How exciting for you! Where in Colorado? I've lived in VA and in NY, and traveled to many places in the US....CO is definately near the top of the list of places to live. Wide-open spaces, mountains, prairies, great quality of life, low humidity, sunny winters. (I could go on!). Where in the state you live will see some variety in the above topics. Some places like Boulder, Denver are a touch more expensive and may have more traffic than others, but still very low in comparison to other places, particularly on the Coasts. Shoot me a message if you have more specific questions and I'll try to help!

expat01: THANK YOU for both posting your initial question and following up on how it worked out. This is a relevant question as we are currently still stateside, possibly becoming expats in 2012 (well, technically my wife is currently a british expat in the US already - but I digress). On recent trip over, went to 1 car dealership. Hoped to make it to Delft to see Hyundai dealer to check offerings, prices, etc.. Shipping a car from here to there is amazingly inexpensive. Hyundai for example are offerring great summer deals on some models, and one would thing a Hyundai (or in your case ford) is a Hyundai and service would be no problem. As your expericence showed, that is not necessarily a good assumption. I would have thought that the gasoline V6 Ford motor in the 'stang was also used in other Ford's globally (if you have the V8 then I'd bet that is probably a US only option). Other makes from GM, Hyundai, etc. probably are more global than other. I like some Peugeots but bringing one back here could be a service issue. All that aside I can't help thinking that regardless of the make/model, something like an oil change should be pretty straight forward assuming that an oil filter that would fit was available. (note: look for metric cars, vs SAE models) :-) Just again, sharing experiences is how we all learn along the way...so THANKS!

News to us. All current shots with records and letter from your US Vet should get you a 'Pet Visa'. Worked for us to bring cat from UK to US, and the process is supposed to be receiprical...

Saw this and was hoping for a good reply. Currently in CO, looking to relo and weighing options of getting car in NL vs shipping one from here. Maintainence would be an obvious issue. I know there are Fords in UK, would imagine there are service techs in NL. Do post an update on your experience.....thanks!

While your ambition and love is admirable. I think you are looking at the same fate as many 'illegals' here in USA. Immigration is a big deal and at a young age, you don't get the benefit of 'i didn't know better because I am young.'. Unless you are prepared to marry this girl (personnally I'd advise against it at your ages) I think you're looking at a temporary 'visit' and an extended long-distance relationship. Start digging around the US and NL immigration sites for information, forms and FOLLOW the processes. They are there for a reason and on the US side there is an 1-800 number you can call with your questions. You might want to look on both sides of the ocean at Univerisity options. Here, used to be that foreign students could get scholarships, etc. to add diversity to the university. Maybe it works on the NL side too for a Yank?