When planning a move to the United States, one of the most exciting decisions is choosing the city you’ll call home. The USA is vast and diverse, offering everything from fast-paced metropolises to relaxed coastal communities. For British nationals, certain cities stand out for their job opportunities, culture, and welcoming expat networks.
Here’s our guide to the best U.S. cities for British expats, with insights into what life is really like in each one.
🗽 New York City – Ambition Meets Culture
- Work Opportunities: NYC is one of the world’s most powerful financial and business hubs. Careers in finance, media, law, and fashion are abundant.
- Culture: Theatres on Broadway, world-class museums, global cuisine, and a never-ending stream of events.
- Expat Life: The British community is strong, with social clubs and events that help newcomers settle in.
- Cost of Living: High — especially in Manhattan. However, salaries in New York tend to reflect the high expenses.
👉 Best for: Ambitious professionals, creatives, and those who thrive on city energy.
🌴 Los Angeles – Sunshine and Creativity
- Work Opportunities: Known as the heart of the entertainment industry, LA also has booming tech and healthcare sectors.
- Culture: A mix of Hollywood glamour, beaches, hiking trails, and diverse food scenes.
- Expat Life: Expats often settle in areas like Santa Monica, Pasadena, or Silver Lake. Brits love the outdoors-focused lifestyle.
- Cost of Living: High, but housing is more spread out, offering a wider range of prices compared to New York.
👉 Best for: Creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking for sunshine and career opportunities in media or tech.
💻 San Francisco – Innovation Capital
- Work Opportunities: The gateway to Silicon Valley, San Francisco is ideal for those in tech, startups, and finance.
- Culture: A liberal, progressive city with a vibrant arts and dining scene.
- Expat Life: Many British expats in tech live in surrounding areas like Palo Alto or San Jose. The UK community is well connected here.
- Cost of Living: Extremely high — housing is among the most expensive in the USA.
👉 Best for: Tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and those seeking cutting-edge career opportunities.
🎶 Austin – The Creative Heart of Texas
- Work Opportunities: Austin is a booming tech hub and home to a thriving startup culture.
- Culture: Famous for live music, food trucks, and festivals like SXSW. It combines creativity with Southern hospitality.
- Expat Life: British expats are increasingly drawn here thanks to affordable housing compared to California and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Cost of Living: Moderate — more affordable than California or New York, though rising quickly.
👉 Best for: Young professionals, families, and creatives looking for community and affordability.
🌞 Miami – A Gateway for Expats
- Work Opportunities: Tourism, international trade, and finance dominate Miami’s economy.
- Culture: Miami blends American and Latin influences, with vibrant nightlife, beaches, and a subtropical climate.
- Expat Life: The international mix makes it easy for Brits to adapt. Popular with retirees as well as professionals.
- Cost of Living: More affordable than New York or Los Angeles, with no state income tax in Florida.
👉 Best for: Retirees, professionals in finance or trade, and anyone who enjoys sunshine and cultural diversity.
🌆 Chicago – The Friendly Metropolis
- Work Opportunities: Strong in finance, law, engineering, and manufacturing.
- Culture: Renowned for architecture, jazz, blues, and sports.
- Expat Life: Brits often say Chicago feels like a blend of London and New York but with a friendlier vibe.
- Cost of Living: Lower than coastal cities, making it a more affordable option.
👉 Best for: Families, professionals, and those who want a balance of big city life with lower costs.
🌎 Choosing the Right U.S. City
Each U.S. city offers something unique for British expats:
- For careers and ambition: New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
- For lifestyle balance: Austin and Chicago.
- For sunshine and retirement: Miami.
Your decision will depend on whether you prioritise career growth, affordability, or lifestyle.
🚀 Make Your Move to the USA Simple
Relocating across the Atlantic involves more than picking a city — you’ll need to plan shipping, removals, and visas. Advance Moves makes international relocation easier with our Quick Quote system, giving you instant online removal estimates and connecting you with the best international movers.
👉 Start your move today: moving to United States from UK
✨ With the right city and the right relocation partner, your American adventure can be smooth, exciting, and full of opportunity.