What's life like for an expat mum in Seattle or San Fran?

[whogotrach]

We have the chance to relocate to either San Fran or Seattle next year with my husband's company, on a package that would in theory give us the same standard of life as in the UK (reasonable house, reasonable short haul holidays, small amount of childcare etc).

I'm excited about the chance to travel and would love to experience life in another country for a bit. But I've only been to the States briefly as a teenager. Life as a mum of 2 tots (2.5yrs and 9mths) will be very different to my experiences as a tourist.

What is life like for expat mums in the States?

The day to day realities are starting to mute my excitement. No family, no friends. My visa wouldn't let me work. So any childcare costs would have to come out of his earnings.

Anyone have experiences to share?

[clam]

Well, haven't lived there long-term as a mum (short-term as a student) but I'd plump for SF rather than Seattle, for a start. If you have any sort of choice. I think there's an ex-pat section on here somewhere. You may get a wider audience/response on there?

[juneau]

I'm married to an American and I spent six years living there, the last two as a mother to DS1. I was in NY and would say my experience as an expat and a mum in the US was a very positive one. San Fran is another very cosmopolitan US city with plenty of other foreigners and I love Seattle, but I've only ever visited those two cities as a visitor.

You should see if you can get this thread moved to 'Living Overseas', as it would be more appropriate than general travel enquiries.

[whogotrach]

thanks for your thoughts, i hadn't spotted that topic, i've asked to have it moved

[OliviaIsOffTheGinMumsnet]

We've moved this for you
Very best of luck with the move whatever you decide.

[FSB]

Come to San Fran..! It's great :)
We've been here for just over a year and things are good. SF is such a great city, really European in feeling (although I haven't been to Seattle so nothing to compare it too)...
Good luck, and let us know what u decide :)

[whogotrach]

Sorry for slow reply, been away

No decisions yet, just lots of discussions with my husband's employers. It'll be a long time yet until any concrete progress

Glad to hear you're so happy there. How old are your children? I would love to know anything further about what life is like for a young family to help give me a picture of what might be ahead of me ...