Why We’re Leaving Sunny CA for a New Life in the U.K.

Ep. 1 - Subscriber Count: 74
Welcome to our first ever video!!! Have you ever dreamt of leaving it all behind, picking up, and just moving to a new country for a fresh start or different experience? Well, that’s exactly what we’re doing. Our young family of 5 is leaving our home in California and moving to a small town just outside of Edinburgh, Scotland in the United Kingdom. In this video, we’ll give you some of the reasons behind our move. We hope you enjoy and invite you to join us next week as we show you the months leading up to our move and all the preparation involved.
#movingabroad #USAVSUK #Scotland #acrossthepond #movingtoU.K. #movingtoscotland #movingtoedinburgh #escapeamerica #escapingamerica #leavingtheUS

[@bordersw1239]

Hate it when people post negative comments, most places are what you make of it. I’m fairly broke but have a nice house in a lovely town in Wales. After 21 years living here, I still appreciate the beauty and history that surrounds me - every single day.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Agreed! Each place has its own pitfalls and perks. We just hope to keep our positivity and truly embrace our new life. We have not been disappointed so far!

[@jp9153]

Crazy that Zack grew up in Scotland, you wouldn’t know, he sounds so American !

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We know!! Hoping it comes back quickly.

[@annbaillie9098]

@@SimpleScottishLiving I live in Glasgow and I can still hear that wee Scottish twang in his accent, even though his American is good, he still has some Scottish so he will be back to his old self in no time. And enjoy your new adventure. xoxoxox

[@Dowdorama]

The algorithm put you in my feed and I’ve gotta say - the algorithm nailed it so I had to comment. We are mid-pack for our move from Sonoma County to Ireland. We’ve planned a channel for our friends and family back home too. 🤗

[@archiebald4717]

Scotland, the UK and Europe in generalare all a treasure trove of beauty, discovery and learning.

[@glastonbury4304]

Lifes about memories...they cant be replaced...money can be...have a wonderful time in beautiful Bonnie Scotland ❤

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you! We appreciate the positivity!

[@katewilliams4876]

You are going to love it. Scotland is magical.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We’re so happy to be here! Thanks for watching ❤️

[@jayeff3196]

Good Luck in your adventures and enjoy this beautiful country....🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@YARROWS9]

Don't forget to visit Ayrshire, and the Isle of Arran. On your Scottish journey's.

[@mosless1]

I a sooooo looking forward to seeing and experiencing your adventure with you!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you!!

[@davidscott6375]

As a Scotsman and ex military, who has moved around “a few times”, I can relate to Annie’s experiences as an army child. Also, my travels brought me to Germany where I have lived since 1990, so looking forward to see what your adventure brings you, and also for a little piece of home. I’m not sure why, but your latest blog was recommended to me, but when I saw how new your channel was I decided to check it out from the beginning, so to try and help you on the way, one subscription coming up! Good luck to you both, and your the family.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for watching! I actually lived in Germany as a child for 3 years. I can see why you stayed! We appreciate you taking the time to comment ❤️ Wishing you well!

[@user-zi8wr6dc6j]

My husband grew up in Scotland and we currently live in Washington State. We are in the process of trying to move to Edinburgh. Your videos are basically just what I need right now.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Oh wow! Many similarities. My dad was raised in Washington, so we used to visit all the time. Please feel free to email if you need help with any questions, but the Facebook expat groups are full of useful information if you haven’t yet joined. Wishing you well! ❤️ - Annie

[@phoenix-xu9xj]

At least your children will grow up, understanding, global geography and history.

[@willswomble7274]

At least they might get to grow up.

[@matchmade44]

Having done the reverse journey as a young man and lived in the US and Canada for five years in the 1990s, I am full of admiration at your decision to move your whole family and careers to the UK. I really hope you have a wonderful, fulfilling time. We Brits can be very down on ourselves, especially at the moment after the Great Recession of 2008, Brexit, Covid and all the struggles people are having with inflation and fuel costs, but we still live in a rich, diverse, funny, beautiful and eccentric country, and it's wonderful that our American cousins - sorry, rebellious colonials, and look how little they've made of themselves since - want to visit and share their experiences, perspectives and talents with us. Thank you!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for the thoughtful words! We couldn't be more thrilled to finally be here!

