than two years ago! POC were fearful to leave their homes because far right thugs were trying to set fire to hotels with asylums seekers inside, attacking the homes and businesses of POC, and stopping cars to check the drivers were white

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King_Olaf_thebastard@reddit

Your colour or nationality are irrelevant if you're nice people, contribute and integrate in to the society you live amongst.

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Nathan5027@reddit

It's not "brown folk"that are getting the hate, it's specifically illegal immigrants

Honestly, follow the process, follow the law, and the vast majority will honestly not care about skin colour or religion.

And as a bonus, you already speak the language... mostly 😜

Joking aside, we're mostly familiar with American English thanks to TV and movies, but the reverse may not be true, so don't worry if someone says something that makes no sense to you, most of us will realise why and not be arseholes about it.

My biggest advice to you would be that we here have mastered the understatement.

If we say that something is a "spot of bother" it usually means that something has gone catastrophically wrong, and the repair bill is probably more than we earn in a year.

Finally, if you do decide to come here, welcome. If you decide to stay, good luck.

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Revolutionary-Key650@reddit

If someone says "can I bum a fag from you?" don't be horrified

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CalliopeParnassus@reddit

Brit here. I would strongly consider moving to another country as we are slowly but surely following Americas footsteps in terms of fascism, racism, transphobia, privatisation, cost of living, poor working conditions etc. Farage will win the next election. Do you really want to be around that?

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JCDU@reddit

You'll be fine, most places you'll probably get sympathy for escaping from the MAGA regime.

If you want some takes from an American living in the UK track down "Meet David Sedaris" on BBC sounds. There's also a ton of youtubers who are Americans who moved to the UK and make videos talking about all the stuff they found different / weird / etc. although obviously the quality varies wildly.

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CocoRufus@reddit

I live in Suffolk, my town is full of Americans from 2 of the USAF bases. My building has at least 2 of the rental flats with Americans living in them at any one time for years now. In fact the Americans have Freedom of the Town, and are very welcome here. Not sure why you'd say avoid East Anglia?

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RobinOwl1407@reddit

Sorry , nothing against East Anglia per say!

I was inferring from the OP that they are American, but not white, so I think that is a different situation than being white American.

But perhaps I was reading their post wrong! And perhaps I am wrong to assume that East anglia is not very diverse or accepting of non white people, but happy to be proven wrong

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Odd-Quail01@reddit

Per se. Sorry, pet peeve.

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RobinOwl1407@reddit

See, i knew say wasn't right when I was typing it, but was too lazy to look up what it should be 😅

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CocoRufus@reddit

Oh, I think you can be forgiven 😉

East anglia, like everywhere pretty much, is much more diverse these days 👍

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Oghamstoner@reddit

East Anglia catching strays! It’s definitely less diverse in rural areas than in towns, but it doesn’t necessarily follow on an individual basis that people will be less welcoming of outsiders. Cities and large towns like Norwich, Ipswich and Cambridge have thriving minority communities, and are just as liberal as any large city.

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Fred_Blogs_2020@reddit

I was confused by avoid East Anglia too. Cambridge has loads of Americans living there because it’s a relatively easy commute to Mildenhall/Lakenheath.

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CocoRufus@reddit

Im in Bury St Edmunds, and my side of town in particular is very popular for Americans wanting to live off base. It's getting more expensive but it's a lovely town with lots going for it

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clutchnorris123@reddit

You'll be fine but there is a good chance you don't qualify for a visa.

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Liverpool_Stu@reddit

There are a lot of US immigrants here, definitely since the orange man first appeared. I have several US friends now living here, one couple with kids who are black. None of them go back unless they have to, and all now are UK residents.

You and your kids would get medical care when you needed it without making you bankrupt. The education system is much better and broader, and your kids could go to school without the risk of mass shootings.

The UK isn't perfect, far from it. We have our issues like every other country, but if I had to choose between the two, I know what my choice would be.

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evelynsmee@reddit

We like to think we are less bigoted, but there is some relatively recent research showing that the average Reform voter has more extreme views against non-whites, women, and LGBTQ than the average Trump voter.

You could experience racism anywhere, but you'd be upping your odds of more/less by picking to live in places that are more or less liberal than other places (same as the USA or anywhere in that regard).

Personally, I live in a nice, left leaning city, there's pockets of flag shaggers but it's overall an interesting and diverse place.

