Potential move to USA (New Jersey)

[MagicMelon]

OH's job may take him to the companies base in New Jersey (South West) in a couple of years time. It may never happen but its already being spoken about a bit. It would be a big upheaval as I have 3 young boys and 2 horses. What are schools generally like? Are there better levels of school? No idea how much of a shock itd be moving my eldest (who would be about to go to secondary school around then) and how the schooling level relates to here? Horse-wise, I doubt I could take them with me, I imagine costs to get them there are very expensive... but then how much are horses there? Ive always thought in the US horse prices were much higher than here. Is it more expensive in general in livery or competing? Does anyone know how much it costs to take a cat and a dog there? Do they have to quarantine?

Just wondering about all the options, it may never happen but be good to put my mind at rest that it might not be such a terrifying prospect.

 

[Midlifecrisis]

If you are asked to go you will have a visit months prior to leaving and usually a relocation advisor who will show you housing options/schools and will be able to research the answers to your questions.
if you get the option to go…go. Did you knock the idea of moving to borders/Edinburgh on the head?

 

[Nicnac]

Schools aren't as advanced as here as they start later. I was put 2 years ahead when I moved to the US when I was 9 which was horrible as although the work was easy, socially it was a really bad move. Great sports facilities usually if you're into US sports! I went back and did my degrees there and got loads of credits for my A levels. They catch up once you get to Masters level imo.

Lots of companies have cut back on their relocation budgets so make sure you know what you will be offered in terms of relocation costs - it's always more expensive than you think. You will need new electrical items as ours don't work there unless you use a ridiculously large transformer so need budget for those if not built into house which most are. If the relocation is for a finite duration you may be better renting furnished or at least part furnished and putting your stuff in storage.

I'd leave horses here - my company did pay for mine to come across from Europe when I transferred here but didn't take any to or from the US!

Honestly - it's the best experience. Yes it's very different but will give your boys something they'd never get over here. Carpe diem!

 

[sonners09]

Youre going to be looking at around £8k for moving one horse (im moving mine in december)

pets as long as small and can fit under the seat in the place in the carrier you can take them as carry on, it costs around £150

I cant help with schools, i dont have children

 

[usaequestrian]

I'm in NJ!!! There are some great schools. In the Hunterdon County area, there are tons of horse farms(like every acre) and many pros. Great stables and most people know what they are doing. Horse board differs everywhere, I think you'll be looking at $1250-$1800 per horse and about $50-$60 per half-hour lesson. Let me know what county you might be moving to!