Living not in the US - NOT POLITICAL

[Danny83]

San Felpe Mexico, Guadalajara Mexico my inlaws live there. Ensenada

[austinp]

Lake Tahoe. (Nevada side)


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[dmash]

Originally Posted by zama

Surprised none of you have recommended our Paradiso ser mer, aka Australia. Even Lex Luther voted us as his choice. Awesome health care, wine, best weather on the planet..... And as long as you dont want to live here in Sydney, Melbourne, Byron Bay, Perth or Brisbane reasonably affordable...... We speak English, offer a right wing government, no virus etc... Failing that Portugal is indeed nice. You may need to quit your US citizenship to move to the EU to avoid tax issues.....

I've been all over the world and Melbourne is one of my favorite cities ever (with Vienna and Greek islands the other notable mentions). Love almost every aspect of that place, would live there in a heart beat. There's just something really charming about it with the street cafes/restaurants, effortless public transportation, fantastic mix of culture and the Aus Open happening there annually is a major perk for me. Actually been speaking to my wife about it recently, I might apply for jobs and make a move this decade.

[Batmannr1]

I am an EU citizen, not from the US, but my goal is to retire in Switzerland, which is not part of the EU. Not cheap, but have good tax rulings for foreigners, beautiful scenery and a lot of watches for grabs!

[TheVTCGuy]

I lived in the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico) as a teenager...some days I wonder why I ever left.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Blansky

Mine was as well. When I returned to Canada for a vacation one year I was surprised to see her likeness on the money.

She must be a pretty lady then

20210114_065355.jpg

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[Starwalker]

Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Goa, Portugal

[BroncoOne]

Azores.
You have to see it to believe it.

[Goin2drt]

Originally Posted by BroncoOne

Azores.
You have to see it to believe it.

I follow a YT sailing channel and they were just there. Looks unbelievable.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by Batmannr1

I am an EU citizen, not from the US, but my goal is to retire in Switzerland, which is not part of the EU. Not cheap, but have good tax rulings for foreigners, beautiful scenery and a lot of watches for grabs!

I had family which lived in Switzerland. This is much easier as an EU citizen. As an America, if trying to work, it has to be a gap that NO European can fill, and if retiring there, you've got to have a pretty amazing chunk of change. Not a simple transition I must say.

[Blansky]

[QUOTE=brandrea;11199007]She must be a pretty lady then



Yeah, but she was a royal pain in the a**.

[brandrea]

[QUOTE=Blansky;11199159]

Originally Posted by brandrea

She must be a pretty lady then



Yeah, but she was a royal pain in the a**.

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[Blansky]

Originally Posted by dmash

I've been all over the world and Melbourne is one of my favorite cities ever (with Vienna and Greek islands the other notable mentions). Love almost every aspect of that place, would live there in a heart beat. There's just something really charming about it with the street cafes/restaurants, effortless public transportation, fantastic mix of culture and the Aus Open happening there annually is a major perk for me. Actually been speaking to my wife about it recently, I might apply for jobs and make a move this decade.

Loved Melbourne as well.

One thing we often find in different places, besides the weather, and customs, is bugs and critters we weren't expecting.

Living is California there are almost no bugs or flies. At least in the various parts I've lived in. When we went to Melbourne, they had a lot of flies. I guess you get used to it, but it was irritating.

Summers in Canada has mosquitos which there, are a species of bird. Blood sucking birds.

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by RyanJ

Portugal, specifically southern Portugal. Get the weather of San Diego at the cost of a state in the midwest. There are also pretty big tax advantages as well depending on your situation.

Southern Spain also, MANY Europeans retire there.

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by Goin2drt

Costa Rica we did not like but we are the anomaly. Would have to travel there again to try that again. We love Puerto Rico. Been there three times now.

Keep the thoughts coming.

Then why not Puerto Rico? I also really like it, I believe if you're a resident no US federal income tax. It seemed safe to me, without the absolutely rampant European petty crime, would occasionally see US military helicopters flying overhead between bases I assume. Easy access to the US mainland, beautiful beaches, history, great climate with steady ocean breezes, mountains, unlike FL. Another comment on FL, nice place to visit but was just there and in the winter traffic is gridlock, to the point you don't want to go anywhere.

