Going Back to the States

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks to Nord VPN for making my time in the US more fun (and less ad chaotic) - grab it now with my link nordvpn.com/jayswanson to get my exclusive discount + 4mo free!

[@thedavidguy01]

As an American who travels to Europe regularly I often get asked if I’m going to move there. It’s certainly possible because I love visiting there but I probably won’t. On the other hand, if I were your age and had citizenship in the EU, I wouldn’t move back to the USA.

[@JaySwanson]

Stage of life and ease of opportunity are huge factors

[@dapiddiboy]

That’s awesome that you got to visit! I have my US Citizenship now and will go back to visit family and country in Germany at the end of next month. Kinda miss Europe for the reasons you stated but people are indeed super nice here. Hope you are doing well.

[@mmatthews]

I applaud you for committing to growing roots in a place and with a community. It can be hard when you have "rolling stone" tendencies. But the pay off of building relationships and stability is worth it, especially as you get older.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Jetsetter Jay back at it again! Stay wherever you want, we’re here for the adventure.

[@JaySwanson]

🍻🙏

[@agyos]

Great to see your dad and sister again! Great to have the best of both worlds! I think I’d pass on Las Vegas…but I would love to have the opportunity to spend some time in Europe, some time in the States, some time in Mexico…..and, etc…..as long as I maintained a special home base with a support community of friends, deeper interests, and…of course, health-care, LOL!

[@amyspeers8012]

As an American living in a small village in SW France, my husband and I have no plans to return to the states. We are studying French and history to pass our citizenship. Healthcare is a big reason, including our retirement. I feel the cost of living where we are is lower and quality of life much higher than in the US. When I married my husband in 1992, I thought I was marrying a university professor, I’d live in the same college town and be a nurse. Instead, I married a software engineer/CTO, live in a village of 800 in SW France and manage a gîte. I love my life!

[@theushistorian]

I'm moving to the South of France in December from San Diego (retiring from my job this week), and this is wonderful to read! I feel I'm making the right choice.

[@abeach5420]

Hi ,,, SO smart!! I live *above* the USA border and it is not far enough, but at least live above some states that are pretty sane. I know the country has stunning and majestic nature and so forth, but is just too many people with all too many conflicting views. Ohhhh and the obvious *issues* (as in plural tense). I do not know how people can live there without a lot of money, security, and immense savings. Congrats to you for getting outta there. I used to tell pple to come *here* - guess I still do for those seeking security and big spaces without people. But one will need a lot of funds to do so. I cannot tell you how many US born persons have moved to CA since about 2018. Continued great life wishes to you.

[@cathywaters6233]

Love the editing style of this vlog!

[@JaySwanson]

Glad you liked it!

[@hubjohnner]

Very happy to see that as you journey through your self-discovery and begin to understand how your upbringing had some negative influences in your development, you still remain close to your Dad. I do miss seeing him in your videos. Something to consider (though I expect it would be difficult emotionally): a video specifically about your relationship with him…. Love your content!

[@nicktankard1244]

The sense of belonging is very important. In my 37 years on this planet, I've never felt it. I've always hated my home country, and luckily, I got out there and don't plan on ever going back. Wasted 31 years of my life there but I made it out. Since then, I moved countries twice, and I don't know where I belong. The US has been my dream since I was a kid, but it's so hard to immigrate there. I am closer to that now, though. Currently living in Canada and might move to the US in the next 5 years or so.

[@cindybendall1551]

Thanks for this, Jay! Your perspective is appreciated!

[@JaySwanson]

My pleasure!

[@mlomarechal6877]

Bon retour chez vous ! dommage que vous n'ayez pas choisi de faire un petit tour de l'Europe, pour une prochaine fois peut-être ... mais revenir à "ses racines" c'est important, vous avez raison de vous ressourcer. Alors bon voyage.

[@JaySwanson]

Oui, ça fait quelques année depuis ma dernière visite avec ma soeur. Je suis enfin français, je veux voir, et je vais voir, plus d'Europe, ne vous inquiètez pas =)

[@ojohnnyo]

Dude, I was working at the game Saturday night--unfortunately we didn't bump into each other. Thanks for visiting my home town.

