America is a much better place to live than the UK?

[Contrarian]

Fear about travel to China? I haven't heard that one before,
is it new?

I'm not sure why you need to do your occasional American bashing. 
I don't like following up with my version of UK bashing, since it lumps
in a bunch of guys that I like around here.

Yeah, not sure about the China thing.  Much safer than N.Korea.  I noticed that anti-American sentiment too...reality is America is a much better place to live than the UK.

 

Word! Hearts are a breaking in the peanut gallery. 

[Manny]

I'd suggest not. If it were I'd live there instead.

[andrewfi]

I'd suggest not. If it were I'd live there instead.

Having had more than one opportunity to do just that, I did not.

The United States is, in many ways, a great place. There are some nice places to live - but most Americans don't live in them.

The idea of the United States is a great one - but it is no longer anything but a dream, a dream more of the past than the future.

The first time I chose to not move to, and live in, the USA was around 30 years ago. The reasons for my choice stand today.
The second time I chose to not do so was much more recent, but the dream of the United States is, today, even further in the past than it was 3 decades ago. I did not make the choice to go.

But then I do not spend so much time in the UK either. I am fortunate enough to have a life that does not make one's living location a binary choice.

[Manny]

I think it's true that if you have enough money to insulate yourself from the stuff you dont like, you can live anywhere quite happily.

Earning that money abroad is the thing. Many can't make what they do portable enough.

I *could* live in the US quite happily with enough money I suppose, but it would likely cost more than it does here to live a similar lifestyle in a place where I'd actually want to live. I once considered it, and it's easy enough to do once there, but there are better places without the many drawbacks. 

Wifey once asked me to live in Russia, I considered that and we even looked at property, but the infrastructure put me off.

We considered living in Estonia, bought a place too, but the country isnt big enough to make much money there unless you are totally fluent in Estonian and have a USP. Its OK there if you earn elsewhere.

I could live quite happily in the bit of China I go to. There is a very agreeable expat bubble to fall back on. But life would be easier there as a single bloke. That said, I do know an American guy who lives there with his Russian wife and teaches English. But teaching English is no great money earner, again you'd need a western income to fund a decent lifestyle. Not to mention speaking Mandarin.

For me, the UK is better. I certainly prefer it over the places I've been in the US.

[Guile]

I actually prefer London to New York as a city to visit.. more charm there.  But to live day to day Los Angeles, SoCal area is very nice.  You got the beaches and shops and the sunny weather all year round.  and Cheesecake Factory rulz!!  If it's one thing America does great it is chain restaurants...

in London you got alot of crappy overpriced chains.  Angus steak house, Pizza express, Jamie Olivers, Carluccios hahaha

I wouldn't live in China either. Too crowded and polluted.

[Contrarian]

I'd suggest not. If it were I'd live there instead.

You’ll end up here eventually. Every Brit who does raves about the lower taxes, lower cost of living and better quality of life in comparison.



* they were Brits living in California. Real Estate there skyrocketed since.

[Manny]

I actually prefer London to New York as a city to visit.. more charm there. 

Now I'd disagree there. London is a hell hole of stabby Muslims, bad traffic caused by blokes with 3rd world driving licences driving Ubers, same with Deliveroo, hardly anyone is native - its shite! I might be going to a trade show there next month and the thought of it is utterly tedious. Yes there's some nice buildings and stuff tourists like, but the country is bristling with that stuff - no need for me to see it in London. I've similar on the doorstep.

New York on the other hand. Not really a place I think I'd want to live, but offer me a week there over a week (or a month) in London and I'll take NYC. Lots to see and do for the tourist. Maybe like you guys in London - it's a novelty. And who doesn't like to be hassled by shop owners in the street on 5th and the side streets off it? 

But to live day to day Los Angeles, SoCal area is very nice.  You got the beaches and shops and the sunny weather all year round.  and Cheesecake Factory rulz!!  If it's one thing America does great it is chain restaurants...

That part of the US is on my to do list. I'm told by folks I know I may like it so much there I'd not want to leave. Who knows? Why I said upthread the bits of the US I'd been to.

in London you got alot of crappy overpriced chains.  Angus steak house, Pizza express, Jamie Olivers, Carluccios hahaha

Totally agree. But London isnt England or the UK. It's better up north. But restaurants generally suck in the UK.

I wouldn't live in China either. Too crowded and polluted.

