A family who escaped the US for the countryside in the UK over fears of gun violence in schools have revealed the cultural difference between the two counties - including getting used to "interesting" British phrases."

Cate and Will Hunter, both 39, have always wanted to relocate but took the leap after not wanting their daughter, five, to face the reality of shooting drills in the states.

They also wanted to be closer to Will's family, who has British citizenship but was born in California.

The family moved to a three bedroom house in Tunbridge Wells, Kent in May 2025 from Denver, Colorado, and are loving the slower pace of lifestyle and felt an "immediate sense of relief"."

Cate has had to get used to words such as "numpty" and always being asked "are you alright?" but says she is saving £83 a week on her food shop and finds the items are fresher and have shorter use by dates."

She loves the "quaint, cosy" vibes of her British property as opposed to "brand new and shiny" American houses - and says the doors are "heavier" in the UK."

Cate, a stay-at-home mum, said: "The thought of putting her in the school system in the states - we knew she'd be doing gun drills."

"I couldn't imagine a five year old doing that."

"There was an immediate sense of relief [after moving]."

"Knowing when you're walking through a crowded area no one is going to take a gun out."

"There is not going to be a random crazed man shooting up with a gun."

Cate, who previously worked as a special education teacher, has had to teach shooting drills all her career.

She said: "We had to make them realise it was serious but not make them fear going to school."

"I was teaching in Oakland, California and there was a gunman shooting directly in front of the school."

"We had glass windows and there was nowhere to hide - we had to pull the blinds down."

"Having a kid openness your eyes up to the dangers around you."

"There were situations I was willing to put myself in but not my daughter."

The political landscape in America also encouraged Cate and Will, a senior director at an advertising company, to move.

Cate said: "There are some schools taking away books that I buy for my daughter - anything about inclusivity."

"We fear for kids futures."

Will went for a promotion and requested a transfer to the London office - which they were granted.

The family moved in May to a rented property - which costs them £2,600 per month. They rent out their home in Colorado to keep property there.

The average rent of a three bed property in Colorado is around $3,000.

Their "happy go lucky" daughter has already settled into reception and feel more relaxed in the country - and have even booked their first family holiday in August."

Cate has also noticed a difference in food - and less additives - but does miss Whole Foods.

She said: "Things expire here a lot quicker than they do in the states. "

"The hummus has to be eaten in four days. It lasts a month in the US."

"My daughter's tummy is a lot happier."

"People who live in America love convivence. It's not healthy. I don't need 85 choices of cereal."

Cate said she used to spend $250 a week (£183) on her Whole Foods shop but now spends £100 in supermarkets here -but will top this up with trips to the farm shop and butchers.

Some of the British phrases have caught Cate by surprise.

She said: "My sister-in-law said the word 'numpty' and I thought that's an interesting one."

"Someone said 'that's the badger' and I thought 'that's the what now?'"

"Everyone is always asking if I'm alright."

"My sister-in-law told me I need to offer tea when people come over."

"I didn't know people would be offended if I didn't do that."

Cate has also noticed differences in our homes.

She said: "I like quaint, cosy things."

"Things in the states are brand new and shiny. It's very modern,"

"Here it feels like a solid house."

"In the US they throw up houses in a few months - it feels like cardboard walls."

"The doors are heavier here."

The family are planning to stay in the UK for the foreseeable.

Cate said: "Everything is a lot less stressful and safer."

"It fits my personality more with what I'm interested in - a slow pace of life, cosy, and walks."