Those who moved abroad - background/circumstances?
Discussion
Greetings,
I've wanted to live abroad in a warmer climate for about 20 years now. This "summer" in the UK is enough to want to drive anyone away. I'm lucky enough to have an Irish passport so could live elsewhere in Europe easily. My partner doesn't and unfortunately has no interest in moving, especially as her job is office based and tied to this location.
Those who live abroad, I was wondering:
I've wanted to live abroad in a warmer climate for about 20 years now. This "summer" in the UK is enough to want to drive anyone away. I'm lucky enough to have an Irish passport so could live elsewhere in Europe easily. My partner doesn't and unfortunately has no interest in moving, especially as her job is office based and tied to this location.
Those who live abroad, I was wondering:
- Where do you live?
- How did that move come about?
- Why did you move?
- What's it been like?
- Any regrets?
- What advice would you give?
- Any other insights
redrabbit29 said:
Greetings,
Those who live abroad, I was wondering:
Thanks
Those who live abroad, I was wondering:
- Where do you live?
- How did that move come about?
- Why did you move?
- What's it been like?
- Any regrets?
- What advice would you give?
- Any other insights?
Thanks
Edited by dingg on Tuesday 9th July 11:59
So i have lived and worked in Australia, Singapore, Slovakia, Switzerland and now reside in the US
Australia was when i went backpacking in my 20's, so the visa was age related, its difficult to get in otherwise, my ex stayed there and loves it. i didnt, i missed the seasons and it just felt isolated to me.
Singapore is a bit of a stretch to say i lived there as i was only there for 4 months working (although was offered a permanent job there), food was amazing, but it was too hot for me, nice location in that its so close to different parts of Asia, but rule intense, 'just not home'
A few years later i moved to Bratislava , Slovakia, it was a crazy year with cheap beer, food and women! But for various reasons i did not take them up the offer to extend my temporary rotation to a permanent job there.
I was then offered going back to London or trf to Zurich Switzerland, i chose the trf and lived there for 3 years, on one hand it was amazing, so clean, so perfect, no 'council' types everything was quality, from houses to food and (living outside of Zurich in Zug) tiny taxation
weather was hot in the summer and cold and snowy in the winter, just how i love it as you get 'the seasons' if too hot, you just go to the top of a mountain for the cooler air
But it was too perfect, and become boring, very boring, highly rule driven enforced by locals, id get monthly speeding tickets, typically for going less than 5kph over the limit, ended up very frustrated.
Most expats i know also found 3 years to be their, or their spouses, limit and left 'the golden cage'
So i then took the opportunity to move to the US, New York, where i have stayed for the last 10 years, the first night i was there Manhattan simply felt like 'home' and ive never felt the want to move anywhere else, got married, had a kid, settled (well, with Trump recently a plan B is forming...)
So self-indulgent long answer, but, all except the first move was work related (i work in finance, boring mundane job, no uni qualifications and im not a high flyer, i just said 'yes' to opportunities and also created them by asking if a rotation would be possible etc)
If work trf is not possible (or long term thinking by moving companies to one that has multiple Intenational locations then getting internal trf to another country via the company thus visa easy) then you need to look at countries you could get a vias for to live. thats the tricky bit (unless you have lots of money)
Other advice, you dont know until you try but what appears perfect on the surface (Australia Switzerland) often isnt for many reasons you never thought would matter, so temper expectations and keep a foot in the UK until your sure of possible.
Finally, if you do get to move abroad my experience is at first the new location is amazing, best ever, then after a few months it totally sucks, after a few more months to a year, you get the measure if its for you or not.
Saying that, New York was instant love for me, it molded my personality perfectly, and offers me the best possible life (Trump aside) for me and my family,
Note no place is perfect, there are many bad things about America (did i mention Trump ) and you have to adjust to things being done differently and sometimes worse than in England, this can lead to frustrations for sure, as can language barriers if English is not the native tongue, it is what you make it at the end of the day.
Finally, Blighty is not so bad, i do find people moan a lot about the country without putting it in context to the rest of the world, who are often suffering the same issues to a greater or lesser degree, try just skipping the news for a while it brutal in the UK
If you cant get a VIsa for another country to live then consider simply moving to a totally new location in England, try the south west if you want it a bit more warmer perhaps?
Good luck, and you will need to get the missus onboard for it to be a success for sure!
