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Ask HN: Who has moved from the U.S. to Europe?

181 points feraligators | 5 comments | 25 Jan 22 15:44 UTC | HN request time: 0.97s | source

I've long considered leaving this country for a multitude of reasons.

I'd be curious to hear some first hand experiences of those who've made the move to Europe and what you think of the process and considerations one should make.

A few questions to start the conversation:

- Where do you live?

- What's the biggest sacrifice you had to make (i.e. pay, housing, friends, etc.)

- What have you gained?

Show context
thegypsyking ◴[25 Jan 22 15:53 UTC] No.30073194[source]▶
I did the opposite and found the us much better. Pay and opportunities are infinitely better, people are friendlier, having a car is much easier and more convenient.
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1. pwagland ◴[25 Jan 22 16:10 UTC] No.30073480[source]▶
The first points are salient. The last point is interesting, since a car is generally much more required in the US, yes it is easier and more convenient to have a car in the US, as well as a buttload cheaper, but life without a car is (generally) a lot less easy or convenient.
replies(2): >>30073758 #>>30074051 #
2. jokethrowaway ◴[25 Jan 22 16:26 UTC] No.30073758[source]▶
The gas prices in the USA are pretty great compared to Europe (including during this presidency).

Some countries (like Italy) charge basically the cost of petrol in taxes.

On the cons, in the USA you generally need to drive longer distances.

3. thefourthchime ◴[25 Jan 22 16:45 UTC] No.30074051[source]▶
I think it depends on where you live. If you live in New York, LA, Chicago, Seattle a lot of the big cities have such horrible traffic I can see the want to get rid of your car.

If you live in a place like Austin Texas and work from home, like I do. Having a car is a delight. I can go in any direction and bring my stuff I can get stuff from the store and bring it home. I've lived without a car in New York City, there's a lot of downsides to that. You don't have the freedom to just go to IKEA and get a something.

replies(1): >>30120596 #
4. seanmcdirmid ◴[28 Jan 22 21:28 UTC] No.30120596[source]▶
I had to rent a car when I went to IKEA in Switzerland. It wasn't that bad, and seemed like a pretty standard thing to do.

The US doesn't really have urban area car rentals, you'd have to get to the airport first.

replies(1): >>30209714 #
5. thefourthchime ◴[04 Feb 22 17:25 UTC] No.30209714{3}[source]▶
That's entirely false. Where I live in North Austin there are two places to rent cars within 2 miles of me. The same is true all over the USA.