For those who’ve lived in both Europe and the USA, I would like to hear your take. What do you love about each place, and what drawbacks have you noticed? Whether it’s the Old World charm of Europe or the dynamic lifestyle in the USA, spill the beans. In the end, what was the game-changer that made you pick one over the other and if you could share the decision-making behind your preferred choice.
Mixed bag. I found my eurolike American dream and now struggling to find a comparable high quality European option. People in Europe are a lot harder to connect to. It is a lot safer, better for kids, and travel is much more accessible though.
I actually find it quite similar. For me, Europe is a mix of socialism and a peculiar isolation, but it comes with the advantage of safety (both in society and from a career perspective), along with beautiful landscapes and travel opportunities. I appreciate the minimalist mentality of Europeans, although it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming for my personal taste. On the other hand, I find Americans to be more easygoing, easier to connect with, and generally friendlier. The weather and language, of course, earn points for the US. Overall, earnings and job opportunities are much higher in the US, but Europe has a better social welfare system. I would say that if you have no kids, the US is probably a better option. Additionally, I think Americans are more aligned with the mindset of immigration, making it easier to blend into society.
I agree with you. I find European cultures, architecture, nature, history, slow lifestyle awesome, but there is lot more generational trauma and sort of closed mentality towards others. I found people more jealous, men more animalistic, women are treated as garbage (this is true in most places, but I find the European societies even more outdated then say Canada).
What do you mean by „minimalist mentality“?
Compared to Americans, Europeans (Germans, Dutch, French, and Belgians, based on my experience) tend to spend less money on material possessions and things like home renovations. Instead, they allocate more of their spending towards experiences, such as traveling and well being. Also they save a lot more and engage in less consumerism. In general, I’ve found both sides to be somewhat extreme, with exceptions, of course.
This is an awesome aspect- I’m American but think like this . I hate the suburban American lifestyle of keeping with the jones with a big house and suv etc - I’d rather travel and have experiences.
less consumerism I suppose
Safer is a bit of a lie, there is terrorist attacks and stabbings all over Europe.
There are parts of America where there is no crime
I used to drive to work in Orlando. There was almost a shooting or murder a day. A coworker witnessed a murder at the gas pump. There are so many, it doesn’t make national news. If someone gets killed in remote parts of wales, we hear about it on national news. I assume because it’s so rare.
Can you say a bit more about your eurolike American dream? Very curious about what you’ve managed to find and create for yourself in the states.
I basically found a place in the US where I can bike and walk and not use a car. Ironically, now that I am back in Europe, I am a bit more car dependent and a lot of the people are so excited about gated communities and using cars everywhere.