[JasoninDenver]

Originally Posted by Paul7

Then why not Puerto Rico? I also really like it, I believe if you're a resident no US federal income tax. It seemed safe to me, without the absolutely rampant European petty crime, would occasionally see US military helicopters flying overhead between bases I assume. Easy access to the US mainland, beautiful beaches, history, great climate with steady ocean breezes, mountains, unlike FL. Another comment on FL, nice place to visit but was just there and in the winter traffic is gridlock, to the point you don't want to go anywhere.

Mate, if you think Puerto Rico is safer than Europe, you must be in better places than I can afford in Puerto Rico. A college buddy who grew up in San Juan and lived there for 25 years after college just moved to Miami because of the crime in his home territory. Felt it has become dramatically worse since the hurricane.

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

Mate, if you think Puerto Rico is safer than Europe, you must be in better places than I can afford in Puerto Rico. A college buddy who grew up in San Juan and lived there for 25 years after college just moved to Miami because of the crime in his home territory. Felt it has become dramatically worse since the hurricane.

Miami's violent crime rate is 879 per 100,000, the national average is 386. I stay in the Condado beach area of San Juan, lots of police around and did not feel unsafe. Petty crime in Europe is out of control, my wife had her purse stolen in Spain (never happened in the US), while dealing with that we met a lady from the UK who had her purse stolen twice in one week.

[Goin2drt]

Originally Posted by Paul7

Then why not Puerto Rico? I also really like it, I believe if you're a resident no US federal income tax. It seemed safe to me, without the absolutely rampant European petty crime, would occasionally see US military helicopters flying overhead between bases I assume. Easy access to the US mainland, beautiful beaches, history, great climate with steady ocean breezes, mountains, unlike FL. Another comment on FL, nice place to visit but was just there and in the winter traffic is gridlock, to the point you don't want to go anywhere.

This is high on our list so far. Not sure about the crime post hurricane as our 3 trips were before that but seemed very safe. Like anywhere probably you are going to have some bad areas.

Seems like lots of votes for Portugal. May need to add that to the list to visit for sure. Australia also seems nice however I thought it was quite expensive to live there, no? Also that one may just be too far from the US to get back to visit or have kids visit us.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by Blansky

Loved Melbourne as well.

One thing we often find in different places, besides the weather, and customs, is bugs and critters we weren't expecting.

Living is California there are almost no bugs or flies. At least in the various parts I've lived in. When we went to Melbourne, they had a lot of flies. I guess you get used to it, but it was irritating.

Summers in Canada has mosquitos which there, are a species of bird. Blood sucking birds.

I’m from Florida, I’m immune to mosquito annoyance

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by Blansky

Summers in Canada has mosquitos which there, are a species of bird. Blood sucking birds.

And blackflies, those will draw blood.

[aff1]

Originally Posted by dmash

I’m from Florida, I’m immune to mosquito annoyance

[SDGT3]

We've also been thinking about this and have researched a bit. The first thing my wife and I agreed upon is that we must rent for a period of up to 3 months in each area first. Why 3 months? Because it gives you a pretty good feel for how day to day life would be in that particular area. The other reason is that, at least in most EU countries, unless you are a dual citizen, you can only stay for 3 months at one given time.

Look into supplemental private healthcare coverage for the particular country you are looking to move to. From what I see, it's relatively reasonable and better than govt. healthcare.

The south of Spain, specifically the Costa del Sol has amazing climate although the summers can get really hot. Portugal is inexpensive. The Azores is just breathtaking.

Finally, look into the tax implications of whatever country you are looking to move. You specifically mentioned $5k per month but is that net after taxes or before. Just a quick note, when we looked into Spain, we learned that Spain has a tax on gross assets over $700k. So if you owned a house in the US or had a retirement account over that amount, they would assess a flat tax on those holdings even though the house is in a foreign country and/or your retirement account was generated in the US.

Another example, in Italy, if you moved from Rome to parts north, there is a 43% tax rate. However, the govt is trying to incentivize movement to the south. There is a program if you move to the southern region of Italy, including Sicily and Sardinia, and relocate to a town of less than 20,000 people, your Italian tax rate is 7% is your are retired and drawing a pension or SS and 10% if you have earned income. The program is good for 10 years of residency.

I wish you luck in your search and keep up updated on where your journey's take you!

