Hi, everyone! I've been lurking on these forums for ages, both before my move and ever since, and I decided to finally make an account so I could comment/connect with everyone here since you all seem so nice
I'm originally from Brooklyn, NY and am now living in the North East of England - close to Durham/about 45 mins outside of Newcastle. Definitely a change (though really anywhere would be after NYC). I spent several 6-month visitor visa stints here with my partner before FINALLY securing my LTR visa in November 2016 with the help of an AMAZING immigration lawyer in the city. It was a very long process, but I'm here!
I miss New York a lot and while I do love this part of the country (cheaper than London, the seaside and the countryside equidistant from this town), I'm not immune to a bout or two of homesickness. Still, after working so hard to get here, I'd be silly not to appreciate the ability to live here and finally be with my partner 24/7 instead of having to live on Skype from thousands of miles away!