14 Things Europeans Enjoy About Life in the U.S.
While Europe and the United States are both part of the western world, they have considerable lifestyle differences. There are also differences between regions of Europe and the U.S., but for this blog, we’ll explore general differences between European and American life. More specifically, we’ll talk about 14 things Europeans enjoy about life in the U.S., including:
- Convenience
- Food Delivery
- Ease of Transportation
- Large Living Spaces
- Beautiful Scenery
- Exciting Sports Culture
- Diverse Cuisine
- Affordable Shopping
- Friendly People
- Modern Architecture
- Incredible Entertainment
- Top-Notch Customer Service
- Small Businesses
- Advanced Healthcare
Convenience
The U.S. is known for its culture of convenience. From necessities to luxuries, Americans have gone the extra mile to make everything readily accessible. Most stores and restaurants are open seven days a week, including holidays, and some are open 24 hours a day, like gas stations, fast food restaurants, and convenience stores. If you forget to go grocery shopping before Sunday or come down with the flu in the middle of the night, you can quickly get what you need.
You can even have items delivered to your doorstep seven days a week. Many Americans have their medications delivered when they’re sick or groceries delivered when they don’t have time to shop. Delivery services like Instacart can deliver pet food, groceries, medication, toiletries, and more. You can also subscribe to services like Hello Fresh that deliver healthy, pre-portioned meal kits to your door with step-by-step cooking instructions.
For many Europeans, the American convenience culture is new and exciting. Since most European businesses are closed on Sundays, holidays, and at night, getting something you need in a pinch can be difficult in Europe. When shopping is made convenient, it is easier to find time for exercise, friends, family, and hobbies.
Food Delivery
Aside from groceries, you can also have meals delivered directly to your doorstep at almost any time of the day. Even if your favorite local restaurant doesn’t offer delivery services, you can find a third-party delivery service to bring your favorite food to your home. Uber Eats, Door Dash, Grub Hub, and Postmates are some food delivery services available across the United States.
Your delivery options aren’t limited to high-calorie fast food in the U.S. You can even have coffee, smoothies, healthy food, and vegetarian-friendly meals delivered in less than an hour. Those new to the U.S. enjoy the variety of options and the ease of having their favorite foods delivered anytime.
Ease of Transportation
As of 2020, almost 92% of Americans had access to at least one vehicle. Americans are known for their love for cars, especially big ones. The best-selling cars in the U.S. in 2019 were the Ford F-Series trucks, some of which are now fully electric. Americans’ large and powerful trucks and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are great for cross-country road trips, safety, and leaving the house regardless of the weather.
Purchasing a car in the U.S. is more accessible than in many other countries due to the abundance of car dealerships, financing options, and vehicle choices. Owning a car has never been easier in the U.S., and the robust system of highways and freeways makes cross-country travel quick and safe. Many Europeans in the U.S. enjoy being able to take their car to work and on trips instead of taking public transportation.
Large Living Spaces
American homes are open and spacious, with cozy decor and large furniture. On average, American living space is 50 to 75% larger than European living space. While some Europeans prefer their smaller space, others enjoy living in a much bigger apartment or home in the U.S. with more rooms, bathrooms, and yard space.
Even the average TV, couch, and bed size are bigger in the United States, with most American adults sleeping on a king-size mattress—193 by 203 centimeters! With extra space, Americans can also have more home appliances like dryers, dishwashers, wine coolers, freezers, and more.
Beautiful Scenery
Europeans love how much travel the United States offers in just one country. The U.S. is larger than the entire European Union and offers a variety of astounding landscapes to see. Each region of the U.S. has unique scenery and beautiful places to visit, such as:
- The Grand Canyon in Arizona
- The Smoky Mountains in Tennessee
- Niagra Falls in New York
- Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming
- Sequoia National Park in California
- Everglades National Park in Florida
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
These are just some of the most popular destinations for those new to the U.S. and looking for beautiful places to sightsee. If you love travel and adventure, the United States is one of the best countries to live in.
Europeans also enjoy having easy access to green space in the U.S. Going on a hike, having a picnic, and playing sports with family in the park is possible in almost any location—even in big cities. A few cities with ample green space include Jacksonville, Nashville, Scottsdale, Albuquerque, and Kansas City. Easy access to nature is especially beneficial for those who enjoy spending time outdoors with friends or children.
Exciting Sports Culture
The sports culture is big in Europe and the United States, but they have many differences. In Europe, soccer (otherwise known as football), tennis, and golf are some of the most popular sports. American football, basketball, baseball, and hockey take the lead in the U.S. American sporting events also tend to be more elaborate and focused on entertainment. Entertaining half-time shows, delicious food, and music are all part of the experience at American sporting events, and many Europeans enjoy this entertainment aspect of American sports culture.
