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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 6 months 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 6 months 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 6 months 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
J. Maxx 6 months ago
It's the oligarchs who pay dirty lawmakers who pass bills that make these types of scenarios real. Why? So the Blackrocks of the World can buy up all the houses cheaply. Problem...trump & co., low minimum wage, low wages in general, inflation, etc... Now these a******s are sitting properties they can't sell or rent. LOL!
#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
Rosecrucian Roeth 6 months ago
Remember, those who make the decisions about healthcare for the population of the USA, have all their medical bills paid for by those people who can't afford medical care! Nice place to live, eh?
#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.
Na Schi 6 months ago
I don't get it that so many Americans, who clearly are at the lower end of profiting of their great country, still believe that they are living in the greatest country on earth?!!! Honestly? The US has become a shït-show sience some years if not decades. It's cringe to watch how they've reached the living-standards of a 3rd world country for none-rich people, but how their folks is still too blind to see the truth. It's simply sad 😔
#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 6 months 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 6 months 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 6 months 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
#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 6 months 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.
#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
#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 6 months 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 6 months 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 6 months 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 6 months 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 6 months 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…)
#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 6 months 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 6 months ago
Well better to find out now how little they value their employees, and not after you start!
#50
Oh No, A Flag
#51
Minimum Wage Has Been The Same In Texas Since 2009
#52
My Company Made $1 Billion In Revenue And We Get Cupcakes To Celebrate
During my annual performance meeting, I thankfully received a 4% raise, but I am still paid $18k under the poverty line for my city. But at least I get free cupcakes next week!
#53
Just Got My Utility Bill
Over half is delivery fees. I want to cry. Still recovering from the previous one that was $823.
#54
Eggs In Trump’s America (Taken At A Local Store Jan 25)
#55
Size Of Tide Pods 2019 vs. 2022
Upstaged75 6 months ago
I believe they made it more concentrated in order to reduce packaging.
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Cee Cee 6 months 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 6 months 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.
Buttrnutsquash 6 months 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.
Verena 6 months ago
What baffles me is that Europe is laughed at because "wages way too low" (compared with the US), but somehow in big parts manages to fund an affordable, decent working medical and educational system with a high standard, by taxes and fees paid by citizens. And pensions for veterans, which actually allow them to retire.
Sparkle 6 months ago
Vote Democrat in our next election. If we can flip Congress and the Senate Democratic we may be able to stop some of this mess!
Peeka_Mimi 6 months ago
My family and I are seriously considering getting out of the US. We dont know where or how yet. But we are looking into it. We are Chicanos and it is not safe for us here.
Emilu 6 months ago
I got to #13 and got depressed. Come live with me in Aus! We have gun laws and I’ll marry all of you! (Even though that’s illegal… shhh.)
Nay Wilson 6 months ago
This is just… really sad 😢 to the American people who DIDNT vote for Trump, I’m truly sorry you’re going through this
Sarah 6 months ago
With the size of US population it’s absurd there hasnt been riots . It seems youve all been told you live in land of the free.. and most seem to believe that.
Sven Horlemann 6 months ago
I never thought I'd despise the US as I do now. I know it is only 50% fair, as one half of the country is decent, normal people. Still...
Wang Zhuang 6 months ago
I am an American living abroad, and as much as it pains me to say, I just can't see myself moving back to the US, at least not in the near future. Things have really changed for the worst, and these posts (at least most of them) highlight how much harder it's gotten to live there. Sometimes I fantasize about having Elon's money, buying up a large swath of land in the US and creating a community for people to live away from these problems, where people can enjoy free healthcare and education and affordable housing and food costs in a gun free environment.
Zero Costa 6 months ago
doom and gloom happening everywhere. I'm Aus, talking to a homeless man yesterday w my mum, and he was saying that a night at a local hostel in Melbourne costs $85 a night and they don't even provide tea or coffee. how TF does someone struggling afford $85 a night???
Rebecca McManus 6 months ago
Why do Americans put up with all this? They are the literal personification of lambs being led to slaughter
Rich Black 6 months ago
people always threaten to move when there's a new president. whether it's trump, biden, obama, or whoever. how can we help them achieve their dreams?
