Tom60

Although it's more a person I'm interested in than a place. But being a native, you know she's going to stress the positives and ignore the negatives.

traceym

Good job really!

nettlebed

I win!!! I was betting with myself when I saw you'd replied that you would have said that!!

traceym

Well someone had to!

Sally Redux

Sadly the exotic 'Spanish City' is no more.

NikosF

I moved from the UK to the US because the company I was working for in the UK insisted on me taking a role that was based in the US. What was interesting is that my wife (who was born in the US but had spent the last 18 years living in Europe) really, really didn't want to leave London. I pretty much dragged her kicking and screaming from the UK. She's settled in here now (the lack of traffic and big houses are nice), but we both miss London a lot.

It seems like the UK has changed a bit in the two years since we left though - 50% income tax and 20% VAT must hurt a little.

Having lived in quite a few different countries on three continents - it's all about having the right attitude and enjoying a place for what it offers. Don't look backwards - look forwards.

Good luck.

robin1234

Isn't the 50% income tax rate for people earning over £150,000? It seems to me that for ordinary middle class working folks tax is probably less onerous in the UK than in the US (remember to factor in the following in the US; high property taxes, state/city/county income tax, out of pocket medical expenses and probably some other things I haven't thought of.)

taffie77

You'll be close to Bristol though, which has a lot to offer. Rail fare is expensive, but you can often get good prices by planning in advance and definitely avoiding peak times (I've seen prices quadruple ). Buses tend to be cheaper, but depending on the route can take longer of course. Another alternative is to drive to a park and ride nearer London, and taking a shorter rail journey.

Anyway, we moved to the US because it was here or a tiny town in Sweden, if my husband wanted to keep his job. We didn't really think about it too long though. I'm definitely a believer in taking this sort of opportunity, even if it's a risk, as they don't come around very often. So far, we are loving it, but it has only been 6 months

ETA - I was a bit saddened by how many people at work said to me "I don't blame you for going, the way this country is going....". Personally I think if you think that way, then it's going to follow you wherever you go.

Nicole5446

That's good advice....it's not really where you live but how you live, right?

Nicole5446

My SO is in Taunton! The town gets sort of silly at night but it has everything you'd need within walking distance. And I LOVE going to Bath! What an amazing city.

Went to Minehead but once to get on the steam train

robin1234

Yup Somerset is a beautiful county. Taunton is a nice little place (must admit I was never there in the evening!!) Quantocks & Exmoor are good walking country, Blue Anchor Bay and nearby places have amazing fossils and other interesting rocks. But we are now thinking of moving to South Devon, where we lived before we moved to Minehead. I'd like to move to North East England, but my wife (who is from The Bronx originally) claims the NE of England is too cold & damp for her.. so we compromised on Devon.

Tom60

I don't understand, what do you mean good job?

Tom60

Someone had to what?

meauxna

Well Tom, you salty old dog!
I knew you had an ulterior motive for hanging around here.

Tom60

Yeah. Well, it seemed like a good place to learn a little about British culture, and I enjoy hearing peoples stories of how they're getting along here. I doubt that I will end up getting married, but she's become a very dear friend over the last several months.