[@ALANL4460]

Looking forward to following your journey. As an Edinburgh native i love my city but like anyone whem you are constantly surrounded by beauty and great scenery you do take it for granted at times. However through videos like yours you come to appreciate what i have in Scotland. All the best on your great adventure

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We’re about to share our top 10 favorites about the UK this Sunday, and this is one point we discuss! Zach is truly enjoying being back and seeing everything with fresh eyes again ❤️

[@CourtneyEllsworth-qg4xh]

Super excited for you guys!! I admire your courage. I can’t wait to follow you guys on your new journey!

[@Lovelifeandtravel]

My daughter moved from Australia to Scotland for 2 years and loved it. I would love to move back to that side of the world now I’m an empty nester. You are inspiring!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Awe, thank you for the kind words! If you have a way to do so, you should. It’s been worth the entire process!

[@patricialavender2902]

I really admire you both, and understand totally why you have decided to change your lives. As a child I lived in other countries, mainly in the far east, and it has given me many happy memories. I am certain you will make a success of your new adventure, and can't wait for further episodes. I am enjoying your videos so much. Thank you.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for the kind words. We appreciate the comment and are so glad to have you joining us!

[@yvettenoland5500]

Good luck to you all!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you! We couldn’t be more excited 😊

[@ThaCarvalhoFoto]

I loved getting to know a little about you two in this video, and I've already connected with this incredible purpose that you talked about, I'm looking forward to finding out the next chapters!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you! We can’t wait to share more. Had such a wonderful time exploring Edinburgh with the kids today. Stunning 😍

[@user-nj1qu1cs7s]

Welcome hope you have a great life here.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We appreciate the kind words! We’ve been settling in and have felt incredibly welcomed so far.

[@TheHavasu_77]

I’m so glad I found your channel and I’m here for it! 🙌🏻❤️ I escaped from CA in 2004, but I only moved to AZ. I’ve been to Ireland 3 times and Scotland twice, and it’s SOOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL there!! Not to mention the rich history that your kids get to experience!! How exciting and thank you for sharing this amazing journey with us! ❤

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thanks for joining! We’re thrilled to be here and to share the journey.

[@johnwatt5921]

I live in Scotland and still can see the beautiful country and history but growing up here i know that the Scotland is not eden but it still is to me. I am sure that wherever you come from the beauty will be there. Good luck guy's i hope you find happiness in Scotland and find family,friends, and village idiot's all great people to have in life.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We feel so fortunate to be able to raise our children here. It is our Eden!!

[@seanboxall5869]

I am English and have travelled around the world and I would say that Scotland is in my top 5 most beautiful countries anywhere and Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities anywhere in the world. Once you have settled in, my recommendation is to make plans to travel Scotland itself first as there is so much to see and do. Drive ‘The North Coast 500’ try island hopping around the Inner and Outer Hebrides on the wonderful Caledonian Macbrayne ferries, stay on Skye and walk on the coast paths, visit the Cairngorms National Park and so much more. And then, as you have said, you have the rest of Europe to visit virtually on your doorstep. You are going to have a wonderful time guys and I am looking forward to following your journey. Good luck.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and leave such a thoughtful comment! This sounds like a great plan ❤️

[@haveringpish]

Sensible, logical decision especially with young children, I couldn't imagine living in the States, bit of a hellscape.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

It definitely varies depending on your specific location as most places. We were fortunate for our experiences, but we couldn’t be happier with our decision to raise our family in Scotland. ❤️

[@marie-theresehayes6875]

welcome to Scotland. I hope we live up to your expectations.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

It has so far! Thrilled to be here ❤️

[@scottirvine121]

Looking forward to you sharing your journey, most of us are in Germany currently haha Make sure you tune in on Sunday Alba gu Brath

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Will do! We’ve been watching as a family :)

[@karensm3709]

Welcome to Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you!!

