What is it really like to live in England as an American?
I’ve become aware of some pros and cons after living in England full time for the past few years. Nowhere is perfect, but let’s see what I’ve found out about life in the UK shall we?
A London mews
What’s It Really Like to Live in England?
PROS to Live in England
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- Historical heritage – Britain oozes world class history and ancient culture – the Romans wanted it too!
- Green spaces – Right to roam laws encourage use of natural areas. Parks and green spaces are “baked in”.
- Health care – The right to free health care through the NHS is a huge perk for residents.
- Eat & drink – Vegans, vegetarians and ethnic tastes are catered for with a wide variety of excellent local food and drink.
- Art & culture – Famous rock bands to distinguished writers. Rolling Stones to Jane Austen.
- Safety – Personal safety is high. UK road deaths are also a quarter of those in the US
CONS to Live in England
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- Weather – Average annual hours of sun in London are low with long periods of rain and clouds.
- Getting around – Public transportation can be unreliable. Narrow roads and congestion a challenge.
- Cost of living – Housing is smaller and not as good value. VAT adds 20% to most services and products.
- Customer service – Consumer needs may be met with indifference and a lack of initiative.
- Consumer choice – Consumer options in Britain are limited compared to the US.
- Privacy – CCTV cameras are everywhere; on trains, buses, offices, stores and streets.
What is Life Like in England?
I was born in England and have family here, so I’m not your typical American.
Since I spent most of my life in the US, moving to England has taken some adjustment. I’m still surprised at just how different living here can be compared to the States. Keep in mind Ireland, Scotland or Wales will have their own unique differences!
The Oldest House (and cafe) in Bath
When You Live in England: The GOOD
1. History and Culture
The British Empire effectively ruled the world for 400 years and England has been highly influential in shaping world wide history.
Our history is heady stuff for enthusiasts, writers and history buffs. British art, TV and film is world renown. From Shakespeare to Harry Potter, the wit and wisdom of British culture has left a lasting impression.
World class museums in London with free admission? Tick. A globally influential music scene which kicked off with the Beatles and Stones. Tick. First class London theatre productions plus many favorite classic TV shows and movies originate here. Netflix spent 1 billion in the UK on film production in 2020 alone. You’ll never run out of historic sites to visit or impossibly pretty villages to discover!
2. Parks and Green Spaces
If you love to walk, bike or hike; the incredibly beautiful and diverse English countryside is a little slice of heaven.
Due to development, the US coastline is often unreachable. By contrast, Britain’s coastline is very accessible. In England, the Crown Estate owns 45% of the shoreline and remaining beaches are owned by the National Trust, local councils (towns) and other entities.
“Right to roam laws” mean coastal paths, fields and ancient forests are accessible and free to use. Even in a large city like London you’ll find dedicated park or green spaces. For a small crowded island, it’s surprisingly easy to get “wild”.
3. Health Care
It can be very stressful If you don’t have good health coverage in the US. It’s rare to walk out of the doctors without owing a co-pay or a chunk of your deductible.
England’s national health care system, the NHS, is famous for being free.
There’s something very leveling about the NHS because it doesn’t matter who you are – you’re covered.
When I’ve really needed to speak to a doctor I’ve been able to get help that day or the next – here’s my experience. Free healthcare is a priceless benefit to living here.
View down the Brighton seafront to the 360i
4. Food and Drink
Now don’t get me wrong, there’s some seriously tasty food back in the States. Barbecue, brisket, tex mex and fresh sweet corn, oh my. It’s hard to find dupes for those here.
But the variety of food in the US doesn’t quite match what you find here. Local seafood and produce are amazing. England’s dedication to quality standards for everything from apples to chicken is the key. Eggs are really tasty here. Pub food can be amazingly good. Have you tried a proper Sunday roast dinner (er lunch)? You’re in for a treat!
I’ve never been in a pub outside the UK with half the charisma, charm and pub-ness of the real deal. Pubs are one of the genuine charms of English life.
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you’ll be catered to. Marks and Spencers food hall has really delicious fresh food to buy and take home to heat and eat. They don’t really do frozen dinners here, it’s usually prepared fresh.
5. Art & Culture
British art and culture are world class and going to a museum here is not only free but an historical and artistic feast. Literary giants like Jane Austen, Shakespeare, Dickins and Wordsworth just to name a few have influenced how we think, feel and speak.
Winnie the Pooh and Mary Poppins are classics all over the world because they embody a particular type of English sensibility and imagination that both children and adults love.
Let’s not forget the Beatles and the Stones. They may have been influenced by American R&B and Motown but they made it their own and their style metamorphized into music that will never grow old!
London’s theatre district is the descendant of the first playhouse built in 1576 in Finsbury Fields London. We’ve got form!
