Have you considered the pros and cons of living in America now that you’re ready to relocate? If you haven’t, don’t skip this post for any reason.
I can understand why you want to live the American dream. The United States of America is one of the most sought-after countries in the world. Most people consider it as the perfect country, with no blemish.
While there are plenty of pros or reasons to relocate to America, there are several cons to consider. Knowing the challenges of living in the U.S. before relocating will better prepare you for any surprises.
Read to know about the pros and cons of living in the United States of America.
The Pros of Living In America: Reasons To Start Packing Your Bags And Relocate To The U.S.
Why should you start packing your bags and relocate to America? Check them out below.
Pros #1: Impressive living standard:
Most Americans think their living standard is low, and you can’t blame them. Human wants are insatiable. We are always aspiring for more!
If you’re an American thinking that the country’s living standard is low, you’ll have a change of heart when you compare it to other country’s standards of living. America has a high standard of living compared to many parts of the globe. That’s the fact.
The poor people in America live better than those in some parts of the world, even in Africa. That is why Africans appreciate life in the United States and don’t even want to return to their home country once they visit the United States of America.
In America, you’ll have easy access to basic amenities that make life enjoyable. These include clean drinking water, constant electricity supply, clean energy, accessible roads, food, medical care, modern houses, technology, and buying from some of the best stores in the world.
It is also important to mention that living standards vary from state to state. So, the standard of living you’ll have in America depends on where you are relocating to.
A Handy Tip: The Woodlands, a special purpose district in Texas, is considered one of the best places to live in the United States of America. It offers a wide range of amenities and a large mall where you can easily purchase numerous basic items.
It is worth noting that some of the biggest online stores are in America. These include Amazon, Wal-Mart, etc.
Pro #2: Strongest military force and top internal security:
After the September 11 incident, security on U.S. soil started getting more attention. The United States has the strongest military force in the world. No nation can single-handedly defeat the United States in a war.
The United States government spends the most on security and boasts several powerful combat weapons. No country comes close to the United States military budget. Even Russia and China do not spend close to what America spends on defense.
Most countries won’t survive with the kind of laws and freedom that citizens in the United States have. The gun law is one of the laws that can lead to total chaos in most countries. Imagine giving citizens the freedom to own and carry weapons. The crime rate will increase if this is allowed in most countries.
The issue of security will always be a priority for anyone relocating to another country or even from one state to another. People want to live where the safety of their lives and properties is assured.
The United States security personnel are highly accountable. The police respond swiftly to distress calls and use technology to combat crime.
So, the use of technology has been one of the reasons the security architecture of the United States is highly effective. There are surveillance cameras in almost every part of the country.
Corruption in the police or armed forces is significantly low compared to other parts of the world. We cannot say it doesn’t exist, but perpetrators are wary of corrupt practices because the law is effective in the country.
A Handy Tip: The United States is where freedom of speech is what it is. The police respect human rights, and you hardly find them bullying protesters. Try protesting in Russia or China; then, you’ll understand the freedom Americans are enjoying.
Pro #3: Opportunity to get quality education:
The United States is home to eight Ivy League schools. Check them out below:
- Harvard University
- Brown University
- Princeton University
- Cornell University
- Yale University
- Dartmouth College
- Columbia University
- University of Pennsylvania
These Ivy League schools rank top in the academic world. They have made a name for themselves with high academic excellence, research and the quality of graduates they produce.
Even the non-Ivy League schools in the country are competing with the best schools in the world. So, you’re in safe hands if you decide to pursue a degree in any of the schools in the United States of America.
America has a government that understands the importance of education to national development. So, you can live and school in the United States with the confidence that your certificates will open doors of opportunities for you.
The beauty of the United States educational system isn’t just about the quality. Your certificate will be recognized all over the world. Even when you decide to leave the United States for another country, you won’t be starting all over. You can use the degree acquired from any university in America to work anywhere.
Pros #4: Impressive public transportation system:
The public transportation system in the U.S. is one of the areas that set the country apart. America boasts one of the best public transportation systems in the world.
You can easily move around the country, as there are numerous means of transportation to take you to your destination. So, even if you don’t have a personal car to drive around, movement around your state of residence won’t be an issue for you.
A Handy Tip: There are over 5,211 public airports in the United States of America, making air travel a breeze for residents.
Pros #5: Quality healthcare system:
Healthcare is one of the top factors people consider before relocating. And that is an area the United States thrives in.
America boasts one of the world’s most advanced healthcare sectors. Medical personnel trained in the United States of America are among the best in the world.
The long waiting queues for important surgical operations in other countries aren’t a common problem in American hospitals. In addition, the healthcare facilities in the country are well-equipped.
America is the one-stop-shop for medical care. The country has one of the best medical doctors, research facilities and consultants worldwide. America’s healthcare system is well-structured to be super effective. Even with the overwhelming Coronavirus cases, the country’s medical facilities weren’t as overstretched as many assumed it would be.
A Handy Tip: Less waiting time for major medical procedures and effective research institutions make the American healthcare system one of the best in the world.
Many new drugs, vaccines and medical equipment are produced in the United States before other parts of the world.
Pros #6: An enviable political system:
Though Athens is the birthplace of democracy, America has been impressive with its democratic system of government. The U.S Constitution is well-respected and followed, unlike what we see in most parts of the world, especially in Africa, where the Constitution can be twisted to satisfy a greedy few.
The rule of law, U.S. institutions, human rights provisions, electoral systems and the country’s ability to correct itself over the years is a big win for society.
