I might move to the US. But where?

Senilsson · 01-29-2018, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdott

One thing that is often a problem when first arriving, is building your credit. Anything you can do to start that process early will help you in the future.

I don't know how it is for non-Canadians but I was able to open a bank account without an SSN at first. I added it later. Then you'll want to try to get a credit card, If you already have an American Express, they have a really great program called Global Card Transfer where if you've been with them for a while, they will give you a card in the country you are moving to fairly easy. If you have a mailing address (mailbox rental or friends address) you can use, I recommend you trying to do as much as possible beforehand, even making sure you are able to transfer funds so that when you arrive it won't be a problem can come in handy. I had one Canadian bank tell me I couldn't wire money into my US bank account unless I walked into a branch in Canada which was a problem because I was already in Florida. I had to find a bank that allowed me to do wire transfers online or via telephone banking as I wasn't going to be able to fly back to Canada every-time I needed to transfer money.

Then the good thing with Amex is once I added my SSN to my card, they started reporting my credit history from when I first got the card, which was a few months before I moved. It took over 1 year for me to get approved for a credit card from a US Bank, so having that credit card (I had 1 more from a Canadian bank that gave me credit based on my Canadian credit history) was extremely handy for me.

Expect credit to be a problem opening a new utility account (Electricity, Water/Sewage, etc), post-paid cell phone, internet, tv account, etc. They will all want you to give deposits for them to hold. Hopefully if you are renting and your utilities are included this won't be a problem, but it can be an unexpected hassle if you aren't expecting it.

EDIT: In summary, don't under estimate how big a role credit plays in the USA. There was another guy that moved recently didn't have a good experience because he was used to not using credit and relied on cash/debit.

I've been informed about this before but it's always good to hear it again.
I'm a bit anxious about this, but prepared.
I do have an Amex card and also a friend who is letting me use her adress which is super helpful. I haven't received my SSN yet, but I am at least going to try to open a bank account on my trip now.

If that fails I hope to get along with my Amex and cash. And in a shared apartment so I don't have to open utility accounts and such until I can build my credit score up.

Thank you for taking the time to help me, appreciate it!

Hawkeye · 01-29-2018, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senilsson

I really want to visit Des Moines but it's a tight fit into our schedule. We'll see how much we have to play with after we get to Chicago.

If you do end up making it and would like a tour guide let me know.

Senilsson · 01-29-2018, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

If you do end up making it and would like a tour guide let me know.

Your enthusiasm makes it difficult for me to say no.

I'll keep you updated during my trip!

Joekerr · 01-29-2018, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

If you do end up making it and would like a tour guide let me know.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senilsson

Your enthusiasm makes it difficult for me to say no.
I'll keep you updated during my trip!

If it helps at all, there are some strong but unsubstantiated rumours that Hawkeye bears a strong resemblance to the cat in his avatar.

If you're looking for reasons to say no, that is.

If you aren't, then, well, ignore the above and bring lipstick.

Hawkeye · 01-29-2018, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joekerr

If it helps at all, there are some strong but unsubstantiated rumours that Hawkeye bears a strong resemblance to the cat in his avatar.

If you're looking for reasons to say no, that is.

If you aren't, then, well, ignore the above and bring lipstick.

So all of a sudden wearing eye black and smearing lipstick across my face is weird?

Senilsson · 03-01-2018, 04:00 AM

Hello everybody!

I'm back from the trip and it has been awesome! (Sorry I couldn't make it to Iowa)
There were two cities that I liked a lot. Two cities very different from each other, but great in their own way!
The first one being Greenville, SC - this place is truly awesome. So clean and tidy, nice people and superb downtown area for it's size. My only issue with the place is that it might be on the small side for a 25 year old, it's definitely more family oriented. Which is fine, but perhaps not for me right now.

The other place is Chicago.
I know that this city has it's issues and there's no need to discuss them but most places north of the loop is simply put amazing. This city literally has everything. And it's much nicer than I ever expected it to be, both in regard to the cleanliness of the streets to the people.

Needless to say that I will start my new life in Illinois! I have a one way plane ticket going to O'Hare in late May this year.

bimmette · 03-01-2018, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senilsson

Hello everybody!

I'm back from the trip and it has been awesome! (Sorry I couldn't make it to Iowa)
There were two cities that I liked a lot. Two cities very different from each other, but great in their own way!
The first one being Greenville, SC - this place is truly awesome. So clean and tidy, nice people and superb downtown area for it's size. My only issue with the place is that it might be on the small side for a 25 year old, it's definitely more family oriented. Which is fine, but perhaps not for me right now.

The other place is Chicago.
I know that this city has it's issues and there's no need to discuss them but most places north of the loop is simply put amazing. This city literally has everything. And it's much nicer than I ever expected it to be, both in regard to the cleanliness of the streets to the people.

