Having a green card definitely helps. Being able to get homestead exemption, and the thought you will eventually be able to claim social security and medicare in your old age are big boons as is the ability to put your kids through further education at residents rates. Plus you dont have the expense of all the renewals, for which the whole family have to fly back to Europe. I think with a green card and a good income, you can live the lifestyle, maybe the odd complaint about the cost of healthcare, property tax and insurances, but no real problems. However the original poster was not going to be on a green card, they were going to be on a visa. Fact is the vast majority of Brits here end up either running a business or getting sponsored for employment and a lot people are really struggling with their businesses in this economic situation and others with employment based visas are being laid off left right and centre because of the high unemployment It isnt for the faint hearted. Apart from the hot and humid weather in Summer, there is nothing wrong with living here if you have permanence and a lot of cash or a very good income.