Generally yes, but Dongguan is quite agreeable. Lots of English speaking expats call it home. You are in Shenzhen, HK, Macau or Guangzhou pretty quickly, easy connections to chill in Vietnam or Thailand, lots of English language network there, european restaurants, great public transport, nice places to live inexpensively, etc. 

[Manny]

I'd suggest not. If it were I'd live there instead.

You’ll end up here eventually. Every Brit who does raves about the lower taxes, lower cost of living and better quality of life in comparison.

I almost bought a house in FL in the 90s with a view to a medium term rental and possible future relocation. Aspects of the tax situation put me off so I didnt. If Jeremy Corbyn ever became Prime Minister I'd rethink that overnight.

Cost of living isnt really much lower when you factor in the silly tip culture (add 20-30% sales taxes and/or tips to everything) and the £/$ exchange rate. Quality costs the same in the US I've generally noted. You want a decent bottle of wine, a meal in a nice restaurant, a good hotel room or some good quality clothing, it costs about the same. What does a guy cost to fix your roof, change your oil, mend your plumbing or clean your pool? About the same as here from what I've read (again not London - economics differ there).

[Contrarian]

I'd suggest not. If it were I'd live there instead.

You’ll end up here eventually. Every Brit who does raves about the lower taxes, lower cost of living and better quality of life in comparison.

I almost bought a house in FL in the 90s with a view to a possible future relocation. Aspects of the tax situation put me off so I didnt. If Jeremy Corbyn ever became Prime Minister I'd rethink that overnight.

Cost of living isnt really lower when you factor in the silly tip culture (add 20-30% sales taxes and/or tips to everything) and the £/$ exchange rate.

You’re tipping too much. 15% will do and 20% if you feel the server was outstanding.

If they don’t like it (which they will never complain) they should get an in demand job such as physical therapist, etc which requires school and technical knowledge.

People who tip too much are doing them a disservice because they become complacent.

A five star restaurant with linen tablecloths and real silverware is different. Then it’s definitely 20% or better.

I rarely tip on a Pizza or such to go. I’m helping them to be motivated! 

[Manny]

I'd suggest not. If it were I'd live there instead.

You’ll end up here eventually. Every Brit who does raves about the lower taxes, lower cost of living and better quality of life in comparison.

I almost bought a house in FL in the 90s with a view to a possible future relocation. Aspects of the tax situation put me off so I didnt. If Jeremy Corbyn ever became Prime Minister I'd rethink that overnight.

Cost of living isnt really lower when you factor in the silly tip culture (add 20-30% sales taxes and/or tips to everything) and the £/$ exchange rate.

You’re tipping too much. 15% will do and 20% if you feel the server was outstanding.

If they don’t like it (which they will never complain) they should get an in demand job such as physical therapist, etc which requires school and technical knowledge.

People who tip too much are doing them a disservice because they become complacent.

A five star restaurant with linen tablecloths and real silverware is different. Then it’s definitely 20% or better.

In US tipping I generally do 10-15%. Or nothing if I am unhappy.

I gather circa 20% is the norm but I think that a tad heavy unless I'm very pleased.

What gets me in the US is the sneaky sales taxes. In the UK, sales taxes (VAT) is included in the price you see (unless a trade outlet of some kind where tourists dont go). But in the US you roll around some store, put $100 of stuff in your basket, and at the till it is suddenly X% more. That's odd for us. And what if there's a tip as well somehow? We like the idea of "what you see is what you pay". In the US it goes up either by sales taxes, tips or both. You never know the *actual* cost until you come to pay.

[AvHdB]

I'd suggest not. If it were I'd live there instead.

You’ll end up here eventually. Every Brit who does raves about the lower taxes, lower cost of living and better quality of life in comparison.

I almost bought a house in FL in the 90s with a view to a possible future relocation. Aspects of the tax situation put me off so I didnt. If Jeremy Corbyn ever became Prime Minister I'd rethink that overnight.

Cost of living isnt really lower when you factor in the silly tip culture (add 20-30% sales taxes and/or tips to everything) and the £/$ exchange rate.

You’re tipping too much. 15% will do and 20% if you feel the server was outstanding.

If they don’t like it (which they will never complain) they should get an in demand job such as physical therapist, etc which requires school and technical knowledge.

People who tip too much are doing them a disservice because they become complacent.

A five star restaurant with linen tablecloths and real silverware is different. Then it’s definitely 20% or better.

In US tipping I generally do 10-15%. Or nothing if I am unhappy.