[@JaySwanson]

aww man!

[@lyndeelogan5250]

You are in OB! I divide my time between The Peninsula (OB/Pt Loma) and Paris. Been doing it for the past 9 years.

[@PaulYeghouchian]

I was in SD over the holidays last year, that's one place I would live

[@lilf22]

Love The Lafayette!

[@lohphat]

SO CLOSE! I was in SoCal 17-26 for a conference in Hollywood. I grew up in the OC area and every time I come back, I remember why I left. Heading to Paris for retirement is still in the plan...but I too would love to live elsewhere (e.g. Denmark) for a while for language acquisition.

[@jodiedarlingauthor]

Moved back to the US temporarily. Been here 4 months and already can't wait to move back to England 😅

[@JaySwanson]

😆🍻

[@abeach5420]

So smart -- all the best and keep your eyes peeled at all times if in very bad area.

[@breanactravel]

I see you visited The Lafayette, hope you enjoyed it! So cool to see you in my neighborhood. Literally was saying it would be dope to go back to Paris and try your recs, and here you are in the city. 🥂

[@suzanneallison6163]

I hope you enjoyed your visit to SD. My home town. I would love to live in Europe at some point. Maybe after retirement. I think it's great to be a citizen of the world.

[@MikeSwartz]

Coug hat, Sonics hat, PNW t-shirt... Way to represent the 206 and 509 🎉

[@JaySwanson]

I do my best

[@TMD3453]

Paris in the long term sounds good. Here’s a great book by a European expat about being part of life in Paris- Impossible City by Simon Kuper- like our friend’s name. Cheers thanks for sharing your thoughts

[@msciara2222]

WOW, Its Funny I live part time in Paris and San Diego, Headed back to Paris soon. Small World.🌍

[@JaySwanson]

that sounds like a sweet deal

[@theushistorian]

I live in San Diego. After 29 years I'm retiring from my job this week and moving to the South of France in early December. I've always loved traveling to France and your videos have really inspired me to move to France. My goal is to get dual citizenship. I will really miss beautiful San Diego and the US in general but I'm so excited to explore all of Europe with Nice as my base, to feel greater security with affordable healthcare and sane firearms regulations, in addition to learning a new language and experience a new culture.

[@shinyshinythings]

It’s quite an adjustment - but so worth it! Pro tip, start working on your French now if you haven’t yet. It will help you feel more comfortable faster.

[@theushistorian]

@@shinyshinythings Yes! I've been working with a French tutor for over six months.

[@abeach5420]

SO happy for you -- keep your eyes on the prize and use those cell phone language translators as often as you need to, especially for directions, haha. NICE --that is remarkable enjoy your next journey in life.

[@theushistorian]

@@abeach5420 Thank you!!!

[@carlf.9035]

Hey, welcome back to the west coast!! I love San Diego, it's such a unique and gorgeous city. So many different corners and areas that surprise you and you continue to discover. A melting pot of different cultures, people and food. In my opinion the most beautiful beaches are here in California and of course San Diego, La Jolla, Torrey Pines my favorite. Great question, guess we'll have to stay tuned to fine out and if you don't come back here it's okay and if you do that's okay. But to see it even for visits is good enough too. The point is there is more to the world than just one place and way of living and that's the beauty of our world is having different places.

[@schermnaam5811]

Classic shots of Newport Ave! San Diego has decently preserved its streetcar era neighborhood downtowns, from OB’s to those along University Ave, and adding semi protected bike lanes where they can. The car centrism of North America was always more extensive than elsewhere, which will continue to make cities like Paris more pedestrian and transit oriented by contrast. Glad you confirmed that the basic friendliness of many US communities remains as it’s long been, the so called “divide” mainly exists in the virtual world online (which unfortunately has emerged as the primary arena for politics).

[@DDDD-pv7fw]

Luv the Sonics hat !!

[@williamtcastro]

As a a Brazilian who spend half a year living in Italy I can’t see myself not living in Europe in the future, even though Brazil is a great place, I would still like to experience more of the world

[@grunky0]

Vegas, stay in the Venetian. Great rooms and cool atmosphere. It's expensive but worth it.

