A British woman who relocated to California has shared a candid account of why she believes life in the United States offers more opportunity and fulfillment than the United Kingdom, describing her move as the “best decision” she has ever made.
The sentiments were shared by 30-year-old Marina Emma Rose, who is based in Los Angeles, in a video posted on January 30 on her TikTok account @marinaemmarose.
Sharing more about her background and what led her to make the move, Marina told Newsweek: “I grew up on a farm in the countryside in Devon in the U.K. but I also lived in London for five years and moved to California exactly a year ago. I just celebrated my one-year anniversary living here.”
Marina, who is the CEO of jewelry brand Marina De Buchi, has been documenting her life in the U.S. since leaving the U.K. In the TikTok clip, Marina explains why she believes California offers a better quality of life and mindset than England, drawing sharp contrasts between the two countries.
“I’m a Brit living in California and I want to tell you why I think it’s better here than England,” Marina says in the viral video. “Firstly, this is where I live, which is insane. Secondly, it’s the people, the community. They just dream so big. They’re so enthusiastic and they want to take you with them.”
In contrast, Marina delivers a scathing critique of life back home. “And in England, I find they have tall poppy syndrome, where they want to bring you down with them. If they’re miserable, misery loves company, and they want you to feel miserable too,” she says in the clip. Marina adds that the difference may partly come down to factors like the weather and the country’s overall outlook, but emphasizes what she sees as a broader cultural divide.
“In America, it’s just such a new country and…there’s so many opportunities. The sky’s the limit and I just love living here and it has changed my life,” Marina says, before concluding in the video: “Been here for 10 months now…best decision I ever made.”
Marina told Newsweek that her fascination with the U.S. started early. “The U.S. always felt like a place anything is possible. From a young age, it was my dream to live here,” she said. “Growing up, America seemed so much bigger, like the sky is the limit and more exciting than the U.K. in movies and on TV, and I remember being completely inspired by the show The Hills.”
Marina said that her personality and ambitions played a major role in her decision. “I have always been someone with big dreams and I never wanted to settle in England,” she said. “Even though the visa process was long and challenging, I knew it would be worth it.”
Now based in Los Angeles, Marina says the environment has had a profound impact on her. “Being in LA is incredibly inspiring because you are surrounded by people who are building, creating, and chasing their goals. The mindset here feels very different,” she said. “In the U.K. I often felt quite stifled, whereas, here, there is a real sense that anything is possible.”
Marina has traveled extensively and lived in several countries, but said California stands out. “I have been fortunate to travel to 35 countries, and I have also lived in places like Sydney, Australia, but California is still my favorite,” she added. “The lifestyle here is amazing. The sunshine, the nature, the food, and the community I have found here have made it feel like home.”
While she has visited 10 U.S. states, Marina says Los Angeles is the right place for her right now. “Living in LA feels perfect for this season of my life as I am building my jewelry business, and there are so many supportive and like-minded people here also building businesses and chasing their dreams,” she said, adding that she could also see herself living in Nashville, Tennessee, one day.
Marina credits the mindset and lifestyle in California as key reasons she feels fulfilled. “What I love most about living here is the mindset. There is a real feeling that anything is possible and that energy is contagious,” she said. “It genuinely makes me excited to wake up every day. The sunshine and living by the beach definitely helps too.”
She also highlighted the unique lifestyle the state offers. “Living in California sometimes feels like being in a movie. I am never bored because there is always something happening,” Marina said. “I love that you can surf in the ocean and snowboard in the mountains in the same day.”
Despite acknowledging challenges, including the cost of living and political tensions, Marina said she has no regrets. “Even though it’s expensive to live here, having the amazing weather and the nature, such as the beach and going on hikes is free, so you have such a better quality of life,” she said.
Reflecting on broader changes she has noticed, Marina added: “It does feel more politically tense than when I first visited in 2014. I also noticed a lot of people in California have left to move to other states. So, it feels a lot quieter here than it used to.”
Even so, she remains deeply appreciative of her life in the U.S. “Even with that, I still think America is an incredible country and I feel very grateful to be here,” Marina said. “I feel a sense of freedom here that I did not quite feel in England, and I feel like I’m truly able to thrive here. In many ways, it feels like I was born in the wrong country.”
Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