Needless to say that I will start my new life in Illinois! I have a one way plane ticket going to O'Hare in late May this year.

Thanks for the update! Good luck!

Hawkeye · 03-01-2018, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senilsson

Hello everybody!

I'm back from the trip and it has been awesome! (Sorry I couldn't make it to Iowa)
There were two cities that I liked a lot. Two cities very different from each other, but great in their own way!
The first one being Greenville, SC - this place is truly awesome. So clean and tidy, nice people and superb downtown area for it's size. My only issue with the place is that it might be on the small side for a 25 year old, it's definitely more family oriented. Which is fine, but perhaps not for me right now.

The other place is Chicago.
I know that this city has it's issues and there's no need to discuss them but most places north of the loop is simply put amazing. This city literally has everything. And it's much nicer than I ever expected it to be, both in regard to the cleanliness of the streets to the people.

Needless to say that I will start my new life in Illinois! I have a one way plane ticket going to O'Hare in late May this year.

Good luck! Chicago is nice in the suburbs for sure. Especially if you don't have to worry about housing costs and taxes. The lake is fun in the summer as well in certain areas.

paliknight · 03-01-2018, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senilsson

Hello everybody!

I'm back from the trip and it has been awesome! (Sorry I couldn't make it to Iowa)
There were two cities that I liked a lot. Two cities very different from each other, but great in their own way!
The first one being Greenville, SC - this place is truly awesome. So clean and tidy, nice people and superb downtown area for it's size. My only issue with the place is that it might be on the small side for a 25 year old, it's definitely more family oriented. Which is fine, but perhaps not for me right now.

The other place is Chicago.
I know that this city has it's issues and there's no need to discuss them but most places north of the loop is simply put amazing. This city literally has everything. And it's much nicer than I ever expected it to be, both in regard to the cleanliness of the streets to the people.

Needless to say that I will start my new life in Illinois! I have a one way plane ticket going to O'Hare in late May this year.

You're concerned with gun violence and drugs and chose Chicago??!?!

Yapakanichi · 03-01-2018, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paliknight

You're concerned with gun violence and drugs and chose Chicago??!?!

Maybe it's for the guns and violence...

P1 · 03-01-2018, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senilsson

Hello everybody!

I'm back from the trip and it has been awesome! (Sorry I couldn't make it to Iowa)
There were two cities that I liked a lot. Two cities very different from each other, but great in their own way!
The first one being Greenville, SC - this place is truly awesome. So clean and tidy, nice people and superb downtown area for it's size. My only issue with the place is that it might be on the small side for a 25 year old, it's definitely more family oriented. Which is fine, but perhaps not for me right now.

The other place is Chicago.
I know that this city has it's issues and there's no need to discuss them but most places north of the loop is simply put amazing. This city literally has everything. And it's much nicer than I ever expected it to be, both in regard to the cleanliness of the streets to the people.

Needless to say that I will start my new life in Illinois! I have a one way plane ticket going to O'Hare in late May this year.

One of my favorite songs...

Senilsson · 03-02-2018, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmette

Thanks for the update! Good luck!

Thank you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Good luck! Chicago is nice in the suburbs for sure. Especially if you don't have to worry about housing costs and taxes. The lake is fun in the summer as well in certain areas.

Thanks! I'm going to rent a place and it doesn't seem so expensive compared to other cities in the midwest or the south. My only concern is to find a decent job, but I'll figure it out..

Quote:

Originally Posted by knowthebattle

Maybe it's for the guns and violence...

Quote:

Originally Posted by paliknight

You're concerned with gun violence and drugs and chose Chicago??!?!

Northern Chicago is very safe for a city it's size.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/d...htmlstory.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1et

One of my favorite songs...

smoosh · 03-02-2018, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knowthebattle

Go to Washington.

How is Bremerton, Washington? In terms of local economy, community, night life, things to do / see, weather, etc.?

CANGRKE70 · 03-02-2018, 11:34 AM

In Chicago homicides are down 22%, and shooting incidents have decreased by 28% through the first two months of 2018 compared with the same point last year, according to police department data released yesterday...

Good luck in Murica...you need to buy some American flag pants now.

You should be safe wearing those.

Hawkeye · 03-02-2018, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CANGRKE70

In Chicago homicides are down 22%, and shooting incidents have decreased by 28% through the first two months of 2018 compared with the same point last year, according to police department data released yesterday...

Good luck in Murica...you need to buy some American flag pants now.

You should be safe wearing those.

I may or may not have that outfit...

You would cringe at how my house is decorated... oh and I am getting married on the 4th of July... 'MURICA!

yco · 03-04-2018, 02:58 AM

i highly recommend somewhere in California.. San Diego d be a great choice and i d stay away from LA..