Australia was when i went backpacking in my 20's, so the visa was age related, its difficult to get in otherwise, my ex stayed there and loves it. i didnt, i missed the seasons and it just felt isolated to me.
Singapore is a bit of a stretch to say i lived there as i was only there for 4 months working (although was offered a permanent job there), food was amazing, but it was too hot for me, nice location in that its so close to different parts of Asia, but rule intense, 'just not home'
A few years later i moved to Bratislava , Slovakia, it was a crazy year with cheap beer, food and women! But for various reasons i did not take them up the offer to extend my temporary rotation to a permanent job there.
I was then offered going back to London or trf to Zurich Switzerland, i chose the trf and lived there for 3 years, on one hand it was amazing, so clean, so perfect, no 'council' types everything was quality, from houses to food and (living outside of Zurich in Zug) tiny taxation
weather was hot in the summer and cold and snowy in the winter, just how i love it as you get 'the seasons' if too hot, you just go to the top of a mountain for the cooler airBut it was too perfect, and become boring, very boring, highly rule driven enforced by locals, id get monthly speeding tickets, typically for going less than 5kph over the limit, ended up very frustrated.
Most expats i know also found 3 years to be their, or their spouses, limit and left 'the golden cage'
So i then took the opportunity to move to the US, New York, where i have stayed for the last 10 years, the first night i was there Manhattan simply felt like 'home' and ive never felt the want to move anywhere else, got married, had a kid, settled (well, with Trump recently a plan B is forming...)
So self-indulgent long answer, but, all except the first move was work related (i work in finance, boring mundane job, no uni qualifications and im not a high flyer, i just said 'yes' to opportunities and also created them by asking if a rotation would be possible etc)
If work trf is not possible (or long term thinking by moving companies to one that has multiple Intenational locations then getting internal trf to another country via the company thus visa easy) then you need to look at countries you could get a vias for to live. thats the tricky bit (unless you have lots of money)
Other advice, you dont know until you try but what appears perfect on the surface (Australia Switzerland) often isnt for many reasons you never thought would matter, so temper expectations and keep a foot in the UK until your sure of possible.
Finally, if you do get to move abroad my experience is at first the new location is amazing, best ever, then after a few months it totally sucks, after a few more months to a year, you get the measure if its for you or not.
Saying that, New York was instant love for me, it molded my personality perfectly, and offers me the best possible life (Trump aside) for me and my family,
Note no place is perfect, there are many bad things about America (did i mention Trump
) and you have to adjust to things being done differently and sometimes worse than in England, this can lead to frustrations for sure, as can language barriers if English is not the native tongue, it is what you make it at the end of the day.Finally, Blighty is not so bad, i do find people moan a lot about the country without putting it in context to the rest of the world, who are often suffering the same issues to a greater or lesser degree, try just skipping the news for a while it brutal in the UK
If you cant get a VIsa for another country to live then consider simply moving to a totally new location in England, try the south west if you want it a bit more warmer perhaps?
Good luck, and you will need to get the missus onboard for it to be a success for sure!
Where do you live?
North Carolina, U.S.A. Small/medium town.
How did that move come about?
I married an American, her son lives here and it’s much easier to get a marriage visa to the US than to the UK. Also I wanted to try living here.
Why did you move?
See above. She was in the US forces and returned to the US when she retired.
What's it been like?
Mostly good. Very hot. My take home pay has increased quite a bit, things are generally less expensive, people are nice.
Any regrets?
I miss my mum and kids and mates, but we talk more or less daily.
What advice would you give?
You can’t run away from yourself. Whatever issues you have in the UK will follow you.
Any other insights
There’s much less whinging here. Tea and a good moan isn’t a thing, it’s very British. Generally people are more positive, although Trump-ism is giving permission for unpleasant people to express that. It’s highlighted how awful UK public services are to me. Even the much maligned US health system actually works well IF you have a decent job with insurance, but there are plenty of ways to get more affordable healthcare than the headlines we see in the UK suggest. The DMV is surprisingly efficient, roads are well maintained etc.
I’m the same person in another country. Don’t expect your life to change unless you change it. Moving can be a catalyst, but might not be. Yiu really have to try hard to make new friends, it’s not easy.
North Carolina, U.S.A. Small/medium town.
How did that move come about?
I married an American, her son lives here and it’s much easier to get a marriage visa to the US than to the UK. Also I wanted to try living here.
Why did you move?
See above. She was in the US forces and returned to the US when she retired.
