Moving to Ireland from the US: Discover the Best Places to Live for Expats

A Land of Rich History & Stunning Landscapes

Ireland’s natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture make it an attractive place for US residents wanting to relocate. If you wish to retire or relocate for work, there are many options to fit your lifestyle. From bustling cities to idyllic countryside, there are numerous enticing places to choose from when deciding where to settle down. Let’s look at some of the best places to live in Ireland for expats.

Dublin: The Vibrant Heart of Ireland

As the capital city, Dublin is a popular choice for expats seeking a bustling metropolitan lifestyle. With its vibrant nightlife, world-class restaurants, and thriving arts scene, Dublin offers various activities to suit every taste. The city is home to many international businesses. Accenture and Medtronic, located in Dublin, are two of the largest companies in Ireland, according to the Forbes Global 2000 2023 list. Dublin is an attractive destination for professionals seeking career opportunities. Whether you prefer the city center or the surrounding suburbs, Dublin has something for everyone.

Cork: A Charming City with a Relaxed Vibe

Located on Ireland’s southern coast, Cork is a charming city known for its friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere. Cork is a haven for foodies and culture enthusiasts. It is well known for its food and drink scene, most notably the famous English Market, and many festivals and events throughout the year. Cork may be the perfect place if you prefer to live in a smaller city with a relaxed vibe.

Galway: Where Tradition Meets Creativity

Along Ireland’s picturesque west coast, Galway is a vibrant city that combines rich traditions with a thriving creative scene. Often considered the cultural heart of Ireland, Galway offers a lively atmosphere and colorful festivals, including the famous Galway International Arts Festival. It is known for its vibrant music and arts scene. The city’s charming streets are full of traditional pubs, quaint shops, and delightful restaurants serving mouthwatering seafood. Galway is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a city that embraces tradition and creativity.

Limerick: A City of History and Heritage

Situated on the banks of the River Shannon, Limerick is a city steeped in history and renowned for its warm hospitality. Limerick offers a unique blend of ancient castles, most notably King John’s Castle, stunning riverside walks, and modern amenities. Limerick has a thriving arts scene with numerous galleries, museums, and theaters. It also boasts a vibrant food culture, with various restaurants serving traditional Irish dishes and international cuisine. Limerick is worth considering if you’re looking for a city that embraces its heritage while offering modern comforts.

Your Irish Adventure Awaits!

Moving to Ireland from the US is an exciting and life-changing experience. Whether you choose the vibrant city life of Dublin, the relaxed charm of Cork, the creative energy of Galway, or the historical heritage of Limerick, Ireland has something for everyone.

At Schumacher Cargo, we understand the challenges of international relocation. We are here to assist you every step of the way. Our experienced team of Ireland moving specialists will ensure that your belongings arrive safely, and you can focus on settling into your new home and embracing all that Ireland has to offer.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Irish adventure today, and let us help you make the transition as smooth as possible. Contact us now at 1-800-599-0190 or get a free moving quote to get started on your journey to the best places to live in Ireland for expats!

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information on popular destinations for expats relocating to Ireland. Please consult with Ireland’s immigration authorities and do thorough research before making any relocation decisions.

Moving across states is one thing; crossing the Atlantic to set up shop in the iconic city of London is another ball game! Whether you’re lured by the historic charm, the pulsating arts scene, or a new job opportunity, moving from the US to London is both exhilarating and challenging. At Schumacher Cargo, we’ve been moving people overseas for over 40 years.

Here’s our 10-step guide on “How to Move to London from the US” and make it a smooth transition.

1. Understand Why London?

First and foremost, be clear about why you’re making the move. Is it for work? Study? Or the undeniable allure of the city? Knowing your ‘why’ can guide your preparations and decisions. It is a big move, so you want to be sure you are clear on your decision to move to London. You want to save your time and money.

2. Visa and Immigration

Moving to London is more complex than buying a plane ticket. The UK has specific visa requirements based on your purpose:

• Work: Usually, you’d need a job offer from a UK employer who has extended the offer.
• Study: Securing a spot at a UK university or educational institution is the first step.
• Family: If you have family in the UK, you might qualify for a family visa.
• Investors, business, and special talent visas are also available for those who meet the criteria.

Do thorough research or consult an immigration lawyer to understand what’s best for your situation.

3. Finding a Place to Live in London

London is vast, with each borough offering a unique living experience. Research different neighborhoods to find one that aligns with your lifestyle and budget. Websites like Rightmove and Zoopla can give you an idea of the property market.

