10 Things That Feel Surprisingly Old-Fashioned in America Compared to Britain

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Ever noticed how some things just feel a tad out of date in the US compared to Britain? From how we handle our medical info to the way our cities are built, there are quite a few areas where America seems to stick to the old ways. Let’s take a stroll through 10 surprisingly old-fashioned things in the US and see how they compare with British practices.

1. Paper Medical Forms

America’s healthcare still loves its paperwork. While many places around the world, including Britain, have moved on to digital systems, the US still clings to paper medical forms. This means every time you visit a new doctor or specialist, you’re likely filling out similar forms over and over again. Not only is this time-consuming, but it can also lead to errors and misplaced information. In a world where we can do almost everything else online, the reliance on paper in healthcare feels particularly outdated.

2. Dependence on Physical Checks

In the US, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to write a check for some services or transactions. Despite the rise of digital payment methods, checks remain a stalwart in American financial transactions, particularly in more traditional or rural areas. In contrast, Britain has largely moved on to more modern payment methods, making checks feel like a relic of the past.

3. Car-Centric Development

Ever feel like you need a car for everything in the US? American cities tend to be designed with cars in mind, spreading everything out and often making it hard to get around without a vehicle. This car-centric development contrasts sharply with Britain, where cities and towns are generally more compact and public transportation options more robust, making it easier to walk, cycle, or catch a train or bus.

4. Large Suburban Zoning Restrictions

Suburban America is known for its strict zoning laws, which often separate residential areas from commercial and industrial ones. This results in large, sprawling neighborhoods that necessitate driving to schools, stores, or workplaces. Britain’s approach is often more mixed-use, allowing for closer proximity between different types of properties, which supports a more walkable lifestyle.

5. Extensive Use of Mail for Official Matters

In the US, getting something “official” done often means dealing with a lot of mail. From government communications to voting ballots, Americans receive and send a hefty amount of mail for official matters. Britain, meanwhile, has pushed more of these processes online, streamlining tasks and cutting down on paper use.

6. School District Boundaries Shaping Housing Choices

Your address determines where your kids can go to school in the US, leading many families to choose homes based on school district boundaries. This has a huge impact on real estate prices and community demographics. In Britain, while catchment areas do exist, there’s generally more flexibility and options for attending schools outside one’s immediate local area.

7. Credit-Based Systems for Daily Life

In America, your credit score can influence many aspects of your life, from renting an apartment to getting a cellphone plan. This reliance on credit history is pervasive and can be quite stressful, creating barriers for those without established or high credit scores. Britain also uses credit scores but tends to rely on them less strictly for everyday necessities.

8. Private Utility Structures

Unlike Britain, where many utility services are nationalized or heavily regulated to ensure widespread access, the US features a more privatized approach. This can lead to significant disparities in the quality and cost of services like water, electricity, and internet, depending on where you live and what companies are available.

9. Reliance on Cars for Basic Errands

Need to pick up a loaf of bread or drop off a package? In many parts of the US, you’ll likely need to drive. The setup of many American suburbs and cities makes walking or biking for errands impractical, if not impossible. This is in stark contrast to Britain, where high streets with shops and services are usually just a short walk away.

10. Local Regulations Varying Dramatically

One of the charms (and frustrations) of the US is how much local regulations can vary from one place to another. From recycling rules to building codes, what’s standard in one town might be totally different in the next town over. Britain tends to have more uniform regulations, making it easier to know what’s what.