United States: Living

Welsh diplomatic representations

The Welsh Government overseas offices aim to grow the economy by increasing exporting and attracting inward investment, raising Wales' profile on the international stage and establishing Wales as a globally responsible nation. Details on the offices in the United States are below:

Atlanta: +1 (404) 954 7741
Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm local time

Chicago: +1 (312) 970 3802
Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm local time

New York: +1 (212) 745 0415
Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm local time

San Francisco: +1 (415) 617 1355
Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm local time

Washington DC (North America HQ): +1 (202) 588 6623
Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm local time

Communities of Expatriates

The Number of Expatriates: Even though there are strict regulations in place in the US, over 11 million foreign residents have relocated to the country over the last 10 years, with up to 1 million applications received each year.
Blogs For Expats: Meet up
The Expat Forum
Hotel reservation websites: Life in the USA - Guide
Immigration Authority: United Citizenship and Immigration Services
Transportation Companies For Moving/Removals: L&J Moving Transportation
Go Movers
Mover Worldwide
Contact the Embassy: Contact the Embassy of United States in the United Kingdom.
Contact Your Embassy: Contact the British Embassy in the United States.

Ranking of Cities

Cost of Living: New York City remains the most expensive city in the United States. According to the latest available edition of the Cost of Living Worldwide City Rankings Survey by Merce, it currently ranks 6th out of 227 cities worldwide in terms of cost of living, whilst Los Angeles and San Francisco are respectively ranked 11th and 14th.
Quality of Life: San Francisco has the highest quality of living in the United States according to the latest available edition of Mercer's Worldwide City Rankings Survey (34th out of 231), followed by Boston (36th) and Honolulu (37th).
Hotel reservation websites: Quality of Living Worldwide City Rankings (Survey by Mercer)
Cost of Living Worldwide City Rankings (Survey by Mercer)

Renting an Apartment

Average Lease Term: 1 year or 6 months.
Average Rental Costs: Rent Deposit: usually one month's rent. Damage deposit: 250-300 USD. Key deposit: 10 to 50 USD.
Rental Agency Websites: Realtor.com
Hotel reservation websites: Life in the USA

School System

The Education System: The American education system requires that students complete 12 years of primary and secondary education prior to attending university or college. This may be accomplished either at public (or government-operated) schools, or at private schools. These 12 years of schooling may also be completed outside the USA, thus giving foreign students the opportunity to pursue the benefits of the American education system and obtain a quality American education (many other countries have followed the American education system).

Further information can be found on the website of the US department of education.
International Schools: There are a large number of foreign primary and secondary schools, such as French and British ones in all the main cities. Universities all function based on the 'American system'. For a list of international schools in the U.S. consult this link.

Health System

The Healthcare System: The healthcare system in the United States is the most expensive in the world and figures among the best in terms of overall quality. However, compared to other rich and industrialised countries, the U.S. underperforms in terms of access to healthcare, efficiency and equity. Health insurance costs are rising faster than wages or inflation, and medical issues are the most common reason for personal bankruptcy in the U.S.
International Hospitals: For a list of hospitals that will accept your international insurance plan, visit Expat Medical Insurance.
Health System Insurance Body: Medicare
Medicaid
Information from the U.S. Government
Health Ministry: US Department of Health and Human Services

Tourism and Culture

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical: Some historical tourist destinations include:
- Fort Sumter: Third System masonry coastal fortification located in Charleston harbour, South Carolina
- Liberty Bell: American bell associated with the American Revolutionary War; located in Philadelphia.
- Independence Hall: The red brick building, constructed from 1732 to 1753 and designed in the Georgian style is a National Historic Landmark. It was here that the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. Located in Philadelphia.
- Washington Monument: Large, tall white-coloured obelisk located in Washington DC.
- USS Arizona Memorial: Located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, the memorial commemorates the attacks on Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941.
- Ellis Island/ Statue of Liberty: Located in New York City, the monument greeted many immigrants arriving from Europe in the early 20th century. Ellis Island is located nearby and was the main entry facility for immigrants entering the United States during that period.
Cultural: American cultural heritage is diverse; each region has a distinct culture that tourists can experience. Some examples include: American music (country & western, bluegrass, blues, jazz), American Cowboys/Cattle Drives, Native American cultural heritage, American sports (including American football, basketball), American holidays (Thanksgiving, Independence Day), New American cuisine, etc.
Nature: The National Park System includes 378 areas, among them are 55 National Parks and 72 National Monuments. The Blue Ridge parkway in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains attracted the most visitors (19 million and 10 million, respectively). Other parks that attract many visitors are The Grand Canyon (4.5 million), Yosemite NP (3.5 million) and Olympic NP (3.3 Million).
For more information and to see a list of national parks, consult USA Tourist.
Religious: For more information go to the Religious Travel Association website.
Thermal: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming has the largest collection of geysers, hot springs and thermal phenomena in the world.
Beach: Some of the most popular beaches in U.S. are located in North Carolina, Florida, New York, Hawaii, Massachusetts and California.
Winter Sports: The United States has around 750 cross country ski areas spread across the country. Cross-country and downhill skiing as well as snowshoeing, snowboarding and dog sledding, are winter activities one can enjoy on public lands.
Outdoor Activities: Outdoor activities are very popular. Some common activities include: running, boating, camping, hunting, hiking, fishing, skiing and rafting.
Shopping: American whiskey/bourbon and fashion jeans are popular items for shoppers from other countries. While e-commerce is popular, many still enjoy shopping at large shopping malls and discount stores.

Top Highlights in the Main Cities
Grand Central Terminal
Smithsonian Museums & Zoo (Washington, DC)
Art Institute of Chicago
Willis Tower
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Alamo
Independence Hall
USS Arizona Memorial
National Mall and Memorial Parks

Top Highlights of the Country
Las Vegas, Nevada
Disney World, Orlando, Florida
New York City
Los Angeles, California
The Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Alaska
Washington DC
New Orleans, Louisiana

Cultural Organizations: Recreation.gov
US Department of State
Hotel reservation websites: Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington
Life in the USA
USA Tourism

Individual and Civic Freedoms

Civil Liberty: 2/7
: World Ranking of Freedom of the Press According to "Reporters sans Frontières", 2021 report : 44/180

Religion

Beliefs: Protestant 52%, Catholic 24%, Mormon 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 1%, Other 10%, Without religion 10%.

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This content is provided by Business Wales, an agency of the Welsh Government, and is intended to Welsh individuals and companies for information purposes.