Before a job opportunity even gave us the option of moving abroad, it was aways something that Matt and I wanted to do. The world is a vast place, full of wonder and possibility, beauty and adventure. We asked ourselves – we have the choice to live anywhere in the world, do we really want to spend the rest of our lives living in Nottingham?
There are lots of reasons we decided to make the move, but these are our main ones:
Weather
The weather in England gets us down. The cold. The grey days. The rain. The perpetual hope of a summer and the inevitable disappointment when another year passes by with very little warmth or sunshine. I love being outdoors, especially now that we have Henry and I see how much he enjoys it too, but when it’s raining, windy and so dark that it could still be night, it’s not going to happen. This means from November until March we’re often trapped inside, with very little to do. Virginia enjoys four real seasons, but what we’re most looking forward are the summers there, where temperatures reach up to 32’C. Life instantly feels better when you wake up and the sun is shining. It’s invigorating and energising. The whole family will be able to have a much more active lifestyle, and I must admit, I’ll very much enjoy being able to wear skirts, shorts and dresses with bare legs, which I just can’t do in the UK!
Space
Where we live in the East Midlands, it is busy, the roads are packed, houses are crowded together and villages and towns merge together. Even houses on the pricier side are semi-detached and don’t feature off street parking or much of a garden. Travelling around Virginia, it was incredible to see the vast amount of space, not only in and around homes, but in the forests and mountains that are waiting to be explored.
The homes in Virginia are something else. They’re spacious, beautifully designed, immaculately maintained, and part of communities that pride themselves on being safe and attractive neighbourhoods. It’s commonplace for the different home communities to share a clubhouse, outdoor pool, tennis courts and playgrounds. The size difference of the homes is unbelievable. We will be able to live in a home we could only dream of owning in the UK.
Lifestyle
We love the sense of community in Richmond and how the layout of the houses brings families together. Whilst viewing a property, we spoke to a family who told us about the neighbourhood evening get-togethers around a fire pit, with music and smores and laughter. Everybody knows each other, lifelong friends are made and the children play together. We love how the secluded and gated nature of the neighbourhood homes means it’s safe for children to play outside and there are plenty of mum and baby groups to join. There’s even the opportunity for me to go to a gym that has free daycare for Henry whilst I’m busy getting fit!
Adventure
I don’t want our lives to be stagnant or static. I look at our life if we stay in the UK and see more dull grey days. We want to experience a new adventure, a new challenge, that will inspire Henry to live the life he chooses and follow his own dreams. Living in the USA will also open up a lot more possibility for holidays and travel. Florida and New York in particular are reached with a very short plane journey, whilst the beauty of the Caribbean is also within a reasonable distance.
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Of course our lives in America won’t be perfect – we’ll still have the same day to day issues over there that we do over here, we’ll get homesick, I know there will be plenty I’ll miss about the UK, and I’m still trying to come to terms with the fact that Henry will probably call me mommy instead of mummy. But this is our dream, and I’m happy that we’ve had the confidence to follow it and turn it into a reality. We can’t wait to see what our American adventure brings us!
Congratulations Amy! Now I want to move too! It does sound like a wonderful place
So very jealous. My husband wants to move to Canada at some point, for much the same reasons (but also the snowboarding opportunities too!)
I know what you mean about the grey days… Will be very envious once you're there, and look forward to you blogging about it!
Lauren | Belle du Brighton xx
I've always loved the idea of moving to America, though I doubt it's something I will ever do, as I am just too homely. The neighbourhood you spoke about sounds utterly amazing! xx
Ah I'm so excited for you and your family Amy! I think it'll be amazing. Something I've found since moving to Hong Kong is that I'm rediscovered a love for life itself? In that I'm always exploring, whether with friends or alone, and realising that there's so much beauty in new and old places. While the space situation here is much different to how yours will be in Virginia, I wholeheartedly agree with your reasons behind moving. And the community thing – how incredible?! We didn't have any of that in England, that's for sure. xx
This is so exciting!! I tried to transfer with my company to San Francisco last year, but unfortunately the visa process was super strict (and ultimately my company did a shocking job with it), so I'm still stuck in the UK. I shall read your blog and live vicariously through your US adventure. Can't wait to follow your journey! x
Tea Party With Alice
Ah what an exciting new chapter in your lives! The way you've described Virginia just sounds idyllic. Of course the move won't all be flowers and butterflies but I wholeheartedly agree with you about not wanting life to be static and embracing these new opportunities. Sounds like a lovely community you're going to be coming a part of and what a fantastic place to bring up Henry. Can't wait to follow along on the blog 🙂 xxx
It sounds so exciting and so amazing. I'd love to move abroad since I grew up abroad and the biggest thing I miss is the sun. I hate the cold and the snow. Maybe we'll move one day!
You are so much braver than me haha! But good luck 🙂 I hope you have a great time x
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Im so jealous but happy for you! I love America!
Glossy Boutique
I'm very jealous of your new adventure Amy but it's so the right decision. We moved to Spain when our children were younger but for various reasons had to move back. I long for that lifestyle again. You are so making the right decision, living life to the full, and grabbing the bull by the horns so to speak. It may not be forever, no-one ever knows how our futures will turn out but your new adventures are just beginning and you deserve it! xx
I'm a fellow blogger from the East Midlands and agree with everything you've said. I for one can't wait to read your posts.
Steph
http://www.pricelesslifeofmine.com
Congrats! That's a big move! It's funny though because I think a lot of Americans dream of moving to Europe! I know I've always wanted to go to England, especially in the last 6 years that I've discovered Sophie Kinsella books & British chocolate (it's a very different taste than American chocolate).
Good luck on the move! I hope the homesickness is not too hard and the adventure is mighty. 🙂
I been living in nyc for more than 30 years. I never visited my birth place (southeast asia) when my parents arrived to america. Now i am living at nj more space but tax is very expensive so we are house hunting. Our our is fully paid off which is good. Congratulation on your new & big venture.
Typo i meant the house is paid for the property tax is expensive.
What amazing news! I too will be moving to the US next year so look forward to following you on your journey!! All the best.
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