4. Managing Your Finances for Your Move

London is expensive, and you’ll need to budget wisely. Before moving:

• Open a UK bank account. Some banks allow international applications.
• Get an idea of the conversion rate and how your savings and earnings will translate in pounds (£).
• Consider hiring an international tax consultant to understand how double taxation works and how you can minimize your tax burden.

5. Healthcare

The UK offers free healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS). Once you’re a resident, register with a local GP (General Practitioner) to access these services.

6. Moving Your Belongings to London

Contact Schumacher Cargo at 800-599-0190 and speak to a London moving specialist, or you can get a moving quote through our online form. Decide whether you’ll ship or store most of your belongings in the US. Remember, UK homes might be smaller than you’re used to, so decluttering can be an excellent place to start when shipping your belongings to London.

7. Culture and Social Integration

Yes, both the US and the UK speak English. Still, you’ll quickly discover that British English sometimes feels like a different language! Immerse yourself:

• Watch British TV shows.
• Join local clubs or groups based on your hobbies.
• Attend community events to meet locals and fellow expats.

8. Work and School Transitions

If you’re moving for work, your employer will guide your transition. For students, universities typically offer orientation programs. For those seeking jobs, networking is crucial. LinkedIn and local job agencies can be excellent resources.

9. Embrace the London Lifestyle

London is brimming with history, culture, and diversity. Embrace the lifestyle:

10. Stay Connected

Being away from home can be challenging. Schedule regular calls with loved ones back in the US. Consider using apps like Skype, Zoom, or WhatsApp to stay connected.

Moving from the US to London is undoubtedly a significant transition. Still, it can be an adventure of a lifetime with the proper steps. As you embark on this new journey, remember to enjoy the process, be patient with yourself, and savor every moment of your London story.

Written by Mark Neville

No matter where we move to, whether it’s from the suburbs of New York to the Big Apple, from Chicago to Boston, or from San Francisco to Singapore, there are always going to be a few misconceptions out there that will, at best, get you tagged as a tourist and, at worst, lead to you offend the entire country. Here are the myths you need to dispel before moving to the UK.

Top 5 Myths About Living In The UK:

1. The UK is just England and Scotland, right? Wrong, the UK includes England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and–the one most Americans commonly forget–Wales.
2. There is only one “accent” in England. Wrong again. Just as people from the Bronx have a different accent than, say, Long Island or Atlanta, Georgia, so too are the accents of England different. Most accents have to do with class and location and can change significantly over the course of a 45 minute drive: see The Beatles trademark Liverpool accents as compared to Steve Coogan’s Manchester lilt.
3. Everyone loves Fish and Chips. While many do love the popular pub food Americans have associated as possibly the one and only dish served in England, the most popular food in the UK is actually curry. The penchant for the exotic flavor has to do with the country’s former imperial relationship with India.
4. No ice for your cocktail! This myth has thankfully faded away for many gin and tonic drinkers out there. You can now expect most of your cocktails to come with ice–though you should know that your beer will be a litter warmer than the ice cold taste of the Rockies. The good news is that it will have more flavor as the home of the Extra Special Bitter, Brown ale and IPA!
5. All rain all the time. While England is certainly a rainy place (most islands usually are) not every day is a gloomy, Seattle-soaked day. Many days the rain will come in a brief afternoon shower offsetting a gorgeous sunny day.

Relocating to England? Learn about your UK health care options!

You have found your dream job in the United Kingdom, you figured out your living expenses and are working to get everything in order when you realize you haven’t spent time thinking through healthcare. Though you are in luck as the United Kingdom health care for expats is quite good.

All you have ever known is the American health care system which is provided by all different types of organizations. In the United Kingdom, almost all health care covers through National Health Services which uses taxation. To add on top of the confusion, you will be a U.S. expat and not a UK citizen.

Here, we have gathered some simple stepping stones to help you better understand the United Kingdom health care system and what you can expect abroad.

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What are the UK living expenses you should prepare for?

Thousands of people migrate from USA to UK yearly, and you might turn out to be one of them. But unlike others, have you spent some time researching about the living costs in the UK? Moving to England could be an expensive affair and preparing yourself for the high UK living costs would be a useful idea.
Now that you have chosen your overseas movers, and started preparing for your international move to the UK, you might want to sift through basic data and facts about the UK living costs.
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