We're not, on the whole, anti-americaNA. We're anti-AmericA. The chances of walking around and having people shouting GO HOME AMERICAN CUNTS is slim wherever you are, provided you aren't rocking a red cap.

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BillyJoeDubuluw@reddit

One thing to tell an American moving to the UK would be that the language does give you a leg up but we still have a European culture you need to blend in to.

Immigrants can receive a mixed reception in the UK with both positive and negative examples being available but, in all honesty, this is the case in most countries.

While you have the advantage of speaking English as your first language, there are probably some considerable cultural quirks to keep in check…

We aren’t generally as fascinated by ancestry as Americans are… This isn’t to say that nobody will indulge you about that third cousin in Aberdeen or the Great-Great-Grandmother from Cork etc. but if you make it your party trick you’ll eventually encounter sarcasm.

Some people will find it entertaining to hear how things are done in America but it’ll wear thin if you overdo it, so read the room and consider the context of the conversation.

We do, generally speaking, have a different “default mode” to the US… There are regional exceptions such as Liverpool and Newcastle to give two examples of cities where the people are a bit more boisterous, but on the whole people of the UK are a bit more reserved and more of a closed book until they warm up to you…

We do have a generally more sarcastic and dry humour that you might find rude - or it might even go completely over your head - until you tune in to it… We are, in this department, much more on the same page as the Australians.

I don’t think there would be many “areas to avoid” for you anymore so than your average British person might have a preference for one town or another… BUT do be prepared to not feel like you’re on a Harry Potter or Downton Abbey stage set everywhere you go… There are plenty of rough and tough areas that aren’t really for anybody unless they’ve really got to be there for one reason or another.

Keep in mind that the UK also has a lot of disappointed residents and the overall quality of life is, generally speaking, much more frequently questioned these days… Add to that the fact we are quite a pessimistic bunch at the best of times and you might find yourself carefully choosing what to say in some contexts.

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ZookeepergameWise774@reddit

One thing to be aware of……. do not ask people “what church they go to?” In fact, unless someone else brings it up first, do NOT discuss religion at all. Brits find it a bit off-putting, a bit nosy. And you perhaps should know that we swear and blaspheme without even thinking twice about it. You’ll hear “Jesus f*cking Christ” or it’s equivalent almost daily.

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Beautiful_Hour_4744@reddit

Im sure the order kids will find your daughter and her accent fascinating. We watch a lot of American TV and films over here so it'll be like meeting someone from the movies for a 12 year old kid

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Veenkoira00@reddit

Just settle in a big city and no-one will pay any attention.

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Akash_nu@reddit

The main thing to remember beyond the visa requirements is that do not think American law and American ways of dealing with people will work when it comes to rights, and social etiquette. Also that we don’t tip unless you have had a super exceptional service.

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Nim008@reddit

You'll be fine.

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sleepy-popcorn@reddit

Especially if you’ve come to escape trump’s regime: a lot of people will have sympathy.

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pdf27@reddit

Unfortunately for OP the visa authorities won't. There are legal routes, but a lot of Americans just assume they can rock up and move here which isn't true.

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QuirkyWolfie@reddit

You'll be absolutely fine, while racism and xenophobia exists everywhere unfortunately it's not like it is in America by a long shot.

Most of our citys are very mixed culture wise if you're looking for a specific community you'll probably find it anywhere :)

You'll probably get the usual American banter like being corrected on some things you say different to us ect but it's all jest.

The majority of us welcome everyone very warmly

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Thenedslittlegirl@reddit

You’ll be fine. There are plenty of Americans in the UK talking about their experience - take a look and see what they say.

As for where to go, any big city or suburban area is grand for immigrants. London is expensive. Are you confident you meet the visa requirements? Emigrating to the UK from the US tends to be expensive and not particularly easy

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Ok_Veterinarian2715@reddit

I'm an American who has been here for 50 years. Obviously I like the place, and it's certainly possible to live a good life here. I think there are as many desperate idiots here as there are in the states, and they are desperate for similar reasons. I also think there is no other country which is immune to these problems.

Tell you One Thing? Sheesh I dunno. If you're in a city and see childrens murals on the theme of Community, it means "Street Violence Here" 😆

I think we all hope England is currently touching bottom and will start to rise again - just like everywhere else.

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KatVanWall@reddit

Are you worried you will get discriminated against because you are brown or because you are American?

