If you are taking the bold move to start a new life in the USA, you must first determine which state and city you would like to live in. The decision will not be easy because the United States offers incredible diversity in every respect.

Which of the 50 US states is the best place to live? Immigrants to the United States are truly spoiled for choice. However, these four states are particularly sought-after:

The Sunshine State of Florida has always been a favorite among America lovers. Year-round warm temperatures, beautiful white beaches, vibrant cities, affordable real estate, and excellent infrastructure – in Florida, you can enjoy life!

The Golden State impresses with its 1,300 km long Pacific coast, breathtaking national parks, and subtropical climate. Furthermore, California is home to some of the most exciting metropolises in the United States. In cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles, many innovative and internationally operating corporations have settled, which also provide excellent career opportunities for immigrants.

You'll be right in your element in New York City if you love the hustle and bustle of a big town. The never-sleeping city is a financial center, entertainment capital, and tourism hotspot. Thousands of expats have set foot on American soil here for the first time over the years. And quite a few of them stayed and benefited from the excellent job opportunities and the unique urban lifestyle in the Big Apple.

No region represents the Wild West vibe as much as the Lone Star State. To this day, you'll still run into a cowboy or two in Texas. Apart from that, you can expect many hours of sunshine, livable cities, and hearty Southern specialties such as the popular Texan barbecue.

An important factor when choosing a new place to live in the USA is the cost of living. These also vary depending on the region and state.

The American Cost of Living Index indicates how much the cost of living in a region deviates from the national average. This is indicated by the number 100. If the Cost of Living Index in a state is above 100, it is considered expensive or very expensive. In states with a Cost of Living Index below 95, life is considered fairly inexpensive. The States in Green are the most economical then Yellow. Red and Orange are the most expensive.

Generally speaking, living in the famous metropolises and business centers such as New York City or San Francisco is rather costly. In rural, less densely populated regions, on the other hand, the cost of housing, goods, and services is comparatively low.

The Hawaiian Islands, the Pacific West Coast, and the Northeast are the most expensive regions in the United States. The states with the highest cost of living in 2022 are:

Buying a home in the USA is relatively straightforward, as there are no federal restrictions on the real estate market. Basically, anyone who has the necessary amount of money can buy a house in the United States, even if they don't have a Green Card or US citizenship. It is best to hire a real estate agent to help you find a suitable property.

Typically, you will be faced with additional costs due to taxes, which you should include as a part of the purchase price. Before buying a house, consult a financial and legal expert for advice on the tax situation in the state where you want to buy the house.

Also, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage to provide financial assistance in case of severe weather, fire, burglary, and more.

Driving a car is an essential part of everyday life in the United States. In the more sparsely populated parts of the US, it is even necessary to have your own car to travel the sometimes long distances between your home and your place of work or the surrounding towns.

Even immigrants without a car should apply for an American drivers license in the State where you live(i.e. Florida or New York) as soon as possible. It not only entitles you to drive a vehicle but also serves as proof of identity.

To exchange your driver's license for an American one, you must contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state. There are no nationwide regulations. Each of the 50 states has different rules and deadlines for the exchange. Some states even require you to pass an additional theory or practical driving test.

If you move to the USA with a child of school age, you must enroll them in an American school. Although age limits and school types vary by state, children in the USA roughly move through the grades:

A unique feature of the American school system is the abundant amount of extracurricular activities available after school. This gives your child the opportunity to pursue their talents, find new interests, and socialize with others. The options mostly consist of sports such as American football, basketball, track and field, or cheerleading, as well as other educational activities such as theater, debate club, school band, school newspaper, and much more.

Choosing a college is an important step in the lives of young Americans. As an expat, you can also benefit from the outstanding educational opportunities offered by the United States. A degree from a renowned US college opens up excellent career opportunities for you across the world.

American colleges are highly respected and known for their state-of-the-art research facilities. In the 2022 global university rankings, American universities took 12 of the top 25 spots. Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Princeton, MIT - which elite American university is it going to be for you?

The United States is a vast country with unlimited opportunities, especially in the world of business. Whether you want to make a career in a multinational corporation or fulfill your dream of owning your own firm, the USA is the place to be!

You can find detailed information on the job search in our extensive guide on working in the United States.

The Southern States of the USA, the so-called "Sun Belt," are a dream destination for immigrants who want to spend their retirement in the USA. The cities of Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Palm Beach in Florida are known as "pensioners' paradises." But also in Texas, South Carolina, Arizona, or California can be enjoyed in old age.

Since there is no retiree visa for the USA, the possession of a Green Card is of great value. It allows you to stay in the United States indefinitely. If you just want to spend the winter in the States, you can use a B-visa to stay for six months at a time or an ESTA visa authorization stay in the US for 90 days at a time.

If you are a Green Card holder and have already worked in the United States for ten years, you qualify for retirement benefits in the USA. You may also be able to get credit for years of contributions from your home country. Check the regulations in the respective social security agreement between the USA and your home country.

If you come to America as an immigrant, you should also make sure that you have sufficient health care coverage. In principle, there is no compulsory insurance in the United States, but the cost of medication and treatment in the USA is about 2.5 times higher than in other industrialized nations. In the event of a medical emergency, you would have to pay expensive doctor or hospital bills completely out of your own pocket if you are not insured.

The American Health Care coverage consists of various government programs as well as a large number of private providers. Public health insurance is only available to certain groups of people (e.g., US citizens aged 65 and older or members of the US military). Green Card holders and other so-called "qualified non-citizens" are also eligible for government assistance through Medicare and Medicaid. In most cases, however, they must have lived and worked in the US for at least five years.

For the first few months, it is advisable to take out an international health insurance for the USA. Once you have settled in, you can look for your own private insurance. If you have the option of obtaining health insurance through your employer, they will usually cover some of the costs.