Living in the United States

The American Dream is still alive for those who seek to achieve economic success and attain social mobility through hard work and determination. The US offers a high quality of life with modern infrastructure and innovative technology, and a society that embraces individual liberties and freedom of expression. The country also has a globally influential position in politics, economics, and culture, making it a desirable place to live for many people around the world.

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Where should US immigrants be headed?

If you made the decision to start a new life in the USA, this guide will help you on how to get started. When deciding where to move to in the US, we recommend you to research and consider different cities and states based on factors such as job opportunities, cost of living, climate, safety, and cultural diversity. Cities like New York City or San Francisco offer a cosmopolitan lifestyle with a thriving arts and culture scene, but also come with high costs of living. Cities like Austin, Nashville, and Raleigh offer a more affordable lifestyle with a strong job market and a friendly community. Making this decision will not be easy and for this reason we compiled a list of the top 5 most popular US states to live in for immigrants.

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Finding a home in the USA

Finding your dream home in the USA is an important step that you should take care of before your planned date of arrival. You can decide whether you plan to stay in the area for a longer time and buy a house, or if you want more flexibility with lower upfront costs by renting an appartment. There are programs and organizations that can assist with finding affordable housing, such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development and non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity. If you plan to buy a house it is important to have a stable job to qualify for a mortgage.

Buying a house

Buying a home in the USA is mostly a smooth and straightforward process with the right preparation and resources. In the US there are no federal restrictions on the real estate market. Anyone who has the necessary amount of money can buy a house, even if you are not a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder.

Homebuyers will need to find a suitable property, secure financing, and make an offer. You can close the sale with the help of a real estate agent and lawyer. It is important to research and compare various neighborhoods, property types, and prices to make an informed decision. You should also budget for additional costs such as mortgage fees, property taxes, and maintenance expenses.

Buying a home in the USA is also a wise investment. The country has a stable economy, making mortgage rates affordable. Additionally, the real estate market is constantly growing, providing numerous options for all budgets. Homeownership also offers tax benefits, such as deductions on mortgage interest and property taxes. Homeowners also have the freedom to customize their homes, making them unique and personalized. Moreover, owning a house provides you a sense of security and stability, as it provides long-term financial benefits and acts as a valuable asset.

There are several hurdles when buying a house in the USA. First, the high cost of real estate in some areas may make it difficult for buyers to afford a home. Second, buyers must also contend with fluctuating interest rates and potential home value depreciation. In certain areas you should also consider potential risks associated with natural disasters, such as floods and wildfires. Finally, there may also be unexpected expenses associated with repairs, renovations, and property taxes. We recommend you to hire a real estate agent when looking for a suitable property and consult a financial and legal expert who can give you advice and insights on tax laws, deductions, and credits.

You should also make sure to have sufficient insurance coverage in the event of severe weather, fire, floods, and other unexpected events. Speak with your insurance provider to ensure your policy covers different kinds of damages, hazards, and losses that are likely to affect your area.

Renting an apartment

Renting an apartment can be a great option for you if you are not yet ready to commit to buy a home or you want the flexibility of moving easily. Renting offers a variety of benefits, such as lower initial costs, and the landlord typically handles maintenance and repairs. Additionally, apartments can be found in convenient locations with access to amenities like gyms, swimming pools, and laundry facilities.

A month-to-month rental contract for an apartment allows you to rent the unit on a monthly basis, without committing to a long-term lease. This means you can remain flexible and avoid unnecessary hurdles when moving to different places within the US.

House Washington
Buying a car in the USA

Owning a car in the US provides freedom and independence for your travel needs. A car can offer numerous advantages. You can travel to different locations at your own pace and explore new places that may not be accessible via public transport. It also saves time and energy spent on waiting for buses or trains.

Buying a car in the US is generally a straightforward process. Once you have found a suitable car, you should check the vehicle's history and have it inspected by a mechanic. After that, you will need to arrange financing or pay for the car in full and obtain insurance before you can legally drive it on the road. To register a car you must prepare the following documents:

  • The vehicle registration application form
  • Your driver's license or identification card
  • A proof of insurance
  • A proof of sales tax payment (except for states that charge zero sales tax on vehicle purchases)
  • The car title
  • Proof of a passed safety inspection
  • Proof of a passed smog test (depending on the state and the age of the vehicle)

Submit these documents along with the appropriate registration fee to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV will then issue license plates and a registration sticker for your car. Make sure to renew your insurance policy and registration annually. You can click here to learn more about the car buying process and how to obtain a driver’s license in the US.

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Building your Credit History

Many newcomers struggle to begin their new life in the United States due to their credit score. The US credit score is a three-digit number that represents a person's creditworthiness. A good credit score makes it cheaper to borrow money and means you will have an easier time renting an apartment, getting better rates on car and homeowners insurance and it will help you save money in the long run.

