Does everyone want to live in the US?

[AteRiri]

I was talking to an American friend and he made this blanket statement, "Everyone wants to come here!"

Is this true?

Yes I'd live there. I have been to Atlanta and San Fransisco, loved both in their own ways.

I am British, but I haven't lived in the UK since 1998 and would never go back to live. The thought of returning leaves me cold. So... there's the other side of the coin.

Definitely not.

Now, Canada on the other hand..

I have had some amazing food in the US. Some of the best salads I have ever had. I'm amused by Brits criticising any country based on food stereotypes.

In the years I lived in the US I never saw a gun. I was in Northern California though and I think it would have been different in other states.

I met many thoughtful, liberal, self aware Americans.

It's a great place to explore and parts are lovely to live in. But the annual leave, maternity leave and healthcare issues are off putting for people used to European rights. Having said that I fear a post Brexit Uk will be ice much more akin to the US in these areas.

It's illegal to have two passports unless you have special requirements.

No it's not. My DCs all have 3 passports and myself and DH both have 2.

Brits can have dual. Different rules for others I believe.

No way - I prefer to live in a civilised country - any country with the death penalty is not civilised. Add to that guns, chocolate that tastes of vomit, some batshit crazy religions, the Clintons (yes I know Trump is mad but they are worse) etc - no thanks.

As a Canadian, I have no interest in living in the US. Moving back to Canada though? Yes. It is a wonderful place to raise a family.

I've lived here my whole life and spent exactly zero seconds worrying about whether I/someone I know will be shot. And that's coming from the wife of a federal law enforcement officer. Can't help wondering why some of you seem to think we're completely homogenous and every place you go is in the style of overblown news reports.

' It's illegal to have two passports unless you have special requirements.'

Nah. They just try and impress on you that now you're an American citizen you should give up any other citizenship. But I know several people with American and Irish passports.

Have visited - stunning natural wonders. San Francisco. Many other scenic wonders still to see.

But... Right to bear arms, no atheist will get to be president, huge energy waste, places with terrible climate, many other problems.

Nowhere perfect but no thanks.

I'd rather live in the US than Canada though. I know Canada comes top in all sorts of quality of life surveys, but the weather is offputting, and I found it a bit......boring. Nice, but definitely boring. This is just Toronto by the way.

Nope. Nor does my American DH ever want to go back and live there.

When I was in the US on a recent roadtrip, the look on my DP's face when the tow truck driver turned up with a handgun strapped to his belt..

Never once worried about getting shot (by him or anyone else). Was a bit unsettling though - and when we arrived in Seattle, our uber driver said she'd never even seen a gun. And called us crazy for doing our roadtrip. Was great fun.

No. I'd visit the country for a holiday but theres no way I'd live there' I love being British, the British countryside, our history and architecture.
I'd be bankrupted by my medical bills. I loathe their attitude to anything they perceive as being socialist.

Canada, yes. The US, no.

Unless you've lived there , you really can't comment.
My husband is American- we lived there the best part of a decade.
My mental health had never been so good. I love the American attitude and the positive feeling . It is way more pleasant to shop/ use the post office in the states . Actually anything where you are a 'client'. The doctor/ patient relationship is healthier too. A better balance.
It isn't how you'd imagine ,if you've only taken a holiday in Florida or seen it on the television.
I don't think it is for everyone, however it really has some amazing qualities!

And don't forget , America is vast.
The different states can be like countries on their own.
Differing beliefs everywhere.
Americans are not all Republicans - if that is a concern.

No. I hate even being forced to visit it for work or in transit between flights.

Lived there for a bit.
No interest in returning.
Canada maybe!

Very true babyapril, I lived in the Middle East which horrifies a lot of people but it was amazing and beautiful, the people were lovely. Though I understand why people think differently when a lot of what we learn is from the media.

I visited 22 states baby so I think I got a decent impression!

You all forgot to mention how medicalized childbirth is in the US! Please, it's a MN standard!

Some posters have valid points but I do think it's a bit rich to hear a bunch of Brits despairing of the racism and bad food in America.

You couldn't pay me to live there.

Nope. I have lived & worked there for short periods, have family and friends there, have had holidays there. Despite enjoying my time there I have no inclination to live there at all.

*I've lived here my whole life and spent exactly zero seconds worrying about whether I/someone I know will be shot"
That's great you feel like that. Unfortunately many of your country men aren't as lucky. I presume you aren't black, male or poor.

"According to to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2013, there were 73,505 nonfatal firearm injuries (23.23 per 100,000 U.S. citizens);[2] 11,208 homicides (3.5 per 100,000);[3] 21,175 suicides;[4] 505 deaths due to accidental/negligent discharge of a firearm; and 281 deaths due to firearms-use with "undetermined intent",[4] included in a total of 33,636 deaths due to "Injury by firearms",[4] or 10.6 deaths per 100,000 people.[4]