[bondtoys]

Originally Posted by Paul7

Miami's violent crime rate is 879 per 100,000, the national average is 386. I stay in the Condado beach area of San Juan, lots of police around and did not feel unsafe. Petty crime in Europe is out of control, my wife had her purse stolen in Spain (never happened in the US), while dealing with that we met a lady from the UK who had her purse stolen twice in one week.

Crime out of control in Europe

Average violent crime rate in Europe is at 70/100.000.....

There are permanent warnings about pickpockets in Barcelona and Madrid... Unfortunately those are often ignored.

[GB-man]

I occasionally have friends joke they are moving to Canada to which I respond what makes you think they will have you lol

You can’t just pick up and move to Canada unless you’re a young doctor or something unless I’m mistaken. They aren’t hungry for middle aged bums and retirees lol

I’m American for the record even though I’ve been going to timmies for 30 years and like hockey.

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I occasionally have friends joke they are moving to Canada to which I respond what makes you think they will have you lol

You can’t just pick up and move to Canada unless you’re a young doctor or something unless I’m mistaken. They aren’t hungry for middle aged bums and retirees lol

Heck, I know of someone who just got out med school and tried to move to Canada, they turned him down because he had a lot of school bills and they were afraid he MIGHT end up on the dole.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Paul7

Heck, I know of someone who just got out med school and tried to move to Canada, they turned him down because he had a lot of school bills and they were afraid he MIGHT end up on the dole.

I’ll move to Canada is a common joke around here because I’m just over the border but I find people to be quite delusional about the ease with which you can pick up and move to certain countries.

It’s an American thing I believe


Not talking about the OP as many countries of course have more open immigration policies.

[Goin2drt]

Originally Posted by SDGT3

We've also been thinking about this and have researched a bit. The first thing my wife and I agreed upon is that we must rent for a period of up to 3 months in each area first. Why 3 months? Because it gives you a pretty good feel for how day to day life would be in that particular area. The other reason is that, at least in most EU countries, unless you are a dual citizen, you can only stay for 3 months at one given time.

Look into supplemental private healthcare coverage for the particular country you are looking to move to. From what I see, it's relatively reasonable and better than govt. healthcare.

The south of Spain, specifically the Costa del Sol has amazing climate although the summers can get really hot. Portugal is inexpensive. The Azores is just breathtaking.

Finally, look into the tax implications of whatever country you are looking to move. You specifically mentioned $5k per month but is that net after taxes or before. Just a quick note, when we looked into Spain, we learned that Spain has a tax on gross assets over $700k. So if you owned a house in the US or had a retirement account over that amount, they would assess a flat tax on those holdings even though the house is in a foreign country and/or your retirement account was generated in the US.

Another example, in Italy, if you moved from Rome to parts north, there is a 43% tax rate. However, the govt is trying to incentivize movement to the south. There is a program if you move to the southern region of Italy, including Sicily and Sardinia, and relocate to a town of less than 20,000 people, your Italian tax rate is 7% is your are retired and drawing a pension or SS and 10% if you have earned income. The program is good for 10 years of residency.

I wish you luck in your search and keep up updated on where your journey's take you!

Thanks for sharing. This is some interesting info about taxes. I know this is the area I am most needing to get educated about.

[breitlings]

some of the florida keys are beautiful.

[Blansky]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I occasionally have friends joke they are moving to Canada to which I respond what makes you think they will have you lol

You can’t just pick up and move to Canada unless you’re a young doctor or something unless I’m mistaken. They aren’t hungry for middle aged bums and retirees lol

I’m American for the record even though I’ve been going to timmies for 30 years and like hockey.

Well you're a honorary Canadian then, eh.

Ya like Molsons? Hate the Leafs.

You're in then.

P.S. Canadians are so picky about who they let in, that when you are Canadian and go away on vacation, customs and immigration may or may not let you back in. Just depends on how they feel that day.

Either way at least you get a strip search, which can be nice.

[RyanJ]

It actually isn't that hard to immigrate to many countries, especially if you are NOT going to work. No, it is not as simple as just showing up but there are many different ways if you can navigate the paperwork exercise. Many countries love having people move in that can prove they have a steady income source.

There are also so many "golden visas" and specialty programs to choose from from virtually every country. Many countries you can just write a check (some much larger than others) to get permanent residence with some (a select few) even allowing immediate citizenship.

It is really interesting once you start digging into all the possibilities.