Moving to England from the US: What You Need to Know

England is a beautiful country that is situated on the island of Great Britain. While some people use the terms “England,” “Great Britain,” and “The United Kingdom” interchangeably, they are not the same at all. “England” refers to the singular country. “Great Britain” is the entire land mass that contains England, Scotland, and Wales, and “The United Kingdom” refers to the sovereign country that encompasses the aforementioned countries plus Northern Ireland. England is the largest country within the United Kingdom and is bordered to the north by Scotland and to the west by Wales. The country welcomes nearly 40 million tourists yearly, who come to discover its rich history and see the beautiful sights and landscapes that England is known for.

While Stonehenge might be the first image to pop into your mind when you think of England, this stunning landmark is far from the only exciting location to see. The city of Bath, aptly named for its well-preserved Roman bath houses, was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a result of its rich history and impressive architecture. On the French-facing side of England, the Cliffs of Dover jut out into the sea, looming and impressive. In the southwest of England, the Cotswolds is a region that has been named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and boasts some of the most stunning countrysides in England. If you’re looking for a change of pace and want to experience life in a historically rich and picturesque country, then check out Atlas® International’s England Moving Guide.

Moving from the US to England

Why are Americans moving to England? Many will make the move to be with an English partner in their home country, while some pack up and move for work opportunities. The pace of life is slower in England, and employees receive guaranteed vacation time, a definite draw for those looking for an alternative to the fast-paced American lifestyle. Students often come to England to study at one of the most prestigious colleges in the world: the University of Oxford. The University of Oxford is also one of the oldest universities still in use, as there is evidence of people teaching there even as far back as 1906.

Culture

As a plus side for many, ex-pats to England won’t have to worry about learning a second language to live, work, and study in their new country, making it a desirable option for those who don’t want to learn a foreign language for their relocation. However, there are differences between British and American English. Rather than standing in line, in England, you might find yourself waiting in a queue. You might ride in a truck in America, but in England, you’d be riding in a lorry. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these differences before you go!

Climate

The climate in England is very temperate, with cool winters and warm summers. The temperature is rarely extreme, though the weather changes often. It rains frequently in England, though this also depends on the region: northwest England is the wettest region, while the southeast boasts the driest weather.

Attractions

No matter the region; however, there are sure to be plenty of gorgeous sights to take in. Perhaps one of the most impressive is Hadrian’s Wall, a Roman barricade built in 122 AD that spans from the west to the east coast of England. Though much of the wall has been lost to time, there are still preserved sections that can be visited. Nature lovers might also enjoy Windermere, the largest lake in England. The area surrounding the lake is also filled with attractions, making it a great place to go for a day trip. No matter your interests, there’s sure a place for you in England!

Where to Live in England

Thinking of relocating to England? Here are some popular locations for ex-pats:

• London
• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Liverpool
• Leeds

Moving to London, England

London is the capital of England and its most populous city. It’s best known by foreigners for being the home of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, but there’s a lot more to the city than these famous sites. Those who love Harry Potter will be delighted to know that London has its very own Platform 9¾, right between platforms 9 and 10 at King’s Cross Station. The city is full of real-life history as well, with the Ruins of St. Dunstan-in-the East standing as a current reminder of the devastation caused by the London Blitz during WWII. The Tower of London is another impressive historical site, infamously used as a prison and surrounded by mystery and intrigue. Of course, there are also modern sides to London as well. London has a booming nightlife, as people from all over flock to the clubs and bars to enjoy the city’s vibe. Though one might expect the cost of living to be high in a place like London, the average cost of living is around 21% lower than in New York City. If you are moving to London from the United States, you will likely run into the need for overseas shipping and specialized movers who are familiar with customs and import regulations.

Resources for Moving to England

Thinking of moving from the US to England? Check out our detailed customs guide for international relocation tips including household goods importing, restricted and prohibited items, moving pets, importing vehicles, and the documentation you will need.

England (United Kingdom) Customs and Import Guide

Plan Your England Move with Atlas® International

Atlas® International has over 50 years of experience helping individuals get started in the next chapter of their lives through international relocation. We help with residential, corporate, and military moves, among many others. Our knowledgeable, internationally accredited team is seasoned by decades of experience providing quality, door-to-door service, and stress-free planning to those looking to relocate. If you need assistance with common moving questions like import regulations and applying for a visa, we can also help with that! Whether you are just getting started with planning your move to England or you already have all your personal affairs in order, Atlas® International is here to help.

Ready to get started? Get in touch with an Atlas® International moving expert and begin planning your move today. Give us a call at 206-526-1137 or contact us to receive personalized advice on beginning your move to England.