I gather circa 20% is the norm but I think that a tad heavy unless I'm very pleased.

What gets me in the US is the sneaky sales taxes. In the UK, sales taxes (VAT) is included in the price you see (unless a trade outlet of some kind where tourists dont go).

Usually I tip around 15% BUT only on the food and beverage. What I refuse to do is tip on the sales tax.

I can understand that the so-called sales tax is confusing. Off course live where Cuffy is, New Hampshire, and you have no state sales tax. But a high mill rate.

[Guile]

You’re tipping too much. 15% will do and 20% if you feel the server was outstanding.
 

The Asian in me never tips more than 10% hahaa..... actually I have seen many restaurants do a mandatory 12.5% tip...really pisses me off.

[Guile]

Word! Hearts are a breaking in the peanut gallery. 

only Moby's...he paints himself an expert on places and cultures which he knows nothing about.  Doesn't take a genius to figure out North Korea may not be the best place to visit.

I lived in London long enough to realize that Brits are an odd bunch in general. Very cliquey, odd sense of humor, not much social graces.  And they cling on to their "English" which is becoming outdated very fast in this global digital world.

You ask a Chinese person how long the "queue" is and they just hear "Q"..good luck with explaining to them how "the lorry with all the courgettes, rocket and aubergine crashed on the pike".. you might as well be speaking Swahili to them!

[Guile]

Now I'd disagree there. London is a hell hole of stabby Muslims, bad traffic caused by blokes with 3rd world driving licences driving Ubers, same with Deliveroo, hardly anyone is native - its shite! I might be going to a trade show there next month and the thought of it is utterly tedious. Yes there's some nice buildings and stuff tourists like, but the country is bristling with that stuff - no need for me to see it in London. I've similar on the doorstep.

Generally yes, but Dongguan is quite agreeable. Lots of English speaking expats call it home. You are in Shenzhen, HK, Macau or Guangzhou pretty quickly, easy connections to chill in Vietnam or Thailand, lots of English language network there, european restaurants, great public transport, nice places to live inexpensively, etc.

You musta been in Zone 3 or 4    Well even walking on Oxford or Regent street I would say more than 65% of people are tourists or visible minority.  Where'd all the white pasty Brits go?

I have't been back to China in a while.  Last time I was in HK I vowed to never live there.  Shenzhen is supposed to be the Silicon valley of China now..will need to check it out.

[andrewfi]

To be fair it is easy to see why they do it. Given the different sales tax rates retailers need to have a way to show prices that are consistent. For example, a shop might have the same price for milk across all its stores nationwide, but the sales tax might mean hundreds of different prices - how could they advertise in that situation? Imagine your eBay store having a different price for each county in the UK if they al had individual sales taxes?  So they show the pre-tax price to make life easier. One you live there for a while you get used to it.

[Contrarian]

I'd suggest not. If it were I'd live there instead.

You’ll end up here eventually. Every Brit who does raves about the lower taxes, lower cost of living and better quality of life in comparison.

I almost bought a house in FL in the 90s with a view to a possible future relocation. Aspects of the tax situation put me off so I didnt. If Jeremy Corbyn ever became Prime Minister I'd rethink that overnight.

Cost of living isnt really lower when you factor in the silly tip culture (add 20-30% sales taxes and/or tips to everything) and the £/$ exchange rate.

You’re tipping too much. 15% will do and 20% if you feel the server was outstanding.

If they don’t like it (which they will never complain) they should get an in demand job such as physical therapist, etc which requires school and technical knowledge.

People who tip too much are doing them a disservice because they become complacent.

A five star restaurant with linen tablecloths and real silverware is different. Then it’s definitely 20% or better.

In US tipping I generally do 10-15%. Or nothing if I am unhappy.

I gather circa 20% is the norm but I think that a tad heavy unless I'm very pleased.

What gets me in the US is the sneaky sales taxes. In the UK, sales taxes (VAT) is included in the price you see (unless a trade outlet of some kind where tourists dont go). But in the US you roll around some store, put $100 of stuff in your basket, and at the till it is suddenly X% more. That's odd for us. And what if there's a tip as well somehow? We like the idea of "what you see is what you pay". In the US it goes up either by sales taxes, tips or both. You never know the *actual* cost until you come to pay.

In Oregon no sales tax!

The standard for tipping was 15% but has crept up to 20%.

Agree with Av, no tip on tax. I almost always tip 20 at Olive Garden as they’re very friendly and good. Also Outback.

