Reasons why North Americans do not want to live in Europe (crime rate, best)

[chielgirl]

Originally Posted by stan4

For me, my issue with Europe is a matter of bang for the buck.
And the cramped living spaces.
And the restriction on true opportunity.
My standard of living would crater.
No, thanks.

The average american might do well there.

None of this exists.
What cramped living space?
What restrictions to opportunity? There are none.
What standard of living to you currently have that would not exist in Europe?

[KathrynAragon]

The US has the largest average house size in the world.

International House Sizes

There are restrictions to opportunity in every culture and every country. Many of these restrictions are called "laws." They are also called "taxes." They are called "regulations" and "zoning," and all sorts of other civilized words. They are also called "prejudice" and "high unemployment" and "poor economy" - that sort of thing.

Opportunity is very individualistic. One's opportunity in various cultures depends on many personal factors - education, market, supply and demand, even race and religion.

As for what I have that I couldn't have in Europe - it all boils down to economics and area. In most places in Europe where I would consider living, I could not afford the home and land that I can afford in Texas. Also, my husband would literally not be able to park or drive his big truck (necessary for his line of work - which he loves and wants to continue doing) in most towns and cities in Europe. For that matter, he would not have the work opportunities there that he enjoys in the US, and which finances our comfortable lifestyle here.

For that matter, we both love American football - from local high school games to professional games - and we attend both as often as we can. Couldn't do that living in Europe.

We love Tex Mex food and the Hill Country of Texas, as well as the entire cultural feel of Texas in general - can't get that in Europe.

There are many more reasons why we prefer life here than in Europe - for our permanent residence. But I"m not bashing Europe at all - I like a lot about it. I just prefer living my daily life here.

[darrensmooth]

Originally Posted by Neuling

When I moved from Germany to Britain, the only things I had to get used to were coins and notes, language, and watching for cars driving the wrong way around Other than that things worked more or less like back home. Not the slightest culture shock...

exactly..I think this is the UK trying to distance itself from Europe, but really?...I just dont find it that far off culturally from Europe.

[nei]

Originally Posted by iNviNciBL3

We have both but I just hang around the people who just straight up don't care about religion.

But what I ment is that I would rather hang out with annoying Christians than annoying atheist. .

Then there's this :

xkcd: Atheists

[chielgirl]

Originally Posted by OneLess

Neither are comments from European users in this thread either.

Anyways the US is the most famous, richest and most powerful country in the world. Enough said.

And among the most in-debt/broke, offers little to its citizenry.

[KathrynAragon]

Originally Posted by chielgirl

And among the most in-debt/broke, offers little to its citizenry.

I love what the US offers to my family and me. To each his own.

[Katarina Witt]

Just started this thread this morning and don't have time to read it all right now. (I've read about 150 posts.) However, I also have NPR on, and just heard this story:

Germany's Paradox: Family-Friendly Benefits, But Few Kids : NPR

I thought it was interesting.

[OneLess]

Originally Posted by chielgirl

They call it T.K. Maxx.

As far as taxes, the cost of tax is included in the item.
In the US, if the state taxes clothing, it's in addition to the price.

Shopping is still more expensive in the UK and Europe than it is in the US and even Canada.
We also offers lots of coupons and discount here frequently.

[OneLess]

Originally Posted by Neuling

How do Americans feel about the lack of military in Europe? Obviously I am not talking about military personnel living in Kaiserslautern etc., but of American civilians that move to Europe to work. I assume when you are used to the military being as present as it is in American society, Europe might strike you as utterly civilian

I could careless about the military. But I love protection though, and it cost money.

[OneLess]

Originally Posted by thetroof

Someone defended Chain restaurants? Hilarious

Yes because they are great. My family and friends from Europe, their first stop is Cheesecake Factory and Friday's. we have awesome chain restaurants.