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There was a time when people flocked to the United States and aspired to live the American dream. These days? Many of its citizens have found greener pastures in other countries and have zero regrets about leaving home for good.
They have their respective reasons for migrating, but they primarily revolve around what they deem to be a better quality of life. And these photos showing the current state of affairs in the US may give outsiders an idea of why that is.
We’ve collected these images from different corners of Reddit, featuring ludicrous bank charges, questionable real estate developments, and one of today’s hot-button issues, overpriced eggs.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
A Vendor Selling Bullet Resistant Glass To Schools At A Teacher Convention In America 10/17/2024
B.Nelson 1 month ago
Not going to lie...it is something that teachers think about. We have construction paper in front of the little windows on the doors so that no one can see in. I have a back storage room full of thousands of heavy hardback books. If something happens, all my students are going in there and using the books to build barriers. Yes, we think about it.
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#2
Rent Was $1950. They Bumped To $2200. We Moved. Now It’s Listed As This
We paid $1950 for rent for a year. Rental company wanted to bump to $2200. We said it was too expensive and had to move. They called us once a week leading up to the move to ask us if we changed our minds. I repeatedly say “I don’t want to move. Keep our rent the same or even just go to $2K and we’ll stay.” They kept reading from a script that it was “market value” and I repeatedly told them it wasn’t.
Ended up doing the huge hassle of moving, and only a month later it’s listed lower than what we were originally paying.
PS screw First Key Homes.
sofacushionfort 1 month ago
This has always been a thing. Every May 1, the streets of NYC were choked with everyone who had to flee rent hikes. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moving_Day_(New_York_City)
#3
Mcdonald’s Play Place
Glen Ellyn 1 month ago
Oh. My. Stars. 🙄 I feel like the US is racing down hill without brakes.
The images on this list paint a pretty grim picture of life in the United States today, making many Americans feel stuck and hopeless. A February 2025 survey by The Harris Poll revealed that 68% of US residents feel like they are “surviving instead of thriving.”
Likewise, 68% of Americans also believe homeownership is “no longer attainable” for those who aspire for it. These specifically apply to millennials, renters, and low-income households.
#4
This Guy Owned 42 Houses And Called Himself A Small Landlord
Darius S. (he/him) cis/grey 1 month ago
42 properties.. could be 3 apartment buildings. Corporate Landlords are buying out my town.. Soon 5 companies will control 65% of rentals, I hope no one expects repairs quickly.
#5
Grocery Store I Live Beside Sells Ammunition Out Of A Vending Machine
#6
Life Was More Colorful Back Then
Given the country's tumultuous political climate, among other reasons, many Americans have contemplated leaving. Polls show that 40% are considering it, with 14% seriously contemplating the move.
These numbers have grown after last November’s presidential elections, rising by 4% from August. As for the demographic, 63% are Gen Z, 61% are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, 61% are Hispanics, 57% are African-Americans, and 52% are Democrats.
#7
If I Was A Parent, I Wouldn’t Allow My Child To Work
#8
Just Wow America
Darius S. (he/him) cis/grey 1 month ago
Yup, this is the way we have to think. I'm being extra careful walking about this week. I'm housesitting across the state line and most of my care would not be covered. Caregiving for my parents meant I couldn't work.. no pay, big hole in resume`. but it is true...they often had to chose between food and medicine because some months prescriptions weren't covered.. "The Donut Hole".. fixed income and care through social security... Sometimes a medicine would be $700 for a month. U.S. Healthcare is a failure.
#9
At The High School I Used To Go To...awesome And Sad At The Same Time
So, what exactly are the motivating factors for Americans to leave their home country? 49% point to lower living costs abroad, 38% want lower-cost healthcare, and concerns about their safety drive 35%.
48% of people are considering living elsewhere due to dissatisfaction with the current administration. These numbers rose by 6% since November 2024.
#10
Paying Off My Student Loan Counted As "Closing An Account" And My Credit Score Went Down
How am I supposed to build credit if paying off loans hurts me? Also mildly infuriating is that I am now 1 point off of having "good" credit.
Darius S. (he/him) cis/grey 1 month ago
This needing to have relationships with banks to be a adult is bonkers. I had to have a cellphone in my own name to file my taxes last year.
#11
The Manager Would Throw Away Cookies Every Saturday Instead Of Giving Them To The Employees
#12
“Virtual Reality Enables Students To Go On A Field Trip Without Leaving Their School”
John Mosley 1 month ago
Virtual reality could enable students to go to school without leaving their homes.
However, it is also essential to consider the downsides of migration. American lawyer Christine Dahl lives and practices in the Netherlands, and she still sees some of the same problems, like housing shortages and high living costs.
“You can change horses, but you’ll still get saddle sores,” Dahl said in an interview with KTLA. “They might be on a different part, but it’s still life, and life can be lifey.”
