The NEW American Dream: Leaving
The old American Dream was about freedom, prosperity, and opportunity, like home ownership or providing a better life for your kids.
However, for many Americans, that dream now seems unattainable so a NEW American dream is taking its place: Leaving.
The US State Department estimates that 9 million Americans live abroad, and this number has been on the rise for the past several years.
So, let’s dive into the top seven reasons why people are leaving the United States and pursuing the new American dream abroad.
High Cost of Living
Despite the prosperity in the United States, many people feel that there are better economic opportunities elsewhere.
High living costs in some American cities are pushing people to seek more affordable lifestyles in other countries where food, housing, health insurance, transportation, education, and taxes are less expensive.
Real estate platform Redfin revealed that in 2022, only 21% of homes on the market were affordable for a typical US household. Moreover, a recent GoBankingRates Survey found a significant increase in utility expenses for ¾ of Americans.
Unaffordable Health Care
The United States has a complex and expensive healthcare system that many find inaccessible or insufficient.
In contrast, other countries may offer universal healthcare or more affordable private healthcare options. Some have slashed their healthcare costs by 70-90% by moving abroad!
For more on this topic, check out this article: Medical Tourism: Escape The USA Healthcare Scam!
Low Quality of Life
When basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare are unaffordable, it can lead to a very low quality of life.
The poor work-life balance in the United States contributes to this problem, with many people working long hours and having limited vacation time.
In contrast, other countries may prioritize work-life balance, offering more flexible schedules or longer vacation periods.
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Adventure and Exploration
Some people are drawn to leave the United States due to a desire to explore new cultures and places.
A sense of adventure or a yearning to experience new things and expand their horizons beyond the US motivates these globetrotters.
Escape Mother Nature
With more devastating hurricanes, year-long tornado and fire seasons, atmospheric rivers causing massive floods, brutal winters, and hotter and drier summers, the changing climate is significantly impacting the United States.
Other countries may be less affected by these climate changes, making them more attractive destinations.
Social Injustice
Social justice issues like racial inequality and discrimination have been at the forefront of public discourse in the United States. Some individuals feel that other countries are more advanced in addressing these issues, leading them to seek new environments where they feel more welcome and supported.
Political Climate
In recent years, political polarization and social unrest have intensified in the United States. This has led some people to feel disillusioned with the current state of politics and seek out more stable or functional governments in other parts of the world.
Final Thoughts
The world has become more accessible thanks to online work, and retirement dollars stretch further in places with a lower cost of living.
The US passport is a powerful tool, making it easy for many Americans to leave and explore other countries. With many nations allowing US citizens to visit for 90 days without a visa, and various residency visas to choose from, leaving the United States has become a viable option.
Unfortunately, home ownership, education, and a better life for their children are no longer available to many Americans. That’s why, for them, the new American Dream is to leave.
Watch Our Video About The NEW American Dream
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Hola todos! Welcome to my author bio page! Let's see. Where to begin... I grew up in the country on a lake outside a small Kansas farm town. As soon as I could, I got the hell outta there! Since then, I've lived and/or worked in Kansas City, Washington D.C., Denver, San Francisco, and Ecuador. I started and sold a dotcom, wrote a book about it, started a YouTube channel, and now I write a lot. Amelia and I have embraced the Unconventional Life and we want to help you do it, too!
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