Only go out 2 or 3 x a month so no biggie. 10 is usually for bad svc.

[Contrarian]

I'd suggest not. If it were I'd live there instead.

You’ll end up here eventually. Every Brit who does raves about the lower taxes, lower cost of living and better quality of life in comparison.

I almost bought a house in FL in the 90s with a view to a possible future relocation. Aspects of the tax situation put me off so I didnt. If Jeremy Corbyn ever became Prime Minister I'd rethink that overnight.

Cost of living isnt really lower when you factor in the silly tip culture (add 20-30% sales taxes and/or tips to everything) and the £/$ exchange rate.

You’re tipping too much. 15% will do and 20% if you feel the server was outstanding.

If they don’t like it (which they will never complain) they should get an in demand job such as physical therapist, etc which requires school and technical knowledge.

People who tip too much are doing them a disservice because they become complacent.

A five star restaurant with linen tablecloths and real silverware is different. Then it’s definitely 20% or better.

In US tipping I generally do 10-15%. Or nothing if I am unhappy.

I gather circa 20% is the norm but I think that a tad heavy unless I'm very pleased.

What gets me in the US is the sneaky sales taxes. In the UK, sales taxes (VAT) is included in the price you see (unless a trade outlet of some kind where tourists dont go). But in the US you roll around some store, put $100 of stuff in your basket, and at the till it is suddenly X% more. That's odd for us. And what if there's a tip as well somehow? We like the idea of "what you see is what you pay". In the US it goes up either by sales taxes, tips or both. You never know the *actual* cost until you come to pay.

In Oregon no sales tax!

The standard for tipping was 15% but has crept up to 20%.

Agree with Av, no tip on tax. I almost always tip 20 at Olive Garden as they’re very friendly and good. Also Outback.

Only go out 2 or 3 x a month so no biggie. 10 is usually for bad svc.

I can see how this could be a large additional expense while on vacay and eating out 2 or 3 times a day.

Especially a bit of a shock for a European tourist who doesn’t pay tips back home.

I had always read it about equaled out because in Europe they do include a tip. At least when I was in Germany they did.

We are accustomed to it here but no doubt a bit of a hassle for those not used to it.

I get a free breakfast at hotels, maybe just sandwiches for lunch and then usually just eat out once in the evening when traveling.

US chains like Applebee’s, Olive Garden and Outback always have promotions and mostly consistent very good service as well.

In person I’m friendly, I smile (US custom) and I’m “happy go lucky”. Usually a very easy customer, they rarely need to do very much. And if the waiter likes to engage in banal chit chat I smile and nod along.

Point being they like an easy and friendly customer. That’s common knowledge I’m sure but seems worth mentioning as some people are uptight and give servers a hard time.

[Steveboy]

I'd suggest not. If it were I'd live there instead.

You’ll end up here eventually. Every Brit who does raves about the lower taxes, lower cost of living and better quality of life in comparison.

I almost bought a house in FL in the 90s with a view to a medium term rental and possible future relocation. Aspects of the tax situation put me off so I didnt. If Jeremy Corbyn ever became Prime Minister I'd rethink that overnight.

Cost of living isnt really much lower when you factor in the silly tip culture (add 20-30% sales taxes and/or tips to everything) and the £/$ exchange rate. Quality costs the same in the US I've generally noted. You want a decent bottle of wine, a meal in a nice restaurant, a good hotel room or some good quality clothing, it costs about the same. What does a guy cost to fix your roof, change your oil, mend your plumbing or clean your pool? About the same as here from what I've read (again not London - economics differ there).

possible future relocation     aaaaaaaaa what are you thinking about? I thought you was all Pro Russian and Putin? Shouldn't you be thinking about retiring to the Motherland?   

[Steveboy]

Every where is a great place to live IF you have money... No money and every where is a shit hole.. unless your stuck on some tropical Island selling Ice cream and enjoy fishing..

If you have no money, shit job, no income I don't think the US is a good place to live I have a few US friends who say No money = Die early In the US It is the same all over the world money = life if you need to pay for medical insurance and eat good food.


No where on the planet is good if you have to get up in the morning at 6.30/7am to go to work and do not get home till 6/7 in the evening and you have to work on the weekends .. and at the end of the month after usual bills your left with a few hundred pounds.. got to buy your car on credit, your washing machine on credit, your Christmas shopping on credit ..

As for the US better than the UK Yes Only IF you have money..