America is a place you should be if you want to have a voice and be heard in your community. It is a country where everyone is invited to participate in the political system.
America also boasts a range of checks and balances, helping to curb the misuse of power by elected officials.
Pros #7: Diverse natural landscape and people:
In addition to a diverse natural landscape, America boasts a diverse people. It boasts numerous historic sites and landmarks to explore. There are also parks and beaches across the land.
From the rolling Appalachian Mountains to the balmy Florida beaches and Minnesota’s chilly winter periods, America boasts plenty to explore and enjoy.
America boasts 58 federal-government-protected national parks, which offer spaces for hunting, camping, hiking, fishing, and other fun-filled activities.
Pros #8: The land of opportunities:
America isn’t regarded as the “land of opportunities” by mistake. It earned it. If you have what it takes to make things happen, America will give you what you need to succeed.
Even if you have failed before, there is a massive chance that you could survive in America. We have seen the careers of raw talents in other countries blow up when they come to America. It is the same thing in the educational system.
Access to loans is a breeze, provided you have the legal rights to request loans and a good credit score.
A Handy Tip: It doesn’t matter whether you’re an immigrant, poor, broke, failed a couple of times, or a student. If you can dream big, you can achieve big things in America.
Pros #9: America’s economy is the largest in the world:
America’s economy is the largest economy by GDP and second-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP), with China leading. It boasts a GDP of $25.6 trillion in 2022. The U.S. dollar is also the most used currency for international transactions.
Why is the U.S. economy advantageous for people considering relocating to the country? Here is something important you should know.
If you’re an entrepreneur, the United States is one of the best places to kick-start your business. Being the largest economy means there is enough money in the country. All you need to do to have your share is solve people’s problems.
Americans are willing to break the bank to solve a challenge. So, if you are willing to work hard and create the products people need, Americans will be more than willing to pay you.
Pros #10: Language barrier doesn’t exist:
If you can speak English, you won’t encounter a language barrier in America. Approximately 1.5 billion people in the world speak English. So, it’s a popular language.
Even if you can’t speak English fluently, you can still communicate with Americans. Most Americans are friendly and would try to understand what you’re saying to help you solve the problem.
Pros #11: Quality telecommunication and internet system:
America is a country where you get what you pay for. The high competition is making companies sit up, as there is no monopoly, as we see in many countries.
A stable internet and telecommunication are crucial for entrepreneurs. It enables businesses to function effectively.
America boasts highly developed telecommunication and internet services. There is also a diverse option to choose from.
Cons of Living In The United States of America
What are the challenges you may face when you relocate to America? Check them out below.
Cons #1: Gun violence is an issue:
Before you relocate to America, think about the gun regulation in the country. The right to own and carry firearms is one of the U.S. Amendment rights, making it one of the country’s core values.
What does this mean? It means you’ll be walking around the street and even board public transport with a bunch of people with firearms.
There is also a threat of mass shootings by a lunatic taking place. 59% of Americans fear that mass shooting is one of their biggest fears.
In 2021, a record 48,830 Americans died of gun-related wounds. In 2022, the number of people who died of gun-related wounds was around 48,000.
Gun regulation is ongoing in America, and security personnel are doing their best to reduce the number of gun-related injuries.
Unfortunately, the regulations aren’t as strict as they should be. The police are even among the victims of gun violence. Reports show 64 police officers died of gun-related wounds in 2022 in America.
Cons #2: Education is expensive:
The United States boasts some of the best schools in the world. But unfortunately, most people cannot afford these schools. The Ivy League schools are out of the equation as they are super expensive. They are classified as schools for the rich.
Sending a child to school is expensive. High school is also quite expensive, but the universities are even more demanding financially. Most students drown in huge debt before they even get the first paycheck from their new jobs.
A Handy Tip: If you’re moving to the United States with kids, be ready to shoulder the hefty financial demand of sending them to school.
If you aren’t financially buoyant, think twice before relocating with your kids to the United States. You can do so when you’re financially stable.
Cons #3 Racism is a huge problem:
A report shows that 64% of Americans feel racism is one of the country’s major drawbacks. And they are not far from the truth.
So before you come to America, prepare your mind for the racial attacks. You don’t even need to offend anyone before the racists attack you.
A Handy Tip:
Take the following steps when racially attacked.
- Politely ask the perpetrator to stop and respect your rights.
- Discourage the behavior by communicating with other witnesses or confronting the racist. Don’t keep quiet, as silence is seen as an approval.
- Distract the attacker. You can do so by spilling your coffee, dropping your paper, or asking for time or direction.
- Don’t get hurt. Ensure the racist doesn’t harm you.
- Capture the incident with your mobile device or ask someone to help you.
- Report the case to the police. Don’t take laws into your own hands by attacking the racist.
Cons #4: Healthcare is expensive:
America boasts quality healthcare, but unfortunately, people pay a premium to receive the service. In America, consulting with a doctor costs a whopping $104. Heart valve replacement surgery costs around $170,000.
Conclusion
Now that you have read the pros and cons of living in America, we hope you will make a better decision. It is best to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of relocating to a new place before relocating.
This way, you will be better prepared and won’t have any surprises to deal with when you arrive at your destination. America is a great country. It’s a land of opportunities and freedom. However, the high cost of health services, gun violence, and even taxes are drawbacks of moving to America.
We hope you will consider the pros and cons of relocating to the United States before making a final decision.
