Anyone moved from the UK to live in the USA?
Discussion
If so, was it worth it and what do you work as?
I've had a fascination with the place since I was young, but have never even been. I'm also at uni working towards a degree in optometry which is useless over there without a further 2 years studies, and even then ive heard getting a job in that field would be tough since its a popular occupation.
I dont really plan to move, i'm more just curious about others experiences. Maybe a long holiday would be the first step in a few states I like the sound of.
I've had a fascination with the place since I was young, but have never even been. I'm also at uni working towards a degree in optometry which is useless over there without a further 2 years studies, and even then ive heard getting a job in that field would be tough since its a popular occupation.
I dont really plan to move, i'm more just curious about others experiences. Maybe a long holiday would be the first step in a few states I like the sound of.
I suspect you'll get more response to this if it's moved to the US and Canada section of International PH'ers.
For what it's worth, I moved here (Central FL) in 2001 - at that point I was establishing a US subsidiary of the company I worked for in the UK. I now work in a very specific area of qualitative market research.
I became a US citizen about a year ago. Yes, it was most definitely worth it.
For what it's worth, I moved here (Central FL) in 2001 - at that point I was establishing a US subsidiary of the company I worked for in the UK. I now work in a very specific area of qualitative market research.
I became a US citizen about a year ago. Yes, it was most definitely worth it.
The USA is too big to consider as a single entity. Think of each state as a European country. The differences are massive.
My sister moved to California about 12 years ago (we weren't native Brits to start with, but had been here most of our lives). For her, it was the best decision she has ever made. Her life improved immeasurably since moving and California offered her employment and lifestyle opportunities that don't exist here.
The only states I've visited are:
California - If I was rich, I'd want to live there. My sister lives in an area of very high earning professionals. There are no billionaires or celebrities, and property prices are so high that houses/cars are fairly modest... But everyone has worked hard for what they have and it gives the place an amazing atmosphere of friendliness and respect. You need money though. The highs are higher than Britain, but the lows are lower.
Florida - Floating in the pool of our rented villa near Orlando is my "happy place". Utter bliss. The desire to visit Florida again is huge, but I wouldn't want to live there. I always felt we were right on the doorstep of poverty.
Alaska - When I have a mental breakdown and decide to live as a recluse, this is where I'll go. Stunning natural beauty and a sense of seclusion that is not possible to find in Britain. But it is a dead-end. Anchorage is the biggest city with a population of 300,000. The second biggest has a population of 30,000. Orkney has 3 times the population of the 4th largest city... Considering Alaska is 9 times the size of Britain, you really do feel the loneliness.
My sister moved to California about 12 years ago (we weren't native Brits to start with, but had been here most of our lives). For her, it was the best decision she has ever made. Her life improved immeasurably since moving and California offered her employment and lifestyle opportunities that don't exist here.
The only states I've visited are:
California - If I was rich, I'd want to live there. My sister lives in an area of very high earning professionals. There are no billionaires or celebrities, and property prices are so high that houses/cars are fairly modest... But everyone has worked hard for what they have and it gives the place an amazing atmosphere of friendliness and respect. You need money though. The highs are higher than Britain, but the lows are lower.
Florida - Floating in the pool of our rented villa near Orlando is my "happy place". Utter bliss. The desire to visit Florida again is huge, but I wouldn't want to live there. I always felt we were right on the doorstep of poverty.
Alaska - When I have a mental breakdown and decide to live as a recluse, this is where I'll go. Stunning natural beauty and a sense of seclusion that is not possible to find in Britain. But it is a dead-end. Anchorage is the biggest city with a population of 300,000. The second biggest has a population of 30,000. Orkney has 3 times the population of the 4th largest city... Considering Alaska is 9 times the size of Britain, you really do feel the loneliness.
I'm afraid my experience is from a long time ago.
I moved to LA in 1986 aged 20 from Cornwall. Had a business importing from the UK. Was the best thing I ever did.
Absolutely loved it and have never regretted it for one moment. Would probably still be there if the market I was in hadn't taken a severe downturn.
I always think that you should do what excites and motivates you and work the details out later. Within reason!!
I moved to LA in 1986 aged 20 from Cornwall. Had a business importing from the UK. Was the best thing I ever did.
Absolutely loved it and have never regretted it for one moment. Would probably still be there if the market I was in hadn't taken a severe downturn.
I always think that you should do what excites and motivates you and work the details out later. Within reason!!
I moved to Georgia about 2 years ago and it is great in many ways and frustrating in others. I love living in North Georgia as it affords an outside lifestyle most of the year which is something I love.
