United States Country Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in the United States

Important: This guide provides essential relocation information for individuals and families moving to the United States. As one of the world’s largest economies, the U.S. offers opportunities in logistics, technology, healthcare, engineering, finance, education, manufacturing, and many other sectors. Immigration programs, work permits and residency rules change over time — always confirm current requirements with official U.S. government sources.

Home To Home Relocations supports clients moving from Canada and other countries to the United States, providing export packing at origin, ocean and air freight, customs coordination and local delivery to major regions such as New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Miami, Houston, Dallas and other U.S. destinations.

1. Before You Move to the United States

1.1 Immigration Pathways & Visa Types

Most people who want to live, work or study in the United States need a visa or other lawful status. Broad categories include:

Nonimmigrant visas – temporary stays for work, study, business or tourism (for example, certain temporary worker, student and visitor categories)
Immigrant visas / permanent residence – long-term stays that can lead to a Green Card through family, employment or certain special programs
Family-based immigration – for close relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Employment-based immigration – for workers with qualifying skills, experience or job offers in the U.S.
Study and exchange programs – for students and exchange visitors at U.S. schools and universities

Official information about U.S. visas and categories is published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State.

Tip: Before making relocation plans, review the official guidance on U.S. visas and residency options and speak with a qualified immigration professional if you need personalised legal advice.

1.2 Working in the United States

The U.S. economy is broad and regionally diverse. Skills are often needed in:

Logistics, warehousing, trucking and distribution
Information technology, software, data and cybersecurity
Healthcare (nurses, physicians, allied health, care aides)
Engineering, construction and project management
Finance, banking, accounting and business services
Advanced manufacturing and automotive sectors
Hospitality, tourism and service industries in some regions

1.3 Housing & Accommodation

Housing varies significantly between cities and states. Newcomers often begin with short-term rentals or corporate housing before signing a longer lease or buying a home. Popular metro areas for expatriates include:

New York City & Tri-State Area: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey suburbs
Boston & New England – for education, technology and healthcare
Washington, D.C. Metro: Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda and surrounding suburbs
Chicago & Midwest cities
California: Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area (San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland and suburbs)
Texas: Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio
Southeast: Miami, Orlando, Atlanta and other regional hubs

Typical rental requirements may include:

Security deposit (often 1–2 months’ rent)
Proof of income or employment
Credit history in the U.S. or a co-signer (for some rentals)
Signed lease agreement (commonly 12 months)

1.4 Banking & Finances

The local currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Newcomers typically open a checking (current) account and, later, a credit card to build credit history. Requirements can include:

Passport and immigration documents
U.S. address (temporary or permanent)
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), where applicable

1.5 Healthcare & Insurance

The United States does not have a single national public health system like some countries. Healthcare is provided through a mix of private insurance, employer-sponsored plans, government programs (for certain groups) and out-of-pocket payments.

Important: Comprehensive health insurance is strongly recommended, as medical care in the U.S. can be very expensive without coverage.

1.6 Key Documents to Prepare Before Moving

Passport (with sufficient validity and blank pages)
Visa approval or other entry documents (as applicable)
Job offer or employment contract (if relocating for work)
Academic and professional certificates
Birth and marriage certificates for family members
Vaccination and medical records
Driver’s licence and (optionally) an International Driving Permit

2. Your First Weeks in the United States

2.1 At the Port of Entry

Upon arrival, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will review your passport and visa (if required), ask you questions about your trip and determine whether you may enter. Keep all immigration papers and contact information for your employer or sponsor easily accessible.

2.2 Social Security Number (SSN)

A Social Security Number is generally needed to work legally and to access many financial and tax-related services. Depending on your visa type, you may apply for an SSN after arrival at a local Social Security office.

2.3 Everyday Setup

Obtain a local SIM card and mobile plan
Open a U.S. bank account and set up salary deposits
Arrange long-term housing if you started with temporary accommodation
Register children in school or childcare
Identify nearby healthcare providers and clinics

2.4 Newcomer Orientation & Support

Some cities and community organizations provide orientation programs, legal aid, language classes and employment support for newcomers and immigrants.

3. United States at a Glance

3.1 Geography & Regions

The United States is a large country with 50 states and several territories, spanning multiple time zones and climates. Major regions include:

Northeast (e.g., New York, Boston, Philadelphia)
Midwest (e.g., Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, St. Louis)
South (e.g., Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, Houston)
West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle)
Mountain West and Southwest (e.g., Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas)

3.2 Politics & Economy

The U.S. is a federal republic with national, state and local governments. It has one of the largest and most diversified economies in the world, with strong sectors in technology, logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, finance, healthcare and services.

3.3 Climate & Weather

Climate conditions are highly varied:

Cold winters and hot summers in many northern and central states
Mild, wet winters and dry summers along parts of the West Coast
Hot, humid summers and mild winters in much of the South
Hurricanes, tornadoes, snowstorms or wildfires may affect some regions seasonally

4. Why Many Canadians Choose the United States

Proximity to Canada with many direct flight and road connections
Large and diverse job market across many sectors
Opportunities in global headquarters and major multinational companies
Variety of climates, lifestyles and housing markets to choose from
Access to world-class universities, healthcare facilities and research centres

5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life

The cost of living varies widely between cities and states. Coastal metropolitan areas and technology hubs tend to be more expensive, while many midwestern and southern regions offer lower housing costs.

Typical monthly expenses include:

Rent or mortgage payments and property-related fees
Utilities (electricity, heating/cooling, water, internet, mobile)
Groceries and household supplies
Transport (public transit, vehicle payments, insurance and fuel)
Childcare, school fees (if private), and extracurricular activities
Health insurance premiums and medical co-pays

Tip: When comparing job offers in different states, factor in both salary and the local cost of living, including housing, taxes, transport and healthcare.

6. Transportation & Getting Around

6.1 Public Transport

Public transport options are strong in some large cities and more limited in others:

Subways, commuter trains and buses in cities like New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Boston and San Francisco
Light rail and bus networks in many metropolitan areas
Regional train services in some corridors (for example, the Northeast)

6.2 Driving in the United States

The United States drives on the right-hand side. In many regions, a car is the primary mode of transportation. Newcomers may be able to drive temporarily on a foreign licence and later obtain a state driver’s licence, subject to individual state rules.

6.3 Domestic & International Travel

The U.S. has extensive domestic air, rail and highway networks. Major international airports include New York (JFK/Newark), Chicago O’Hare, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas–Fort Worth, Miami and others, providing global connections.

7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit

7.1 Everyday Culture

The U.S. is culturally diverse, with communities from around the world.
English is the dominant language, though many areas have large Spanish-speaking and other language communities.
Workplaces often value individual initiative, punctuality and clear communication.
Sports, entertainment, dining out and travel are central parts of many people’s lifestyles.

7.2 Popular Cities & Attractions

New York City: Times Square, Central Park, museums and Broadway
Washington, D.C.: National Mall, museums and monuments
Florida: Orlando theme parks, Miami beaches and coastal areas
California: Pacific Coast, national parks, Los Angeles and San Francisco
Southwest & Mountain States: Grand Canyon, national parks, desert landscapes
Pacific Northwest: Seattle, Portland and coastal/mountain scenery

United States Country GuideYour Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in the United States