Living in England as an American: Pros and Cons

Updated for 2026

What would life be like if you moved from America to England?

It’s easy to imagine a romantic life in the UK. I know I looked forward to afternoons in cosy pubs and quick trips to Europe. But five years after moving from the United States to England, I’ve learned that the reality of daily life here is both wonderful and complicated.

In this guide, I’m sharing the real pros and cons of living in England as an American based on my own experience living in the UK, along with insights from others who’ve made the move.

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What I Tell Americans About Moving to England

Before moving to England, it’s important to understand that daily life here often feels very different from life in the United States. We might share a language, but our cultures are more different than you may assume.

Americans moving to England are often surprised by:

• Smaller homes and appliances
• Lower salaries compared to major US cities
• Different healthcare systems means good and bad surprises
• More reliance on public transport
• Dark winter afternoons
• British communication styles and humour
• The emotional reality of being far from family

At the same time, you may find that England offers a calmer pace of life, more vacation time, easier international travel, and a stronger sense of work-life balance.

Of course, not all of England is the same, never mind regional differences across the UK. The experience of living here can vary dramatically depending on whether you settle in London, another major city, or a smaller town or village.

Pros and Cons of Living in England

Let’s get into the actual differences that can be incredible, or incredibly grating.

Pro: England Often Feels Safer Than the US 

Fear of gun violence is regularly cited as a top reason Americans want to move to England. Americans living in the UK also often cite fear of gun violence as their top reason for not wanting to return to the US.

I grew up in Texas, where gun ownership is more of a general assumption than a question. Even in California, many of our friends kept firearms in their homes. When my daughter was young, asking about gun storage was just part of the normal pre-playdate conversation with a new friend’s parents.

By comparison, gun ownership in the UK is subject to strict licensing laws. Even local police don’t carry firearms. It’s hard to overstate how different the mentality is here on this topic. No place is fully safe, but we have felt much safer here for ourselves and our child.

Con: Homesickness Can Be One of the Hardest Parts of Life Abroad

This is the top reason many people give for deciding not to move abroad or deciding to move back to the US. Don’t underestimate expat homesickness as you will experience it after moving away. Going back to visit is not the same as being there all the time.

In the years I’ve been living in the UK, friends have gone through many life events without me. This isn’t to say you can’t keep in touch remotely, but you will have a different relationship with people you can’t see in person regularly.

Pro: England Has Better Work-Life Balance Than the US

For Americans, 5+ weeks of paid vacation AND bank holidays can seem like a dream. But that’s the minimum in the UK by law for full-time employees.

It was striking to me how often ads run on UK television advertising package holidays. Disney even runs ads here for 14-day theme park tickets in Florida. Brits heading to America for holiday are likely to spend more time on one break than most Americans take off all year.

In the office, you’re less likely to encounter the American ‘always-on’ mentality in the UK. England is still way more work-obsessed than most European countries, but fewer industries seem bent on competing over who can stay at work the latest.

A number of sectors in the UK hire talent from abroad, making the sponsored work visa one of the top ways for Americans to move to the UK. 

Con: Salaries in the UK are Often Lower Than in the US

If you pursue a job move to the UK, you should know that it’s common to be offered a significantly lower salary than you’d earn in many US cities. There are trade-offs in the overall cost of living, but there is certainly a perception that you’ll make more money in the US.

In recent years, the required salary for UK skilled worker visas has exceeded the median salary for the country. This can make it harder to obtain a visa in the first place, much less afford a lifestyle similar to what you’d expect in the US.

Neither I nor my husband have exceeded the salary levels we received in Southern California, but we’ve also found it easier to afford a lifestyle we are happy with here.

Some of our ability to make due with less comes from differences in the general cost of living, but it also comes from cutting down on things we once considered necessary. For example, we now own one car instead of two, live in a much smaller home, and try to focus our spending more on experiences.

Pro: Living in England Makes European Travel Much Easier

Flights to Europe and beyond are much cheaper from England than flying even within the US. Train and ferry options make the hop from England to Europe easy even for those who don’t like to fly. Travel options are definitely one of the top perks of living in the UK.

Since we’ve lived here, we have taken holidays in Europe as much as possible. It’s been wonderful to explore places that weren’t on my standard bucket list. Ghent in Belgium is surprisingly one of my favorite places that I didn’t expect to love.

If it weren’t for school break and activity schedules for my daughter, we’d probably go even more often. Our British friends think nothing of jaunting off for a weekend when there’s a fare sale on.

You also can’t forget about the many beautiful travel destinations within the UK. Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or finding peace in the Scottish Highlands, there’s so much to see.

Con: Brexit Has Made European Travel More Complicated

If your goal for living abroad is to experience as much of Europe as possible, you may want to look at living in an EU country instead. Travel between the UK and EU is not as simple as it once was, though it’s still easier than hitting that red eye flight from the US.

Both the EU and UK have begun to implement entry permission requirements for visitors, even those on a short-term holiday. This adds to the cost of travel and makes for more bureaucratic headaches when going back and forth between European countries and the UK.

