[seem_2211]

This is a great piece.

I immigrated from New Zealand to America. It's interesting being in the US and hearing people exalt New Zealand. Same thing, some pros, some cons.

[refurb]

I'm an immigrant to the US as well.

I chuckle a bit when I hear people say how great my home country is and how they wish they could move there from the US.

[Xcelerate]

I mean, as an American, it's really hard to argue against the views and scenery in New Zealand...

[atlasunshrugged]

Would you go back? What do you view as the pros vs. cons of being in the US versus NZ?

[seem_2211]

Probably - I think raising a family will probably be a catalyst.

Pros: pretty, relatively relaxed lifestyle, much lower pressure than the US, minimal gun violence, healthier attitudes towards childrearing, good public healthcare, relatively good education systems, (mostly) competent government.

Cons: low wage economy, distant from everywhere, overall ambition of people is low, high taxes (top tax rate isn't crazy high, but kicks in very early)

Note, when I talk about 'the US' I'm talking about SF / LA / NYC type cities. I don't have any intention of living in small town USA.