If the former, personally I recommend Leicester; it’s my home town and full of ‘brown people’ of various backgrounds so although as a city it’s not the most exciting, you definitely won’t stand out! Birmingham is a good shout too (don’t listen to people who say it’s shit; it’s been a UK ‘in joke’ for years to rag on Birmingham but it’s usually by people who haven’t been there since the 1990s. It’s honestly fine).

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WodehouseWeatherwax@reddit

American here. Have you looked at Canada?
You may have skills they really want and would fast track your residency. I'm an RN and they are recruiting and fast-tracking nurses. I looked at some of the other needed skills on their immigration site and a lot we like truck drivers, welders, machinists, etc. Take a look. It might be a better way out.
I'm definitely looking.

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mightypup1974@reddit

You’ll be fine. If you turned up and said how much you like how the US is currently being run, that would be a different story.

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Greatgrowler@reddit

On the whole most people couldn’t give a shit as long as you learn how to queue, talk about the weather, stop tipping so much and when someone says “Alright?” you simply reply the same.

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GroundbreakingRing42@reddit

Eh, we're probably more alike than you think. If you have a conversation with actual people living in a western country, they'll probably have similar feelings about their country you do about yours.

Truth is, the eternal battle of Conservatives/progressives is happening everywhere, debates and disagreements over immigrants and how best to handle immigration is happening everywhere, allegiances of left and right are everywhere.

12 is a pretty good age, your daughter would be able to settle into school for a year or two before big exams start happening (although I've heard of American style schools that keep US style curriculum for people such as yourselves, but may be costly).

Will Brits like you? Probably, no more or less than anyone else, you'll have lots of questions and comments about America, Trump etc but you'll get used to that.

Consider: -you'll be moving thousands of miles away from your nearest and dearest, your support network -Politics goes in cycles, the current dung hill will be replaced with a box of wasps in a few years, they alternate -the cost and stress of emigrating will put a strain on your family

Do you have any ties to the UK? (Real ones, not a great-great-great grandmother). Is there something specific about the schooling or culture that you feel will fit your family? Do you have a transferable career where you'll get work fairly easily?

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HorrorAccomplished78@reddit

Perhaps Britain should invade USA. Would save a lot of problems. Oh! That’s one thing you will have to get used to when you get here - weird sense of humour. Everything is fine.

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TrifectaOfSquish@reddit

It's not really an issue but what you have to really consider is your visa options and if you actually have an option for coming here

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rheasilva@reddit

Don't turn up wearing a MAGA hat and you'll be fine.

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YchYFi@reddit

Try r/AmericanExpats

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RobinOwl1407@reddit

Having American accents will help a lot

When I was at school, circa 2001, we had a girl move to our school from America, who was Afghani heritage, and everyone just thought she was fascinating because she had an American accent

Inevitably there will be some people who don't want 'Brown people' here, but i find that racism is generally aimed at people who don't speak good English and don't make an effort to integrate into the communities, or where their culture is so completely different from our own people can't fathom it. Your religion will also have a bearing on how you're treated though.

As for areas, I'd say stick with cities or suburbs, so not south coast, East Anglia or home counties (the bit west of London). Most council website have census data available so you can get an idea of how mixed the area is.

We also don't really use the word transplant for this 🙂

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tw1nkle@reddit

Americans in general are treated pretty well. Like weird cousins, most people are very used to Americans either in their life or through the media. Big cities and areas within 30-40 miles of a US military base will be generally fine.

Immigration itself is not easy though, and it is getting harder. I hope you / your wife have UK heritage or job prospects that will help you acquire a work visa… it is very easy under the current circumstances to want to leave but not grasp the legal complexity of moving to another country.

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Significant-Leg5769@reddit

Trump isn't popular in the UK right now (to put it mildly) but most people can tell the difference between a government and its people. So you should be okay, provided you don't go around saying you want to invade Greenland.

But honestly, why choose the UK over other English-speaking countries? Canada or Australia would be much better options, and culturally more similar to the US.

Another thing to consider: we are likely to have a far-right government led by Nigel Garage from 2029 onwards. They are strongly anti-immigration and are going to dismantle a lot of the country's institutions.

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DougalsTinyCow@reddit

Don't worry, please come.

For places to live, consider smaller cities, unless you want to do the proper city life. Eg Somewhere historical like Durham, countryside all around and family friendly.

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KonkeyDongPrime@reddit

You’ll be fine. People will take the piss but this is a sign of acceptance.

Main thing is, getting a visa is quite a challenge. There’s a separate sub for that.

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