Visas & Advice Detail
Emigrating to America
More than big enough to pack in an incredible diversity of people and places, the United States has something for every emigrant. Matt French makes a start on introducing those 50 states
America is more than twice the size of the European Union so it should be no surprise that each of its 50 states – and one district – has a unique flavour and appearance. The diversity ranges from the wilds of Alaska to the skyline of New York; from the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains, to the arid Nevada desert. This varied geography is matched by the demographic makeup of the states.
So, does living in different states give rise to a differing attitude of America?
June Stone married an American in 1965 and moved to Florida in 1971. She has been there ever since and now works as a realtor.
"I've never wanted to move back," June says. "The climate keeps me here really, but having said that it is cold today – I had to put on a coat to take my dogs out this morning."
But then June's idea of cold is 16C, in January. Sun and sand also attract Brits to California, but that is not all that appeals about the Golden State. California has the largest economy of the 50 states and is also the most populous – with one out of every eight US residents living there.
Disillusioned with the UK, Yorkshireman John Merrells took his company Embrace Mobile to California in search of the American Dream of hard work being rewarded with success.
"I found the UK environment poor for entrepreneurs," John says. "For me emigrating wasn't about tasteless beer and baseball, it was more the Silicon Valley dream." John has a few words of advice on enjoying your Californian life.
"Adjustments in outlook are required of your average Briton in order to be content in California. Your typical Californian starts the day early, actively manages their health, drinks modestly, is somewhat laid back, and has a very positive attitude to life."
There is a whole other world lying in-between Florida and California. Though the States sandwiched by the sunny delights of the south east and west may not be as popular with emigrating Brits, there are plenty willing to shout their praises.
Tom Walker's family, originally from the Midlands, moved to Denver, Colorado, in 1981. He is clearly proud to call the Mile-High city home – so-called for its elevation above sea level.
"I've travelled all over the US for business and for fun and I've never been anywhere I liked better than Colorado. It's also very centrally located for those with wanderlust," Tom enthuses.
"San Diego is very nice but also very expensive. I think in Denver you can get the 'Big City' lifestyle without the downsides normally associated with urban centres." Tom also thinks Colorado – home of the Rockies and some fabulous skiing resorts – offers the best of the seasons.
"Colorado would appeal to anyone who likes a lot of sunshine (over 300 days annually), but also likes some winter weather, and plenty of outdoor activities."
Despite this warm impression of a pleasant US city, a more popular spot with Brits is the Empire State and New York City. Those heading here do so largely for job prospects offered by the largest city in America. However, there is more to this state than the city that never sleeps.
Covering 141,205 square kilometres there is a lot to it, though it is still only 27th largest of the states. Its borders touch two of the Great Lakes (Erie and Ontario), as well as the provinces of Ontario and Quebec in Canada. A vast amount of the state is covered by farmland, forests, rivers and lakes, while one of its most popular tourist attractions is Niagara Falls. So, though many will go for NYC, they still enjoy access to vast natural expanses on the doorstep.
If a desire for space is your main motivation for heading abroad, though, Texas is surely the place to go. Second only to Alaska in size, it covers almost five times the area of the UK, and is also home to three of the top ten largest cities in America (Houston, San Antonio and Dallas, with Austin and Fort Worth in the top 20). These cities also offer good employment prospects, with Houston being a major centre for technology, energy, manufacturing and aeronautics; it also boasts the headquarters of more Fortune 500 companies than any city apart from New York.
There is still plenty of open space to roam and explore in Texas – the state is so large that it has three distinct climates: the humid subtropical climate of the east; the temperate semi-arid climate of the northwest; and the nearly arid desert climate of the south.
It is impossible to give a satisfactory introduction to the United States – each one defies being 'summed up' in a sentence, but therein lies their appeal.
America offers something for everyone, especially encouraging people willing to invest their time, effort and money to follow the American Dream.
All the expats we talk to – regardless of the state they live in – speak of the friendliness and hospitality of their American friends, neighbours and colleagues.
Whatever your dream, you can make it happen in America.
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