Why the USA ?
 

Greetings from the Antipodes,I'm curious, why the USA for Brits seeing how it is nothing like the UK in culture, sport, health care etc etc etc ?

As a fairly long term visitor to the USA on four occasions the amount of religion in your face was well over the top compared with we Aussie/Kiwi heathens.

So why the USA instead of say Aus which does share a lot of culture, sport, health care, humour, with Britain ?

And yes they still bring up bodyline from time to time ;)

Re: Why the USA ?
 

Well, why would one want to move to a place that was exactly the same as the one that you had just left? For many people it is precisely the fact that the US *is* different that makes it attractive.
Yes, that is something of a culture shock but the intensity of it varies a lot depending on exactly where you are.

Re: Why the USA ?
 

Family.

Re: Why the USA ?
 

I think the religion thing depends on where you live and with whom you associate. I've not come across much here in California, now or in the past.

I'm here for a number of reasons not least of which it's where my son lives and it is only a 10 hour flight back to the UK if we need to.

It is also because of the differing culture and the lifestyle. I've not been to Oz so I can't compare but I've always liked the easy going, out doors life style here plus the good weather is a factor.

There are, of course, negatives as well but overall I'm quite happy with my decision.

Re: Why the USA ?
 

I was an American born in a UK persons body - The only thing I miss is 5 Live and regular football on the TV. Of course, I'm rectifying both with Sirius XM and some use of <cough> proxies - so it's all good!

Actually - TBH - I'd love to go to NZ or Australia - but lack of guaranteed job and no-one to sponsor me put me off.

Re: Why the USA ?
 

That is a very good way of putting it: shall have to steal that. :)

Re: Why the USA ?
 

This is it for us this time too.

And the last time we lived here it was for work. IMO for most it's work and/or family . . . plus maybe for some the spirit of adventure (?) . . . .

Re: Why the USA ?
 

It's very simple.

The West Coast is better than the UK in pretty much every department I give a shit about:

1. Scientific/engineering career opportunities
2. Salary
3. Weather
4. Mountain biking
5. Skiing
6. Beer
7. Food
8. Scenery
9. Good looking women with Californian accents

Since I have a good job with plenty of vacation and good health benefits (and the fact I am young and so far healthy), I am currently immune to most of the bad aspects of living in the USA.

So to get to the point, the UK and Australia can go **** themselves. Cheers!



(Hope that didn't sound too smug - I just think the West Coast is the dog's balls, especially Seattle)

Re: Why the USA ?
 

Met an American man - married him and moved here to be with him
Its not so very different from the UK ive found!

Re: Why the USA ?
 

I would say religion is a bigger deal here. It seems to crop up in unexpected ways, eg someone saying they found a good book about psychology, Jesus must have led me to it :confused: also some of the Jewish people are very heavy-duty.

Health care is ridiculous and looks like getting even worse.

Re: Why the USA ?
 

I didn't choose to come here - I was actually the trailing spouse. My husband got a job transfer and here I am 20 plus years later. We have since divorced, but I have adult children and grand-children so that's why I'm still here. I don't hate it here, but there are many things I don't like (guns, politics, in your face religion, to name a few). I would definitely move back to the UK if I didn't have children & grand-children here. I try to get back for a visit every couple of years, otherwise I think I would lose my mind!!

Re: Why the USA ?
 

In no particular order we moved to the USA for:

- $$$$$

- A new adventure

- Give the kids the option to live in USA or Europe when they are older

DD

Re: Why the USA ?
 

Yes the, I need an assault rifle for deer stalking is a rather strange mind set.

Re: Why the USA ?
 

lack of good jobs I would think would be a big drawback to Australia/NZ as a good number of us moved here related to jobs. I would love to move to Australia if it developed a decent semi-conductor industry my husband could get a job in. According to my husband that is never going to happen but you never know, as who would have guessed Australia would have one of the best unemployment rates ,(5.2% at the moment).
Yes, a lot of religion in TX but unless you talk about it, you really don't know, other than the excessive amount of mega churches of all favours.
I have a sister who lives in Canberra and a brother-in-law in Perth, so will definitely get there some day.

Re: Why the USA ?
 

This is really intersting. I wasn't aware that California women had an accent. Oh... wait - do you mean ValleyGirl-speak? That's like, soooo wicked!

Ian