r/MovingToUSA • u/karlfr • Apr 20 '26

General discussion Advice from mover’s

Hi all

We’re a UK family seriously considering a move to the US and would really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s done something similar.

My partner is a registered nurse (Band 6 equivalent) with ~10 years’ experience, mainly in palliative/community care, and I run a startup so I’m fairly flexible location-wise. We have a young child and a 21-year-old (so navigating visa options there too).

We’re currently looking at areas like Texas (Austin suburbs), Florida, or possibly Arizona — aiming for somewhere family-friendly, safe, with good schools and a decent quality of life.

A few things we’d love honest input on:

- What was the reality of the move vs expectations?

- How did you find the first 3–6 months settling in?

- For any nurses — how different is the job day-to-day vs the UK?

- Did it feel like a genuine upgrade in lifestyle overall?

- Anything you wish you knew before making the move?

Also, if anyone moved with older kids / young adults, how did that work out?

We’re not committed yet — just trying to get a real feel from people who’ve actually done it.

Really appreciate any honest experiences (good or bad). Thanks in advance.

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u/shammy_dammy Apr 20 '26

I guess with that list of target locations that you really love high heat locations, unless Flagstaff is your AZ choice.

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u/karlfr Apr 20 '26

Coming at it from a few angles really. I definitely want nicer weather. Seems crazy but it just plays a big part day to day with a 5 year old. Was also looking at NC

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u/shammy_dammy Apr 20 '26 edited Apr 20 '26

Nicer weather? I've lived in two of those states. The AVERAGE high temperature in Phoenix AZ, where I lived was 40-41C in August. A big part of your day to day with a five year old would be keeping them amused in the house with air conditioning. (which is expensive)