←back to thread

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

181 points feraligators | 1 comments | 25 Jan 22 15:44 UTC | HN request time: 0.242s | 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
bengalister ◴[25 Jan 22 18:10 UTC] No.30075502[source]▶
I am French living in south of France but I would not recommend France mainly for 1 reason: (the lack of) safety.

I lived a few years in Canada so I can compare to North America.

France is not what tiktok videos about US expat living in Paris show you. You probably know about French strikes, bureaucracy, rude people etc. But also France turned into a violent country in the last 2 decades, and is the worst in western Europe. No city is safe. The health system is cheap, but not really good and it is very hard outside Paris to get an appointment to see a dermatologist, ophthalmologist, any specialized doctor. And if you opt for Paris, housing is of low quality, very expensive, cramped and very hard to find a rental.

The only benefits: cheap wine/cheese and plenty of vacation.

IMHO, Netherlands, Danemark, Sweden/Norway/Finland, Germany (especially Munich), Austria, Switzerland are better options. And if the low wages are not a problem, Portugal, Czech Republic could be nice.

replies(2): >>30075675 #>>30080139 #
1. pintxo ◴[25 Jan 22 18:19 UTC] No.30075675[source]▶
Good luck finding affordable real estate in Munich. It's pretty much the most expensive in Germany. Though it may still seem cheap coming from Paris, London etc.