CarPoor · 03-04-2018, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yco

i highly recommend somewhere in California.. San Diego d be a great choice and i d stay away from LA..

East LA’s still ok though right?

yco · 03-06-2018, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarPoor

East LA’s still ok though right?

well for me any place close to LA is not that good but local guys call Valley that part is peaceful.. suburbs i believe.. i d strongly consider San Diego or double expensive San Francisco to live..

JimVonBaden · 03-06-2018, 03:03 PM

Chicago?

Cold as hell for 4-5 months a year, lots of snow. Crime, in some areas, is the highest in the country. Cost of living is not very low. People are OK, again depending on the area.

Good thing is, you are not tied down. Try it. If you like it stay. If not, move somewhere else.

Welcome to America!

EL Jeffe 5 · 03-06-2018, 05:53 PM

you be better of staying in Sweden.
USA and Europe are so much different its like night and day

Senilsson · 03-07-2018, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimVonBaden

Chicago?

Cold as hell for 4-5 months a year, lots of snow. Crime, in some areas, is the highest in the country. Cost of living is not very low. People are OK, again depending on the area.

Good thing is, you are not tied down. Try it. If you like it stay. If not, move somewhere else.

Welcome to America!

Not that cold nor snowy to what I'm used to. I'm actually looking forward to the nice weather!
Crime isn't too bad in the nicer areas downtown/northern areas. Cost of living is low compared to similar sized metros.
And yes, if it sucks I'm going to leave.

Thank you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by EL Jeffe 5

you be better of staying in Sweden.
USA and Europe are so much different its like night and day

OUGrad05 · 03-07-2018, 01:46 PM

To meet your weather criteria you pretty much have to be on the west coast. It's pricey out there.

Otherwise I'd go to Denver/Front Range area.

03-01-2018, 04:00 AM	#248
Senilsson Private 66 Rep 95 Posts Drives: Soon BMW Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Hello everybody! I'm back from the trip and it has been awesome! (Sorry I couldn't make it to Iowa) There were two cities that I liked a lot. Two cities very different from each other, but great in their own way! The first one being Greenville, SC - this place is truly awesome. So clean and tidy, nice people and superb downtown area for it's size. My only issue with the place is that it might be on the small side for a 25 year old, it's definitely more family oriented. Which is fine, but perhaps not for me right now. The other place is Chicago. I know that this city has it's issues and there's no need to discuss them but most places north of the loop is simply put amazing. This city literally has everything. And it's much nicer than I ever expected it to be, both in regard to the cleanliness of the streets to the people. Needless to say that I will start my new life in Illinois! I have a one way plane ticket going to O'Hare in late May this year.
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03-02-2018, 11:34 AM	#256
CANGRKE70 ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ 818 Rep 172 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW X5 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	In Chicago homicides are down 22%, and shooting incidents have decreased by 28% through the first two months of 2018 compared with the same point last year, according to police department data released yesterday... Good luck in Murica...you need to buy some American flag pants now. You should be safe wearing those. __________________ Peter. Current Ride:2012 Alpine While BMW X5 35i Past Rides: 2005 Titanium Silver Metallic BMW X3 2005 Winning Blue Mica Mazda 3 1993 Milano Red Honda Prelude SR
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03-04-2018, 02:58 AM	#258
yco i'm just saying 6261 Rep 2,635 Posts Drives: E71 X6M '10 (sold) Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Istanbul & Kyiv iTrader: (0)	i highly recommend somewhere in California.. San Diego d be a great choice and i d stay away from LA..
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03-06-2018, 03:03 PM	#261
JimVonBaden BMW Cool Aide! 915 Rep 841 Posts Drives: 2011 128i Convertible Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	Chicago? Cold as hell for 4-5 months a year, lots of snow. Crime, in some areas, is the highest in the country. Cost of living is not very low. People are OK, again depending on the area. Good thing is, you are not tied down. Try it. If you like it stay. If not, move somewhere else. Welcome to America! __________________ Jim www.JVBProductions.com
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03-06-2018, 05:53 PM	#262
EL Jeffe 5 Major 645 Rep 1,256 Posts Drives: CBR1000RR Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0)	you be better of staying in Sweden. USA and Europe are so much different its like night and day __________________
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03-07-2018, 01:46 PM	#264
OUGrad05 Captain 643 Rep 919 Posts Drives: 2023 i4, 2022 MDX, Cayman GT4 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	To meet your weather criteria you pretty much have to be on the west coast. It's pricey out there. Otherwise I'd go to Denver/Front Range area. __________________ 2023 i4 eDrive40 2022 Acura MDX 2021 Cayman GT4
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