best/worst aspects of living in U.S
A quick survey, if I may.
What I liked best about living in U.S: great schools (people are surprised by this back in UK but our school in Illinois was awesome) general politeness of society (know this is a generalisation, but I found drivers more courteous, teens more verbal and friendly, generally a bit less aggressive than Uk society Variety of stores of every kind (my OH loved shopping for electronics!) feeling of space, we lived in the 'burbs, would be different if we had been downtoen Chicago What I disliked about living in U.S: distance from family and friends (specially when anyone got sick or there was an event I couldn't travel back for) feeling of not belonging (different accent) making friends but no-one I had any history with absence of old buildings, the newness of everywhere lack of good newspapers, documentaries, radio shows. NYT and NPR not bad admittedly trying to keep this balanced, 5 for each side! Would be interested in your likes/dislikes Thanks, Karin. |
Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
Ok.
why are you telling us this? We live here already and know the USA has lots of space. |
Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
Originally Posted by Manc
(Post 8654764)
Ok.
why are you telling us this? We live here already and know the USA has lots of space. but I found drivers more courteous |
Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
It's hard to generalise. Some people are more polite and some are far ruder. Some drivers are good and some are homicidally careless. Schools vary enormously, from excellent to war zones. The burbs can feel spacious or Valley of the Dolls weird. Etc.
|
Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
Originally Posted by Manc
(Post 8654764)
Ok.
why are you telling us this? We live here already and know the USA has lots of space. 2. I was looking for people's favorite things. You probably don't have any, so go read some other posts |
Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
Originally Posted by Ash UK/US
(Post 8654840)
Yeah but she has never driven in GR
|
Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
Originally Posted by karin_and_boys
(Post 8654876)
Funnily enough, I have....
|
Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
OK.
Likes. Mild winters (here anyway) my house My Dh and kids. Country gravy and biscuits. San Francisco close enough to go for a day trip or overnight. my few friends who are great Dislikes. Our schools (they were good when oldest ds started he's 21 now) Cost of a college education. Ds's was $37,000 per year (not including books and food) Driving and driving and driving to do anything, takes me an hour to get a gallon of milk here. The summer heat. Mosquitoes Scorpions Spiders Snakes Being 24 hours minimum from any family Dh's sucky job that he's stuck in for medical benefits and retirement money Being stuck in a job due to medical coverage Getting horrendous bills for medical even when you have fantastic Cadillac plan medical cover. Dh getting only two weeks paid holidays a year. Me not being able to get back to work without driving an hour each way to a decent job House prices being so low Being surrounded by foreclosure homes that are going for next to nothing and still aren't sold. |
Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
Originally Posted by karin_and_boys
(Post 8654759)
A quick survey, if I may.
What I liked best about living in U.S: great schools (people are surprised by this back in UK but our school in Illinois was awesome) general politeness of society (know this is a generalisation, but I found drivers more courteous, teens more verbal and friendly, generally a bit less aggressive than Uk society Variety of stores of every kind (my OH loved shopping for electronics!) feeling of space, we lived in the 'burbs, would be different if we had been downtoen Chicago What I disliked about living in U.S: distance from family and friends (specially when anyone got sick or there was an event I couldn't travel back for) feeling of not belonging (different accent) making friends but no-one I had any history with absence of old buildings, the newness of everywhere lack of good newspapers, documentaries, radio shows. NYT and NPR not bad admittedly trying to keep this balanced, 5 for each side! Would be interested in your likes/dislikes Thanks, Karin. Best: weather; positive can-do attitude (yes, at the extreme end it can be a bit tedious); general politeness and friendliness/openness to strangers; customer service; easier to drive; far better work culture (in my profession; I know it's the opposite in a lot of others); lower cost of living (mainly due to low mortgage); grits; cheap(er) Ben & Jerry's; and of course weather ... |
Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
Originally Posted by dunroving
(Post 8654919)
Worst has to be cost of health care and fear of potential bankrupcy form a major illness or accident. I couldn't ever see many major negatives.
|
Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
Best:
weather more disposable income Worst: Lack of family Having to drive EVERYWHERE Medical care/expense lack of vacation time lack of vacations anywhere other than to the UK never feeling really understood |
Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
[QUOTE=karin_and_boys;8654759]
What I disliked about living in U.S: feeling of not belonging (different accent) making friends but no-one I had any history with absence of old buildings, the newness of everywhere QUOTE] Although I know its personal opinion, I really do not appreciate fully the whole “absence of old buildings” thing. That said, it’s not the first time I have heard someone say that. May be I need to spend extended time in England to realize the true fascination of being surrounded by old building. I am all for heritage by the way. Also, you don’t get the feeling of belonging just because of difference in accent? UK is one of the most multi cultural places on this planet I am told. For me, healthcare got to be the –ve. I have not been here too long but just to figure out the right cover is a pain in the backside. Also, the banks here seem somewhat slower than what I am used to. 15 days just for a credit card decisions (secured credit card by the by), 3 working days to transfer money electronically from bank to bank, not being able to open a checking account without being a GC holder or a Citizen just to name a few. Not going into ridiculous fees they charge. But hey, hand on heart there the positives far outweigh the –ves that’s for sure. Cheap cars, gas, food, travel etc etc |
Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
Originally Posted by Sally Redux
(Post 8654869)
It's hard to generalise. Some people are more polite and some are far ruder. Some drivers are good and some are homicidally careless. Schools vary enormously, from excellent to war zones. The burbs can feel spacious or Valley of the Dolls weird. Etc.
|
Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
Originally Posted by Ash UK/US
(Post 8654909)
You must have been on a street without any drivers then. There are no way drivers here are more curtious. I have also drivin in Chigaco and Ohio and they are worse than GR.
|
Re: best/worst aspects of living in U.S
hey guys,
thanks for the pleasant informative replies. Always nice to hear different viewpoints. |
All times are GMT. The time now is 2:28 pm. |
Powered by vBulletin: ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.