I have been in the US about ten times and I think one of the initial barriers is our that our perception of the US is formed through Hollywood.
Some things that did not match my expectations/assumptions:
- The average American is much poorer than I expected. Wealth is less evenly divided, than say West-Europe.
- Americans are extremely nice and warm. Some Europeans say it is superficial, but I really liked when eating at some place that a stranger would pass by and have a chat.
- Apart from the West coast and North-East, Americans are pretty conservative.
- Americans have a positive attitude towards life.
- Americans are prepared to take risks, where Europeans are for more risk-averse. This (IMO) has a bad effect on the social system, but a positive effect on entrepreneurism.
Don't let appearances dictate your perception of wealth (well, in the midwest at least). A lot of farmers, business people in the midwest don't look the part, but have the bucks.
And as you might learn in 'The Millionaire Next Door' many doctors and lawyers have nothing but debt and the appearance of wealth. Or in Texan: "Big hat, no cattle."
I have been in the U.S. as often as you (like 20 times) and had the same experiences. I go with all your 5 points. I especially like their openness and friendliness. The very positive experiences changed the way I behave when meeting strangers outside of the U.S.
Things changed a bit after 9/11 though, but I can understand that.
Some things that did not match my expectations/assumptions:
- The average American is much poorer than I expected. Wealth is less evenly divided, than say West-Europe.
- Americans are extremely nice and warm. Some Europeans say it is superficial, but I really liked when eating at some place that a stranger would pass by and have a chat.
- Apart from the West coast and North-East, Americans are pretty conservative.
- Americans have a positive attitude towards life.
- Americans are prepared to take risks, where Europeans are for more risk-averse. This (IMO) has a bad effect on the social system, but a positive effect on entrepreneurism.