Hello,
I posted a thread a couple of years ago about moving to fresno from Harrogate, UK. I received quite a bit of info (thanks) as well as quite a few 'doom and gloom' posts(!).

Just wanted to give an update about how it all turned out:
It wasn't *that* bad. We bought a house at a very good price in a nice (read safe) area (north west), within walking distance to schools/shops etc and have spent our time here so far travelling (Fresno is centrally located).

We decided, however, that it just isn't the right fit for us. Most of the people here have completely different values (I'm not saying anyone is right/wrong). It's just that I feel we've struggled against the cultural differences a lot. It basically comes down to the whole cliche thing - round pin in a square hole, or however it goes! I do think this is a Fresno-specific issue, as I've really enjoyed the time we've spent in other cities, even LA.

So, bottom line: we are moving back to the UK next summer.

Why move back? There could be other parts of the US that might suit you better. It might be a bit more difficult if your being here is tied up job wise though. You can only do what's right for you and yours.

Wishing you all the best. Totally, understand your comments on values differences.

Glad you have enjoyed your time here. Good luck with the move back.
Have you sold up already? Or are you waiting to sell to move?

I do appreciate that there are fantastic places to live over here - and I'm not even knocking Fresno as a place to live - I just miss the UK and cannot wait to get back

We are putting the house on the market in the New Year - we're moving next year as the timing works out better for our circumstances.

Always nice to get an update on how folks do, shame it's not working out as you'd hoped, but good luck with the return journey

Thank you!

At least you tried it and you won't be forever wondering "what if....."

Its nice to see a post from someone moving back without bitterness, with a "clear" mind - "tried it, wasn't right, moving back", rather than the "worst decision of my life what was I thinking to move to this armpit" sort of post.

But lets face it, anywhere sucks after Yorkshire

Good luck back home!

Lol at my initial post from back then:

Oh that's funny. I wondered if anyone from two years ago would still be around! I had prepared myself for the differences, so it wasn't too bad. The biggest shock for me was the school (everything about it) and what people feed their children here - completely opposite to the prevailing mentality in the UK about children and food. At first, I did find it refreshing I must admit (no school lunch 'police' etc) but then I realised that some of these children eat junk food/processed food for every meal, every day.

I remember you posting and moving, not sure if I posted or not. But I do remember thinking, for gods sake don't buy a house in Fresno
But at least you got to travel about a bit and see more places.
We are planning the return we are for next April or close to it. Also a house to sell here and things aren't great in the house selling business.

Just wanted to say my husband is from Harrogate; it's a lovely town. Best wishes on moving back to the UK!

In North-east/North-west Fresno, there are a lot of people absolutely love it and wouldn't move for anything. They hold the place in high regard. *Whispers* actually, there are snobs here This is part of the issue I alluded to briefly when I said 'cultural differences' - our neighbour, for instance, doesn't work, has a house-keeper, pool-cleaner, gardener, made her husband change his work schedule so that he could take the children to school and has her eighty-year-old MIL look after the children after school. The first thing she asked me when we moved here was where am I going to send my children? Then reeled off the names of local state schools. When I told her the name of the state school, she replied, 'well, we educate our children privately.' This may seem like a case of sour grapes, but actually it isn't. The lady is obese because of her life-style choices. I see this sense of entitlement a lot more overe here and it is in contrast to my cultural values. Then of course, there is south Fresno. Perhaps I shouldn't be complaining

Hello Married2abrit, I have been receiving Betty's by post since moving here!

I remember when you originally posted about moving to Fresno from Harrogate (my daughter had lived in Harrogate for many years - so did we, she now lives in Pateley Bridge.) Anyway, at the time I couldn't imagine anyone wanting to live in Fresno, I still feel the same way. There are of course no "state" schools in the US, only school districts and your child goes to the school that is in your "catchment" area. I had to Google private schools in Fresno and I found the usual religious private schools that you can find anywhere. I suppose if my school district wasn't very good, I'd consider that option as well.