[@JaySwanson]

I wanted to check it out but ran out of time =(

[@kueller917]

I visit twice a year which is good for me (though not good for finances). I miss the comfort of a place I've grown up in and the people I knew for years. About a week and that longing is satisfied and the other realities of the US hit me and I'm ready to fly away again. I don't know where I'll be in the future but it's either going to be where I am, or forwards. But not backwards.

[@kueller917]

I'll also add the amount of times I also get asked when I'm moving back or if I'm staying does get aggravating. Like the assumption is that you're not really an immigrant just a long tourist. Even when I got detained during the protests the interviewer seemed surprised that I even took part. I live here, work here, have friends here, get groceries here, pay taxes here, have a french bank, a french phone, french health insurance, but it's a stretch to think I'd call it home cause my passport is blue.

[@JaySwanson]

I definitely feel that

[@sleis418]

Circus Circus is an adventure, no visit is complete without some death threats.

[@Darkeforce]

My wife and I fully intend on living in France, part time, during retirement. But I don’t think I could live there full time. I love my country and the conveniences we have. But everyone is different! The luxury is having the means to have that choice. 😊

[@AChicanaInFrance]

I haven’t gone back to my country in 3 years . Originally from Los Angeles. I don’t plan to go back permanently. I’m fine in Rennes . I miss my Mexican food and hiking . Outside of that my life is good in France . I was finally able to go see a dentist after 10 years. I had severe gingivitis. I had no healthcare. I couldn’t afford it Haha I have never been to Vegas. We were supposed to go spread my grandmothers ashes out there.

[@abeach5420]

Congratulations for being able to move on. I live above the border and it is still too close. I meet so many US born citizens that have moved here to CA or stay 4-9 months a year. Just too many people with too many conflicting, including radical views. Also the horrendous access to education barriers, of course healthcare being right up there also... just too stressful in my opinion. I have never in my life heard a shot and cannot imagine having to watch where you are constantly. I live in country, on islands, suburban and never once had to worry about getting taken out or hearing something wiz by my ear or witness any sort of immense assault. Hope you get to see those important to you by them coming to see you or facetime often.

[@Dizarama]

I lived in South Korea for 6 months. I quit my well paying job there because I wanted to come back to The States so bad. Have lived here happily ever since.

[@daniel_edejer]

OB Beans! One of my favs! Safe travels back to Paris!

[@JaySwanson]

It was so good!

[@stephen10.]

It must be good to hear his native langage everywhere.

[@beachrose88]

you are looking healthy and vibrant

[@JaySwanson]

thank you!

[@domitiennegegou5967]

Stay with us, Jay! We will be good!😢

[@stephen10.]

Jay just want better healthcare, good public transport and gun control to return. It 's not so hard to have them

[@Connor_Laffey]

lol you were two blocks from me at the Lafayette! Truly a small world. I hope you enjoyed your time in San Diego.

[@JaySwanson]

I had a great time 🥰

[@starks1974]

You forgot to mention…American Buffets! Definitely not seeing that in many places in France. GO COUGS!!!

[@JaySwanson]

Go Cougs!

[@MT-im7hx]

Enjoy your time in the U.S.!

[@bassclefpaco]

I love San Diego. I hope you got a breakfast burrito at Nico's in Ocean Beach whilst you were there filming.

[@rob7819]

When are you getting an apartment in Paris???

[@JaySwanson]

I'm still prioritizing my business - hopefully in the not too distant future! 🍻

[@DuchessPinkbunny]

Jay you're back in SD?! That's awesome :D welcome back!

[@JaySwanson]

Thank you!

[@ritajose7713]

Welcome back to SD.

[@moshe1arem]

Welcome home 🎉

[@JaySwanson]

🍻

[@fumblingthroughjavascript]

best ad skit

[@gregoryhageage6362]

What’s the opposite of ex-pat? I’ve been mulling over the idea of becoming one after a long, long time. As you mention, there are myriad reasons, pro and en contra, to making the move. I am torn. The best of both worlds pour moi would to be a 75-25 or 65-35 split, but the best doesn’t always pan out. I’m trying to follow my heart and what feels right for me, taking other personal considerations into account, of course. Think it through, and if it feels good, you’ll know what to do. By the way, who’s got the pooch?

