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1 year agoThe grass is always greener - in this case quite literally 😂 - as for the Netherlands - The housing situation sucks, the food is unremarkable, the language is hard, the weather in the winter is super shitty and depressing and making friends is difficult. I love the Netherlands- the country has been good to me. But given the choice TODAY of leaving TX for NL - knowing what I know … I’d give it a hard pass. Spain on the other hand may be a great fit ! Visit both. Be sure to do both summer and winter visits. Good luck (from a fellow Texan )
American Living Europe currently - and have been for 7 years (and a previous stint in England a decade ago)…
I’m *JUST* now missing things in the USA and have given some serious consideration about moving back. I’m very conflicted because I know it’s not the same place I left for many reasons, but few places are these days. (Just look at the Dutch elections!)
I Didn’t HATE the USA, but in all fairness, I was in Hawaii just before Europe, so that’s hardly traditional America. But I find myself sort of shocked at behaviors I see when I’m back. More rudeness and entitlement than I ever recall in the past. People have become emboldened and are just dicks by nature. The flip side of that, people can also be incredibly friendly - but again I don’t think being a dick is uniquely american :) - but the genuine friendliness when you experience it, is pretty unique and warm. As long as you’re not getting shot at :)
I think a lot of the negative press the USA gets is… well… press that looks for negative. No one ever talks about saving kittens or the good people do, it’s always a glorified horror show.
Access to healthcare hasn’t been the issue as much as affording it and access to insurance. A lot has changed in the past decade and tax credits can pay for a large portion of decent insurance. That used to be a fear of mine (cost of insurance, etc). And I know people talk abou the amazing healthcare in Europe. But nothing compares to the ability to get literally anything you want or need in the USA from a doctor. National healthcare is great if you get hit by a train or fall off a curb and break a hip. But try getting antibiotics or anything to help when you’re miserable with strep throat or sinus infection. So I appreciate the med systems in both places for different reasons.
People talk about needing sooooo much money to live. I see these ridiculous numbers about what people need to make to feel comfortable.
BUT!!!
Americans consume WAY TOO MUCH JUNK. Junk stuff that sits in storage units, junk food that is over priced, junk trinkets, overpriced shit that is just NOT necessary or a key to happiness. So if you remove all of that JUNK from a budget, I don’t think America is that expensive. Sure there are differences and different priorities - but the amount of waste and excess is incredible – especially witnessing it when I return after living in the EU.
Crime & safety - problems are everywhere. The USA just has a real gun problem mixed with a global mental health problem post-covid. But the population is so large and while the incidents are tragic and too common, it should be thought of from a relative perspective. 350Million people and there are some shooting each other. Not surprising, regardless of what part of the world. Again, it’s a lot of press focusing on the worst stuff. I live in a safe country (NL) but there are still real concerns in some parts of the country. You might not get shot at, but you could get stabbed walking down the street.
Everywhere has issues… political, safety, financial… but there is ONE thing I will say about america …
There is NOWHERE on this planet that has the opportunity that America has. You can make amazing things happen if you’re ambitious and know how to work it. I have friends who have earned tremendous sums of money from ideas - literal billions. I have done pretty well myself. Better than I have in the EU. Endless possibilities.