Moving to the United States
Last updated on Mar 03, 2024
Summary: Many expats and digital nomads move to the United States for its strong economy, diverse culture, and excellent educational opportunities. Additionally, the United States offers a wide range of job opportunities, making it an attractive destination for those looking to work abroad. People looking for a place to live in the United States can find a variety of housing options, from renting an apartment to buying a home. Popular cities for expats and digital nomads in the United States include New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Austin.
What do I need to know before moving to the United States?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to the United States, they said:
"Check on commuting times via train and car if need to travel to NYC. Ask about transience of population. Discover the variety of family/children's activities available in your town of choice. Towns have recreation web sites. See free magazines for details," commented one expat who made the move to Morristown.
How do I find a place to live in the United States?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"This is a small island so I started in a apartment behind someone's house for first year... loved it . Location was great, price reasonable and it was month to month," said one expat who made the move to Key West.
"There are several different methods to find a place to live in the United States. One option is to do an online search on real estate websites such as Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com to find potential listings in the area you are interested in. You can also contact local real estate agencies and inquire about listings they have available. You can also ask your friends and family if they know of any available rentals. Lastly, you can explore "For Rent" signs advertising rentals in your desired area," explained one expat living in United States.
"Found the area by talking with friends and using realtor as well as length of commute. Also, by calibre of schools recommended by School Choice," said one in Morristown.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in the United States?
"Large detached. Had to get used to the unfenced gardens. Youngest child was confined to the deck," remarked one expat who made the move to Morristown.
"Expat homes and apartments in the United States typically present an array of options to cater to different tastes and requirements. Depending on the budget, these homes and apartments come in a variety of sizes and styles, from one-bedroom apartments to whole houses. In larger cities, one can find amenities such as gyms, pools, balconies and terraces, security systems and more. Expats are also drawn to more modern apartments with air-conditioning, stainless steel kitchens, and the latest electronics. Expats are also known to rent homes with gardens and patios for a more suburban lifestyle. Furthermore, apartments in suburban areas often have luxurious features such as well-furnished bedrooms and kitchens, laundry facilities and even game rooms. Whatever prospective expats choose, they can be sure to find a feeling of home here in the United States," explained one expat living in United States.
What is the average cost of housing in the United States?
If you are thinking about moving to the United States, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"The average cost of housing in the United States is generally considered to be quite high. On a national level, housing costs have been steadily increasing over the past few decades and many people struggle to afford housing they need," commented one expat who made the move to United States.
"Slightly less than UK. A nice house with 4 bed 2 1/2 bath and double garage in a child friendly neighbourhood would run approx. $700,000," remarked one expat in Morristown, US.
Should I buy or rent a home in the United States?
If you have not spent a lot of time in the United States, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:
"When deciding whether to buy or rent a home in the United States, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to examine your financial situation to determine which option is most suited to your resources. Typically, if you can afford it, buying a home is the recommended path, as you can build equity and your monthly payments may be lower than those of a rental. However, if your location or job situation is likely to change in the near future, it may be better to rent, as it can provide more flexibility. Additionally, if you're not ready to commit to the longer-term responsibility of home ownership, renting may be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision should be tailored to your unique circumstances," said one expat in United States.
What should I pack when moving to the United States?
We asked people living in the United States to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:
"When moving to the United States, it is important to remember to pack comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the season you are arriving in. Remember to bring important documents such as passports, birth certificates, visas and any other necessary forms of identification. It is helpful to bring along a few personal items such as pictures or souvenirs that remind you of home. If you are bringing along electronics such as computers, TVs or phones, it is important to check if they are compatible with the US electrical system and bring adaptors as necessary. Lastly, make sure to bring enough medication to last you for at least two weeks in the US, as well as any extra prescriptions from your doctor," explained one expat living in United States.
"Should have brought Typhoo Decaf Tea, favourite sweets and M & S unmentionables. Could have left behind electrical appliances, most books and Christmas decorations except for one or two with special meaning," said one expat in Morristown.
"I wish I had been able to bring my; Family, Friends and Food!! I am glad I bought everything with me!," said one expat who made the move to Fort Lauderdale.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in the United States?
We asked people in the United States if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:
"1. Respect religious and cultural differences, be mindful of personal space, and be aware that American English has some nuances which could be easily misunderstood. 2. Don't make assumptions about people's political views or beliefs. 3. Avoid offensive comments about politics, gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, age, or sexual orientation. 4. Don't stare or point, and maintain a respectful distance from individuals you are unfamiliar with. 5. Respect the importance of privacy, and don’t make assumptions about relationships or personal histories. 6. Always ask permission before touching someone or making public displays of affection. 7. Dress appropriately when in a professional or public setting, and avoid discussing contentious topics such as religion or politics. 8. Show gratitude, and remember to wait your turn when speaking in a group," said one expat who made the move to United States.
Why do people move to the United States?
When we asked people why foreigners move to the United States, they responded:
"With a population of close to 40,000, Annapolis, Maryland is a bustling city on the Chesapeake Bay that is conveniently located about an hour west of D.C. and an hour south of Baltimore. Annapolis is home to the U.S. Naval Academy and St. John's College. Downtown Annapolis is filled with restaurants, shops, old inns, a maritime museum and historical sites. The city has numerous marinas and yacht clubs. For families, Annapolis' Public Schools are well ranked plus there are a number of private schools in town," offered one expat living in Annapolis.

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How are healthcare services the United States?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in the United States, they replied:
"Healthcare services in the United States are provided by a mix of public and private providers. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the federal government through Medicare and Medicaid programs. Quality of public healthcare varies by state and region, but generally is considered to be of a high standard. Foreign residents are not eligible for public healthcare in the United States, however, expats in the United States may be able to access public healthcare through the Affordable Care Act. Expats may also purchase private health insurance plans to cover their healthcare needs," commented one expat living in United States.
"Find out before coming if your current insurance is accepted by anyone here. I found that not all clinics accepted Blue Cross, which surprised me! Many locals travel to Guam or the Philippines for serious medical procedures, so keep that in mind if you are not in good health, or would not be able to travel to get care," commented one expat who moved to Saipan, US.
What are medical services in the United States like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in the United States, they replied:
"In the United States, medical services are generally of a high quality and are widely available. Patients have access to a wide range of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, as well as a variety of treatments and procedures. The US healthcare system is largely based on private insurance, although there are also public programs such as Medicare and Medicaid that provide coverage for certain individuals. Patients have the right to choose their own healthcare provider and can access a variety of services, including preventive care, emergency care, and specialty care," remarked one expat in United States.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in the United States?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in the United States?
- What do I need to know before retiring in the United States?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in the United States accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in the United States like?
- Is the cost of living in the United States high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in the United States?
- What are healthcare services like in the United States?
- Is the cost of living in the United States high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in the United States?
- What is the weather like in the United States?
- Are there good restaurants in the United States?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in the United States?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in the United States?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in the United States?
- What do I need to know when buying property in the United States?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in the United States?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?