Living in the United States

"Real estate advice- renting an apartment is expensive- the rents are high and in addition you have to pay first, last, security, and a finders fee - usually equal to one month's rent. The suburbs are a bit less expensive- and many still have an urban feel," remarked one expat living in Boston, US.

"Expats often join social and cultural clubs to meet others and learn about their new home. Examples of very popular clubs and activities include community choirs, running clubs, youth sports teams, and language classes. Expats can also meet others by attending local lectures, musical performances, art and book exhibitions, festivals, and even charity events, which offer a great opportunity to socialize and make friends. Additionally, expats often get online to more easily connect with people who share similar interests, join online expat networks, or even sign up for social media pages dedicated to expats living in the area," said one expat in United States.

"People's lives revolve mostly around working all day to pay the bills, then coming home and socializing. Family isn't really a big priority here mainly because most families here are dysfunctional or broken," remarked one expat who made the move to Sacramento.

"Expats and digital nomads in the United States often find a diverse and exciting range of activities and experiences. The U.S. offers a wealth of opportunities, with diverse cultures, a wide range of climates and landscapes, and a bustling job market. Expats may find that making social connections with fellow expats and locals alike can be a great way to get acquainted with the new surroundings. Cultural events and activities within a US city can provide excellent networking opportunities and allow expats to experience more of the culture and lifestyle of America. Digital nomads will appreciate the wide array of places to work from – from coffee shops to shared spaces – as well as the range of online communities supporting the digital nomadic lifestyle. With the United States’ open stance for entrepreneurship and business, the opportunities for digital nomads to start or grow their own businesses are many," explained one expat living in United States.

"It is a bit of all of this- but work and socializing are big on a daily basis. Sports- depending on the season -are big too. Specifically the Patriots and Red Sox. I don't see a huge family emphasis at all," said one expat in Boston.

"Yes, there is a significant amount of crime in the United States. Many communities suffer from high crime rates and violent activities, resulting in a deteriorating quality of life in some locations. Furthermore, the availability of firearms and illegal drugs contribute to the perpetuation of these criminal activities. While law enforcement is at the forefront of fighting crime, the societal issues underlying crime require a multifaceted approach from communities, government, and individuals in order to make meaningful progress," wrote one member in United States.

"Not really- Boston is still particularly segregated. The neighborhoods are still quite divided by race- and there are definite "bad" areas and "good" areas. Overall you will find much diversity- more so in some areas than others. I do think that people are becoming more accepting of differences, but it has been a slow process," remarked one expat who made the move to Boston.

"Yes, the United States is a very diverse country with people from many different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. This diversity is reflected in all aspects of American life, from the workplace to schools and religious institutions. Despite the sometimes contentious nature of social and political relations, people in the United States are generally accepting of differences, and laws in the country generally protect the rights of all citizens regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation," explained one expat living in United States.

"Be sure to join one of the many clubs open to parents to participate in the school. The teachers keep up a regular correspondence with parents as to what the weekly curriculum will cover, and how their child is performing. The arts-based approach is quite amazing and the results are very evident from the second grade graduates of the school who are all performing at higher grade levels in both reading and math," said one expat in Middletown with children at The Lucy School.

"It's a 'locals' school, although there are many cultures present with Sydney being what it is. The children are definitely put first in every sense and it's refreshing to see. No hesitation in recommending the school at all," remarked one parent with kids at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Sydney.

"The cost of living in the United States varies depending on the city and state you live in. In general, living costs in the US are usually high and rising. Rent, transportation, and food expenses tend to make up the largest portion of monthly expenses in most parts of the country. Healthcare in the US can also be expensive, particularly if you do not have access to employer-sponsored insurance. Utility costs, such as electricity and water, also need to be taken into account when budgeting for the cost of living," wrote a member in United States.

"It is one of the few areas of PR where rentals right on the beach have always been attainable for around $600 per month. Those prices tripled due to the FEMA influx caused by the 2017 hurricane season but the expectation is that prices may return to normal when FEMA leaves," remarked one expat in Patillas.