Diverse Cuisine
One of the biggest advantages of living in the U.S. is cultural diversity. The U.S. has the highest number of immigrants in the world, and the customs, traditions, and cuisine of immigrants from various cultures and ethnicities are woven into American life. This is why the U.S. is often referred to as a “melting pot.”
Due to the large immigrant population, Americans enjoy a variety of ethnic cuisine options. Some cities like New York City, Seattle, Miami, and Atlanta are especially known for having the best international cuisine. In recent years, Thai, Japanese, Middle Eastern, and Latin American foods have gained popularity in the U.S. In big cities, you’ll find authentic ethnic restaurants on nearly every street corner!
Affordable Shopping
For Europeans who enjoy shopping, the United States is a great place to live. Shopping is sacred in the U.S., and many Americans view it as a weekly or monthly leisure activity with friends and family. American stores like Marshalls, Homegoods, and Ross are increasingly popular, offering brand-name clothing and household items at deep discounts. Off-price department stores like these are in nearly every city, and foreigners tend to enjoy the affordable prices and convenience they offer.
Americans have even dedicated several holidays a year to their love for shopping. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday all mark days of big savings on clothing, household items, electronics, cars, and more. In 2022, 80% of Americans made Black Friday purchases, making it the most popular shopping day of the year in the U.S. The average Black Friday discount is 25%, but some discounts reach 70% or 80%—deals nearly impossible to find anywhere else in the world!
Friendly People
Americans are typically welcoming, friendly, and talkative people. The reason Americans are so friendly towards strangers is likely due to the cultural diversity in the country. The U.S. is a nation of immigrants, so Americans are accustomed to finding common ground with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Europeans, and foreigners in general, enjoy this aspect of American life. Adjusting to another country comes with challenges, but helpful and polite people can make all the difference.
Modern Architecture
The modern architectural movement began in the 1930s in the U.S. and has grown exponentially ever since. Modern hospitals, universities, stadiums, and corporate buildings are found in almost every American city. European architecture follows a Renaissance and Romanesque style, so U.S. cities’ large, modern buildings are exciting sightseeing opportunities.
Some of the most iconic modern buildings in the U.S. include:
- Fallingwater House in Mill Run, PN
- Guggenheim Museum in New York City, NY
- Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, CA
- Willis Tower in Chicago, IL
- Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO
- Empire State Building in New York City, NY
Incredible Entertainment
Entertainment in the U.S. is hard to miss. Concerts, plays, movies, festivals, and amusement parks are some popular activities the U.S. offers in almost every city. The United States is famous for its entertainment culture, and many people partake in at least one activity with friends or family every week. Fun is the American way of life, and many forms of entertainment are affordable. It’s common to find several family-friendly events each weekend that are free.
Top-Notch Customer Service
The U.S. takes its customer service culture seriously. Service in America is typically of a higher standard than in the rest of the world. You can expect to be enthusiastically greeted when you enter a business and receive top-notch hospitality. Whether going to a bank, doctor’s office, grocery store, or restaurant, you will likely receive friendly and helpful service.
For those immigrating to the U.S., this can relieve the stressors of adjusting to a new country. For example, opening a bank account or enrolling your children in school will be a relatively straightforward process in the U.S. due to its high standard of customer service.
Small Businesses
The U.S. is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, empowering dreamers to become doers. Americans place a high value on taking charge of their careers and seeking new opportunities. Small local businesses embody this entrepreneurial spirit and the American dream, which is why Americans passionately support them.
Often referred to as “mom-and-pop shops,” family-owned stores and restaurants tend to thrive longer in the U.S. than in many other countries due to government and public support. Many Europeans admire this entrepreneurial culture and how Americans support small businesses and their families.
Advanced Healthcare
The U.S. is one of the most advanced countries in the world when it comes to medicine. The country is at the forefront of innovation regarding healthcare research, technology, screening, and treatments. Physicians and nurses also receive more advanced training and higher compensation in the U.S. than in many other developed nations, making the U.S. an attractive place to call home for European healthcare workers.
Ready to Live Your American Adventure?
Now that you’re versed in the exciting parts of American life, you may be ready to take charge of your career and embark on a new adventure in the U.S. Visa Solutions Healthcare matches talented international nurses with careers in the top U.S. hospitals we represent. Our team will guide you through every step to becoming a licensed U.S. nurse and starting an exciting new life in the states.
Apply today to take the first step in your journey to the U.S.!