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...
Email to Jayne and Ernie
Hi Lynne and Ernie,
Just a quick email to thank you for all of the help given for our recent move within Rochdale.
The process from start to finish has been exceptional and ran extremely smoothly - thanks to both of your help and guidance along the way.
We were especially pleased with removal day. The team turned up well ahead of schedule and worked non-stop to get everything packed (and unpacked at the other end, despite the delay in the other people not having moved out of their property!). I can’t remember their names, but I would be most grateful if you could pass on our thanks to them. They are a credit to the company.
Kind regards and thanks again.
They cared about our furniture.
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Google search and the comments
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?
Good comments, size and history of the company
How would you rate your move team?
9/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Bart and Chris were punctual. They were professional and acted fast. They cared about our furniture. They were patient in answering our questions. We were satisfied with their service.
How would you rate our communication?
9/10
How can we improve our service?
Can’t think of at this moment
How likely are you to recommend us to your friends / family?
9/10
Took instructions & just got on with it
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Used Britannia Bradshaw for main house move & everything was excellent.
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?
Used Britannia Bradshaw for main house move & everything was excellent, so was happy to use again
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Very friendly and super efficient. Took instructions & just got on with it. Couldn't believe how quick they were- brilliant!
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
Perfect service!
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?
No. Apart from everything was great.
Quick, clean, tidy and couldn’t have been more helpful
Why did you choose to get a quote from us and where did you get our contact details?
Internet search and good reviews
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?
Good reviews and local
How would you rate your move team?
10/10
Would you like to tell us anything about your move team?
Both Rhys and Ben were excellent. Quick clean tidy and couldn’t have been more helpful with everything. Very pleased with the service.
How would you rate our communication?
10/10
How can we improve our service?
It was excellent
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?
As above
UK Quote
Complete the form below to get your UK Removals quotation
European Removals Quote Request
Complete the form below to get your European Removals quotation
International Removals Quote Request
Complete the form below to get your International Removals quotation
Call Me Back
Complete the form below and we'll call you back to discuss your requirements
Self Storage
Complete the form below to get your Self Storage quotation
UK Price Guide
Complete the form below to get a Price Guide sent to you
Please note: Our Price Guide tool is intended for moves within the UK Mainland only. If you're moving to or from the UK mainland please speak to one of our friendly team who will be able to provide you with a bespoke quote.
© Britannia Bradshaw Removals & Storage 2024.
Registered in England 00719614
Bradshaw International is a trading name of John Bradshaw and Son Limited
An indicoll website
Privacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclaimerAccessibility