Additional Coverage:
- A California family of 5 found a house in Scotland listed for under $270,000. The catch: It was half the size of their old place. (newsbreak.com)
Family Moves from California to Scotland for a Simpler Life
Zach and Annie, a couple with three young children, traded their fast-paced California lifestyle for a simpler one in Scotland. They found California’s constant hustle-and-bustle left little time for family and adventure.
Preparing for the Move
Zach, originally from Scotland, had always wanted to return. Annie had always dreamed of living there. After a decade in California, they decided it was time to make the move before their children grew too attached to their friends and school.
They chose the East Lothian area near Edinburgh, where Zach had family and the kids had fond memories. After securing a spousal visa for Annie, they found a cozy three-bedroom house within their budget.
Settling into Their Home
Arriving in Scotland with their kids in May, Zach and Annie were relieved to find their new home spacious enough. They spent two months renovating before moving in. The neighborhood’s walkability and proximity to amenities and nature made it easy to adapt to life in Scotland.
A Simpler Life
The couple says life in Scotland feels more like their own childhoods in the ’90s. Their children can play outside until the streetlights come on, creating a sense of safety and freedom. They appreciate the slower pace, reduced need for a car, and increased family time.
Zach and Annie have started a YouTube channel to share their adventures and the benefits of their simpler life in Scotland.