#13
Subway Before And After
#14
"I Subbed For A Kindergarten Teacher Today. This Is How They Teach The Alphabet To 5-6 Year Olds Now"
#15
I Have To Pay To Install WiFi Myself
Dahl believes that every country has their fair share of issues, and none of them would be fixed if everyone shared the same mindset of leaving when things get tough.
“Other countries have the same issues, difficult problems, and if all the critical thinkers just pack up and go somewhere else, well, that’s sad,” she said.
#16
Florida Overdeveloping Into Wetlands, Your House Will Flood And Insurance Companies Don’t Care
Here in Volusia County (and most of Florida) has become extremely over developed and this is a perfect example after hurricane Milton
These wetlands were perfect for water to drain into, I just find it insane that they build houses on them, they hit the market at “low 500’s!” And then unless you have flood insurance (VERY EXPENSIVE IN FLORIDA) you are out of luck.
Who wants to pitch in and put this picture on a billboard next to the development?
I also want to note that the east coast was not hit very hard compared to the west, unless you were close to the coast line, there was not much flooding/storm surge. I know port orange got some bad flooding.
liam newton-harding 1 month ago
The thing is, Insurance Companies do care…that’s why they won’t give you Insurance. Your house WILL flood in those areas. Insurance is a gamble, and buying a house in wetlands means that you will always, “win”.
#17
Local Target In 100 Degree Weather
I feel bad for the employees. It’s scorching hot in South FL right now. I wonder if the executive’s offices are reducing their A/C.
Rosecrucian Roeth 1 month ago
Ya gotta be kidding...............reducing the AC in the management offices is like taking food from the mouths of children..........................rrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhttttttttttttt!!!!!!
#18
I Don't Know If This Is Here Or Not
We’d like to hear from our readers, especially those in the US. Do you think the photos on this list accurately depict life in the country? If so, would you consider searching for “a better life” elsewhere? Let us know in the comments!
#19
My Bank Charged Me A $22 Fee For Only Having $14 In My Bank Account
#20
Price Of A 5 Minute Ambulance Ride To The Hospital
Darius S. (he/him) cis/grey 1 month ago
That's cheap, Last one was 4 grand because EMT's were directed by law to follow transport.. For some reason they can't be the same and always seem to be from 2 different hospitals/companies so the billing is con-fusing.. How does a hospital owned by an insurance company not always take their own insurance.. If you're in a bad wreck how are you supposed to check if the Anesthesiologist is out of network.
#21
The Price Of My Burger King Meal Got More Expensive As I Was Checking Out
I’m at a Burger King on the NJ Turnpike and it appears they have some sort of dynamic pricing in place. They also wanted an additional $3 to add bacon to a burger! Yet adding bacon AND cheese was half that price.
Damned_Cat 1 month ago
It's so considerate of them to give you a discount on bacon & cheese so you can afford your Lipitor.
#22
Can’t Even Afford To Apply For Rent In This Day And Age
I’m sorry, is my math incorrect? $2,600 per month x 80 = $208,000 supposed salary of the guarantor.
Darius S. (he/him) cis/grey 1 month ago (edited)
Yikes. Not even Know a person but Related to. My family is running out as I age too.
#23
Some Will Say It's Inflation But It's Price Gauging At Its Best McDonald's (No Longer For Us Broke People)
#24
The Future Is Here. And It Is Stupid
Darius S. (he/him) cis/grey 1 month ago
I still miss window cranks for lowering in case I need escape if I wind up in a flash flood
#25
$48 Convenience Fee Just To Pay My Rent
It won’t let me just directly connect my checking account. My rent is already high enough and they want another 50 dollars out of me just to pay for it?
#26
My English Teacher Is Only Allowing Us Three Passes For Going To The Restroom For The Quarter, In Which We Have To Give Away Points For Important Grading Categories. I’m In 12th Grade
#27
How Did We Go From Paper Cups And Plastic Straws To Plastic Cups And Paper Straws?
#28
Idiocracy Is Real. Shopping At Walmart In Texas. Mildly Infuriating That Idiocracy Is Becoming Reality
#29
My Favorite Motivational Quote From The Window Of A Local Goodwill
I like the idea of someone who's willing to work until their bones crack but also will just peacefully retire at 100 years old.
#30
The Joys Of Finding A Career
Lily bloom 1 month ago
Is smokie mo's food causing trouble to its patrons? Is that why they need someone in the biomedical sciences field?
#31
Mcdonalds Put Out A Suggested Budget For It's Minimum Wage Employees -- One That Includes Working Two Full-Time Jobs And Implies Healthcare Is $20 A Month
#32
How Conservative Senators Are Dealing With Constituents In Idaho
#33
Why Does There Have To So Much Gap In These Stalls ? (USA) I Made Eye Contact 3 Times With Someone
Tim Douglass 1 month ago
People make a big deal of these gaps in the US, but believe me, there are much greater issues for us to worry about here than a bit of a gap around a toilet stall. Honestly, in terms of stuff that's messed up in the US this doesn't even move the needle for me.
