California here we come!
Jan 18th 2006, 2:44 pm
#31
Lapine Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Location: Austin, Texas in my own little world
Posts: 21,691
Re: California here we come!
Originally Posted by JimMac
Sun and a more relaxed way of life and I think there is some comfort in the amount of Brits that have moved to Florida. I've been looking at this for years so its not a snap decision and yes I've looked at other States the latest was CA but no matter where - it always comes back to Florida..
There are plenty of places with sun but fewer with year-round warmth. That year-round warmth comes with the cost of a hot hot summer or exorbitant costs of living (as in Hawaii or California).
Austin (where I live) is VERY relaxed (as in you can wear nothing but a thong and a pair of high heels and walk down the street). There are plenty of folk from all over the world, but if you want an enclave of fellow Brits, this wouldn't be the place for you.
If you want relaxed way of life combined with intelligence and somewhat liberal thinking, then look at cities that have major universities. If you want conservative thinking, look at any of the states in the Southern US.
One note: from reading people who come over with very specific expectations, they end up disappointed because nothing is ever as it appears to a visitor's eye.
Jan 18th 2006, 2:45 pm
#32
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,577
Re: California here we come!
Originally Posted by JimMac
Sun and a more relaxed way of life and I think there is some comfort in the amount of Brits that have moved to Florida. I've been looking at this for years so its not a snap decision and yes I've looked at other States the latest was CA but no matter where - it always comes back to Florida..
The downside is it gets really cold in the winter.
Jan 18th 2006, 2:49 pm
#33
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Re: California here we come!
Originally Posted by snowbunny
Hello Jim.....
we get a lot of posts from people who haven't researched the issue, and believe that moving to the US is as easy as moving house in the UK -- or at least no harder than within the EU.
As you know from your mother's filing and your wait time, it isn't at all that easy, and some people refuse to be convinced otherwise. There are some rites of initiation and as soon as people realise that you have researched and have a chance of (legally) moving here, they will begin to offer help. The more concrete your question, though, the more helpful we can be.
As to *how* to get here more quickly/easily there is a visa forum which may be more helpful. As to where to go when you get here.... you have chosen the right place. Hang out for a while as different people talk about where they live.
Amy
native USC married to a Dutchman, in process of getting HIS visa.
we get a lot of posts from people who haven't researched the issue, and believe that moving to the US is as easy as moving house in the UK -- or at least no harder than within the EU.
As you know from your mother's filing and your wait time, it isn't at all that easy, and some people refuse to be convinced otherwise. There are some rites of initiation and as soon as people realise that you have researched and have a chance of (legally) moving here, they will begin to offer help. The more concrete your question, though, the more helpful we can be.
As to *how* to get here more quickly/easily there is a visa forum which may be more helpful. As to where to go when you get here.... you have chosen the right place. Hang out for a while as different people talk about where they live.
Amy
native USC married to a Dutchman, in process of getting HIS visa.
I know it’s not easy but it’s something I've got to do. I have researched and I believe everything will come good - eventually. I just want to get a start and if buying a small business is the way then that’s what I'll do.
Thanks for the visa forums tip and I'll look in there, its important for me to get some feedback on good areas as I want to have a good look round in Feb and I guess that will mean contacting realtors, having viewings etc?
Regards - Jim.
Jan 18th 2006, 2:50 pm
#34
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Re: California here we come!
Originally Posted by anotherlimey
Chicago is nice - 2 seasons (hot and cold), not as crowded as you might think, some parts of the 'burbs are very nice with top schools.
The downside is it gets really cold in the winter.
The downside is it gets really cold in the winter.
Jan 18th 2006, 2:53 pm
#35
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Re: California here we come!
Originally Posted by AdobePinon
Yeah, one thing you need to check up on (Ray probably knows) is what happens to your kids if you're here on E-2 and they turn 18 before the I-130 is approved.
Jan 18th 2006, 2:53 pm
#36
Thinking about it
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Mid-West
Posts: 9,435
Re: California here we come!
Originally Posted by JimMac
Sun and a more relaxed way of life and I think there is some comfort in the amount of Brits that have moved to Florida.
Second, weather is exactly that, just weather. Once you live somewhere with 300 days sunshine a year you will soon get tired of it, and you cannot talk to or hang out with sunshine - that's what friends and family are for, and that's who you'll be leaving behind.
Third, and there will prob be differing views on this subject amongst the folks on here but to my mind the US does not have a more relaxed way of life than the UK. To my mind they are on a par, but once you see the attitude that yanks have to work you may realise that it is much more uptight than the UK.
Hope this helps
Jan 18th 2006, 2:57 pm
#37
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: California here we come!
Originally Posted by JimMac
Good point and not one I had thought (or knew of, what do you say Ray?)
Jan 18th 2006, 2:59 pm
#38
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,577
Re: California here we come!
Originally Posted by JimMac
Looked at Chicago and no matter what it had going for it, the winter just blew it out - brrrrrr..
Jan 18th 2006, 2:59 pm
#39
Septicity
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 23,762
Re: California here we come!
Originally Posted by JimMac
I have researched
Jan 18th 2006, 3:00 pm
#40
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: California here we come!
Originally Posted by anotherlimey
Texas; anyone got anything bad to say about that place?
