Things We Don't Miss, But Thought We Would

As an American couple who recently retired to Europe, we anticipated missing certain aspects of life back home. Surprisingly, we've found that some elements we expected to long for are now things we're glad to be without. In fact, when we started writing this article, we thought we would list 5 things, but we found our list continuing to grow. Here's what we don't miss:

1. Ceaseless Election Commercials
In the U.S., election seasons are marked by a barrage of political advertisements that can be overwhelming. Here in Europe, while politics are certainly present, the relentless cycle of election commercials is notably absent. This has brought a refreshing sense of calm to our daily lives. As we write this, several of our friends “back home” have discussed with us their frustration with these commercials this election season.

2. American Healthcare
Growing up, we were told the U.S. had the best medical care in the world, but it was a little more expensive. In our opinion, this has changed. While the American healthcare system is still known for its high expenses, even with insurance, it is not significantly better than what we have experienced here. In fact, in some areas we have found our care to be markedly better here. Moreover, many European countries offer affordable and accessible healthcare. For instance, France's public healthcare system is one of the best in the world, providing universal coverage to all residents. This shift has alleviated financial stress and improved our overall well-being.

3. Car-Dependent Lifestyle
We always drove nice cars. Since we spent so much time in them, it was worth getting nice ones. Living in suburban America often necessitates owning a car for daily activities. In Europe, efficient public transportation and walkable cities have allowed us to forgo car ownership. This change has led to a more active lifestyle and reduced our environmental footprint. Gone are the days of monster parking lots. It makes for a more picturesque community. Check out this comparison of train routes in the U.S. vs. Europe:

5. Limited Vacation Time
American work culture often provides limited vacation days, making extended travel challenging. In Europe, longer holidays are the norm, allowing us to explore new countries and cultures at a leisurely pace. This has enriched our retirement experience immensely. Of course, when you are retired in the U.S., you have plenty of time to do things, but there is so much to do in Europe – different cultures, traditions, festivals, museums, concerts….oh boy, we could go on.

6. Fast-Paced Lifestyle
The hustle and bustle of American life can be exhausting. In Europe, there's a greater emphasis on work-life balance and savoring the moment. We've learned to slow down, enjoy leisurely meals, and appreciate the simple pleasures of daily life. I think this has to do with not driving in traffic. Everyone seems to be in such a hurry cutting each other off, honking, etc. We don’t experience that here. Well, except for Rome – wow! Rome is like NYC for European drivers.

7. High Cost of Living
Certain areas in the U.S. have a high cost of living, especially in major cities. In Europe, we've found that many countries offer a more affordable lifestyle without compromising quality. For example, Portugal and Spain are known for their low cost of living compared to other European countries. You can still get a beer for two Euros at a bar.

8. Limited Public Spaces
Public parks and communal spaces are more abundant and accessible in Europe. We've enjoyed spending time in these areas, fostering a sense of community and well-being. There are so many, we can explore a different park every day of the month. You don't realize how few of these spaces there are in the U.S. until you spend a significant amount of time in Europe.

9. Processed Foods
The prevalence of processed and fast foods in the U.S. contributed to unhealthy eating habits. In Europe, there's a stronger emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and home-cooked meals. This has led to a healthier diet and a newfound appreciation for cooking. We shop at the local produce markets a few times each week. We also get fresh bread a few times each week. Fresh food tastes better, and it’s better for you.

10. Tipping Culture
In the U.S., tipping is customary and often expected in many service industries. In Europe, service charges are typically included in the bill, eliminating the need for tipping. This has simplified dining out and other services.
Relocating to Europe has brought unexpected benefits, allowing us to leave behind certain aspects of American life we thought we'd miss. Embracing these changes has enriched our retirement and provided a fresh perspective on living well.