Living in the United States of America
A melting pot of different cultures and nations since before Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic Ocean at the end of the 15th century, the USA has always been a popular destination with immigrants, and those looking for adventure, a new life and new opportunities. The USA is not only one of the strongest economic powers in the world, but offers an unparalleled mix of cultures, and lifestyles, varied terrains, and diverse employment opportunities.
The USA was founded by thirteen British colonies located along the East Coast. After acquiring further land from other European countries, waves of immigration, and the two world wars, the USA has emerged as a major economic and military power. Today it accounts for almost 50% of global military spending, and is a leading political, ideological, and cultural force in the world.
Are you moving to America? We offer some basic information on American visas and moving to the United States.
Expats
The USA is the second most popular destination of expats when leaving the UK, and is filled with people chasing their American dream and making all their deepest ambitions a reality in the land of opportunity! America is one of the most desirable countries in the world that can offer British expats living in the USA unparalleled opportunities, high wages, and a thrilling sense of individual freedom.
Dreaming of beautiful white-sandy beaches of Florida in the East Coast? Or an abundance of stunning natural beauty in Alaska? Or maybe you want the cosmopolitan lifestyle of California in the West, or life in the fast lane in New York? Every state and city in the USA has something special to offer you and make your life as an expat living in the USA the best years of your life.
For those who manage to move permanently to the USA, there is great potential in a multicultural country that welcomes and values expats and encourages an entrepreneurial spirit.
Advice about moving to and living in the USA
To work in the USA, you will require a visa, which you can apply for at the American embassy in the UK. If you are living and working in the USA without a visa, you are considered an illegal alien.
Living costs will greatly depend on the area and state you are moving to. If you are moving to Los Angeles, Chicago or New York for example, prepare for high costs. Moving into smaller towns or areas with more land can be much cheaper and make your money go a lot further. In some areas, you can get affordable large and spacious houses, complete with swimming pools, a basement, huge kitchens and a garage for the price of flats and houses in cities in the UK - sometimes even cheaper!
Before moving to the USA with your children, you will have to consider education options. In most states, there are both public and private schools, and a good university degree may require substantial financial investment. The American system of teaching is different to the UK and the initial adjustment to American culture can be difficult for children, but there are plenty of resources to help prepare your children for the change such as speaking with people who have already made the move and been in your position.
Interesting facts about the USA
- The United States is spread across six time zones, it's that big. From west to east, these are Hawaii, Alaska, Pacific, Mountain, Central, and Eastern.
- The USA is the 3rd biggest country in the world in terms of population and size. Native Americans are used to driving for days to get to their holiday spot. To give you an idea of scale, you could drive from one end of the UK to the other in roughly the same time as it takes to get across the whole of Texas.
- 9 different cities across the USA have served as the nation's capital at one point or another, even if only for a day! They are: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; Lancaster and York, Pennsylvania; Princeton, New Jersey; Annapolis, Maryland; Trenton, New Jersey; New York City; and Washington D.C.
- Flag etiquette is important in the USA. Do you know about The United States Flag Code? The Flag Code establishes advisory rules for display and care of the national flag, and states that the flag should not touch anything beneath it, including the ground.
- Every state in America has its own license plate slogans. Most states create the slogans to help promote tourism to the state. You've probably heard of The Sunshine State of Florida, but did you know Minnesota is The North Star State? If you're preparing for a move to the USA, you can turn it into a fun game with your children.
Removal quote appointment booking service
Britannia Bradshaw can help your move go smoothly. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote, or by calling 0161 877 5555 (Manchester) or 0121 504 0966 (Birmingham & Coventry) and speak with one of our removals specialists.
How are our appointments carried out
In the current times you might prefer that we don't visit your house in person to carry out a survey. This is fully understandable and we can just as easily undertake the survey by video call, using whatever method you're comfortable with, usually FaceTime or WhatsApp.
See what our customers think of us...
Carl and Rhys were absolutely fantastic
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Leaflet posted through my door
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
You said all the right things
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Carl and Rhys were absolutely fantastic, they was very helpful, lovely men.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
You can’t
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
Just how fantastic again Rhys and Carl was
Professionalism and competitive prices
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
We were shopping around for quotes on Google. Your local rep visited and we took it from there. All the other companies tried to do this via video call
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
9/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
9/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Professionalism and competitive prices won although some competitors were cheaper when considering monthly storage
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
We moved twice 16/09/2024 from Culcheth to storage - great team, non stop and very very good and polite. 07/04/2025 storage to Bridlington - some of the 4 man team are local to our new address and all 4 were a cheery, friendly lot who again worked tirelessly and efficiently. Would highly recommend even though there was some slight damage incurred on a kitchen unit door
How would you rate our communication?
9/10
How can we improve our service?
I can’t help you there as we were very pleased
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your move?
We had two exceptionally sunny days for moving so that made everyone happy and relaxed and they were all a pleasure to work with
Everything done so quickly yet with great care
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Google
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
Availability, good customer service
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Our move team, Linus, Ben and Mark were amazing. They got everything done so quickly yet with great care, and they were so friendly. Please pass our thanks onto them! We are very grateful.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
Have used you many years ago
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Looked up on Google and have used you many years ago
How would you rate the way we dealt with your initial enquiry?
10/10
How would you rate the survey that we carried out?
10/10
Why did you choose to move/store with us?
As I have said above
How would you rate your move team?
9/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
They were fine
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
I found you good as you are
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
10/10
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