Things I like:
Choice
Big houses
Friendly people
The cost of everyday things is cheap
The value you get for housing... it's outrageous when you come from the UK
Muscle cars.... and trucks
The pride you see people have in their country and go get it attitude
Rodeos... Honestly the most dangerous thing is to be a cowboy and be a bull rider or Bronco rider and it's all good clean family fun
Double garages with door closers
Miles of trails and outdoor spaces
Availability of travel in the US
Things which frustrate:
Working out the health system and how it works
people driving everywhere... I really do mean everywhere, even to get the post from the mailbox at the end of their drive
Snakes - I am the snake whisperer and have seen too many copperheads
Quality of food can be poor
Driving standards... The test is a bit too easy
The lack of small shops or stores as we call them here
Things I like:
Choice
Big houses
Friendly people
The cost of everyday things is cheap
The value you get for housing... it's outrageous when you come from the UK
Muscle cars.... and trucks
The pride you see people have in their country and go get it attitude
Rodeos... Honestly the most dangerous thing is to be a cowboy and be a bull rider or Bronco rider and it's all good clean family fun
Double garages with door closers
Miles of trails and outdoor spaces
Availability of travel in the US
Things which frustrate:
Working out the health system and how it works
people driving everywhere... I really do mean everywhere, even to get the post from the mailbox at the end of their drive
Snakes - I am the snake whisperer and have seen too many copperheads
Quality of food can be poor
Driving standards... The test is a bit too easy
The lack of small shops or stores as we call them here
Yep. Me!!
10 days ago in fact. Loving life...but it is of course early days...and the wife hasn't joined me yet
It's important to remember that all places have their good and bad points.
I'd also recommend makin sure you're running to something not away from something if that makes sense.
10 days ago in fact. Loving life...but it is of course early days...and the wife hasn't joined me yet
It's important to remember that all places have their good and bad points.
I'd also recommend makin sure you're running to something not away from something if that makes sense.
I've been here in North Carolina for 6 years...
All I can say is, for the first couple of years... "Welcome to America... give us all your money"
IMO - A Great place to live, with so much choice of cars, entertainment, sport and leisure, food and drink. But as has already been said, USA is a massive place and even though we live in a nice area, great neighbours and a local bar within a good walking distance... very close by are not so nice areas...
Just like any city or town TBH.
Getting a job, sponsorship and a green card application from a US company will be more difficult than searching for a location.
You also get the opportunity to buy something like this for peanuts.
All I can say is, for the first couple of years... "Welcome to America... give us all your money"
IMO - A Great place to live, with so much choice of cars, entertainment, sport and leisure, food and drink. But as has already been said, USA is a massive place and even though we live in a nice area, great neighbours and a local bar within a good walking distance... very close by are not so nice areas...
Just like any city or town TBH.
Getting a job, sponsorship and a green card application from a US company will be more difficult than searching for a location.
You also get the opportunity to buy something like this for peanuts.
Stu R said:
Been here a few years and don't plan to leave. I get to drive way stupider vehicles way more stupidly, eat way better food, and shoot way better guns.
Healthcare is a pain in the arse when you run your own business. Other than that, I like it.
I would love to live out there but my wife would hate it! Healthcare is a pain in the arse when you run your own business. Other than that, I like it.
Has Obamacare helped with the healthcare? It is being touted as a triumph, but why is trump scrapping/dismantling it?
I lived in New Jersey for a while...best part of eighteen months, I think. Always rented and intended to move back to the UK, though.
I loved it.
If I had met a nice American girl, rather than the nice British one, I could have stayed, I think.
But living in Australia was better. Spent eighteen months in Sydney. Very, very hard to beat. I would move back there in a shot, if I could.
I loved it.
If I had met a nice American girl, rather than the nice British one, I could have stayed, I think.
But living in Australia was better. Spent eighteen months in Sydney. Very, very hard to beat. I would move back there in a shot, if I could.
bridgdav said:
I've been here in North Carolina for 6 years...
All I can say is, for the first couple of years... "Welcome to America... give us all your money"
IMO - A Great place to live, with so much choice of cars, entertainment, sport and leisure, food and drink. But as has already been said, USA is a massive place and even though we live in a nice area, great neighbours and a local bar within a good walking distance... very close by are not so nice areas...
Just like any city or town TBH.
Getting a job, sponsorship and a green card application from a US company will be more difficult than searching for a location.
You also get the opportunity to buy something like this for peanuts.
Very apposite regarding costs in the early days - big security deposits for everything.All I can say is, for the first couple of years... "Welcome to America... give us all your money"
IMO - A Great place to live, with so much choice of cars, entertainment, sport and leisure, food and drink. But as has already been said, USA is a massive place and even though we live in a nice area, great neighbours and a local bar within a good walking distance... very close by are not so nice areas...
Just like any city or town TBH.
Getting a job, sponsorship and a green card application from a US company will be more difficult than searching for a location.
You also get the opportunity to buy something like this for peanuts.
Here's my old banger..
joshcowin said:
Stu R said:
Been here a few years and don't plan to leave. I get to drive way stupider vehicles way more stupidly, eat way better food, and shoot way better guns.
Healthcare is a pain in the arse when you run your own business. Other than that, I like it.
I would love to live out there but my wife would hate it! Healthcare is a pain in the arse when you run your own business. Other than that, I like it.
Has Obamacare helped with the healthcare? It is being touted as a triumph, but why is trump scrapping/dismantling it?
EazyDuz said:
Easiest way is to marry your way in from what ive read.
Yup. Trev450 said:
I visit relatives in Arizona every year for a few weeks at a time. It is the highlight of my year and I would give anything to stay permanently.
I think that makes it easier for you if you wanted to move there if you already have relatives there. OR get them to hook you up with a hot american looking for some English sausage.Gassing Station | USA & Canada | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff