Question for the Americans on here

[Pulling a Sangwoo]

I'm thinking of moving to the US since I have a lot of family there but none of them are immediate so Ik it will be hard but it's kind of a last resort before ending it ifykk I hate where I live. I'm really jealous of my cousins who are citizens that got to grew up in California I wanted to ask if the US is a terrible or good place to be. Ik there's cons like health care and cost of living ect and it depends on the state u go to but I'm just going through it rn idk what I want anymore

 

[Hvergelmir]

I'm not American, but if it's good or terrible will depend completely on your situation and expectations.
The U.S. is a huge country with a lot of rich people, living comfortably. It's also a country with quite a bit of poor people, homelessness, drugs, etc. Infrastructure and support systems vary a lot between different parts of the country.

If you're able and willing to work, I think the experience will be good regardless of whether you end up staying there or not.

What are you comparing against, and what are your expectations?

 

[milkteacrown]

Hmm, I think in the end it might depend on how different the culture of your home country is. If you experience culture shock you may miss home, and if you miss home, you might dislike living in the US.

 

[unscrewedmoon999]

Whether the US is a good or terrible place to live will depend largely on where you are, your income level, and what your expectations are. The US is larger than all of Europe, with distinct enough cultures that someone moving from rural Kansas to Manhattan or San Francisco would face culture shock even when moving within the same country.

My point is that there are so many subcultures in the US just based on the sheer size and number of people that there is usually a sub-community for everyone - it's just a matter of finding it. You may hate living in one part of the US but love a different part of it that's totally different. It's quite difficult to answer unless you tell us more about where specifically you'll be moving to.

 

[locked*n*loaded]

California has an extremely high cost of living. Everything is more expensive there. And then you have the devisiveness that is rampant in this country now over political issues. Taxes are high. We're taxed on everything just about. Some states even tax food. Prejudice abounds against most everyone who doesn't "look" American, whatever that means. Cities are the worst. Lots of crime. Unless you're living the dream out in the countryside where a lot of the "problems" don't reach you or affect you, there are a lot of negatives about America, and they seem to get more prevalent and worse as the years go by. I absolutely hate my city.

 

[notreallybored]

ב''ה,

The whole thing is terrible, do not come here.

If you want the economic benefits have your own country petition for US statehood.

 

[FakeSmileGuy]

The US is a pretty good country to live in, but it will be very difficult starting a life there. It's got plenty of work, that's why my family moved there, if you have an education, you could make something of yourself. But you will need a lot of help, especially from your family. Plus you'll need to be able to drive. Wish u luck with everything:)

 

[dust-in-the-wind]

Health insurance is outrageous!!

 

[cme-dme]

Can I ask why you want to move? I mean what are you looking for by moving here that your home country doesn't provide? The US is a big place, its hard to give a response that applies everywhere here.

 

[MatrixPrisoner]

Oh, It's paradise here...

 

[JealousOfTheElderly]

I'm thinking of moving to the US since I have a lot of family there but none of them are immediate so Ik it will be hard but it's kind of a last resort before ending it ifykk I hate where I live. I'm really jealous of my cousins who are citizens that got to grew up in California I wanted to ask if the US is a terrible or good place to be. Ik there's cons like health care and cost of living ect and it depends on the state u go to but I'm just going through it rn idk what I want anymore

American here.
I like it. If you can move here legally, do it. Where are you moving from?
Be prepared to learn how to drive as someone else here stated. We have a very car centric culture except for NYC or Chicago. It's difficult to get around without a car.
Cost of living is expensive everywhere. Health care coverage can be provided by your full time employer. There are different types of health care plans here.
You only live once. I say do it if it's feasible!

 

[Worndown]

While Americans will welcome you, America might not. We are going through a rough patch right now.

 

[ShatteredSerenity]

I'm from America and lived in the Pacific Northwest most of my life. It's cold and dark all year except Summer is beautiful. I wouldn't recommend it unless you land a good job in Seattle/Bellevue.

