Are you currently living in Europe and wondering if you should move to the USA? You are not alone in this. I recently had to make that same decision. To make the choice easier for you, I have created a list with the most important reasons to move to USA from Europe! Stay tuned!
1. Career Opportunities
The number one reason for moving from Europe to America is a better outlook on career opportunities. Many big, international corporations are based in the United States.
It is very common for American employers to hire from all over the world. They are looking for the most qualified and motivated people for the job – no matter where they come from.
If you have a high-demand skill, potential employers will help you arrange your move, a visa, and a place to live.
Climbing up the career ladder is part of the American dream – and most companies usually offer amazing opportunities.
The real median household income was $70,784 in 2021. It is among the highest in the world. Especially people working in technology, healthcare, and finance earn a whole lot more in the US than in Europe.
Compared to the US, many professionals and entrepreneurs in Europe are restricted from overcharging their clients to protect consumers. In the US, you can acquire greater wealth, since the market is less regulated.
2. Diverse Landscape
This is one of my favorite reasons to move from Europe to the USA. America has an abundance of wide, open spaces that are filled with beautiful, natural wonders.
From the magnificent ocean in Florida to the Rocky Mountains and the Antelope Canyon – America offers something special for everyone.
Winter sport lovers will find plenty of states with great skiing slopes – just like we have them in Europe. Beach bums will absolutely love California.
But do we not have the same natural highlights here in Europe? Technically, we do. However, you will need to travel to different countries to visit them. And depending on whether they are part of the European Union or not, this might be more difficult.
There are about 58 natural parks and hundreds of protected parks, forests, and wildlife areas. This adds a whole new variety of different species and plants for you to marvel at.
3. Transportation
Transportation is far easier in the US than it is in Europe. Most smaller cities have their own regional airports. The aviation network in the US is far better developed than in Europe.
The street network in America is well thought out. Most places can easily be reached by car. Especially in urban areas, there is a lot less traffic than in Europe.
Also, every single country in Europe has its own toll system. This means you have to pay each country separately, to drive on their streets.
Public transportation is not great in America, so most people own a car. However, parking spaces are usually abundant and plenty of times it is also free. In many European countries, there is not a lot of parking space available, and it is usually quite expensive.
4. Travel
Not only is it easier to move around in the US, but there are also many points of interest to visit. Because of the huge diversity in nature and landscape, there is an endless amount of bucket-list-worthy places to visit.
Admittedly, Europe is not doing so badly either with amazing places to visit. However, traveling is usually a lot cheaper in the US.
International travel is especially relatively cheap for Americans. On average, Americans earn bigger salaries and the dollar is a strong currency. This means, travel abroad is a lot cheaper for Americans than for Europeans.
Lastly, there are many amazing places close by in America to visit. Think about Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. These fabulous places can be reached by plane (or car) in only a few hours.
5. Education
America has some of the best universities in the world. This is one of the biggest reasons to move from Europe to the USA.
The education and university system in Europe is quite different from the US. Not only does every country have their own system, but diplomas are also not recognized everywhere.
In some European countries, like Austria, education is free. Sadly, this means that some universities are crowded with less than motivated students. Also, the degrees are worth far less if everyone has them.
In other countries, like the Netherlands, students take out loans to go to university. However, they offer so-called “degrees” for almost everything, which makes them worthless.
American universities, such as Harvard, Yale, and Princeton are famous all over the world. They offer expensive degrees, but usually, you can get an equally high-paying job afterward.
Not only is the reputation of US universities better, but they are also famous for not admitting simply everyone. This makes the degrees far more valuable.
Lastly, the teaching of soft skills is widely neglected in Europe. Group projects, networking, and presentations are far more valued in the US.
6. Friendly people
One of the things I love most about Americans is that they are so open, kind, and friendly. They are approachable and love small talk.
In Europe, it is not common to just chat with people on a plane or train next to you. In America, this has proven to be a great place to find new acquaintances and learn new things.
Americans tend to have a not-so-good reputation around the world. In my opinion, this is undeserved. I have always found Americans very pleasant, in the US and also around the world.
7. Healthcare
America is a worldwide leader in medical innovation. Americans have single-handedly advanced or contributed significantly to 9 of the top 10 most important medical innovations since 1975.
If you have the necessary means and access, you can receive the best kind of treatment there is. This standard of care of course does come at a cost.
Many employers offer generous medical care packages. However, not everyone has access to healthcare in America.
In Europe, everyone has access to basic medical care. This results in long waiting times and sometimes poor-quality treatments. It also greatly differs from country to country on how good the healthcare system actually is.
8. Living Space
US citizens have, on average, twice the amount of living space compared to European citizens. Houses in America are (especially in rural areas) spacious and well equipped.
Of course, this also differs by country. In my home country, Austria, houses are big and have spacious yards. In the Netherlands, houses are tiny and barely have any property attached to them.
Land and property is way more affordable in the US, at least outside the cities.
9. Culinary Culture
One of my favorite reasons for moving to America from Europe is the culinary culture. The US is a typical immigrant country, which makes it a melting pot for different cultures.
You can find great restaurants for every taste and budget almost everywhere in America. Also, eating out is relatively cheap in the US, compared to Europe.
In Europe, you also have a great and diverse selection of food. However, they are pretty limited to each country. This is an amazing reason to move to the USA from Europe!
10. Can-do attitude
One thing I will not miss in Europe is the bad attitude toward entrepreneurship and innovation. Especially in my home country Austria, many people still expect you to work in a traditional job, for the same employer until you retire.
America is different. The American dream is about making it. Big time. Having your own business is highly encouraged and no idea is too wild.
The typical American can-do attitude is a nice, refreshing change from the traditional, cautious values that are being spread around Europe.
Southern European countries don’t necessarily believe in hard work at all. Northern countries believe in strict schedules and rigid rules.
People in the US believe in the statement, that hard work pays off and will be rewarded. This also leaves you to create your own opportunities and make things happen. Pursuing your dreams is a lot easier when everyone around you does not belittle you for them.
11. Entertainment
It is a modern myth that Americans are obsessed with entertainment. For me, this is one of the biggest reasons why moving from Europe to the USA is a whole lot of fun.
The Super Bowl, Hollywood, and so many more things make America the most entertaining country in the world. As someone obsessed with TV shows, I have always hated waiting for them to be shown in Europe. And sometimes they never were.
Summary: Reasons to move from Europe to the USA
There are many good reasons to move from Europe to the USA. Healthcare, education, and entertainment are only a few of them. What I find to be the most convincing reason to move to America is the attitude of the people. Their friendly, outgoing, and kind nature combined with their motivation to make their dreams come true is my biggest argument for why moving from Europe to America is worth it.
If you have already decided that moving from Europe to the USA is a great idea check out my ultimate checklist for your move! Read all about Flying from Europe to America here.