6. Safety
I feel quite safe living here. Of course there are unsafe areas with high crime in England, but the chance of getting killed here is much lower than the US whose murder rate is 18x higher.
Most handguns have been banned and any guns owned must be properly licensed.
Road deaths in the UK are about 28 fatalities per million of population (2018) which isn’t too bad considering our roads! By contrast the rate is 4X higher in the US. That said, it isn’t always understood here that pedestrians should have right of way.
Lovely views of the Exe estuary from Topsham quay
When You Live in England: The Bad
1. English Weather
You knew this was coming! The weather can be fairly depressing for about six months of the year, possibly explaining why tea is so popular….oh and alcohol!
It can also be gloriously sunny with Turner-esque blue skies or solidly cloudy for days. Here’s what I really think.
Because we’re in the far north hemisphere, expect less than 8 hours of daylight in the winter. Average hours of sunlight per year in London is just under 4 hours per day (1400). Compare that to Dallas TX which gets 2850 hours of sunlight per year – twice as much!
Temperatures are usually mild, not too hot and not too cold. You’ll wear your waterproof winter coat much much longer than you’d like and you’ll seriously think about investing in a pair of rubber welly boots for those long muddy walks. It’s truthful to say “no one comes to England for the weather”.
2. Getting Around
While I love that you don’t have to have a car here, public transportation can be unreliable and pricey – especially during commuting hours to London. Trains can be canceled at the last minute.
Driving? You’ll need to navigate narrow country roads or parked cars on both sides of narrow streets while trying to decipher the complicated directions painted on roads, signage (often hidden by over-growth) and roundabouts.
You’re allowed to drive on your US license for 12 months. If you decide to get a UK license be prepared for an expensive hurdle of passing a theory test then a very strict driving test of 30-40 minutes before you’ll be legal to drive.
3. Cost of Living Expenses
The most desirable areas of the country are the most expensive – of course. These areas are primarily in and around London and the south east and west which is termed commuter country. England’s housing is considered smaller, older and less affordable than the US.
Housing is the biggest cost to living in England and average house prices can vary from $911,617 in London to $447,662 in York.
- UK Average housing price: £296,000 ($364,080)
- UK Petrol or gas average cost per gallon. $7.50
Whether you rent or own, you’ll pay a monthly council tax to the local council (town). It’s similar to property tax. If you live on your own you’re eligible for a 25% single discount. Average monthly tax for a single person is $139.
Almost everything from eating out to clothing has the 20% VAT (value added tax) already included, which inflates the cost of everything just a bit. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect for how much it costs to live here.
National Trust Barrington Court in Somerset
4. Customer Service
Customer service here isn’t a priority the way it is in the US.
Efficiency suffers by comparison and delays and mistakes are often tolerated.
When service is sub standard in the US an apology is usually forthcoming. In England they’ll get offended if you’re offended by their lack of help. Call it customer service gaslighting?
The unwillingness to step up when it’s merited is a slightly irritating fact of life here.
5. Consumer Choice
If you’re used to bottomless consumer choice; options in England can feel limited.
If you need a car accessory, there’s one chain that handles that. If you want to get groceries, prescriptions and a throw pillow at the same time, forget it. The few chains that do offer a wide range aren’t worth shopping at in my opinion with the one exception, John Lewis stores. Too bad there’s only 34 throughout England!
As a designer I miss having a wide range of choice for bedding, home decor and furniture. The exception is there’s no better place to scout for vintage and antiques than England.
The UK makes beautiful crafts and bespoke products, but the day to day choice can’t match the worlds largest economy. Not that you would expect it to!
Ready to give it a go? Find out all you need to know to live here with/without a visa.
Guide to Living in the UK for 6 Months
6. Privacy & Rules
When I first moved here I loved that English police seem so benevolent compared to their American equivalent.
However I’m beginning to realize the reason is the CTV cameras everywhere!
For example, I received a letter from the driving bureau saying I owed tax on a car I’d just purchased. They caught the license plate on camera at 12:24 just before I’d paid for the car and tax online at 12:37!
Lovely side street in Rye, E Sussex
When You Live in England: Final Thoughts
It’s best to think of England as a foreign country with a common language (if you speak English).
Ask yourself if a life in England sounds like your cup of tea. Of course, every country has its pros and cons.
I feel the pros outweigh the cons.
Quality of life, access to free healthcare and endless options to explore is worth it.
Come over and find out for yourself. Living in a foreign country is a bit like any relationship. Things you love, things you don’t, things you can live with and things you won’t. You won’t know unless you try!
Start by finding a place to stay in England. I recommend Lewes for a great introduction to the best of British life!