[@louisemiller4970]

There are peple from Scotland who will decry the Country, but you know everywhere has its downsides. I li ed in Australia for 11 years,great job and great salary, then when i came home people always asked why id moved back as if i was nad. As i always say sunshine dosent make a lifestyle, and tho i loved my time in Oz i missed many aspects of living in Scotland.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Agreed - so many people have asked how we could ever leave the CA weather, but the pros of moving outweigh the cons for us. We just want to provide our children with the best life possible, and for our family, that’s in Scotland ❤️

[@cherylmcgowan3396]

I love living I Scotland, yeah the weather could be better but other than that I have no complaints

[@raymondporter2094]

There's no such thing as bad weather - just the wrong clothing.😊​@@SimpleScottishLiving

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

@@raymondporter2094 yes!!

[@mrmisc8427]

I moved to England from Scotland when I was 9, then moved to Canada when I was 28 , I’m now 41. I still to this day have a strong Glaswegian accent. How do you still not have a Scottish accent when you left at 24. Anyway, hope you and your family enjoy Scotia, no place like home!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We think it’s because Zach was in law enforcement and didn’t want to stand out. Who knows though! Hoping it comes back soon :)

[@mrmisc8427]

@@SimpleScottishLiving that makes sense, I just gave up on folk trying to understand me. It’s the price us Scots must pay when moving abroad lol. Good luck with everything!

[@johncooper3392]

Things change.

[@phoenix-xu9xj]

But many people think that the UK is way ahead of the US in terms of technology. We just scan everything with our phones to pay. They’re ridiculously complicated tax returns over there. Not to mention how difficult banking is.

[@jranger63]

We welcome ya back hame again Zach n your kin from the McDonald clan. Just across the pond in Ulster. You have made the right decision for the unhurried life. We will enjoy following your wee families adventures God bless

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you! We feel so fortunate to be here ❤️

[@MM-qg9fq]

Wow I too grew up in Sonoma county for 25 years and moved my wee family back to Scotland in 2018. I’m originally from Scotland as well, Fife. We live in Edinburgh. Would be great to connect, probably about the same age - I have two kids. 8 yr old son and 2 yr old daughter.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

I think we’re kindred souls ha! Yes, please email [e-mail] I’d love to hear more!

[@gabbymcclymont3563]

Can i sugest a SAD lamp or 2, it is very dark in the winter a lamp or 2or 5, they may help. In the winter it is very dark for a huge part of the day and it cxan realy affect people.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you! Yes, please feel free to offer any and all helpful tips. We'll add this to the list.

[@Live4Christ1995]

Heyy! I'm new to the channel and when I first heard Zach talk I was like ''is it me, or do I hear a faint british accent?'' I live in the Netherlands but my mom was born and raised in Glasgow so when I heard that Zach was actually born and raised in Scotland too I was a bit surprised because the scots have a very thick accent. But when you live in a different country for so many years you kinda lose the accent I think.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Hoping the accent comes back in full with time!!

[@bodilyc]

I was born in Scotland and am in EDI each year to visit family.... pls do research this thoroughly. esp the educational system. My daughter teaches in EDI and one reason they will leave is that they want to have children but will not put them in Scottish schools.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for your comment! We have done extensive research and are happy with the schools we’ve lined up. We appreciate your concern!

[@bodilyc]

@@SimpleScottishLiving wonderful, I hope it is everything you have planned for.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you, truly! We appreciate hearing from others, especially those from here. Wishing you well.

[@AdventuresandLifestyle]

We dont expect to see people from other countries looking forward to coming to Scotland or England due to the rainy, cold weather. The main upside is probably the NHS thank heavens. Nature wise, its certainly beautiful, so wishing you all the best. The law is different in Scotland so watch what you say. Scotland punishes you for saying negative things now. Yep, Its a crime now. But the Whisky is good! as is the beer. Have a sunny day, everyday, from Paul & Kathy in GB 🤝👍✊

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thanks for joining and for the insight! Good to know. We’re so grateful to be here and don’t regret our decision at all one month in. We haven’t had to use the NHS yet, but it’s a relief knowing it’s there!

[@graemeh2009]

Did politics have much of an input in your decision to move here to Scotland? You don't need to go into detail, I'm just curious if that was a factor for you Besides that, I hope you're enjoying Scotland so far and decide to stay for many, many decades!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

It definitely was a consideration!

[@fhcreates]

Very sensible to moving from a country that celebrates guns

[@mcwoomanor4880]

We don't celebrate Guns, don't know where you got that from??, it's not Texas!!

[@user-gl7rk7sm9c]

Seems like a good move, at least you won’t have to pay for your children’s education now.