#34
Guess I'll Be Single Forever
#35
$100 Of Groceries USA Today
#36
How Much My Kid’s 30 Day Supply Of Generic Adderall Would Have Cost Without Insurance
Rosecrucian Roeth 1 month ago
You are one of the lucky few that have insurance that will pay for that!
#37
Some Kroger Grocery Stores Are Now Implementing Slot Machines Inside
#38
Just Saw These Ads In Downtown Miami
Rosecrucian Roeth 1 month ago
The epitome of the Brave New World.....................................
#39
My Entire Neighborhood Is Submerged In Flood Water With Raw Sewage In It
My neighborhood Laurel Meadows in Sarasota Florida is completely flooded from Hurricane Debby and the water level is rising day by day despite the storm being over. Many of us are homeless now, cannot access our medications inside our homes, and truly have no idea what to do. Worst of all- it seems like no one knows what is happening to us.
Rosecrucian Roeth 1 month ago
and with Trump giving FEMA the ole heave ho, you can't expect much more from the gov'ment, so you are on your own....................nice for all those MAGAs who voted for him, eh?
#40
This Is What I Picked Up From The Spacex Crash In January. Now With The Recent Crash There Is Even More Out There In The Oceans
If anyone wants a piece, shoot me a DM. I have so much.
#41
Fees For The Pickleball Court That Replaced The Free Basketball Courts In My Gated Community (Follow-Up)
I was going through our POA handbook and stumbled across the fees section. Figured I’d delight your feeds with those pickleball fees after baffling a good host of you with my related comment on a previous HOA/POA post.
(Don’t ask what “Super Senior” means cuz I have no earthly idea…)
#42
What A Joke
#43
I Was Allowed And Encouraged To Agree To This At 18 Years Old. This Is One Undergraduate Degree From A State School
#44
It Isn't Even 10:30 Here On The East Coast
#45
I Have Over A 100 Lipomas On Me And My New Dermatologist Wants To Treat Them As Cosmetic Which Means Insurance Won't Cover Them Fml
#46
How Is It Legal To Give Someone A 780% Interest Rate? Was Going Through Junk Mail
#47
My Credit Card Application Was Denied Because My Credit Score Is 4. The Lowest Possible Credit Score In The US Is 300
Rick Murray 1 month ago
From a low of 300 to a high of 000? And they're trusting those idiots to be scoring them at all?
#48
I Got A College Degree, And My Job Is Still Getting Replaced By AI. I Just Earned A Degree In Paralegal Studies. Guess I’m Replaceable
#49
Recruiter Just Copied And Pasted The Job Description And Didn’t Check It, Giving A Glimpse Into The Company’s Attitude
The Majestic Opossum 1 month ago
Well better to find out now how little they value their employees, and not after you start!
#50
Oh No, A Flag
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What do you think ?
Cee Cee 1 month ago
The UK where I live is far from perfect but seems like a paradise compared to the USA. With tango man in charge I suspect it's going to get much worse.
LauraDragonWench 1 month ago
I am desperate to emigrate - Canada, Denmark, Scotland, New Zealand - anywhere that would take me, pretty much. But no place would thanks to my status as a poor, disabled person who's close to 50 and has no value. So I'm stuck and terrified.
The Majestic Opossum 1 month ago
You are not alone in this feeling. I'm sorry for all of us stuck here together. 💔
Load More Replies...
Buttrnutsquash 1 month ago
Explain to me again, why the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state would benefit us? It would be a MAJOR step backwards, NO THANKS.
VisualHowlaroundTitleSequence 1 month ago
No one but MAGA faithful brainwashed cultists want Canada to be the 51st State. Unfortunately, there's a lot of MAGA faithful brainwashed cultists.
Load More Replies... Cee Cee 1 month ago
The UK where I live is far from perfect but seems like a paradise compared to the USA. With tango man in charge I suspect it's going to get much worse.
LauraDragonWench 1 month ago
I am desperate to emigrate - Canada, Denmark, Scotland, New Zealand - anywhere that would take me, pretty much. But no place would thanks to my status as a poor, disabled person who's close to 50 and has no value. So I'm stuck and terrified.
The Majestic Opossum 1 month ago
You are not alone in this feeling. I'm sorry for all of us stuck here together. 💔
Load More Replies... Buttrnutsquash 1 month ago
Explain to me again, why the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state would benefit us? It would be a MAJOR step backwards, NO THANKS.
VisualHowlaroundTitleSequence 1 month ago
No one but MAGA faithful brainwashed cultists want Canada to be the 51st State. Unfortunately, there's a lot of MAGA faithful brainwashed cultists.
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