[Contrarian]

Every where is a great place to live IF you have money... No money and every where is a shit hole.. unless your stuck on some tropical Island selling Ice cream and enjoy fishing..

If you have no money, shit job, no income I don't think the US is a good place to live I have a few US friends who say No money = Die early In the US It is the same all over the world money = life if you need to pay for medical insurance and eat good food.


No where on the planet is good if you have to get up in the morning at 6.30/7am to go to work and do not get home till 6/7 in the evening and you have to work on the weekends .. and at the end of the month after usual bills your left with a few hundred pounds.. got to buy your car on credit, your washing machine on credit, your Christmas shopping on credit ..

As for the US better than the UK Yes Only IF you have money..

 

[Contrarian]

The city I live in is very blue collar and does not allow panhandling or camping. There is a rather exclusive neighborhood up on a hill which has custom built homes starting at 600K. Guess if I win the lottery I could buy a home up there and sneer down at the plebes like Manny sneers at normies when he’s driving his Land Rover. 

Less than ten miles away is a “progressive” city. Higher taxes and they allow panhandlers and camping. Camping means homeless people all over the city. Pay higher taxes and in certain spots get a lower quality of life. As usual liberals ruin everything they touch yet the lemmings continue to vote for them. If a panhandler shows up in my city our wonderful and kind Police give them a free ride to the progressive city. 

My town has some rough and tumble areas. Some upper middle class and mostly blue collar. Plenty of good old boys with guns on their hips walking around, in grocery stores and Walmart. Lots of pickup trucks. Wealthy business owners tend to live outside in more rural areas in large homes on acreage.

A friend on Facebook just sold his house in So California and just bought a large newer house in Hilton Head, So Carolina. He probably got around a Million or bit more for his house in California and probably paid close to half for a better house in the South.

People are selling and leaving California in droves. Leaving a once great state being ruined by liberals and moving to Conservative states. Maybe So Carolina is the new California?



(I like the 6th home down from the top)
https://www.thealliancegrouprealty.com/results-gallery/?status=A&city=8820&photo=1&sort=importdate&proptype=SF&source=adwords&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_avQ9cvB4wIVEMNkCh104giMEAAYASAAEgLshfD_BwE

[Manny]

like Manny sneers at normies when he’s driving his Land Rover. 

That'll be a Range Rover, and an Autobiography Black edition at that. 

[MBS01]

The city I live in is very blue collar and does not allow panhandling or camping. There is a rather exclusive neighborhood up on a hill which has custom built homes starting at 600K. Guess if I win the lottery I could buy a home up there and sneer down at the plebes like Manny sneers at normies when he’s driving his Land Rover. 

Less than ten miles away is a “progressive” city. Higher taxes and they allow panhandlers and camping. Camping means homeless people all over the city. Pay higher taxes and in certain spots get a lower quality of life. As usual liberals ruin everything they touch yet the lemmings continue to vote for them. If a panhandler shows up in my city our wonderful and kind Police give them a free ride to the progressive city. 

My town has some rough and tumble areas. Some upper middle class and mostly blue collar. Plenty of good old boys with guns on their hips walking around, in grocery stores and Walmart. Lots of pickup trucks. Wealthy business owners tend to live outside in more rural areas in large homes on acreage.

A friend on Facebook just sold his house in So California and just bought a large newer house in Hilton Head, So Carolina. He probably got around a Million or bit more for his house in California and probably paid close to half for a better house in the South.

People are selling and leaving California in droves. Leaving a once great state being ruined by liberals and moving to Conservative states. Maybe So Carolina is the new California?



(I like the 6th home down from the top)
https://www.thealliancegrouprealty.com/results-gallery/?status=A&city=8820&photo=1&sort=importdate&proptype=SF&source=adwords&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_avQ9cvB4wIVEMNkCh104giMEAAYASAAEgLshfD_BwE

The prices you quote for homes in the USA are interesting:  The average detached home here is over 1 Million and only goes up!  As to your So. Carl. home for $600,000 sounds like our average "Down payment" here.

As to the actual question much rather live in Canada than either the USA or UK great places to visit, but not for living.

[andrewfi]

Canada I could've managed. I was offered a job there, once upon a time, great gig. Sadly I couldn't get a visa due to the restrictions on employing foreign workers at the time. Perhaps that's changed now, my nephew is very happily sorted over there now.

I very much liked Canada on the occasions I have been there for work and pleasure.

[Guile]

Canada is pretty damn good too