What's it been like?
Mostly good. Very hot. My take home pay has increased quite a bit, things are generally less expensive, people are nice.
Any regrets?
I miss my mum and kids and mates, but we talk more or less daily.
What advice would you give?
You can’t run away from yourself. Whatever issues you have in the UK will follow you.
Any other insights
There’s much less whinging here. Tea and a good moan isn’t a thing, it’s very British. Generally people are more positive, although Trump-ism is giving permission for unpleasant people to express that. It’s highlighted how awful UK public services are to me. Even the much maligned US health system actually works well IF you have a decent job with insurance, but there are plenty of ways to get more affordable healthcare than the headlines we see in the UK suggest. The DMV is surprisingly efficient, roads are well maintained etc.
I’m the same person in another country. Don’t expect your life to change unless you change it. Moving can be a catalyst, but might not be. Yiu really have to try hard to make new friends, it’s not easy.
Some really good responses that ring true for me too.
Where do you live?
In a mountain village north of Lucca, Tuscany
How did that move come about?
I wasn't very happy in myself, and brexit had just happened. neither my wife or I where in jobs that would gain us access to europe post brexit, so we decided to go before we lost freedom of movement. We travelled in a campervan around europe for 9 months looking for our (my) utopia. Interesting the Switzerland comment, as i had pinned all hopes on Denmark, but once we arrived, I found it to be a bit sterile. I'm quite a dull guy, but I could see the day to day life panning out into a dull routine.
Why did you move?
An attempt to outrun myself and my own image of myself, and also because i couldn't really see a future in the UK that seemed fulfilling, me working full time, wife back to work to pay for childcare for our daughter.....
What's it been like?
A bit of everything. Again the love it, hate it, settles down, comment was spot on for us. 6 months-one year of feeling like we were on holiday all the time, then covid for 18 months, remember how hard Italy suffered and how savage the lockdowns where? Now we both work, our daughter is bilingual and doing well, and we have a home of our own.
It's been great fun, terribly hard, lonely, lots of financial worry, and very warm with the kindness shown from our community.
Any regrets?
Not really, i suppose i wish I didn't pin the hopes of changing myself on the country i was in, it would have made the last 5 years a lot more fun. I also wish i believed it could have been done with very little (especially financially) years ago...
What advice would you give?
You wont know unless you try, Based on your opening post, I think it will be incredibly hard to try it if your partner isn't on board. Every time something gets hard, and there are plenty from rules and regulations, to language, to social norms, every time those things challenge you, you have to have a commitment to finding a way through it, not just going back to the UK, because it is absolutely the easier option.
Any other insights
Practically, maybe sit down one weekend with a bottle of wine, and jot down some pros and cons to the lives you have, compared to the ones you want? It may be a case of changing lifestyle to pay for a few foreign trips to scratch the itch, or perhaps your friends mean more to you than you realise, or that some more sunshine, and a different way of life will be the thing you both need?
be honest and open, it's just a chat, you're not convincing eachother, see where it leads? It's potentially the most exciting part, with zero s
t bits.
Where do you live?
In a mountain village north of Lucca, Tuscany
How did that move come about?
I wasn't very happy in myself, and brexit had just happened. neither my wife or I where in jobs that would gain us access to europe post brexit, so we decided to go before we lost freedom of movement. We travelled in a campervan around europe for 9 months looking for our (my) utopia. Interesting the Switzerland comment, as i had pinned all hopes on Denmark, but once we arrived, I found it to be a bit sterile. I'm quite a dull guy, but I could see the day to day life panning out into a dull routine.
Why did you move?
An attempt to outrun myself and my own image of myself, and also because i couldn't really see a future in the UK that seemed fulfilling, me working full time, wife back to work to pay for childcare for our daughter.....
What's it been like?
A bit of everything. Again the love it, hate it, settles down, comment was spot on for us. 6 months-one year of feeling like we were on holiday all the time, then covid for 18 months, remember how hard Italy suffered and how savage the lockdowns where? Now we both work, our daughter is bilingual and doing well, and we have a home of our own.
It's been great fun, terribly hard, lonely, lots of financial worry, and very warm with the kindness shown from our community.
Any regrets?
Not really, i suppose i wish I didn't pin the hopes of changing myself on the country i was in, it would have made the last 5 years a lot more fun. I also wish i believed it could have been done with very little (especially financially) years ago...
What advice would you give?
