12 Things Brits Would Find Exhausting About Living the American Dream

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Moving to the States might sound exciting, but there are a few everyday things that might just wear you out. From the huge homes and gardens that need constant care to the extensive driving and hefty bills—living the American Dream can be quite tiring. Here’s a look at some typical tasks and commitments that Brits might find a bit too much after crossing the pond.

1. Maintaining a huge detached house

If you’re used to a cosy UK flat, the sheer size of American homes can be overwhelming. Not only do you have more space to clean, but there’s also the upkeep of the building itself. Things like painting the exterior, fixing the roof, and ensuring everything inside works as it should can become full-time jobs. And remember, the bigger the house, the higher the utility bills—it’s not just about space, it’s about spending money and energy to maintain that space.

2. Mowing an enormous lawn

Many American homes come with sizable lawns, which require regular mowing to stay neat. This isn’t a small weekend chore—managing an enormous lawn can take hours, not to mention the additional tasks like fertilizing and weed control. It’s a never-ending cycle that can be especially draining in the hot summer months.

3. Owning several cars

In many parts of America, having a car isn’t just convenient, it’s necessary. Families often find themselves needing multiple cars to manage their daily routines. This means double or triple the insurance, maintenance, and fuel costs. For someone from the UK, where public transport options are more accessible, the reliance on and cost of multiple cars can be a shock.

4. Driving for almost every errand

Forget walking to the local shop. In many American neighborhoods, stores, schools, and workplaces can be miles away, making cars essential for the simplest tasks. This constant reliance on vehicles can be tiring, not to mention the time spent in traffic, which adds to daily stress levels.

5. Commuting long distances

The American Dream often includes a home in the suburbs, which means commuting into cities for work. These long drives or train rides eat into your day, meaning less time for family, friends, and relaxation. The daily grind of commuting can wear you down, making your workday feel even longer.

6. Paying HOA fees in some communities

Homeowner’s Associations (HOAs) are common in many American neighborhoods, especially in planned communities. These associations charge fees that can be quite hefty, and in return, they maintain communal areas and enforce neighborhood rules. For Brits, this extra layer of management and cost can be surprising and frustrating.

7. Keeping the front garden neighbourhood-approved

Along with HOAs, there’s often a pressure to keep your garden and home exterior up to certain standards. This means regular gardening and maintenance to avoid complaints or even fines. It’s a lot of pressure to make sure your home always looks good from the street.

8. Saving large amounts for children’s college costs

In the US, college can be incredibly expensive, and many parents start saving for their children’s education from the time they are born. The financial burden can be immense, adding a constant source of stress over the years.

9. Maintaining a swimming pool in some warmer states

A swimming pool might seem like a fun luxury, but it comes with a lot of upkeep. Regular cleaning, chemical balance, and repairs can turn a pool into a time-consuming and expensive feature of a home, especially in states where you can use it year-round.

10. Paying to cool a large home all summer

In many parts of the US, summer temperatures necessitate air conditioning. Cooling a large house isn’t cheap, and the bills during the hotter months can be shockingly high. This is a big change for Brits, who might not be used to such extreme weather or the costs associated with keeping a home cool.

11. Spending weekends driving children to activities

In the US, kids’ schedules are often packed with various activities—from sports to lessons—that take place across town. This means parents spend a good chunk of their weekends chauffeuring their kids around, which can be exhausting and leaves little time for relaxation.

12. Filling a huge house with furniture and belongings

Once you have a large house, you need to fill it. Buying enough furniture and decorations to make it feel like a home can be a daunting and expensive task. It’s not just about the initial setup; as styles and personal tastes change, so too does the desire to update your surroundings, which means more spending and more effort.