Best Countries For Americans To Move To

At the beginning of the third millennium, we can plausibly say that we live in a highly globalized world where the interchange of world views, goods, ideas, politics, and cultural practices has reached such colossal levels that people all over the globe seem to share very similar, if not identic, lifestyles. This worldwide integration has created endless new opportunities in terms of economy, education, and social development; it has opened borders and spurred migration flows; broadened people’s horizons and taken them to faraway places and foreign countries in pursuit of their dreams.

Whether it’s for work, study, love or a better quality of life, millions of expatriates have decided to uproot their lives and move abroad. Millions of others consider the possibility of relocating to another country, still hesitant to make the decisive step. If you are among those eager to explore new possibilities and experience different cultures and lifestyles, but uncertain as to where to go and which country you’ll be able to call “home”, you may be interested to know which destinations have been ranked as the best countries in the world to move to.

So, what are the most American friendly countries to move to according to expats around the globe?

Canada

Canada has been rated as the best place to live in the world for more than 20 years in a row (ever since 1994). Its progressive politics, cultural diversity, low crime rates, excellent public education, affordable healthcare, and stable economy have made Canada the country of choice for thousands of expats from all over the globe.

For Americans looking to live and work abroad, Canada is, without a doubt, the easiest country to move to – it is just across the border and lifestyle in the country is similar to that in the United States in many ways. You won’t experience any cultural shock after the relocation and will be able to feel at home very soon – the proverbial friendliness of the locals, the common language, and the multicultural environment in the country will help you adjust to your new life quickly and easily.

What’s more, Canada is a family-friendly destination with a positive impact on family life and children’s development and well-being. The education system is among the best in the world (Canada is the world’s most educated country) and the national healthcare system is highly reliable and easily affordable. The nature is stunningly beautiful and diverse (from majestic mountains and glaciers to romantic beaches and islands) and offers numerous opportunities for exciting outdoor activities, such as surfing, kayaking, diving, hunting, fishing, hiking, climbing, skiing, and many others. You can even observe the spectacular Northern Lights in the Northwest Territories!

Last but not least, Canada boasts a progressive economy, high-paying jobs, successful business environment, low taxes, and a low level of corruption. The county was mostly unaffected by the economic crisis and remains one of the world’s top ten trading nations.

The high quality of life in the country and the amiable disposition of the locals leave little doubt as to why so many Americans decide to move to Canada and build their future here.

If you, too, consider relocation to the magnificent northern country, you will find our Moving to Canada guide extremely helpful.

Switzerland

One of the safest, most peaceful and economically strongest countries in the world, Switzerland is often ranked as the number one country to move to from USA. It offers a very high standard of living, great employment opportunities, and amazing scenery. The people are friendly and open-minded and the cultural heritage of the country is very rich and impressive.

Expats moving to Switzerland don’t need to worry about their personal finances or career options as the economy in the country is extremely stable and unemployment is very low – according to HSBC’S Expat Explorer Survey, 83 percent of the expats in Switzerland feel that their job security is better than it was in their home country and as much as 53 percent of the population believe that the country is great for career progression.

What’s more, the unrivaled beauty of the scenery – charming lakes, lush green hills, and majestic mountain peaks, and the great variety of outdoor pursuits available in the region (hiking, skiing, trekking, fishing, biking, etc.), inspire an active lifestyle and closeness to nature.

English is widely spoken and the school standards for expats are very beneficial, making Switzerland one of the best countries for American families to move to. And of course, there is that famous Swiss chocolate…

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know on moving to Switzerland

Germany

Germany is the second most popular immigration destination in the world for a good reason – high quality of life, stable economy, dynamic and progressive environment, rich cultural and historical background, etc. It is the relatively low cost of living, great education system, and excellent healthcare, in particular, that make Germany one of the best European countries for American expats. The fact that Germany ranks so high in terms of economics (disposable income, wage growth, savings, economic confidence, and job security) certainly doesn’t hurt either. The job market for foreigners, however, has become very competitive in recent years due to the large number of expats currently living the country (250,000 and counting!). Finding a new home in Germany is, likewise, a great challenge. Sometimes, bureaucracy can be quite a pain too – a permanent move requires multiple visits to various government bureaus and an incredible amount of paperwork.

Yet, you may be willing to face the few aforementioned struggles in order to call one of the most advanced and innovative countries in the world your home.

Good to know: In addition to all the other advantages of moving to Germany, you’ll be living in the very center of the old continent – a two-hour flight will take you almost anywhere in Europe. Not bad for weekend getaways, don’t you think?

USEFUL READ: Moving to Germany guide

New Zealand

One of the safest and most American friendly countries to move to, New Zealand is great for people looking for a laid back culture and active lifestyle. The country boasts a year-round mild climate, breathtaking scenery, and varied landscape that inspire various kinds of outdoor pursuits at any time of the year – hiking, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, biking, etc. In fact, 57 percent of the expats in New Zealand believe they are far more physically active than they were at home.

Cultural immersion is easy – everyone speaks English and lifestyle is similar to that in USA. At the same time, you’ll have the chance to get familiar with the unique Kiwi and Maori cultural practices and traditions and enjoy plenty of new experiences.

The cost of living in New Zealand is a bit higher than in the United States and income levels are lower. Yet, the quality of life is very high, with low crime rate, state sponsored healthcare, and numerous employment options (four fifths of expats find their overall quality of life superior to what they had before the relocation).

Considering all of the above, it’s easy to understand why New Zealand ranks among the most popular countries to move to.

Take a closer look at our Moving from USA to New Zealand guide if you consider making one of the most distant countries on the planet your home.

