Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Would you move to Texas for USD 5k more a month

689 replies

Constance17 · 05/08/2019 23:07

DH has been offered a job in U.S, we have children aged 6 & 8. What concerns you most?

OP posts:
timshelthechoice · 06/08/2019 03:51

Texas is a very big state. It's land mass is enormous and its population is 29m. There is a huge range of people in many areas.

The schools are absolutely terrible compared to even the worst state school here.

That is, sadly, totally untrue, just totally untrue as a generalisation.

You really need more information.

themouldneverbotheredmeanyway · 06/08/2019 03:56

No, the gun culture would put me off primarily, as would the right wing politics and religion.

The chance of actually being shot is not high. But I don't want to witness a shooting, don't want my kids to do gun drills at school, don't want them to have playdates in houses that may have unsecured guns, don't want to see civilians carrying guns, don't want to see guns for sale in the local shops, don't want to hear neighbours advocating lax gun policy. All those things would have a negative impact on my wellbeing that would outweigh extra money.

Screamanger · 06/08/2019 03:57

Yes go for it it’s a amazing opportunity, plus you get to escape Brexit

DulciUke · 06/08/2019 04:15

I grew up in Texas and couldn't wait to leave. Right wing, conservative culture and filled with people who bragged about how Texas was the greatest place in the world when they'd never even been out of the state (well, maybe Oklahoma, which admittedly would make you think that Texas was great). This was many years ago and there has been a big influx from other states that may have diluted some of this a bit. If you have to move to Texas, try Austin--it at least has a great live music scene. I do still miss the food, though. Obviously, Texas is a huge state, and there are variations from place to place. I'd also discourage you from moving to Houston which has suffered devastating flooding several times in the past few years. Like, 4 feet of rain from a single storm type of flooding.

DulciUke · 06/08/2019 04:15

I grew up in Texas and couldn't wait to leave. Right wing, conservative culture and filled with people who bragged about how Texas was the greatest place in the world when they'd never even been out of the state (well, maybe Oklahoma, which admittedly would make you think that Texas was great). This was many years ago and there has been a big influx from other states that may have diluted some of this a bit. If you have to move to Texas, try Austin--it at least has a great live music scene. I do still miss the food, though. Obviously, Texas is a huge state, and there are variations from place to place. I'd also discourage you from moving to Houston which has suffered devastating flooding several times in the past few years. Like, 4 feet of rain from a single storm type of flooding.

DulciUke · 06/08/2019 04:15

I grew up in Texas and couldn't wait to leave. Right wing, conservative culture and filled with people who bragged about how Texas was the greatest place in the world when they'd never even been out of the state (well, maybe Oklahoma, which admittedly would make you think that Texas was great). This was many years ago and there has been a big influx from other states that may have diluted some of this a bit. If you have to move to Texas, try Austin--it at least has a great live music scene. I do still miss the food, though. Obviously, Texas is a huge state, and there are variations from place to place. I'd also discourage you from moving to Houston which has suffered devastating flooding several times in the past few years. Like, 4 feet of rain from a single storm type of flooding.

mathanxiety · 06/08/2019 04:21

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal Mon 05-Aug-19 23:09:19
Children get shot at school in America
Not all children. There are millions and millions of people in the US who have never been shot at.

I sent all 5 of my DCs to school in the US and it never crossed my mind that any of them would be shot.
Meanwhile, back in Blighty -
www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-49162515

lawcenter.giffords.org/gun-laws/policy-areas/guns-in-public/open-carry/
Gun laws by state.

To those asking whether the company would pay school fees - bless.
Public schools in better off suburbs in the US are easily the equal of excellent private schools in the UK despite not having uniforms.

To those touting the allegation of American schools being two years behind the UK - that's poppycock based on a British superiority complex. Some schools are poor, some are excellent. Overall, going to good public schools in the US and working hard will produce a young person of 18 who has every chance of getting into a
prestigious university.
If you're concerned about transferring back to the UK system and wish for a seamless transfer - www.texasibschools.org/members
^^ List of International Baccalaureate schools (note: mainly public schools offering the IB) in Texas. Not too shabby for a state full of gun-luvvin', rootin'-tootin', redneck hillbillies.

...if you want to have the option to come back to the UK then presumably you will be looking at private schools. So what is the cost of that schooling.
No, no, no.
This statement reflects the British prejudice against state schools, with no insight into the way education happens in the US.
When it comes to American education, British shibboleths do not apply
The public/private divide only exists in inner cities and run down suburban areas, and even then it is far from a given.
Better off suburban public and private schools perform equally well, with public schools for the most part vastly better funded and equipped because private schools rely completely on tuition and massive amounts of fundraising and no government subsidies whatsoever to keep afloat, whereas public schools, elementary, middle and high, are funded by local taxpayers.

And your private schools are very likely to be Catholic, for those with a bee in their bonnets about religion.

AngelasAshes
Don’t forget the crappy education system in the US.
The schools are absolutely terrible compared to even the worst state school here.
Sorry, but this is utter bullshit based on complete ignorance.

Speaking of education, the University of Texas system alone would make the move to Texas worthwhile if the family gets Green Cards. Read BritWife's post on visas

They did however choose their home according to the school district as it has outstanding schools, on a par with private schools in the UK with so many great opportunities for the students.
YY to that.
For most better off Americans who are parents, or even aspiring Americans who are parents, the reputation of the public schools is one of the major factors taken into account when deciding where to buy.