Pro: England Has Strong Schools and Universities

British education is considered a high standard around the world. If you’re considering education for yourself or your child, you’ll likely be pleased with what you can find here.

I have a child in state school and put myself through a masters degree program in the UK. Both experiences have only built up my belief that UK education is high quality.

Public education lives up to the reputation for top academic standards. Meanwhile, there’s almost nothing you can’t find through private education options. With a little research, you can find schools following American curriculum, traditional British boarding schools, and alternative options like online school.

Con: British Education is Rigid and Private Schools are Very Expensive

State schools in the UK are good. In fact, we placed our daughter in local secondary school when we moved most recently. However, the jokes about rigid British school norms are true and go beyond school uniform requirements.

Flexible school starts like red-shirting in the US are very frowned upon here and may be impossible to achieve in the state school system. Kids are also expected to be more independent than I was used to in the US. For example, children regularly use public transportation to get to school – there are no yellow school buses here.

Private schools offer more room for flexibility, but if you are set on a private school education for your child, or if you’re hoping to put them into a system that mirrors US curriculum, expect a high price tag.

The average day school fees (non-boarding) for UK independent schools is over £18,000 per year. Fees increase with the year level. English law now requires private schools will be to charge VAT on tuition, so prices are also increasing as that charge is passed on to parents.

Pro: The NHS Provides Public Healthcare

If you live in the UK as a legal resident, you are entitled to care through the NHS. The NHS has a long and well-earned history of being a well-run public service in the UK. I’ve had some fantastic interactions with doctors here followed by no charge on my way out the door.

Yes, you pay into the UK healthcare system via taxes and through the NHS surcharge on visa holders, but you never have to worry about going bankrupt due to an unplanned trip to the emergency room. 

Our friends here are often horrified at the idea of deciding whether or not to seek medical care based on what we think it might cost. It has been a relief to know that we aren’t one accident away from a devastating hit to our finances.

Con: NHS Wait Times and Staff Shortages Can Be Frustrating

The NHS has been suffering from critical underfunding for a number of years. This has unfortunately made the system less efficient than it should be.

Time to be seen has steadily climbed, especially for non-critical health concerns. I’ve spent hours waiting to be seen at A&E (similar to urgent care or the emergency room) because my daughter developed an infection on a weekend.

It’s also important to realize that UK views on care can differ from the US. You may find that medications you relied on in the US aren’t as readily prescribed in the UK. Moving your care can be a process that requires patience and self advocacy.

Some people opt to pay for some of their medical care through a private provider, and you may be offered private insurance through your employer. Private care is much less expensive than you’d expect to pay in the US, but it is still an expense. Costs vary by provider and the type of care needed.

Pro: England Has a Mild Climate With Distinct Seasons

England has a temperate climate with summers that don’t get (too) hot and winters that don’t get (too) cold. So you get to experience seasonal changes without extremes.

All of the seasons get to play a part in the year, whether it’s daffodils welcoming the spring, or crunching leaves in the fall. Rain comes and goes, but it rarely becomes a thunderstorm and there are no hurricanes to worry about here. 

I’ve found the seasonal changes particularly lovely after spending so long in Texas and California. You can feel the pull of the year changing here in a way that encourages slowing down and noticing the world around you.

Con: England’s Dark Winters Can Be Difficult for Americans

Remember I mentioned living in Texas and California? I was not prepared for the winter darkness here. The seasonal darkness is one of the biggest complaints I hear when talking to fellow Americans in England.

So how early is it dark? In England, December often brings sunset just before 4pm. This is offset by seasonal holiday lights, but January is… rough.

The further north you go in the UK, the earlier the sun will set. If you plan to visit Edinburgh in December, expect sunset closer to 3-3:30pm. Add in a rainy day and you might not spy the sun at all.

I bought my first SAD lamp after getting tired of the dark’s drag on my mind. Vitamin D supplements are also regularly recommended to newcomers to help cope with the dark days.  

Pro: England Is Extremely Dog Friendly

Dog culture in England is really something else. Many pubs and shops are dog-friendly, and having a dog at your side is an instant conversation starter.

We brought our dog with us when we moved and he has settled right in to local life. I love having him with me exploring local footpaths and he knows exactly which pubs will have treats for him. People often strike up conversations with dog owners, so it’s a helpful way to meet new friends too.

Whether you bring your dog with you from the US, or plan to add one to your life here, they will be welcome in many scenarios. If bringing your pet, here’s some mistakes to avoid when planning pet travel.

Con: Renting With Pets Can Be Difficult

The love for your furry friend really flies out the door when you’re trying to rent a flat or house. It’s certainly not impossible to rent with pets, but know that it may take you longer to find a place.

The Renters Rights Act has made it illegal for landlords to have a blanket “no pets” policy, but you can still be refused for valid reasons like the property being too small to accommodate pets. We haven’t had too much trouble renting with our dog and cat, but we’ve also rented houses instead of flats.

