US to Poland – Why I moved
About seven years ago I moved from the US to Poland. Many people could not believe it. I moved from Boston’s Beacon Hill to Kraków, Poland. Do not get me wrong, I am a patriot. I love America but that does not mean I have to limit my life experiences.
Since pictures speak louder than words, I took these photos today just walking around my house. They are nothing special but gives you a real idea what life is like in Poland and why I would want to move from the US.
My grandparents came from Poland many years ago. I have always had an interest in Poland and Polish history from afar. After taking several trips to Poland I decided to study the Polish language in Kraków for a few months. But why did I move? I meet the girl who was to be my future wife. It was my destiny.
We would not have stayed if I did not love Polska.
Why I moved to Poland and stayed
- The USA is about 200% to 300% more expensive than Poland for the same exact things.
- People are very humble and sincere, churches everywhere and people take family and church seriously.
- It is the center of Europe and from Poland you can go anywhere in a short distance. I often go to Lviv, Vienna , Africa, Greece or the Northern countries with ease.
- A new experience.
- Poland has great food, if you love Polish cooking and fresh home cooked meals, you will love Poland. Fresh food in Poland tastes nothing like these large farm grown produce in the United States.
- Interesting history and culture and art.
- Countless other reasons I moved from the US to Poland.
Poland gets better everyday
About five years ago people use to say Polish people complain a lot. I do not think that is the case much anymore. Poles are pretty optimistic and every year the economy is getting better and better. Life is pretty good in Poland. Life is real in Poland, not some something that comes in a package and is heated in a microwave. People enjoy their lives with 8 weeks of family vacations a year.
The people here have a strong sense of family and values. I think in innocence and values it was like America in the early 1960s. I hope it does not change too much.
What about consumer goods when moving to Poland?
You can get anything you want in Poland and usually at a better price and quality. Many things are still made in Poland and most thins come with a two year EU warranty.
Basically you have a USA lifestyle that is more interesting, mentally stimulating, 1/2 to 1/3 the price more peaceful, no guns and few violent crimes, free education to the University level and health care. Polish weather is better than the UK or Ireland or many northern countries but not as hot as Spain or Italy. But that is what vacation is for and I enjoy the four seasons in Poland. It is like living in New England.
Poland has mountains and the sea as well as lakes and ancient forests all very beautiful.
I have my apartment set up like I did when I lived in the USA. It is large and furnished with Ikea, high-speed Internet. No standard of living difference.
I have no idea why the expensive USA is still the ideal to live in when the world now is global.
If you need advice on moving to Poland from the USA or Canada or from where ever you live, leave a comment. If you need to know about work in Poland or a visa or citizenship I will answer the best I can.
If you need travel advice, or any ideas about moving to Poland again just write a comment and I will answer the best I can.
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