[@Portugal-yi4ew]

It occurs to me that you could have the best of both worlds--living in France and taking advantage of your EU citizenship--by splitting your time between two countries. Why not spend three to six months in another country and the remainder of the year back in Paris? That way you could experience life in a different culture, learn a new language, and make new friends without the need to ever completely uproot your life. For example, let's say you like the idea of living in Portugal. You could begin learning Portuguese while in Paris, perhaps even find a friend and language-partner to practice with using an app like Tandem. Form some initial connections with the place prior to going. Then you could spend some or most of the second half of 2025 in the country. If it goes well, you can return every year or two after that. Or you could even do this at some point with two countries. For example, seven months in Paris, two and a half months in Portugal, two and a half months in Sweden. You have a lot of options. But from my perspective I don't think it would be worth it for you emotionally, logistically, financially, or otherwise to just uproot completely.

[@Andrew-cg2zl]

lol daves hot chicken. the fast food in america is the best! - usa, nc resident

[@JaySwanson]

It was so good

[@heatherheaney4060]

i have Nord VPN and when I put it on then my Netflix actully pops ups a message saying they detect a VPN and it wont work unless I take it off. Then I am no longer getting any of the shows that I watch.

[@JaySwanson]

Oh that stinks!

[@Pazu84Vaucluse]

San Diego is one of the best spots in the world

[@rachelmropp]

What hotel was that in Vegas?

[@itsariyara]

OMG YOU WERE IN VEGAS?! Welcome to my home city LOL. I'm so sorry you stayed at Circus Circus. T-T

[@JaySwanson]

It was the experience I needed 😆

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Las Vegas for a birthday is honestly quite fun. Hold the sensory overload.

[@JaySwanson]

Lots of lights and clinking 😆

[@PAWS0810-]

Hi Jay - after FIVE wonderful years in Germany because their SON was a super star race driver, kids have one foot back on this side, landing in Texas. Nitrocross which he was signed on in the USA decided to fold for whatever reason (mysterious) they are in their 40's and prefer the Europe instead of USA. it's complicated. I think the electric racing is much better in the Europe than USA. anyway based on what my kids tell me, yeah pandora's box. where is your life?

[@annebelensindi1024]

Salut Jay, rentré les plus vite que possible dans vôtre pays d’adoptive. Bien à toi

[@DumpsterJuice4U]

San Diegan ex-pat??

[@hearteuhae]

Very true we do like to randomly chichat w/strangers 😅

[@charlesblack1086]

Interesting!

[@lindylee1139]

My dream is to split my time between France and Southern California

[@JaySwanson]

that's a solid dream!

[@pamelawing5747]

There are reasons to go to Las Vegas, I go with a friend every couple of years, but there are more reasons not to unless you have friends or family to visit. The strip loses it's "charm" quickly. You've been gone for awhile and I have noticed a real change in customer service here. The helpful problem solvers we used to deal with (I'm old) are here no longer so really you aren't missing anything there. Fun post and hope you had a good visit. Your dad is a good guy.

[@RH1812]

1. Happy? 2. Enough money? 3. A base to do other things from? 4. Happy still?

[@gianew-adventure]

Sorry to be negative, but what about homelessness in USA?

[@carlf.9035]

The drug problem causing a big portion of growing homelessness affects all countries and has been significantly growing in France and other European countries like US for the last 8 years. Some US cities are implementing strict rules recently prohibiting homeless tents near schools, homes and businesses.

[@abeach5420]

Ya scared me Jay -- well you scared me *FOR-YOU* !! You barely touch on the immense issues and you are smart to do so or the bad actors will come for your channel. SO glad you are not leaving your FAB place in Paris. Maybe you can sublet to pple you know if is allowed. I live above the border and it is too close to US still. Thankfully above semi sane neutral states. I cannot tell you how many thousands of US born persons have moved up here by purchasing other residences to get away from the hellish issues they gladly leave behind and to be in big spaces without all the wackos and dangers. It is A LOT since about 2018 or 19. I open water wild swim in our majestic sea - ocean and I meet so many American born folks in that hobby area. Also many love freediving , hiking, scuba diving etc and that is a breeze to do here so safely.

