Anxious Family Turns to ChatGPT for Escape from Trump's America, Now Settling in Devon
A Florida family, deeply concerned about the direction of the United States under Donald Trump, desperately sought an escape route by consulting ChatGPT. Ashley Anne O'Brien, a contract manager, described feeling "anxious all the time" due to a series of distressing events, including ICE shootings, the Epstein files revelations, and nuclear threats to Iran. She expressed a desire for a "boring" life where her biggest worries would revolve around potholes and bin collections, rather than political chaos.
How ChatGPT Guided the Family to a New Home
After deciding to move across the pond, the family asked ChatGPT to narrow down their options. The AI provided ten suggestions, including Sidmouth, Exmouth, and Torquay. They ultimately fell in love with the coastal town of Torquay in Devon, captivated by attractions such as Kents Cavern, Babbacombe Model Village, and The Babbacombe Cliff Railway. Ashley noted that using ChatGPT helped streamline their search, avoiding the overwhelming task of reading about countless towns on Wikipedia.
She explained, "Torquay is a larger town compared to Sidmouth and Exmouth, offering more amenities due to its population. When I discussed it with my husband, he had fond memories of visiting Torquay, which solidified our choice." The family aims to move in by the end of July and plans to open a bed and breakfast in the town, hoping to find a property where someone is retiring.
Seeking Normalcy and Connection in a New Environment
Ashley highlighted the overwhelming nature of recent events in the U.S., citing DOGE cuts to government services, the annexation of Canada and Greenland as states, insults directed at Zelensky based on his attire, ICE detention centers, shootings involving individuals named Good and Pretti, the demolition of the East Wing of the White House for a ballroom, the Epstein files, bombings in the Caribbean, the abduction of the President of Venezuela and his wife, and the war in Iran. She described this as "an inundation of events and decisions that overwhelm and stress everyone out."
Her primary goal is to provide a normal life for her children, Daisy, 13, and Mitchell, 15. She said, "I just want to breathe. I want my children to worry about gossip, bad haircuts, and sports, not regular active shooter drills in school. I want things to feel normal." Ashley also hopes her children will connect more with their father's family history, as he originally moved to the U.S. from Walsall, Staffordshire.
She added, "I want to worry about rights of way, litter, children speeding on e-bikes, and how long it takes for local permits—things that might be considered boring, but that's what I wish for my family. I want life for my children, and all of us, to be hopeful and beautiful, which is another reason we're moving to England."
Embracing Torquay as a New Beginning
Ashley views the move as an adventure and a fresh start, saying, "It feels like an adventure but also feels like a new part of our life is going to start, and that's really amazing." To integrate into the local community, she has joined Facebook groups to learn about local issues, festivals, and daily life in Torquay.
Torquay, part of the stunning "English Riviera" along with neighboring towns Paignton and Brixham, is often regarded as the district's queen. This idyllic landscape is home to 52,000 residents and attracts over 4 million visitors annually. Torbay Council is currently revamping areas in Torquay's Harbourside as part of a broader plan to regenerate the town over the next decade.
Exploring Torquay's Attractions and Amenities
For those considering a visit or move to Torquay, the 22-mile stretch of the English Riviera offers 20 beaches. Torre Abbey Sands is a sandy beach ideal for swimming, though dogs are not allowed. Hollicombe beach may pose accessibility challenges for disabled individuals and also bans dogs, while Corbyn Head features sand and shingle with sunbed hire and good swimming spots.
Watersports enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as water-skiing, diving, kayaking, and windsurfing. For experienced swimmers, the Meadfoot to Brixham swim challenge spans four miles across the bay. Evening entertainment options include the Babbacombe Theatre or Princess Theatre, which showcase West End productions, or the HQ Escape Rooms for family team-building challenges.
Shopping opportunities abound at the family-friendly Trago Mills shopping center or along Torquay Harbour, which is filled with shops and eateries. This vibrant community offers a blend of natural beauty and urban amenities, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a peaceful yet engaging lifestyle.