California was always my favorite state, and my biggest regret was not moving there. The cost of living is hard, but you have beaches and nature and lots of activities if you can afford it.

New York City is amazing if you can cut it there. I like California better, though, with all the nature and amenities.

 

[broth0100]

unless you know for sure that you will be able to land a job that will afford u benefits (insurance etc.), or unless you're only planning on staying for a little while to earn some money and then leave, i wouldn't come. the u.s. american government will not take care of u. unemployment rates are terrible right now and it seems as though the current administration's economic goals mean that members of the working class are going to be facing a lot of wage stagnation and contraction. bad news for anyone who happens to be vulnerable and/or down on their luck right now. generally, unless you know that you'd have a surefire way to get by while you're here , i probably wouldn't risk it. maybe see if your family would be able to help you out though.

 

[over.the.rainbow]

I've lived in many states all over the U.S. plus a year in Canada. I would love to move to a different country. The politics are too crazy.

 

[LittleNelson]

There are 2 classes of people in the US - the rich and the poor - there is no more middle class. If you're rich life is great - beautiful homes, expensive cars and vacations, and great healthcare. If you're poor in the US (like me) life is unbearable. It's a huge struggle to pay rent, a car, food, and taxes. And healthcare isn't even an option for people like me. I'm terrified every day of being homeless because we don't treat our unhoused very well here.

 

[Grav]

You will need a car unless you live in a large metropolis. Look up regions you may be interested in first. The weather is different enough that some people never get used to it but there's other places to live. Have a job lined up before coming. There's jobs out there but just showing up with a dollar and becoming self-sufficient is not going to happen. It's a big mix of people here so you're sure to run into someone who doesn't like you for some reason but it's not an all-nothing thing.

 

[Pulling a Sangwoo]

American here.
I like it. If you can move here legally, do it. Where are you moving from?
Be prepared to learn how to drive as someone else here stated. We have a very car centric culture except for NYC or Chicago. It's difficult to get around without a car.
Cost of living is expensive everywhere. Health care coverage can be provided by your full time employer. There are different types of health care plans here.
You only live once. I say do it if it's feasible!

Thank you! I'm moving from the UK. I haven't started college yet, and I'm in my last year of sixth form (I'm 18), so I think I still have plenty of time. I might study in NYC first. My mom grew up in Washington, but she wasn't born there, so unfortunately, I can't get my citizenship through her. However, I already have a good understanding of the States since I've traveled there a lot and learned a lot from my mom and other relatives who are citizens. I know it won't be easy, but it's worth a shot. Thank you for the encouragement! <3

 

[JealousOfTheElderly]

Thank you! I'm moving from the UK. I haven't started college yet, and I'm in my last year of sixth form (I'm 18), so I think I still have plenty of time. I might study in NYC first. My mom grew up in Washington, but she wasn't born there, so unfortunately, I can't get my citizenship through her. However, I already have a good understanding of the States since I've traveled there a lot and learned a lot from my mom and other relatives who are citizens. I know it won't be easy, but it's worth a shot. Thank you for the encouragement! <3

Studying here is expensive. I believe it is cheaper getting your degree at a university in the UK once you graduate from high school.
We have a program called "H1B" which employs highly skilled workers from abroad. This program has been used by a lot of foreign talent to come here.
While you may here things about this current administration (since the president is quite "unorthodox"), they are very sympathetic towards H1B and attracting top talent to come to the US. This includes people with Computer Science degrees. Tech will always be in demand. It is how Elon Musk got here!
Our political administration is concerned about kicking out felons and criminals who are in the country illegally. If you are here legitimately as a student or worker, you are fine. In fact, our president employed quite a number of H1Bs. Look into the various visa programs available. However, don't abuse the program and you will be just fine. The vast majority of people being deported are here illegally and have criminal records. (The media downplays this, of course.)