Feeling overwhelmed by the political climate under Donald Trump’s administration, Ashley Anne O’Brien, 55, has made the life-changing decision to move her family from Cocoa Beach, Florida, to the United Kingdom. With a British husband and two children, Ashley wanted her family to connect with their heritage while finding a peaceful community to call home.
To narrow down the ideal location in the UK, Ashley turned to ChatGPT for help. She shared her family’s preferences—looking for a tourist-friendly town close to water, a milder climate, and access to amenities like theatres and tennis courts. The AI responded with ten suggestions, primarily in the picturesque county of Devon, including Sidmouth, Exmouth, and Torquay.
Torquay quickly captured Ashley’s heart. Known as a seaside resort town on the English Riviera, it offers scenic beaches and nearby attractions like Kents Cavern, Babbacombe Model Village, and The Babbacombe Cliff Railway. Ashley and her family fell in love with the charm of the town and plan to move by the end of summer, with ambitions to open a bed and breakfast. Ashley envisions her husband cooking full English breakfasts while she bakes treats like bread and blueberry muffins.
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Ashley said, “Using ChatGPT helped us cut through the overwhelming research. Instead of endlessly scrolling through websites, we got a curated list to start from.” The family considered factors like population size and available amenities and felt Torquay was the perfect fit.
The move stems from Ashley’s desire for stability and normalcy for her children, Daisy, 13, and Mitchell, 15. She explained her growing anxiety living in the US amid political controversies, active shooter drills at schools, and general social unrest. “I want my children to worry about everyday things like gossip and school sports—not fear or alarm,” she shared.
Ashley is also eager for her children to grow up close to their father’s roots in Walsall and to experience British culture firsthand. Her husband’s fond memories of Torquay made the decision even more personal.
To prepare for their new chapter, Ashley has already joined local Facebook groups to connect with the community and learn more about life in Torquay. “It feels like an adventure, but also like a fresh start for our family,” she said.
In leaving the USA behind, Ashley is seeking a hopeful and beautiful future, where her family can enjoy simple pleasures—near the sea, surrounded by culture, and embraced by a welcoming town.