Digital Nomad Life in the United States

"Expats often join social and cultural clubs to meet others and learn about their new home. Examples of very popular clubs and activities include community choirs, running clubs, youth sports teams, and language classes. Expats can also meet others by attending local lectures, musical performances, art and book exhibitions, festivals, and even charity events, which offer a great opportunity to socialize and make friends. Additionally, expats often get online to more easily connect with people who share similar interests, join online expat networks, or even sign up for social media pages dedicated to expats living in the area," explained one expat living in United States.

"I might recommend looking into local high schools (Brookline High) for continuing ed classes- you can take everything from Spanish to cooking to woodworking. There is also Junior League of Boston, and different business networking opportunities. (None which come to mind by name- but we belong to the Boston College Club- those types of places are great- although expensive) I would also suggest looking into the alumni department of the college you attended- I know there is a whole network of colleges that sponsor events together. (wine tasting, a capella concerts, ball games, etc.) One other suggestion is Boston.com and citysearch.com -- they summarize all the events in the city- free concerts on the river, events in the park, shows, etc. The Improper Bostonian is a free weekly magazine - they usually list great stuff in there, as well as the Boston Globe publishes a calendar section each Thursday. It highlights the events going on for the weekend, new restaurants, bars, etc," said one person in Boston.

"People's lives revolve mostly around working all day to pay the bills, then coming home and socializing. Family isn't really a big priority here mainly because most families here are dysfunctional or broken," said one person in Sacramento.

"It is a bit of all of this- but work and socializing are big on a daily basis. Sports- depending on the season -are big too. Specifically the Patriots and Red Sox. I don't see a huge family emphasis at all," said one expat who made the move to Boston.

"Expats and digital nomads in the United States often find a diverse and exciting range of activities and experiences. The U.S. offers a wealth of opportunities, with diverse cultures, a wide range of climates and landscapes, and a bustling job market. Expats may find that making social connections with fellow expats and locals alike can be a great way to get acquainted with the new surroundings. Cultural events and activities within a US city can provide excellent networking opportunities and allow expats to experience more of the culture and lifestyle of America. Digital nomads will appreciate the wide array of places to work from – from coffee shops to shared spaces – as well as the range of online communities supporting the digital nomadic lifestyle. With the United States’ open stance for entrepreneurship and business, the opportunities for digital nomads to start or grow their own businesses are many," explained one foreigner living in United States.

"There are several different methods to find a place to live in the United States. One option is to do an online search on real estate websites such as Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com to find potential listings in the area you are interested in. You can also contact local real estate agencies and inquire about listings they have available. You can also ask your friends and family if they know of any available rentals. Lastly, you can explore "For Rent" signs advertising rentals in your desired area," explained one expat living in United States.

"Found the area by talking with friends and using realtor as well as length of commute. Also, by calibre of schools recommended by School Choice," said one person in Morristown.

"This is a small island so I started in a apartment behind someone's house for first year... loved it . Location was great, price reasonable and it was month to month," said one expat who made the move to Key West.

"If you are a young person in his/her 20s I would not recommend it. We do have a club scene yes, but it dies around 12am. That and most clubs/bars can be dangerous at times due to gangs coming in and starting trouble. Sacramento is perfect for someone in their later adult years to live and work. However, if you are planning on moving here bring plenty money with you, and try to find a place before coming, which isn't difficult, apartment complexes are always renting," explained one expat living in Sacramento, US.

"Atlanta is a small city with big green suburbs. People are friendly, more relaxed than in NYC. I enjoyed having a big house in a small private community, it is very green. I enjoyed the parks, lakes and mountains. The weather was great, I love the heat so was happy in "Hotlanta". A lot of outdoor activities and summer camps for kids. Very active support groups for small business owners and women's group," said one expat who made the move to Atlanta.

"One of the things that expats in the United States appreciate most about the local culture is its diversity. Expats often find it interesting to be exposed to the many different cultures that make up America and appreciate the opportunities to discover and learn something new. They also appreciate the freedom of speech and the openness of the people. Expats often enjoy getting to experience the high quality of life and standard of living available in the United States, as well as the many different types of entertainment, restaurants, and activities they can enjoy. The various cultural centers and museums are also a great source of education and insight into the different customs, languages and beliefs of the people in the United States. In addition, the strong sense of patriotism and pride the citizens of the United States feels for their country is something many expats find inspiring," explained one foreigner living in United States.

"Many expats find the United States to be a very fast-paced culture, and it can be difficult to adjust to the speed of life in the US. Additionally, the vast size of the country can make it challenging to get around and to find community within a new city. Some expats may also find it difficult to navigate the state and federal laws in the US, which can be quite complicated to understand. Furthermore, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to understand and many expats may find themselves feeling unsure in social situations. Finally, the value placed on individualism and self-reliance can make it difficult for expats to feel connected to their new home," said one person in United States.

"We have a different sense of humor and we have friends individually, not as a couple. It has taken a while to make friends. We are not in a very diverse area and in hindsight would probably have bought a house elsewhere. It is ultra conservative here and we are not. So be careful where you choose to live. It does make a big difference. We have got used to it and we have found some people similar to ourselves but still I would still move in a few years time," said one expat who made the move to Northern Virginia.

"If you are planning to stay in the United States for a while, you will likely need either a Green Card or a valid visa. To apply for either document, you will generally need to provide a valid passport, proof of financial stability, and evidence of your planned activities in the United States. Depending on your situation, you may also need to provide other documents such as letters of invitation, evidence of employment, proof of educational records, or a criminal background check. Additionally, you may also be asked to provide copies of your biometric information, health records, and/or family ties," said one expat in United States.

"1. Respect religious and cultural differences, be mindful of personal space, and be aware that American English has some nuances which could be easily misunderstood. 2. Don't make assumptions about people's political views or beliefs. 3. Avoid offensive comments about politics, gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, age, or sexual orientation. 4. Don't stare or point, and maintain a respectful distance from individuals you are unfamiliar with. 5. Respect the importance of privacy, and don’t make assumptions about relationships or personal histories. 6. Always ask permission before touching someone or making public displays of affection. 7. Dress appropriately when in a professional or public setting, and avoid discussing contentious topics such as religion or politics. 8. Show gratitude, and remember to wait your turn when speaking in a group," said one person in United States.

"Healthcare services in the United States are provided by a mix of public and private providers. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the federal government through Medicare and Medicaid programs. Quality of public healthcare varies by state and region, but generally is considered to be of a high standard. Foreign residents are not eligible for public healthcare in the United States, however, expats in the United States may be able to access public healthcare through the Affordable Care Act. Expats may also purchase private health insurance plans to cover their healthcare needs," explained one person living in United States.

"Find out before coming if your current insurance is accepted by anyone here. I found that not all clinics accepted Blue Cross, which surprised me! Many locals travel to Guam or the Philippines for serious medical procedures, so keep that in mind if you are not in good health, or would not be able to travel to get care," wrote one digital nomad living in Saipan, US.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the diversity of cultures and lifestyles in the United States. They also enjoy the wide range of activities and attractions available, from the beaches of California to the mountains of Colorado. Additionally, the US is home to some of the world's most innovative companies and industries, making it an attractive destination for those looking to further their career. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in the US to be quite high, especially in major cities. Additionally, the US has a complex immigration system, which can be difficult to navigate for those who are not familiar with the process," explained one expat living in United States.