Green Cards/welfare - it is not true that there is less welfare available for GC holders than citizens.

It's really important to get the advice of a solicitor wrt your visas.

  • what visa class; what conditions; worst case scenario?
  • will you be able to work?
  • will you be able to drive?
  • security of residence?
  • banking, credit, personal finance, auto insurance.
  • Hague Convention
You also need to sit down and go through the figures line by line when it comes to your salary package. Look in particular at health insurance; get up to speed on terms such as Preferred Provider Organization, Health Maintenance Organization, Annual Deductible, Family Deductible, Personal Deductible, Out of Pocket Expenses, Co-pay, and much more. www.medmutual.com/For-Individuals-and-Families/Health-Insurance-Education/Glossary-of-Terms.aspx An example of a glossary - not comprehensive.

You need to look at taxes. There are state, federal and local taxes, and on top of that there are sales taxes on everything, and municipal and county charges for water, sewage and garbage collection.

Look at climate.

Look at relocation package.

Spend some time hanging out on expat forums.

timshelthechoice · 06/08/2019 04:30

Great advice from math. 'Houston' also has a seriously large metropolitan area encompassing a large geographical area and a population in the millions and it doesn't often get flooded Hmm. Harvey would have flooded just about anywhere because it dumped over 4feet of rain in a 48 hour period.

It is hot in the state, but many other states can get just as hot in Summer and yet have severe Winters. There is also a lot more A/C.

MaybeitsMaybelline · 06/08/2019 04:32

In short, no.

Tomasinaa · 06/08/2019 04:36

Yes just echoing the other posters calling out the hysteria in these posts.
My health insurance costs me about $40 a month and my employer pays the rest, for an excellent policy. So I don't worry about going to the doctor and it isn't financially crippling.

Also the OP is asking if it's worth it for 5k MORE, not 5k full stop.

Tomasinaa · 06/08/2019 04:36

Yes just echoing the other posters calling out the hysteria in these posts.
My health insurance costs me about $40 a month and my employer pays the rest, for an excellent policy. So I don't worry about going to the doctor and it isn't financially crippling.

Also the OP is asking if it's worth it for 5k MORE, not 5k full stop.

Italiangreyhound · 06/08/2019 04:38

What happens if you want to come home and your dh doesn't. has anyone addressed that?

HeronLanyon · 06/08/2019 04:52

American living in London for decades here. Have relatives in Texas and have stayed for short periods in corpus Christie, San Antonio, Austin.
Hmmm - I get tired of casual unthinking America-bashing because of course the states is huge, politically diverse, multi facetted etc.
Depending on your own politics op Texas may be a personal challenge as a place to live and bring up kids. You’ll know it’s one of the most conservative states. The whole ICE/wall/Inequality issues bite there very particularly. Social life can be centred around church and high school more fundamentally even than many other states.

It’s a huge diverse state - San a And Austin May feel more comfortable for someone from uk socially and culturally but still massively different.
Texas would be in the bottom 7 or 8 of states I’d think about living in, now, from the uk. Wouldn’t even consider it without a longish trial ‘holiday’ to start to get a feel.
Good luck.

Whatdayisit2 · 06/08/2019 04:58

No
Ignorance and a poor education system
Open racism
Ignorance trussed up as religion
Guns
Trump
Guns
Trump
Shootings
Politics

Whatdayisit2 · 06/08/2019 04:59

No
Ignorance and a poor education system
Open racism
Ignorance trussed up as religion
Guns
Trump
Guns
Trump
Shootings
Politics

Whatdayisit2 · 06/08/2019 04:59

No
Ignorance and a poor education system
Open racism
Ignorance trussed up as religion
Guns
Trump
Guns
Trump
Shootings
Politics

Whatdayisit2 · 06/08/2019 04:59

No
Ignorance and a poor education system
Open racism
Ignorance trussed up as religion
Guns
Trump
Guns
Trump
Shootings
Politics

Whatdayisit2 · 06/08/2019 04:59

No
Ignorance and a poor education system
Open racism
Ignorance trussed up as religion
Guns
Trump
Guns
Trump
Shootings
Politics

Whatdayisit2 · 06/08/2019 04:59

No
Ignorance and a poor education system
Open racism
Ignorance trussed up as religion
Guns
Trump
Guns
Trump
Shootings
Politics

Whatdayisit2 · 06/08/2019 04:59

No
Ignorance and a poor education system
Open racism
Ignorance trussed up as religion
Guns
Trump
Guns
Trump
Shootings
Politics

feelingverylazytoday · 06/08/2019 05:22

No I wouldn't, because of the gun culture. I can't imagine living in a place where people feel the need to carry a gun when they go to the supermarket.

LinoleumBlownapart · 06/08/2019 05:35

I would never turn down an opportunity to live in and learn about another country and culture. It avoids many of the attitudes reflected here. Ask in living abroad section, you'll actually get answers from people in Texas with more informed answers.

Aprillygirl · 06/08/2019 05:36

The gun culture, the religious zealots and the pig headed closed mindedness of the people would be my main concerns. Plus the accent, I would hate my kids to pick that up.

SlowMoFuckingToes · 06/08/2019 05:40

Where in Texas? Texas is an enormous place that varies hugely in local attitudes/climate/schooling etc.

SlowMoFuckingToes · 06/08/2019 05:40

Where in Texas? Texas is an enormous place that varies hugely in local attitudes/climate/schooling etc.