An American ditched her life in Wisconsin for a new life in the UK – and hasn’t looked back after dreaming about the move for years. She has now shared her top reasons for loving her new home
An American woman who has lived in the UK for over a year has shared the reasons she “wouldn’t trade it for anything”. Moving to a new place can be super exciting and such an adventure, but also daunting; you may have spent years dreaming what it will be like and where you will go, but hope that your expectations have been met.
One woman decided to jump at the chance to move to the UK from Wisconsin after dreaming about it for a long time – and she hasn’t looked back. Recently, she shared her experience on TikTok and went viral.
Zahra said: “My experience as an American now living in the UK after being here for a year! I absolutely love it. I know nowhere is perfect but this has been the best decision of my life to move and see another beautiful part of the world. Even if it did take years to achieve.”
From food, scenery, wildlife, animals, safety, environment, there is a lot she has been impressed by. Here’s what Zahra had to say….
Food
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While people typically say that the food in the UK is not good, compared to other nations, Zahra has pointed out that she has been pleasantly surprised.
Zahra said: “The food here tastes so much less processed. There’s fewer ingredients in things and you can definitely taste it.”
She also says she is now a superfan of a cup of tea and fish and chips. “Fish and chops and a cuppa is the way to live life,” she added.
Environment
As Zahra works as a biologist, she has noticed that there is a diverse range of wildlife here. “It makes my biologist heart happy,” Zahra said.
She has also observed how environmentally friendly the UK is, in comparison to the US. While the US has seen growth in renewable energy adoption, it is lagging behind areas of Europe for been for years, reports Green Union.
Zahra said: “The UK is so environmentally friendly! You have to bring your own bags to the store, otherwise you have to pay for plastic ones.”
“All straws are paper, not plastic,” she added.
Landscape
Zahra, who has a dog, has been impressed by the incredible views in the UK. Just 30 minutes walk from her home there are beach views, and the other way there are stunning woodland walks.
“The scenery here is gorgeous,” she added. Living in the north east, she was able to often visit Bamburgh Castle. “The abundance of castles is just so cute,” Zahra said.
She has also been pleased that she can take her dog into most places without worry. Zahra added: “So many places are dog friendly. Public transport, restaurants, pubs. People love their dogs here and I love it.”
Safety
Zahra says she has felt very safe here. Zahra said: “I feel so much safer out in public here, no fear of guns which I cannot put a price on.”
She added: “Everything feels slower and safer here. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
‘We need people to remind us of the UK’s beauty’
Another agreed and wrote: “Kind of nice to realise that there is actually positives to being here. Moral of the story is it could be worse.” “I think we need people to remind us of the beauty the UK has to offer,” added another.
Another wrote: “This has reminded me that the UK is not all that bad a place to live – thank you for sharing this. I needed it.”
One Brit said: “So glad you’re enjoying our lovely country! I lived in Texas for some time and really enjoyed that too.”
“My partner who is also from Wisconsin is hopefully moving here with me in December,” commented one other.
Speaking about the food, one other wrote: “We lived in England for six years, when we moved back to the states I swear it took a full six months for our stomachs to re adjust to all the junk in American food.”
“My mum moved from Wisconsin 30 years ago and never looked back,” added one other.