If you’re moving with a dog, keep in mind that the UK’s smaller housing often means sacrificing a yard unless you’re living outside a city.

Pro: England Is Full of Beautiful Historic Architecture

England is a beautiful country and you encounter history in the buildings everywhere you go. Whether you love palaces, old churches, or quaint country cottages, you will get your fill of beautiful old buildings here.

Even everyday shops on the high street often fit into the ground floor of a building that’s stood on that spot for centuries. 

If you fancy living in a historic building, that’s not impossible to find. We’ve lived in a house dating to the Victorian era, and have friends whose homes go back even further.

Con: Many Homes in England Lack Charm and Buying a Home Is Slow and Expensive

While it’s easy to find historic buildings to admire, your day-to-day UK housing experience may look a lot different. More recently built row houses and flats are very common, and often lack character.

If you’re dreaming of your own English cottage or historic flat, be sure to pack your patience. England’s property laws are incredibly confusing and you’ll need a lawyer’s involvement even for a straightforward purchase. As a result, most home sales take at least 6 months to finalize.

The cost of buying property varies widely across the country, with the highest property values found in and near London.  

Pro: England’s Countryside Is Incredible for Hiking

Hiking in England is one of my favorite things about living here. The English countryside is absolutely brimming with beautiful vistas and historic sights.  

Even if you live in a city, you’re usually only a short train ride away from countryside beauty spots.

Thanks to a wide-ranging network of public footpaths, setting out to explore on foot can be incredibly easy. Private landowners are required to allow access to walkers on public footpaths. This means you can get from A to B on foot in a way that is rarely possible in the US.

Con: Some Areas of England Are Difficult Without a Car

There are quite a few places in England that are not serviced by nearby train stations. When you find a promising place to visit, it may be that the only way to get close enough for a day hike is to drive to the area or hire a taxi from the closest train station.

Train tickets can also be expensive and the trains are not always reliable for reaching countryside stations. While I take the train as much as possible, for a lot of my hiking I do drive to the area I want to explore. 

Pro: England’s Cities Are Diverse and International

Larger cities, particularly London, are incredibly diverse and attract people from all over the world. If you want to experience living in a true metropolis, you can definitely find it here.

Diversity has a great impact on culture. If you move to an English city, you’ll find that a wide range of viewpoints and lifestyles are welcomed.

As a new arrival, it also can be easier to make friends in the cities because you are more likely to encounter other people who have moved to the UK themselves.

Con: Smaller Towns May Feel Less Diverse

I think this is true in every country, but you can’t expect to live your cottage core English fantasy life and also find Mexican food around the corner.

Villages and smaller towns are less likely to have expat communities, and may be less welcoming to outsiders. This isn’t to say you can’t make friends outside large cities, but it may take longer to feel a part of the community.

Pro: England Has Incredible Arts and Culture

London alone is one of the top culture spots in the world. Living here gives you access to a huge range of culture and art, and even free museums. Across England, you will find fascinating museums, theatres big and small, and plenty of art displays. 

A prominent example of cultural offerings in England is found in the National Trust. This organization takes care of hundreds of historic homes, art collections and gardens that are also open to the public. Living in England means you get to experience far more than you could hope to see as a tourist.

Theatre culture in particular is very strong in the UK. It should be no surprise that the land of Shakespeare maintains a love affair with the stage. London’s West End is home to famous productions, but even smaller towns often host theatre companies.

Con: Americans Should Expect Culture Shock in England

It’s not uncommon for Americans to be excited for their move to the UK, but not be ready for the culture shock. Yes, England and America share a language and many ideals, but they are also very different.

I found several things surprising when I arrived here, including:

• The British focus on class that has way more to do with the life you were born into than it does with wealth.
• Being asked repeatedly why I would want to live here instead of sunny California.
• Lack of conveniences I took for granted, like stores open late or American-style appliances.

Whenever you consider moving abroad, you have to be ready to feel out of place at times and disconnected from the local culture.  

Is England a Good Place to Live for Americans?

Overall, I think England is an excellent place to live. However, living in England may feel challenging if you strongly value:

• Large homes
• High salaries
• Consistent sunshine
• Easy access to family in the US
• Lower taxes
• Consumer convenience

Your experience will also depend heavily on:

• your visa situation,
• your income,
• whether you live in London or elsewhere,
• and how comfortable you are adapting to a different culture.

For me personally, the positives outweighed the negatives enough that I still love living here even years later.

FAQs About Living in England as an American

Would I Move to England Again?

Absolutely!

Living in England isn’t perfect. There are frustrating immigration systems, dark winter days, and moments when homesickness hits me hard. But there are also peaceful countryside walks, easy European travel, and a day-to-day feeling of safety that I wouldn’t trade away.

If you’re considering moving to England from the US, my biggest advice is to come with realistic expectations. England can be a fantastic place to live, but like any international move, it works best when you understand both the benefits and the challenges ahead of time.

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