Moving to America
Discussion
I have the oppurtunity to live in America for a few years, my O/H has been asked to work out there for a considerble amount of money and we are both considering going.
I would like to know other peoples genuine experiences of living there please, as in the back of my mind there is the old saying that "the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence"
I currently have a professional trade and work only part time, so no loss for me. My biggest problem would be finding work, unless I went back to the construction industry which I think is as poor as ours at the moment!
I would like to know other peoples genuine experiences of living there please, as in the back of my mind there is the old saying that "the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence"
I currently have a professional trade and work only part time, so no loss for me. My biggest problem would be finding work, unless I went back to the construction industry which I think is as poor as ours at the moment!
Where? It's a big fecking country and each state /city has its own culture and identity. I lived in New York for a few months and New Orleans (in 2003) for nearly a year. I've spent a lot of time in Seattle, San Francisco, Houston, Boston, Miami, Denver, Buffalo, Toronto, Las Vegas etc but they're all really different.
There's no way I could live in Houston, but I'd be happy in Austin. I didn't take to San Francisco, but loved Seattle. Even on the rainy days. I've no interest in LA and while I enjoyed Miami, I wouldn't live there either, given the choice. I do have a soft spot for NY, New Orleans and Boston though.
There's no way I could live in Houston, but I'd be happy in Austin. I didn't take to San Francisco, but loved Seattle. Even on the rainy days. I've no interest in LA and while I enjoyed Miami, I wouldn't live there either, given the choice. I do have a soft spot for NY, New Orleans and Boston though.
I lived in New Jersey for a while. It was great.
Hot in summer, really, really cold in winter. Superb autumnal beauty in "the Fall". Food and drink is cheaper there than here. People eat out more than we do...despite needing to tip at 20%. 25% if you liked it!
Just think of it as part of the bill.
The people are just like us Brits in many ways. In others they are utterly culturally different. There is no-one more polite than a polite American. Folk from Jersey talk about the weather...usually to say "f
kin cold today again, eh Don?".
If you are going with your Missus who has a job lined up and some assistance to move there you have to have a crack at it. Depending on your profession or trade you may find it harder - and don't forget to investigate visa/work permit requirements.
I didn't need any of that stuff as I was being paid back in the UK in pounds sterling into a UK bank account and, sadly, mostly paying UK tax - despite being physically located in the US - AND the work was for the US Government and they can smooth the way very effectively when they want to.
Their cars are not universally st despite what you may think. There is fun to be had.
Your British accent will get you talking to people - this is a double-edged sword. Whilst it enabled me to "hit on" some delicious US totty it can become tiring paying for goods at the checkout.
On balance - it's well worth it as a cultural experience. I'd live there again if my missus was offered a better job in the head office...
Hot in summer, really, really cold in winter. Superb autumnal beauty in "the Fall". Food and drink is cheaper there than here. People eat out more than we do...despite needing to tip at 20%. 25% if you liked it!
Just think of it as part of the bill.The people are just like us Brits in many ways. In others they are utterly culturally different. There is no-one more polite than a polite American. Folk from Jersey talk about the weather...usually to say "f
kin cold today again, eh Don?".If you are going with your Missus who has a job lined up and some assistance to move there you have to have a crack at it. Depending on your profession or trade you may find it harder - and don't forget to investigate visa/work permit requirements.
I didn't need any of that stuff as I was being paid back in the UK in pounds sterling into a UK bank account and, sadly, mostly paying UK tax - despite being physically located in the US - AND the work was for the US Government and they can smooth the way very effectively when they want to.
Their cars are not universally s
t despite what you may think. There is fun to be had.Your British accent will get you talking to people - this is a double-edged sword. Whilst it enabled me to "hit on" some delicious US totty it can become tiring paying for goods at the checkout.
On balance - it's well worth it as a cultural experience. I'd live there again if my missus was offered a better job in the head office...
What ties do you have in the UK? House / kids / family etc
What would the Visa situation be? I.e. sounds like the OH's employer would sort that out for her, but what about you? Are you married? (Makes it a little easier)
Money tends to go a lot further in the US, and my experience was that the same wage bought me a much better quality of life (and a much better quality burger!) This, as mentioned above, does depend on where you live though.
North Caroline is a really nice state from the limited amount I've seen, but just looked on the map - you're right next to Myrtle Beach.... DO IT!
I love it over here and have no intention of going back (although not saying that wouldn't change in the future). I see the family twice a year for a decent amount of time: they visit here once, I visit there once, and it's not too expensive for flights to the UK. Skype is also great for staying in touch for free, with web cam etc if you want.
When making the decision myself, I found it better to list out reasons for NOT moving to America.... there really weren't that many, with family and friends being the only significant factors. And proper sausages.