You wont know unless you try, Based on your opening post, I think it will be incredibly hard to try it if your partner isn't on board. Every time something gets hard, and there are plenty from rules and regulations, to language, to social norms, every time those things challenge you, you have to have a commitment to finding a way through it, not just going back to the UK, because it is absolutely the easier option.
Any other insights
Practically, maybe sit down one weekend with a bottle of wine, and jot down some pros and cons to the lives you have, compared to the ones you want? It may be a case of changing lifestyle to pay for a few foreign trips to scratch the itch, or perhaps your friends mean more to you than you realise, or that some more sunshine, and a different way of life will be the thing you both need?
be honest and open, it's just a chat, you're not convincing eachother, see where it leads? It's potentially the most exciting part, with zero s
t bits.redrabbit29 said:
- Where do you live?
- How did that move come about?
- What's it been like?
- Any regrets?
- What advice would you give?
- Any other insights
Thanks
Where do you live?
Long Island, New York (British by passport).
How did that move come about?
I sold a business, they wanted me to stay on, the company is US-based. I was working and living in Barcelona at the time of the sale and was dubious about moving to the USA.
Why did you move?
Around that time, I met a US serviceman and we decided to give it a go. We got married and have lived in the US since. We have two young boys who will grow up to have every experience and opportunity we can give them.
What's it been like?
I love it. There's everything here that you could ever need, and I can completely understand why some Americans have never been outside of their country. I still feel like a foreigner sometimes, but New York is a melting pot and one of the best places to encounter so many other cultures. My experience will be very different to most Brits who move across.
Any regrets?
None. My family is back in the UK and we visit a few times a year but each time I go back it feels as if there are too many things wrong over there. America certainly isn't perfect but it suits us better.
What advice would you give?
Plan everything to the n'th degree. No two states are the same. Just accept that religion and guns are part of the culture here.
Any other insights
I was hesitant to move because of the crime rates - a past experience in the USA as a teenager put me off - but where we live is as peaceful an idyllic as I could imagine. The healthcare system is the best in the world if you can afford it.
Long Island, New York (British by passport).
How did that move come about?
I sold a business, they wanted me to stay on, the company is US-based. I was working and living in Barcelona at the time of the sale and was dubious about moving to the USA.
Why did you move?
Around that time, I met a US serviceman and we decided to give it a go. We got married and have lived in the US since. We have two young boys who will grow up to have every experience and opportunity we can give them.
What's it been like?
I love it. There's everything here that you could ever need, and I can completely understand why some Americans have never been outside of their country. I still feel like a foreigner sometimes, but New York is a melting pot and one of the best places to encounter so many other cultures. My experience will be very different to most Brits who move across.
Any regrets?
None. My family is back in the UK and we visit a few times a year but each time I go back it feels as if there are too many things wrong over there. America certainly isn't perfect but it suits us better.
What advice would you give?
Plan everything to the n'th degree. No two states are the same. Just accept that religion and guns are part of the culture here.
Any other insights
I was hesitant to move because of the crime rates - a past experience in the USA as a teenager put me off - but where we live is as peaceful an idyllic as I could imagine. The healthcare system is the best in the world if you can afford it.
Where do you live?
Belle Isle, Florida (SE suburb of Orlando) USA
How did that move come about?
I worked for a UK based company that wanted to expand its business into North America
Why did you move?
I created the long-range business plan and the company owner then asked me to implement it. It was a new, exciting challenge.
What's it been like?
Like life in general, there have been a few ups and downs, but generally, the opportunities it created for myself and my family and the standard of living upgrade that came with it, far exceed anything we could have attained had we stayed in the UK.
Any regrets?
No - I don't dislike the UK, but I would never want to live there again, permanently. I do miss pub culture and proper Christmas, but not much else.
What advice would you give?
It's not easy to emigrate to the USA unless via marriage. Make sure you fully understand implications/limitations of your visa status and ask your self, dispassionately, how much you trust your employer if you do this connected to your job.
Any other insights
I have recently retired from work and am in the right place to do that. My daughter has a career trajectory (law enforcement) that would never have happened in UK. My wife is a Yorkshire lass - it took her more than 10 years to consider this home and she still scoots back at least once per year to see family. As others have stated, if you can afford it, US healthcare is spectacularly good.
Belle Isle, Florida (SE suburb of Orlando) USA
How did that move come about?
I worked for a UK based company that wanted to expand its business into North America
Why did you move?