Börje Strömming 6 months ago
As someone wrote on an entry in the list - idiocracy… its closing in on you faster then anyone could have thought. That movie will be reality in a decade
Craig Reynolds 6 months ago
We are definitely moving overseas within two years, where our money will stretch a minimum of 5X further.
Jim Robertson 6 months ago
Remember even when you leave the USA, they will still tax you on any wages you earn abroad.
TCW Sam Vimes 6 months ago
The US is fücked. Total dumpster fire for the majority of the population yet they dig their own holes ever deeper. Going to ba fun 4 years to watch them decend into a total dystopia where the rich 1% virtually enslaves the paycheck to paycheck population, holding them in poverty and obedience with health insurance fused to having a job. In the EU the streets would be on fire, 8n the US they chant for MAGA. Well fafo and good riddance
Ahnjunwan 6 months ago
Ah, it is so comfortable these days to watch the fall of rome on the internet 😂
Bartlet for world domination 6 months ago
Trumpist politicians in Europe gaining traction is insane. Don't these voters read BP?
Cee Cee 6 months 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 6 months 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.
Buttrnutsquash 6 months 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.
Verena 6 months ago
What baffles me is that Europe is laughed at because "wages way too low" (compared with the US), but somehow in big parts manages to fund an affordable, decent working medical and educational system with a high standard, by taxes and fees paid by citizens. And pensions for veterans, which actually allow them to retire.
Sparkle 6 months ago
Vote Democrat in our next election. If we can flip Congress and the Senate Democratic we may be able to stop some of this mess!
Peeka_Mimi 6 months ago
My family and I are seriously considering getting out of the US. We dont know where or how yet. But we are looking into it. We are Chicanos and it is not safe for us here.
Emilu 6 months ago
I got to #13 and got depressed. Come live with me in Aus! We have gun laws and I’ll marry all of you! (Even though that’s illegal… shhh.)
Nay Wilson 6 months ago
This is just… really sad 😢 to the American people who DIDNT vote for Trump, I’m truly sorry you’re going through this
Sarah 6 months ago
With the size of US population it’s absurd there hasnt been riots . It seems youve all been told you live in land of the free.. and most seem to believe that.
Sven Horlemann 6 months ago
I never thought I'd despise the US as I do now. I know it is only 50% fair, as one half of the country is decent, normal people. Still...
Wang Zhuang 6 months ago
I am an American living abroad, and as much as it pains me to say, I just can't see myself moving back to the US, at least not in the near future. Things have really changed for the worst, and these posts (at least most of them) highlight how much harder it's gotten to live there. Sometimes I fantasize about having Elon's money, buying up a large swath of land in the US and creating a community for people to live away from these problems, where people can enjoy free healthcare and education and affordable housing and food costs in a gun free environment.
Zero Costa 6 months ago
doom and gloom happening everywhere. I'm Aus, talking to a homeless man yesterday w my mum, and he was saying that a night at a local hostel in Melbourne costs $85 a night and they don't even provide tea or coffee. how TF does someone struggling afford $85 a night???
Rebecca McManus 6 months ago
Why do Americans put up with all this? They are the literal personification of lambs being led to slaughter
Rich Black 6 months ago
people always threaten to move when there's a new president. whether it's trump, biden, obama, or whoever. how can we help them achieve their dreams?
Börje Strömming 6 months ago
As someone wrote on an entry in the list - idiocracy… its closing in on you faster then anyone could have thought. That movie will be reality in a decade
Craig Reynolds 6 months ago
We are definitely moving overseas within two years, where our money will stretch a minimum of 5X further.
Jim Robertson 6 months ago
Remember even when you leave the USA, they will still tax you on any wages you earn abroad.
TCW Sam Vimes 6 months ago
The US is fücked. Total dumpster fire for the majority of the population yet they dig their own holes ever deeper. Going to ba fun 4 years to watch them decend into a total dystopia where the rich 1% virtually enslaves the paycheck to paycheck population, holding them in poverty and obedience with health insurance fused to having a job. In the EU the streets would be on fire, 8n the US they chant for MAGA. Well fafo and good riddance
Ahnjunwan 6 months ago
Ah, it is so comfortable these days to watch the fall of rome on the internet 😂
Bartlet for world domination 6 months ago
Trumpist politicians in Europe gaining traction is insane. Don't these voters read BP?
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