12 Things Brits and Americans Completely Disagree About When Choosing Where to Live

Save to Find It Later!

When it comes to picking a place to live, Brits and Americans don’t always see eye to eye. From the size of the house to how far they live from family, preferences can vary significantly. Let’s explore these differences in a simple, easy-to-understand way to see what matters most on each side of the pond.

1. House Size versus Location

In Britain, many people prefer a great location over the size of the house. Being close to city centers or good transport links often wins against having a larger home. In contrast, many Americans tend to favor bigger houses and are willing to live further from the city center to get more space. This difference in priority can be a big deal when choosing a place to live. For someone moving from one country to the other, this shift in perspective might take some getting used to.

2. Importance of Public Transport

The UK has a strong public transport network, especially in cities like London. Brits often consider nearby public transport options as a major factor when choosing where to live. Conversely, while some U.S. cities have excellent public transport, many Americans prefer driving. Thus, proximity to public transport isn’t as high on the list for many people in the U.S. when deciding on their home’s location.

3. Walkability

Walkability means being able to do your daily errands or commute on foot. In the UK, high walkability is often a big plus when choosing a place to live. Many British cities are designed for walking, and having shops and amenities close by is valued. In the U.S., though, while walkability is gaining popularity, especially in urban areas, many places still require a car to get around effectively.

4. Garden Size

In the UK, garden size can often be sacrificed for the location or proximity to amenities. Smaller gardens are common, especially in urban areas. On the other hand, in the U.S., a big garden is often on the wishlist for many homebuyers, particularly those with families. This makes sense considering the larger average property size in many parts of the U.S.

5. Commute Length

Many Brits prefer a shorter commute, even if it means living in a smaller property or paying more. The quality of life benefit of spending less time traveling to and from work is a big factor. In contrast, Americans are often more willing to endure longer commutes if it means they can live in their ideal home or neighborhood.

6. Age of the Home

The UK has many older homes, and living in a house with historical charm is often seen as desirable. In America, newer homes are generally more sought after, with many people preferring modern features and fewer maintenance issues that come with older properties.

7. Access to Local Shops

Having local shops within walking distance is valued highly in the UK. It’s common for people to prefer living in areas where they can pop out to the shop without needing a car. In the U.S., while convenient access to shops is nice, many don’t mind driving to reach larger supermarkets or shopping centers, which offer everything in one place.

8. Neighbourhood Density

Brits often accept higher neighborhood density if it means living in a prime location, especially in city centers. Americans, generally speaking, often prefer more spaced-out neighborhoods, with less density and more privacy.

9. Importance of School Districts

School districts are a top priority for many American families when choosing where to live. The quality of schools can greatly influence home prices. In the UK, while schools are important, the decision on where to live isn’t always as tightly linked to school districts as it is in the U.S.

10. Car Dependency

In America, being able to drive often determines where one can live, work, and play. Many U.S. cities and suburbs are designed with car travel in mind. In contrast, the UK’s compact cities and comprehensive public transport systems mean that car dependency is generally lower, and many people can manage without owning a car at all.

11. Desire for Suburban Living

The American dream often includes a home in the suburbs, with a yard and a car in the driveway. This stands in contrast to the UK, where urban living is more frequently the norm and suburban living isn’t as idealized.

12. Distance from Family

In the U.S., people often move across the country for jobs or lifestyle reasons, which might mean living farther from family. In the UK, people are generally more likely to stay closer to where they grew up, keeping family within reach. This reflects a cultural difference in the significance of living near family in the two countries.