I created the long-range business plan and the company owner then asked me to implement it. It was a new, exciting challenge.
What's it been like?
Like life in general, there have been a few ups and downs, but generally, the opportunities it created for myself and my family and the standard of living upgrade that came with it, far exceed anything we could have attained had we stayed in the UK.
Any regrets?
No - I don't dislike the UK, but I would never want to live there again, permanently. I do miss pub culture and proper Christmas, but not much else.
What advice would you give?
It's not easy to emigrate to the USA unless via marriage. Make sure you fully understand implications/limitations of your visa status and ask your self, dispassionately, how much you trust your employer if you do this connected to your job.
Any other insights
I have recently retired from work and am in the right place to do that. My daughter has a career trajectory (law enforcement) that would never have happened in UK. My wife is a Yorkshire lass - it took her more than 10 years to consider this home and she still scoots back at least once per year to see family. As others have stated, if you can afford it, US healthcare is spectacularly good.
craigthecoupe said:
Some really good responses that ring true for me too.
Where do you live?
In a mountain village north of Lucca, Tuscany
How did that move come about?
I wasn't very happy in myself, and brexit had just happened. neither my wife or I where in jobs that would gain us access to europe post brexit, so we decided to go before we lost freedom of movement. We travelled in a campervan around europe for 9 months looking for our (my) utopia. Interesting the Switzerland comment, as i had pinned all hopes on Denmark, but once we arrived, I found it to be a bit sterile. I'm quite a dull guy, but I could see the day to day life panning out into a dull routine.
Why did you move?
An attempt to outrun myself and my own image of myself, and also because i couldn't really see a future in the UK that seemed fulfilling, me working full time, wife back to work to pay for childcare for our daughter.....
What's it been like?
A bit of everything. Again the love it, hate it, settles down, comment was spot on for us. 6 months-one year of feeling like we were on holiday all the time, then covid for 18 months, remember how hard Italy suffered and how savage the lockdowns where? Now we both work, our daughter is bilingual and doing well, and we have a home of our own.
It's been great fun, terribly hard, lonely, lots of financial worry, and very warm with the kindness shown from our community.
Any regrets?
Not really, i suppose i wish I didn't pin the hopes of changing myself on the country i was in, it would have made the last 5 years a lot more fun. I also wish i believed it could have been done with very little (especially financially) years ago...
What advice would you give?
You wont know unless you try, Based on your opening post, I think it will be incredibly hard to try it if your partner isn't on board. Every time something gets hard, and there are plenty from rules and regulations, to language, to social norms, every time those things challenge you, you have to have a commitment to finding a way through it, not just going back to the UK, because it is absolutely the easier option.
Any other insights
Practically, maybe sit down one weekend with a bottle of wine, and jot down some pros and cons to the lives you have, compared to the ones you want? It may be a case of changing lifestyle to pay for a few foreign trips to scratch the itch, or perhaps your friends mean more to you than you realise, or that some more sunshine, and a different way of life will be the thing you both need?
be honest and open, it's just a chat, you're not convincing eachother, see where it leads? It's potentially the most exciting part, with zero st bits.
I was in Lucca a few weeks ago and Livorno the week before last. I like your neck of the woods!Where do you live?
In a mountain village north of Lucca, Tuscany
How did that move come about?
I wasn't very happy in myself, and brexit had just happened. neither my wife or I where in jobs that would gain us access to europe post brexit, so we decided to go before we lost freedom of movement. We travelled in a campervan around europe for 9 months looking for our (my) utopia. Interesting the Switzerland comment, as i had pinned all hopes on Denmark, but once we arrived, I found it to be a bit sterile. I'm quite a dull guy, but I could see the day to day life panning out into a dull routine.
Why did you move?
An attempt to outrun myself and my own image of myself, and also because i couldn't really see a future in the UK that seemed fulfilling, me working full time, wife back to work to pay for childcare for our daughter.....
What's it been like?
A bit of everything. Again the love it, hate it, settles down, comment was spot on for us. 6 months-one year of feeling like we were on holiday all the time, then covid for 18 months, remember how hard Italy suffered and how savage the lockdowns where? Now we both work, our daughter is bilingual and doing well, and we have a home of our own.
It's been great fun, terribly hard, lonely, lots of financial worry, and very warm with the kindness shown from our community.
Any regrets?
