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," commented one expat who made the move to Boston.

"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," 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.

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

"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," said one expat who made the move to 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 who made the move to 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," explained one expat living in Sacramento, 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," wrote an expat with kids at in .

"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," commented one expat when asked about The Lucy School in Middletown.

"teachers are mainly greenhorns imported from home . kids don't get proper help and support : no help with meals during lunch time, not allowed to drink their water because then somebody would have to take them to the bathroom. toileting and hygiene assistance is inadequate. DO NOT enroll your child into this school," remarked one expat living in Houston, Texas with children attending British school of Houston.

"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," explained one expat living in United States.

"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," remarked one expat living in United States.

"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.

"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," 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," remarked one expat 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," wrote one expat living 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," commented one expat who moved to Patillas.

"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. ," mentioned an expat living in Annapolis.

"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," said an expat in United States.

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

"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," commented one expat who moved to 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," commented one expat who moved to 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," said one expat.