[@rudfil]

I think European life is more sane , just my experience .

[@JaySwanson]

I definitely understand that take

[@PokhrajRoy.]

4:14 Boycott Kayak. It’s part of the BDS List.

[@JaySwanson]

Fair, just using them as an example - I can never believe that that trick still works and yet every time I try it 😆

[@PokhrajRoy.]

@@JaySwanson It’s quite funny 😆

[@jenniferlawrence9598]

@@JaySwansonIs it “fair”? Guess I’m unsubscribing.

[@willnelson3362]

Thanks for the callout, and you're welcome! The US is absolutely the right place to be if you're young, healthy, ambitious, and either have a good professional education (STEM, business) or want to obtain such an education. If you're not all of those things, the comparison becomes much more difficult. For me, at this stage of my life, the balance strongly favors Europe. There are many aspects of the US that I absolutely loathe. You mentioned healthcare, which is just a complete disaster. I'll add food -- it generally sucks here and is often even dangerous. Nevertheless, God bless America. In the grand scheme of things, all the cliches about American exceptionalism and greatness are basically true. It remains the envy of the world, with good reason.

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks again Will! And yeah, the food is already destroying me 😆 But it's so tasty

[@michellemobakeng5938]

The envy of the world 🤔

[@willnelson3362]

​@@JaySwanson Indeed, very tasty! I've fought against bad food choices all my life, with mixed results. Kind of a symbol of America: tons of freedom, tons of temptation, most of it invisible and not even widely recognized as "temptation", and people use their extensive freedoms to choose temptations over and over that are bad for them in the long run. Stay strong, brother! Resist! Say no to chili fries!

[@abeach5420]

@@michellemobakeng5938 Uhhh yeah ... SO not the envy I agree.

[@willnelson3362]

@@michellemobakeng5938 The "envy of the world" phrase -- I lifted that from a recent issue of The Economist on the US economy. The numbers are just astonishing.

[@diannewi]

In 1973 I emigrated to Australia. I stayed for 3 years, then spent a year traveling home via Africa and Europe. The sole reason I came back to the U.S. was my grandparents were getting old and I wanted to be with them. Fast forward to the chaos in my country now, the divisions, the ugly rhetoric, the constant mass shootings, and more. Now I deeply regret that I gave up my resident status in Australia. Food for thought.

[@ListenUpDemocracy]

Why would you come back now?

[@beachrose88]

and family can pup sit

[@johnappel5528]

Dude, no, no fair, Vegas doesn’t rep the USA at all

[@rodolfosldn]

Wow love the edit with the different locations. I think that the violence you're talking about is a bit exaggerated and not an accurate representation of the US. There is gun violence and I hate it but it's not like you make it to be. Like you're about to get shot in San Diego. Just like any city there is danger and you have to stay vigilant. Love the videos. Thanks

[@stephen10.]

the paradise would be to live in the USA with a french healthcare + public transport and with gun control or to live in France with an american spirit for business and relationship. One day this paradise will arrive if we want it. Oui tout est possible et je suis français ...

[@nicktankard1244]

sounds like Switzerland :) Nor entirely but somewhat. For me the paradise would be to live in the USA and have money. If you have money the US healthcare is better than French. Public transport is the only thing that you can't have even if you're rich but it's less relevant if you don't have to work 9-5.

[@stephen10.]

@@nicktankard1244 let 's go all to switzerland ...

[@nicktankard1244]

@@stephen10.I would love to. But it’s one of the hardest countries to immigrate to. Unless you have an EU passport. Which I don’t 😢

[@ecaldwell9]

Jay. I don’t get this whole video. Are you relocating back to the states or no?

[@azmirofficial12]

hello do you need a professionals youtube thumbnail designer and video SEO experts let me know please.........

[@sbadreau]

Didn’t you just get your French citizenship?

[@JaySwanson]

Yep! Back in May

[@Chrisfeb68]

I don't know why you would want to move back to the United States. We're a mess.

[@JaySwanson]

I don't, don't worry haha

[@bigbitebones]

One important thing that I would have included is that here in USA we have plenty of free bathrooms 😂. Glad you were able to come see your family. Wishing you some fun from Miami 😊