Not really, i suppose i wish I didn't pin the hopes of changing myself on the country i was in, it would have made the last 5 years a lot more fun. I also wish i believed it could have been done with very little (especially financially) years ago...
What advice would you give?
You wont know unless you try, Based on your opening post, I think it will be incredibly hard to try it if your partner isn't on board. Every time something gets hard, and there are plenty from rules and regulations, to language, to social norms, every time those things challenge you, you have to have a commitment to finding a way through it, not just going back to the UK, because it is absolutely the easier option.
Any other insights
Practically, maybe sit down one weekend with a bottle of wine, and jot down some pros and cons to the lives you have, compared to the ones you want? It may be a case of changing lifestyle to pay for a few foreign trips to scratch the itch, or perhaps your friends mean more to you than you realise, or that some more sunshine, and a different way of life will be the thing you both need?
be honest and open, it's just a chat, you're not convincing eachother, see where it leads? It's potentially the most exciting part, with zero s
t bits.Currently looking south of Naples for a potential move. Though I won't be working in Italy.
redrabbit29 said:
Greetings,
I've wanted to live abroad in a warmer climate for about 20 years now. This "summer" in the UK is enough to want to drive anyone away. I'm lucky enough to have an Irish passport so could live elsewhere in Europe easily. My partner doesn't and unfortunately has no interest in moving, especially as her job is office based and tied to this location.
Those who live abroad, I was wondering:
Thanks
I've wanted to live abroad in a warmer climate for about 20 years now. This "summer" in the UK is enough to want to drive anyone away. I'm lucky enough to have an Irish passport so could live elsewhere in Europe easily. My partner doesn't and unfortunately has no interest in moving, especially as her job is office based and tied to this location.
Those who live abroad, I was wondering:
- Where do you live?
- How did that move come about?
- Why did you move?
- What's it been like?
- Any regrets?
- What advice would you give?
- Any other insights
Thanks
I've done it twice so I'll do two for you.
(1)
Where do you live?
Nice, South of France
How did that move come about?
Got offered a job over there that I'd always wanted to do.
Why did you move?
See above
What's it been like?
Fantastic, life was pretty expensive there but the weather, food, wine, beach and incredible roads more than made up for it
Any regrets?
I wish I'd known about French bureaucracy before I moved there and I'd have liked to have made more French friends.
What advice would you give?
Properties may be cheap but maintenance costs and taxes can be extremely high, a lot of the huge mansions that English people buy are cheap for a reason. Service, particularly from labourers is poor and expensive. Getting frustrated with local government about bureaucracy and general stupidity will get you absolutely nowhere. Learning the language is not essential but highly advised as it helps with all of the above.
Any other insights
If you're relatively wealthy or manage to find a cheap place to live, do it!
(2)
Where do you live?
Monterrey, Northern Mexico
How did that move come about?
Met a girl who was from here when I was living in Nice and decided to move there for a bit to see what it would be like as I couldn't see myself being able to buy the kind of property I wanted in Nice with the salary I was earning.
Why did you move?
See above
What's it been like?
Also fantastic, obviously very different from Europe but the weather is generally great, people are nice, stuff is very cheap and there's a lot more freedom to do whatever you want which is nice.
Any regrets?
We've done a few building projects since coming here and occasionally you end up trusting the wrong people or buying something that wasn't the best option but nothing too serious.
What advice would you give?
Don't listen to the media and people who tell you that Mexico is dangerous. Some parts are indeed dangerous but it's an enormous country and many parts are also perfectly safe. Many of the stories you hear about people being killed come from one cartel attacking another cartel, cases of ordinary people being killed are rare. Like France, you just have to grin and bear the bureaucracy and accept that some people are very inefficient.
Any other insights
A lot of people who dream of moving abroad have the idea of selling their 3 bed semi in the UK and moving to a big place in a hot country with a pool and a load of land. The reality is that isn't easy to do in most of Europe as houses are fairly expensive and in places where they're not, they're often cheap for a reason. Mexico gives you a way of living that dream on a much lower budget, but it's not for everyone. In my case, we were lucky to buy land at the right time and build our house relatively cheaply, and I've since been offered enough for it that I could go back to the UK and buy something decent in cash. I didn't consider that for a moment though, which hopefully shows how much I like it here.
(1)
Where do you live?
Nice, South of France
How did that move come about?
Got offered a job over there that I'd always wanted to do.
Why did you move?
See above
What's it been like?