[@sussex33]

Confused as to the guy living in Scotland until he was 24. He doesn’t look massively older than that now but has an American accent? 🤷‍♂️

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Lived 14 years in the US. Thanks for thinking he looks young 🤣

[@ET76001]

Must be joking LOL he looks exactly the late 30s / early 40s man as he is.

[@robbo4166]

just be aware, your children will end up with webbed feet, wow your going to see some rain.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

🫣🤣

[@BrendanClark03]

We don't get rain all the time! And when it rains scotland is still stunning for its scenery ..just wear a rain jacket 😊

[@JohnLavery-ug2yt]

Another thing about Scotland healthcare is free .if you have a baby the Scottish government provides a baby box free with nappies baby clothes bibs baby wipes everything you need for a newborn .

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Yes, it’s amazing! Didn’t share this because we have not yet experienced the system just yet in our 3 short weeks, but we would love to cover this in a future video!

[@skooshy621]

John, the baby boxes, prescriptions, Higher Education tuition fees and 'free' bus travel for over 60s and under 22s are all paid for by taxes.

[@edwardhowie6102]

The baby boxes are an insult and pretty useless like the clowns at Holyrood who give freebies to try and influence potential voters to their lost cause.🇬🇧

[@stephaniedavies6773]

What has a baby box got to do with anything? Nothing In this world is free especially not our "healthcare". I personally don't see why everyone wants to move here we have our problems no different to any other country but each to their own.

[@silversteel6312]

Zach, how long do you think your car crash of an accent will take to normalise?😂. Annie, how long before you speak with a Scottish twang? Kids are sponges so for them no time at all.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

🤣Hopefully, we’ll all have the accent sooner than later!!

[@jaysummers9396]

"Leave an excellent school system for the kids." Are you sure you were talking about America? 😂

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

😅We were fortunate where we were, but I have to report, the new school situation in Scotland is better than could have been expected!

[@jaysummers9396]

@@SimpleScottishLiving Great stuff, i wish you all well, once you've settled into a quieter pace of life I'm sure you'll all notice the benefits 🤘👍

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

@@jaysummers9396 We hope so! It’s been go go go since arriving, but it will be amazing to finally get into our routine and feel settled. I can’t wait to explore our local area - countless walking trails!

[@jaysummers9396]

@@SimpleScottishLiving Absolutely, the scenery in Scotland is epic to be fair, I've just myself got back from camping in the Trossachs, we try to get to Scotland at least once a year. Just stay away from the Buckfast 😂😂

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Noted! 🤣

[@monero892]

Wow lived in Scotland till he was 24? I thought he was a yank, totally lost most of his accent

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We know! Hoping it comes back quickly!

[@TravelAbventuresUnbound]

Scotland, too wee too poor, as they say.

[@earnold1896]

Scotland is the pits now.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Guess we’ll find out..we just landed 🤣

[@jaysummers9396]

Scotland is a wonderful country with a rich history, beautiful scenery and architecture, and wonderful people for the most part. Everywhere in the world has it's bad parts and bad people.

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you for the positivity! We need more of this ❤️

[@jaysummers9396]

@@SimpleScottishLiving Old Chinese proverb: "It is the same life, whether we spend it laughing or crying.” 😊

[@paulpaisley5291]

I.m from Glasgow. I.m so sure you both have made the right decision for your family. Your going to do very well. Good luck to you both and your kids. Hope he supports rangers fc. 😂

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

We’re enjoying it so far and feel a sense of relief! Zach says Rangers are on the wrong side of the country 🫣🤣

[@paulpaisley5291]

@SimpleScottishLiving hearts then.

[@CourtneyEllsworth-qg4xh]

Super excited for you guys!! I admire your courage. I can’t wait to follow you guys on your new journey!

[@phoenix-xu9xj]

But many people think that the UK is way ahead of the US in terms of technology. We just scan everything with our phones to pay. They’re ridiculously complicated tax returns over there. Not to mention how difficult banking is.

[@CourtneyEllsworth-qg4xh]

Super excited for you guys!! I admire your courage. I can’t wait to follow you guys on your new journey!

[@SimpleScottishLiving]

Thank you so much! We can’t believe it’s finally happening:)