Originally Posted by windsong

Why is it better to rent? Does it work out less expensive?

Heavens, I could even get by without a car in the UK with those fares, although I would probably get a decent secondhand one.

Originally Posted by cheers

Secondhand car are very cheap in the UK. In our case the rub maybe the insurance.

Why rent? For me it is so I can see if it is the place I want to be. I need to check out the area. Also someone said on here that you can't get a mortgage after you turn 60. Check that out and don't take my word for it.

I was going to ask you if you lived near Muskigan, Mich.?

Originally Posted by dunroving

Whose post are you responding to? If you hit the "Quote" button, it will include the post you are replying to (not always necessary, but when you say "you" in your post, I can't figure out whose posts you mean).

Also, am curious about your comment re: JFK being at fault for how hard it is to get a US visa - what's that about?

Originally Posted by windsong

Does anyone know where I can find a comparison of cost of living and standard of living for USA/UK? When I am 60, in two years time, I can elect to begin to receive US social security ($2200 a month) plus a $600 pension from a former employer. I am wondering how far I can get in Britain with $2800 a month. Perhaps I can live like a queen there and not have to work lol! Kidding!

Originally Posted by islandwoman120

Thanks for the photos - please, please post more of them if you have them handy - it looks gorgeous - a areal mix of stone and beams.

Sorry about your family not being there, but the offer to create a British Expatriates community is still open! Let's help each other settle in over here as best we can, and if that means more than one of use settling in the same town, that sounds a great way to go. First book into High Tide's B & B, then move on out into the countryside.

I have two lovely places to visit as potential rentals, both in Frome town, and the apartments in the village. Will have lots to post in the middle of December when I have done all that.

Rosie

Originally Posted by windsong

Thank you, Eastern. I will try to find DEFRA. I am trying to think of a way around the quarantine (6 months). A French friend told me if you bring them in to the UK through another country in the EU, you don't have to go through the 6-month quarantine but I don't know if that's true.

Originally Posted by Celticspirit

Welcome Windsong. I have a little experience with taking dogs to the UK. There is no way around the rules. One can put them in quarantine in the UK (worst choice and very expensive) or check the Defra website for having the procedures carried out here and after a good titer test you have just six months to wait. If you take a dog through Europe, it has to have similar procedures there and still have six months to wait even if one travels through the Chunnel to the UK. I spoke to a lady at the USDA yesterday and there is a slight rule change since the last time I took a dog over. Now there are specified accredited vets who must do the vaccinations and bloodwork.
I am just starting the process for my dogs. Good luck!

Originally Posted by Beedubya

That is one heck of a Social Security payment and pension!!! £1776.00 per month, I think you could live like a queen indeed!! Well maybe not a queen but certainly a princess!!

All this talk of the US working conditions and holidays has changed my view of America I have to say, and yet I come on here today and see this extremely large Social Security pension. I am not sure what the pension is in the UK or Australia but I bet it is NOTHING like this.

Originally Posted by ldyinlv

I found that pension large also. I have been paying social security payments all my working life here, and am paid in full, and 1300.00 is my max. maybe I am not sure how they work it out.
Jackie

Originally Posted by islandwoman120

Oh come to Somerset! If you look at my photographs on Flickr.com you will see some lovely photos that I took in October when I was there for a weekend. I, too am scared - that is quite an admission to make on such a public forum, but I am. This has been a massive undertaking so far, and I get many thoughts of jumping on a plane back to the US, but that all comes from not having a stable living situation, as I am still moving between friends.

If I get settled in Frome - and I have two places to look at next Wednesday - then I could start a trend. You all will know that I am there, and I could help the next person to adjust. Really. That would be great to have a group of like minded singles or couples who could support each other emotionally, instead of us all living dotted about the country, each scared and lonely while we adjust to a very different Britain to the one we left years ago.

Have a look at the photos and dream:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/islandwoman/

Rosie - heading off on another adventure

Originally Posted by windsong

That's what my annual statement said, the one I receive from the SSA. I think it is based on your earnings during your working life, but I am not sure. And now you have me concerned if I read it correctly.

Originally Posted by Beedubya

That is one heck of a Social Security payment and pension!!! £1776.00 per month, I think you could live like a queen indeed!! Well maybe not a queen but certainly a princess!!

All this talk of the US working conditions and holidays has changed my view of America I have to say, and yet I come on here today and see this extremely large Social Security pension. I am not sure what the pension is in the UK or Australia but I bet it is NOTHING like this.

Originally Posted by windsong

http://www.fancyamortgage.co.uk/Over...theOver60s.asp

http://www.mortgagesorter.co.uk/elderly_mortgages.html

http://www.mortgagesorter.co.uk/elderly_mortgages2.html

I haven't read these yet but it appears it is possible to get a mortgage after 60. Thought I'd post them in case anyone else is interested.