Australia

Another English-speaking country that ranks among the top ten immigration destinations in the world, Australia offers a very high quality of life, wonderful nature, and great hospitality. The friendly, multicultural environment makes expats feel comfortable and welcome in the country (80 percent of expats find it easy to adapt to “Aussie” culture and life).

In addition to the pleasant climate, beautiful scenery, and plentiful leisure opportunities, Australia also has a very stable economy and low unemployment rates – most American expats have found high-paying jobs in the country and considerably improved their financial situation as compared to before the relocation.

Pristine education, high income, excellent medical facilities, and the lack of language barrier make the Land Down Under one of the most coveted countries for Americans to move to. It is a safe place to call your home and a great place to raise your children because of the wide range of educational opportunities and recreational outdoor activities.

See our Moving to Australia guide for more detailed information and practical advice on how to relocate to the other end of the world.

Singapore

Arguably the best Asian country to move to, Singapore is an attractive destination for those looking for a dynamic lifestyle, new experiences, high-income jobs, and cultural diversity. The great career opportunities, low tax rates, excellent transport infrastructure, and quality healthcare make Singapore the country of choice for thousands of expats from all over the world. However, it is not only the high quality of life here that attracts so many Americans to Singapore – the thrill of discovery and adventure also plays a major role in luring our compatriots to the Asian Tiger. 75 percent of the expats in the country claim that the mere contact with the unique Singaporean culture and traditions has considerably broadened their horizons and enriched their overall knowledge of the world. They also believe that the social life in Singapore exceeds, or at least matches, that in their countries of origin.

What’s more, Singapore is rated as one of the top places in the world for raising children abroad due to the quality of the education system and the wide array of schools available in the country. Even though education is relatively expensive, young expats have the chance to improve their skills, learn new ones, and greatly enhance their competence and competitiveness on the job market.

If you are ready for a big relocation adventure, make sure you check our Moving to Singapore guide well in advance.

Thailand

Thailand is a tropical paradise with miles of sandy beaches and plenty of fascinating islands to explore. The rich culture and unique traditions of the country offer amazing new experiences and perspectives to the numerous expats who find life in Thailand to be a riveting and mind-opening adventure. The hospitality and friendliness of the locals, one fourth of which speak fluent English, allow for a quick and easy adjustment to life in the “land of smiles”.

The capital city of Bangkok is a vibrant metropolis with great employment opportunities and cheap rents (you can get a furnished apartment in a high-rise complex, with a pool and on-site gym, for as little as $600 a month). Food and services in the city (as well as everywhere else in the country) are also quite inexpensive and high quality. The low prices, combined with the friendly tax system in the country, result in a very high disposable income.

Considering the incredibly low living costs, great weather, strong infrastructure, rich culture, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that 87 percent of the expat population is satisfied with life in Thailand and plans to stay in the country for long. The land of the smiles, however, is not among the easiest countries to move to – tight visa rules make it a difficult to settle permanently in the country.

Ecuador

With its mild climate and natural beauty, Ecuador is often called the “Land of Eternal Spring”. Whether you like dramatic mountains and high plains or tropical beaches and exotic wildlife, you’ll be able to enjoy them in Ecuador and engage in your favorite outdoor activities all the year round. The locals are very friendly (even if property crime is a common issue) and daily life is very relaxed and easy to get used to.

The country offers the best-value real estate in the world, even though housing costs have risen in recent years because of the growing economy and increased immigration inflow. High-paying jobs aren’t easy to find but the living costs in Ecuador are very low and the healthcare system is easily affordable (and very high quality), so nine out of ten expats say that they’re satisfied with life in the country and plan to stay forever. In fact, Ecuador is the number one retirement destination in the world and one of the best countries for American expats to live in.

RELATED: Top 5 countries to retire (and move) to

Mexico

Despite serious safety concerns, Mexico has won a place among the top ten countries to move to from USA. It is one of the easiest and cheapest countries to move to, with relaxed visa requirements, low living costs, and highly affordable healthcare.

The diverse and beautiful scenery, pleasant weather, great food and laid back lifestyle typical for the county make it one of the most widely preferred immigration destinations in the world. However, it is the rich, colorful and outgoing culture of Mexico that attracts people the most and the friendly demeanor of the locals that makes it so easy for expats to feel at home and settle quickly and effortlessly into their new life.

Sweden

When it comes to social life, tolerance, quality education, public services, and healthcare, Sweden tops the list of the best countries for American families to move to.

The cost of living in this prosperous country isn’t cheap, but the nation has a strong economy and native English is a great asset in finding a good job. Besides, Sweden provides some of the finest education in the world – completely cost-free (students in high school are actually paid monthly to go to school)! This fact alone attracts thousands of expat families in the country, as it gives expat children the unique opportunity to receive first-class education for free, get excellent employment prospects, and easily find their place in their new environment.

When you look at the facts, it comes as no surprise that Sweden is rated as one of the friendliest countries to move to:

• the immigration process is extremely easy;
• the Swedes are very friendly and make every effort to assimilate newcomers;
• about 90% of the population speak English with excellent proficiency;
• the country focuses on providing an environmentally friendly and stable lifestyle for its people;
• the economy is very stable and the security programs in Sweden are renowned for their generosity.

If you’re considering relocation to Sweden though, have in mind that it’s extremely cold and bleakly dark there during the long winters.

Interested to know which countries almost made it to the list of the best countries for Americans to move to? Luxembourg, Panama, Costa Rica, Belgium, Czech Republic, China, South Korea, and Malta are the sovereign states that have every chance to oust some of the current top ten countries from the “most preferred immigration destinations” list during the next several years.

What do you think? Where would you move to in pursuit of happiness and better life?

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