Steven Pihlaja, an American linguist and discourse analyst at Aston University, moved to Birmingham in 2014 after living in Japan and Malaysia. On US Independence Day, he shared what he loves most about his adopted home, describing the city as welcoming, diverse, and perfectly sized.
Lifestyle and Walkability
Pihlaja, who grew up in the US Midwest and now lives in Harborne, Birmingham's sister city to Chicago, emphasized the lifestyle as his top reason for staying. "You spend a lot less time in a car here compared to the US," he said. "I can ride my bicycle to work." He values being able to walk to a supermarket, contrasting it with the American reliance on driving and the abundance of choices like 25 Oreo flavors.
Healthcare and Work-Life Balance
The 44-year-old highlighted healthcare as a key luxury. "Going back to the US, the real threat is about getting sick. Things we might treat as an inconvenience would bankrupt you," he said. He also noted that people in the UK appreciate time off and value family more than financial success, which aligns with his own priorities.
Political Reflections
On July 4, Pihlaja reflected on his American identity, noting that Donald Trump has been a divisive figure. "I don't think people are feeling patriotic," he said. While wearing a Harris-Walz baseball cap in Edinburgh to signal his American roots, he described himself as not particularly patriotic.
Future Plans
Having run as a Labour councillor for Moseley, Pihlaja hasn't ruled out a return to politics. However, a return to the US seems unlikely. He misses Mexican food, especially chips and salsa, but prefers the food in Birmingham. "I can't see myself going back to the US," he concluded.