It is important to start building your credit history as soon as you arrive in the US. The easiest way to build your credit history is to apply for a credit card.

Salary Information

The weekly median earnings for full-time wage or salary workers in the United States in the second quarter of 2021 amounted to $990. This translates to a yearly income of approximately $51,480.

The real median household income for the United States in 2019 was $68,703. This was an increase of 6.8% compared to the data of 2018, when it was $64,324.

The median wage per hour in 2019 was $19.33

The 45-54 years age group was the highest income age group in 2021

In 2019, Maryland had the highest median household income in the US, with $95,572. New Jersey and Massachusetts had the income of $87,726 and $87,707, respectively.

Tip

Are you a passionate traveller dreaming of a life in the USA? The Green Card allows non-Americans to live, work, and study in the United States permanently.

Each year up to 55,000 Green Cards will be given out by the Department of State to a random selection of Green Card Lottery applicants. Use your chance of winning a Green Card in the Green Card Lottery!

Cost of living in the USA

When deciding where to live in the United States it is important to consider not only factors like the cost of housing but also other factors that can impact the cost of living. This includes taxes, healthcare expenses, and other daily expenses.

The cost of making ends meet in the U.S. can vary a lot between states. When searching for the ideal place to live in the United States, we recommend to take a look at the current "Cost of Living Index".

Mississippi has the lowest cost of living at 16.1% savings over the national average while Hawaii has the highest cost of living that is 88.29% above the national average. States like California or New York have a much higher cost of living than states like Utah or Idaho. However, the cost of living also varies depending on which region within a state you live in. Rural areas usually have a lower cost of living than suburban and urban areas.

So, don’t write off an entire state if it has an overall high cost of living. It is worth digging deeper into the specific numbers and regions to get a better overview.

States with a high cost of living
  • California
  • New York
  • Hawaii

There are several US states with particularly high costs of living. One of the most expensive is California, where housing, transportation, and food costs are all above the national average. New York and Hawaii are also notoriously pricey, largely due to their high housing costs. Other states with high costs of living include Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Alaska, where energy and housing expenses can be steep. Despite these high costs, these states are also known for their strong job markets, cultural amenities, and high quality of life.

States with a lower cost of living
  • Mississippi
  • Arkansas
  • Oklahoma

There are several US states with particularly high costs of living. One of the most expensive is California, where housing, transportation, and food costs are all above the national average. New York and Hawaii are also notoriously pricey, largely due to their high housing costs. Other states with high costs of living include Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Alaska, where energy and housing expenses can be steep. Despite these high costs, these states are also known for their strong job markets, cultural amenities, and high quality of life.

Oxnard California
American Holidays

Americans are known of thinking BIG of course also applies to American holidays. American holidays are known for being big and bold celebrations filled with parades, fireworks, and extravagant decorations.

These include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Some holidays, like Memorial Day and Veterans Day, honor those who served in the military, while others such as Thanksgiving and Christmas Day focus on family gatherings and traditions. Independence Day is celebrated with parades and fireworks to honor the country's freedom, while Martin Luther King Jr. Day highlights the achievements of civil rights activists.

Health care in the USA

When you arrive in the United States, you should always make sure that you have sufficient health insurance coverage.

You can obtain health insurance through your employer, by purchasing individual plans through health insurance marketplaces, or by enrolling in government healthcare programs such as Medicare or Medicaid.

Without insurance, medical care in the USA can be very expensive.

Unlike many other developed countries, the United States does not have a system of compulsory health insurance. This means that you are not required by law to have health insurance coverage. In the event of a medical emergency, you would have to pay your hospital bills out of your own pocket if you are not insured. The cost of medical treatment in the USA is also much higher than in other industrialized nations.

There are government healthcare programs in the US:

  • Medicare for individuals over 65 and those with disabilities
  • Medicaid for low-income individuals and families
  • Children's Health Insurance Program for children whose families don't qualify for Medicaid

It is advisable to have an international health insurance plan for the first few months after arriving in the United States. After you have settled in, you can start looking for private health insurance.

You can click here to learn more about the American Healthcare System.

Your path to American citizenship

As a Green Card holder you have the opportunity to become an American citizen after living in the US for three to five years.

Becoming a U.S. citizen means you must respect the United States Constitution, be of good moral character and have sufficient knowledge of American history and government.

Click here to learn how you can become an American citizen.

Once citizenship is obtained, you have the right to vote and you are also allowed to work in federal agencies. Citizenship provides a sense of security and a feeling of belonging to the American community. Becoming a citizen is a significant milestone for immigrants who have worked hard to contribute to the American society.

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