What would the Visa situation be? I.e. sounds like the OH's employer would sort that out for her, but what about you? Are you married? (Makes it a little easier)
Money tends to go a lot further in the US, and my experience was that the same wage bought me a much better quality of life (and a much better quality burger!) This, as mentioned above, does depend on where you live though.
North Caroline is a really nice state from the limited amount I've seen, but just looked on the map - you're right next to Myrtle Beach.... DO IT!
I love it over here and have no intention of going back (although not saying that wouldn't change in the future). I see the family twice a year for a decent amount of time: they visit here once, I visit there once, and it's not too expensive for flights to the UK. Skype is also great for staying in touch for free, with web cam etc if you want.
When making the decision myself, I found it better to list out reasons for NOT moving to America.... there really weren't that many, with family and friends being the only significant factors. And proper sausages.
stig of the dump said:
North Carolina, in a town called Willmington where they film one tree hill apparently!
North Carolina.I have relatives there on my father's side. Has a "small town" mindset for the most part (outside of the Raleigh-Durham area - but even that is smallish if you are used to Atlanta, etc)
The people will be friendly
The people will be "Southern"
The people (for the most part) will be conservative
If you like to ski (water in the summer and snow in the winter), it will be fun
"Good 'ole boy" car culture. An uncle at one time had a mint 1969 Camaro SS with only 5000 miles on it. Jet black. Ruthless.
Insurance and banking have some good jobs in North Carolina
---
I'd give it a 7/10 for places to live just because of taxes and limited income potential.
Edited by ErnestM on Thursday 18th February 13:56
Thanks for intrest chaps, it always good to bounce ideas around. Not married but would assume from what I already know is that it is a requirement, anyway I think after 14 years it would be approprate.
As for ties, no kids, house I can rent out. I guess I can put my classic cars in a container yes I know a bit drastic, but ive started restoring them so i'm going to finish.
The only issue I see is work, and moving the dog out there. Missing events like Le Mans and the british car culture.
As for ties, no kids, house I can rent out. I guess I can put my classic cars in a container yes I know a bit drastic, but ive started restoring them so i'm going to finish.
The only issue I see is work, and moving the dog out there. Missing events like Le Mans and the british car culture.
stig of the dump said:
Thanks for intrest chaps, it always good to bounce ideas around. Not married but would assume from what I already know is that it is a requirement, anyway I think after 14 years it would be approprate.
As for ties, no kids, house I can rent out. I guess I can put my classic cars in a container yes I know a bit drastic, but ive started restoring them so i'm going to finish.
The only issue I see is work, and moving the dog out there. Missing events like Le Mans and the british car culture.
NASCAR is the official State religion in NC. Even though I don't particularly care for it, going to the races with the local crowd can be fun.As for ties, no kids, house I can rent out. I guess I can put my classic cars in a container yes I know a bit drastic, but ive started restoring them so i'm going to finish.
The only issue I see is work, and moving the dog out there. Missing events like Le Mans and the british car culture.
stig of the dump said:
My professional trade is Chartered Building Surveyor - unemployed since june 08 and working part time in my old job as a Carpenter which I trained for when I left school.
My plan is to either get a job in property, build a house for my self or get a job as a Carpenter.
I reckon you'd need to do the US qualifications for the Surveyor role. That's probably do-able. I'd hope there would be work as a Carpenter around although you might need to learn the terminology. You could always see if you could "apprentice" yourself to someone (i.e. work cheap for a while) who would be willing to help.My plan is to either get a job in property, build a house for my self or get a job as a Carpenter.
Given your Missus will be bringing the majority of your income for a while anyway you would have time to sort yourself out.
stig of the dump said:
The only issue I see is work, and moving the dog out there.
Apparently it’s relatively simple to move a dog to the US these days, through the Pet Passport scheme. There’s no quarantine any more.That doesn’t make the actual journey over for the dog any easier, mind you.
Country amazing, people aren't largely.
It's a superficial nation with superficial people.
There are however significant and noteable exceptions to this but generally social interactions are a bit false.
I've lived there twice, both coasts and would probably go back given the opportunity but probably only if the West Coast was offered.
The Carolinas are beautiful, not stupid hot in the summer, defined seasons.
The thing that wound me up about the place more than anything else is the complacency towards the natural beauty and natural resources that the US has to offer - its largely breathtaking.
It's a superficial nation with superficial people.
There are however significant and noteable exceptions to this but generally social interactions are a bit false.
I've lived there twice, both coasts and would probably go back given the opportunity but probably only if the West Coast was offered.
The Carolinas are beautiful, not stupid hot in the summer, defined seasons.
The thing that wound me up about the place more than anything else is the complacency towards the natural beauty and natural resources that the US has to offer - its largely breathtaking.
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