Most Popular Countries for Americans to Move

You probably landed on this article because you are planning to move to another country. No worries, you are not alone – roughly a third of the US adult population wants to move too.

You should know the top choice for US expatriates to ensure you find your ideal new home. Also, learning their reasons for leaving could help you plan your destination.

This article will discuss why many US citizens want to leave their home country. Also, we will list the most popular choices for each age group.

Why are so many Americans moving out?

Harris Poll conducted an online survey for Wise (formerly Transferwise) that involved 2,090 adults 18 years old and above. It found that 35% of US adults are open to moving to another country. 

That number included native-born and foreign-born residents. They share reasons why they want to move to other countries. Later, we will discuss the specific reasons for each age group and their preferred destinations.

First, the cost of living in other countries is lower than in the United States. States like California and New York face rising prices due to inflation and local government policies. 

Meanwhile, other countries allow you to purchase a condominium with two bathrooms and two bedrooms abroad for the same price as a studio apartment in the US. 

Second, remote jobs enable people to work from anywhere in the world. You can advance your career with a computer and an internet connection. 

Some countries are also using the trend to promote more tourism. For example, Indonesia currently offers flexible six-month visas for remote workers or digital nomads.

Third, people believe they can attain work-life balance in other countries. Digital nomads work an average of three days a week. Afterward, they can live their lives for the remaining four.

Fourth, the current political climate makes Americans anxious. Many left after the Roe v. Wade decision, and more folks might move before the Midterm Elections. Other countries may seem like a haven.

Finally, people simply want to travel! Many people want to see the world. For example, Oktoberfest drew in millions of people when it reopened after two years of the global pandemic. 

Staying in the same places can become boring, so people drive or fly to new locations. Sometimes, people decide to stay in a new country.

Millennials and Gen Z

Let us discuss why specific age groups search “what countries are Americans moving to” online. We will start with Millennials and Generation Z.

This group includes people aged 35 to 39. They move to other countries for lower living costs and greater work-life balance. Most Gen Z and Millennials move to the following countries:

1. Mexico
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Spain
5. Germany
6. Australia
7. Costa Rica
8. Thailand
9. Italy
10. France

Gen X

This age group includes people aged 40 to 59. In other words, you may refer to them as the early retirement crowd. Many emigrate because they want to settle down and relax for their golden years. 

Others search “what countries are Americans moving to” online because they want to work abroad. Nowadays, nearly every country has internet access, so why stay in one place? Most of the Gen X crowd prefer the following countries:

1. Mexico
2. Portugal
3. Canada
4. Costa Rica
5. Thailand
6. Spain
7. The Philippines
8. Italy
9. United Kingdom
10. France

Boomers

This age group covers people over the age of 60. These folks want to retire, so they want to stretch their retirement money. 

Consequently, they head to other countries with lower living costs than the United States. Here are their recent popular choices for US seniors:

1. Mexico
2. Portugal
3. The Philippines
4. Italy
5. Thailand
6. Spain
7. Canada
8. France
9. Costa Rica
10. United Kingdom

Checklist for moving to another country

Moving overseas is easier nowadays because of many online resources. For example, you probably found this helpful article online after searching “what countries are Americans moving to.” 

The internet also has many guides on how to move to Canada from the US. However, moving to another country is not as simple as booking a flight and packing your bags. You should consider many factors when choosing your new country.

First, consider the requirements for moving to a specific country. Check the requirements for getting visas, permanent residence, and dual residence. More importantly, research if the country lets foreigners rent or purchase properties.

Second, check the job market. Look at your skills and qualifications, and see if they have demand in the country. If you can get a job there, how tough would it be to get hired? 

This factor is less important if you are self-employed as a business owner or work as a freelancer. Still, you should confirm how life is for these types of people. 

Third, check how difficult travel is for your chosen country and the United States. Otherwise, you may find yourself having problems with moving your belongings overseas. 

You could bring your closest family members, but some would choose to stay in the US. Consequently, you want to ensure you can visit them for the holidays. 

Fourth, make sure that you can adapt to the new culture. Read about what life is like for regular folks in a specific country. Still, expect your first days in another country to feel like intense culture shock. 

Cultural differences may seem quirky and fun if you simply read about them. However, incorporating those changes into your life may feel uncomfortable.

Finally, check the country’s laws and customs. Your daily routine might be fine in the United States, but it could get you penalized in other countries.

Conclusion

Many Americans want to move to other countries nowadays. You may have a preference, depending on your age. However, you should plan your exit properly. 

Check how you can enter the country as a permanent resident. Also, research everything about what daily life is like in the country. You may read blogs from ex-pats to learn from first-hand experience.

You can start by reading Inquirer USA articles. For example, you may read its guide on how to move to Canada from the US.

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