Living in the United States

"If you are a young person in his/her 20s I would not recommend it. We do have a club scene yes, but it dies around 12am. That and most clubs/bars can be dangerous at times due to gangs coming in and starting trouble. Sacramento is perfect for someone in their later adult years to live and work. However, if you are planning on moving here bring plenty money with you, and try to find a place before coming, which isn't difficult, apartment complexes are always renting," said one expat who made the move to Sacramento.

"Before retiring in the United States, expats should familiarize themselves with the US visa and immigration requirements in order to determine their eligibility to stay and work in the country. It is important to also research state and federal tax regulations, and investigate the cost of living in the region they plan to retire to. Understanding the health care system is also essential, including what kinds of health insurance options are available and how they differ from home country plans. Additionally, expats should make sure they have sufficient savings and resources to cover the costs of retirement. Finally, research the cultural, social and recreational activities in the area to gain an understanding of how life will be in the US for retirees," explained one expat living in United States.

"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," remarked one expat living in United States.

"I would recommend the bars and clubs here in Sacramento. They are mostly located in the downtown area. Some good clubs to visit are Blue Q and Empire. For bars we have plenty of them, some good ones are Sandbar,Pine Cove,Firehouse,Players,for the youngfolks that attend Sac State Univ. you can check out the Library, and you can also go down to the river Old Sacramento area for the riverside dining bars that are available. If you are into music we have a growing underground music community in hip-hop and rock. Finding out about shows is easy mainly because you can flyers for shows posted in every coffee shop and street corner. A good venue for music to check out is the Boardwalk. If clubbing and music isn't your thing we have 2 rivers and a lake within the Sacramento area. One can do everything from boating,swimming,fishing,mountain biking to jogging. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do," wrote one member in Sacramento.

"I might recommend looking into local high schools (Brookline High) for continuing ed classes- you can take everything from Spanish to cooking to woodworking. There is also Junior League of Boston, and different business networking opportunities. (None which come to mind by name- but we belong to the Boston College Club- those types of places are great- although expensive) I would also suggest looking into the alumni department of the college you attended- I know there is a whole network of colleges that sponsor events together. (wine tasting, a capella concerts, ball games, etc.) One other suggestion is Boston.com and citysearch.com -- they summarize all the events in the city- free concerts on the river, events in the park, shows, etc. The Improper Bostonian is a free weekly magazine - they usually list great stuff in there, as well as the Boston Globe publishes a calendar section each Thursday. It highlights the events going on for the weekend, new restaurants, bars, etc," remarked one expat who made the move to Boston.

"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," wrote a member 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," commented one expat who made the move to Sacramento.

"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," remarked one expat living in Boston, US.

"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.

"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," said one expat in United States.

"Sacramento is probably one of the most diverse cities in North America next to LA and Toronto. Religiously people will accept you, but non-religious ideologies are growing here. Culturally it is both segregated and inter-mized depending on where you go. The inner city area you will tend to find predominantley Black,Mexican,or South East Asian neighborhoods. However, the farther you go out the neighborhoods become more diverse. People here tend to be ignorant toward other races/ethnicities, you will one time or another run into some racial prejudices, but not all the time. Economically we are like most of the country suffering from the mortgage crisis, however housing costs are at a low for the time being, so if shouldnt be hard to find a house under $200,000 right now," said one expat who made the move to Sacramento.

"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," explained one expat living in Boston, US.

"I would 100% recommend the British School for International or British people looking for a great place to send their kids. It is so welcoming and pleasant, and I know my daughter has grown leaps and bounds since we have been here," explained one expat living in New York, US.

"The International School of Minnesota is an exemplary international school located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. ISM offers a rigorous class load that educates students from Preschool to Grade 12 in a challenging and inclusive environment. Class schedules are planned around the International Baccalaureate Program, a curriculum that is recognized around the world. Additional programs include Spanish, French, Chinese, physics, art and music. The school boasts a comfortable open campus design with outdoor play areas, a library, and even a climbing wall. The Denver School of the Arts is an award-winning bilingual school located in Denver, Colorado. Founded in 1987, this phenomenal school focuses on student-centered learning and artistic exploration. Program offerings are designed to develop academic confidence and stimulate the student's creativity. This school offers a blended curriculum that combines classes in Spanish and English with a strong focus on the arts. Student programs cover a wide range of topics such as musical theater, drawing, painting, photography, and more. Friends Academy of New York is a top tier bilingual school located in Locust Valley, New York. This tuition-free school provides a challenging and fulfilling education that is suitable for students of any educational background. Curriculum offerings are taught in both English and Spanish, with the focus on developing comprehensive literacy and cultural understanding. The school has a variety of unique and innovative programs, ranging from computer design to environmental science. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate and explore the many extracurricular activities on offer," said one parent with children at in .

"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," remarked one expat who made the move to United States.

" 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.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Patillas.

"The cost of living in the United States can vary greatly depending on the location. Generally speaking, places like New York City and Los Angeles have a very high cost of living compared to much of the rest of the country. Rent prices for a nice 1 bedroom apartment will typically range anywhere from 900-2000 US Dollars per month, while a nice 2 bedroom can range anywhere from 1500-3000 US Dollars per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant can cost anywhere from 15-25 US Dollars depending on the city," said one expat.

"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," wrote one expat living in Patillas.

"In the United States, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, lakes, rivers, trails, and golf courses. Parks often feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields. Beaches provide opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Lakes and rivers offer fishing, boating, and other water activities. Trails provide a great way to explore nature and get some exercise. Golf courses provide a challenging and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon," commented one expat who moved to United States.

"Water-based activities are very popular in Annapolis - sailing, yachting, kayaking, paddle boarding and more. Mears Marina is just across the bridge in Eastport, with tennis courts, a swimming pool and marina. There are many golf clubs nearby as well.

Everyone's a Navy Fan!

If you're going to be living in Annapolis, you might as well get on board and become a Navy Fan. Navy-Marine Corps Stadium hosts Navy football and lacrosse games, plus it's the home of the Chesapeake Bayhawks, Maryland's Major League Lacrosse team. ," said one expat.

"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.

"Annapolis has a temperate climate with cold, snowy winters (snowfall amounts vary from year to year), beautiful spring and fall weather and humid, hot summer days," said one expat.

"Annapolis has too many restaurants to list. Here are a few favorites: Boatyard Bar & Grill, Chick & Ruth's deli, Flamant MD (Flemish/European) and Vin 909 (wine bar + food). For nighlife, Rams Head on Stage has concerts and music events. 49 West Coffeehouse has local live music nightly with great food, coffee and drinks. Stan & Joe's is another bar with live music. There are a number of wonderful art galleries in Annapolis, which hosts an annual art walk," mentioned an expat living in Annapolis.

"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.

"It is a pretty quiet area for nightlife. The best restaurants are local cuisine. The local Chinese food is unbearable. In fact if you want ethic food other than Puerto Rican, San Juan is a better choice," remarked one expat in Patillas.

"People living in the United States typically buy groceries and do other shopping at supermarkets, convenience stores, department stores, and online retailers. Many people also shop at farmers markets, specialty stores, and discount stores," mentioned an expat living 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 living in Patillas, US.

"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," remarked one expat living in United States.

"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.