Jan 18th 2006, 3:02 pm
#41
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Re: California here we come!
Originally Posted by USBound
regardless of the VISA/GC situation I will give advice on what I know of California.
Its sunny and warm towards HOT 300+ days of the year,
In certain areas the cost of living is prohibitive (major cities mostly),
House prices are absurd compared to the rest of the universe - look to spending 10->12x average salary on a standard 2 bedroomed 1600sqrft house, I earn WELL above average and CANNOT afford to buy (or even save very much).
There is a LOT of work in the major cities but it would depend upon what you want to do.
Don't expect a startup company to work out; there are a billion of every type of profession here....
Due to the above EVERYTHING can be found within 20mins of any city location...
Cities are crowed, I live in the san fernando valley and its fairlys small... we STILL have 1Million + people...
Hollywood gets old after 1 day
Sunny weather whilst appreciated if you visit home, gets old after 3months; you will crave rain but hate the affect it has on people when it arrives (headless chickens come to mind).
taxes here are high with little actual benefit unless you count "cops" the TV program not the force.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are some people on here who will try to dash your dreams and give you their "real world" advice... mine would be to stick with it, contact an immigration lawyer and get some sound advice.
Cali might not be your place of choice but it is better than all the places I lived in the UK and whilst some people on here reckon its way too expensive to live here; its STILL a lot cheaper than everywhere I lived in the UK (I got around).
Its sunny and warm towards HOT 300+ days of the year,
In certain areas the cost of living is prohibitive (major cities mostly),
House prices are absurd compared to the rest of the universe - look to spending 10->12x average salary on a standard 2 bedroomed 1600sqrft house, I earn WELL above average and CANNOT afford to buy (or even save very much).
There is a LOT of work in the major cities but it would depend upon what you want to do.
Don't expect a startup company to work out; there are a billion of every type of profession here....
Due to the above EVERYTHING can be found within 20mins of any city location...
Cities are crowed, I live in the san fernando valley and its fairlys small... we STILL have 1Million + people...
Hollywood gets old after 1 day
Sunny weather whilst appreciated if you visit home, gets old after 3months; you will crave rain but hate the affect it has on people when it arrives (headless chickens come to mind).
taxes here are high with little actual benefit unless you count "cops" the TV program not the force.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are some people on here who will try to dash your dreams and give you their "real world" advice... mine would be to stick with it, contact an immigration lawyer and get some sound advice.
Cali might not be your place of choice but it is better than all the places I lived in the UK and whilst some people on here reckon its way too expensive to live here; its STILL a lot cheaper than everywhere I lived in the UK (I got around).
Furthermore you've got something right on the money that a lot of people dont realise and that is - - There is NOWHERE more expensive pound-for-pound, dollar-for-dollar than the UK!!
Any places you would suggest to look at?
Jim.
Jan 18th 2006, 3:05 pm
#42
Thinking about it
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Mid-West
Posts: 9,435
Re: California here we come!
Originally Posted by fatbrit
The evidence says no.
Jan 18th 2006, 3:11 pm
#43
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Joined: May 2005
Location: USA
Posts: 1,865
Re: California here we come!
Jan 18th 2006, 3:15 pm
#44
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Re: California here we come!
Originally Posted by BigDavyG
OK, three points. First if you want to move away from the UK why would you target an area that has been colonised by Brits - are you really sure the UK is that bad ??
Second, weather is exactly that, just weather. Once you live somewhere with 300 days sunshine a year you will soon get tired of it, and you cannot talk to or hang out with sunshine - that's what friends and family are for, and that's who you'll be leaving behind.
Third, and there will prob be differing views on this subject amongst the folks on here but to my mind the US does not have a more relaxed way of life than the UK. To my mind they are on a par, but once you see the attitude that yanks have to work you may realise that it is much more uptight than the UK.
Hope this helps
Second, weather is exactly that, just weather. Once you live somewhere with 300 days sunshine a year you will soon get tired of it, and you cannot talk to or hang out with sunshine - that's what friends and family are for, and that's who you'll be leaving behind.
Third, and there will prob be differing views on this subject amongst the folks on here but to my mind the US does not have a more relaxed way of life than the UK. To my mind they are on a par, but once you see the attitude that yanks have to work you may realise that it is much more uptight than the UK.
Hope this helps
Second - I would consider anywhere, my mother was born in NJ so I would consider the SE, I would look more South and Texas. I just want a new start with nice people and new friends, but after a couple of years of looking my wife wants Florida.
Third - I dont know about, but for their sake - I sincerely hope not!
Jan 18th 2006, 3:25 pm
#45
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Re: California here we come!
Originally Posted by Pigtails
Awww...JimMac, don't mind AWP. There's just a ton of posts on this board from idiots who don't have a clue and post shit like "hey, I'd like to move to Florida, is the weather really as nice as they say it is? And does anyone know the paperwork I have to fill out"
Morons who have done zero research. Gets a bit tiring after a while.
Morons who have done zero research. Gets a bit tiring after a while.
For my point I've filled in a lot of paperwork and spoken to a lot of people, plus embassies etc (and before I get shot down - I KNOW there will be a LOT MORE;-)
I know its "HOT" in Florida; What I need is - Hey Jim this is a good area to start looking in and why.
But thanks anyway as ANY help is appreciated - Cheers..