" A typical 3-4 bedroom home costs between $400-500,000. There are pricier homes, which run into the millions. Apartments range in price. In a nice apartment complex with amenities a studio costs $1,500/month, a one bedroom costs $2,000/month and a three bedroom can go as high as $5,000. Private schools range in cost. Tuition at St. Anne's K-8 runs from 1$7-20,000. The cost of the 5-day, 9am-3pm, pre-school program at St. Anne's runs from $13-17,000. Half-day and fewer day-a-week programs are less. At the Key School, tuition starts at $18,000 for a 5-day, 8:30-3 pre-school program and goes up to $29,000 for high school aged students. ," wrote one expat living in Annapolis.

"The beaches are the most popular recreation in the area. The nearest golf course is at Humacao. Hiking is best at El Junque. If you hear of a football game you can watch it will probably turn out to be soccer," commented one expat who moved to Patillas.

"The weather in the United States varies greatly depending on the region. In the northern states, temperatures can range from cold and snowy in the winter to hot and humid in the summer. In the southern states, temperatures tend to be milder in the winter and hot and humid in the summer. In the western states, temperatures can range from mild to hot in the summer and cold to mild in the winter. In the midwest, temperatures can range from cold and snowy in the winter to hot and humid in the summer," commented one expat who moved to United States.

"One of the most popular restaurants in the United States is In-N-Out Burger. Founded in 1948, this fast-food chain is known for its delicious burgers, fries, and shakes. The restaurant has locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Texas, and Oregon. Customers can customize their orders and enjoy the classic In-N-Out experience. Another popular restaurant in the US is Shake Shack. This fast-casual chain is known for its delicious burgers, hot dogs, and shakes. The restaurant has locations in over 30 states, including New York, California, Florida, and Texas. Customers can customize their orders and enjoy the classic Shake Shack experience. The Cheesecake Factory is also a popular restaurant in the US. This chain is known for its delicious cheesecakes, as well as its wide variety of entrees. The restaurant has locations in over 30 states, including California, Florida, and New York. Customers can customize their orders and enjoy the classic Cheesecake Factory experience," said an expat in United States.

"There are many grocery stores in Annapolis - Whole Foods, Sam's Club, Graul's Market, Giant, Shoppers, Fresh Market, Trader Joe's and Safeway. There are several Asian grocery stores in nearby Bowie, MD. Annapolis Towne Center is an outdoor shopping center with clothing stores like Anthropologie, lululemon and Talbots, restaurants and even the Whole Foods. Westfield Mall has furniture stores (Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel), clothing stores, restaurants and an 11 cinema movie theater. ," said an expat in Annapolis.

"Their are great bakeries in the centro of Patillas and one well stocked supermarket but most people drive 20 minutes down the road to Pueblo or Amigo for grocery shopping in Guayama," remarked one expat in Patillas.

"PR is a US territory, so Americans only need to arrive. Residency and Visas for other nationalities have the same requirements as the USA," commented one expat who moved to Patillas.

"In order to enter the United States, non-U.S. citizens must obtain a valid visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Depending on your nationality and purpose of travel, the type of visa you require and the length of validity may vary. You must apply for a visa in advance of your arrival in the U.S. and must provide certain documents, such as a passport, photograph, and proof of financial support, that accompany the visa application. In order to stay in the United States for a longer period of time, it may be necessary to apply for residency. Generally, potential residents have to petition the U.S. government with an application and supporting documents, such as marriage and birth certificates, financial records and bank statements, to prove the validity of their relationship and/or dependents. Depending on the relationship, further evidence jointly signed documents, photos, or affidavits from third-party witnesses may be required. Once the application is submitted, generally, a U.S. citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer will review the evidence and will determine, in some cases after an interview, whether the applicant is eligible for residency," said one expat.

"Healthcare and health insurance in the United States can be expensive. The cost of healthcare services, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs, can be high. Health insurance premiums can also be costly, and many people struggle to afford the cost of coverage. Additionally, many health insurance plans have high deductibles and copays, which can make it difficult to access care," remarked one expat in United States.

"Aside from what I said above, we use my husband's Blue Cross insurance with no trouble. It costs the same as elsewhere, being a benefit of his federal job (he transferred here). Our copays are the same as in Hawaii," wrote one expat living in Saipan.