Fantastic, life was pretty expensive there but the weather, food, wine, beach and incredible roads more than made up for it
Any regrets?
I wish I'd known about French bureaucracy before I moved there and I'd have liked to have made more French friends.
What advice would you give?
Properties may be cheap but maintenance costs and taxes can be extremely high, a lot of the huge mansions that English people buy are cheap for a reason. Service, particularly from labourers is poor and expensive. Getting frustrated with local government about bureaucracy and general stupidity will get you absolutely nowhere. Learning the language is not essential but highly advised as it helps with all of the above.
Any other insights
If you're relatively wealthy or manage to find a cheap place to live, do it!
(2)
Where do you live?
Monterrey, Northern Mexico
How did that move come about?
Met a girl who was from here when I was living in Nice and decided to move there for a bit to see what it would be like as I couldn't see myself being able to buy the kind of property I wanted in Nice with the salary I was earning.
Why did you move?
See above
What's it been like?
Also fantastic, obviously very different from Europe but the weather is generally great, people are nice, stuff is very cheap and there's a lot more freedom to do whatever you want which is nice.
Any regrets?
We've done a few building projects since coming here and occasionally you end up trusting the wrong people or buying something that wasn't the best option but nothing too serious.
What advice would you give?
Don't listen to the media and people who tell you that Mexico is dangerous. Some parts are indeed dangerous but it's an enormous country and many parts are also perfectly safe. Many of the stories you hear about people being killed come from one cartel attacking another cartel, cases of ordinary people being killed are rare. Like France, you just have to grin and bear the bureaucracy and accept that some people are very inefficient.
Any other insights
A lot of people who dream of moving abroad have the idea of selling their 3 bed semi in the UK and moving to a big place in a hot country with a pool and a load of land. The reality is that isn't easy to do in most of Europe as houses are fairly expensive and in places where they're not, they're often cheap for a reason. Mexico gives you a way of living that dream on a much lower budget, but it's not for everyone. In my case, we were lucky to buy land at the right time and build our house relatively cheaply, and I've since been offered enough for it that I could go back to the UK and buy something decent in cash. I didn't consider that for a moment though, which hopefully shows how much I like it here.
Where do you live?
San Perdro Alcantara/Benahavis (nr Marbella)
How did that move come about?
Bought a property here as a holiday/future retirement home 11 years ago, then moved here permanently after retiring early in 2019 and took Spanish residency as part of the Brexit withdrawal agreement in January 2021.
Why did you move?
Significantly cheaper to live here than the UK. All the benefits of an amazing climate… >300 days of sunshine, 20* day time temps even in the winter if the sun is out. Generally slower pace of life. Even in the summer the traffic isn’t anywhere near as bad as the UK. The culture is far less competitive/aggressive than the UK… it’s safe, there’s virtually no road rage, you can go out in the local towns at any time of day or night and the only drunk people you might see are tourists (and you can avoid them by not going to Marbella/Banus. I could go on…
What's it been like?
I moved here summer 2019. 2020 &21 weren’t a heap of fun due to covid (eg; I didn’t see my parents for 18 months), but most of that would have been the same pretty much anywhere. Otherwise it’s been life changing. I have a small business to keep me busy (and make the savings/pension last longer), and a wide circle of friends. IPTV gives me access to all the UK TV stuff (inc. footy).
It was 30* today… I got in from a painting job around 5.30, chugged a cold one, then wandered down to the pool (1 min walk) for a swim and an hours kip in the sun. I’m now sat on my terrace in just a pair of shorts typing this, one of my cats is curled up at my side. It honestly feels like paradise.
Any regrets?
Not really…. Biggest thing is family (parents, brother, nephew and nieces) are now in a different country, but I come back a few times a year and they come to visit.
Other than that I miss the odd Saturday morning fishing in the summer, good Chinese food and a proper doner kebab, but not much else.
What advice would you give?
I already had a good idea what it would be like to live here as I’d been coming for holidays multiple times a year for the 6 years before moving here permanently. I knew the area and what it was like here in the middle of winter as well as the middle of summer.
Not sure I’d have moved here if I hadn’t already got the property. Maybe I’d have gone to Portugal or Italy, where there are some really good tax breaks, or maybe I’d have gone to the states (my wife has a working visa for the US). More likely I’d have ended up staying in the UK and having to find another high pay/high pressure job.
In other words… its easy to say ‘just do it’, but it’s a big commitment to move your entire life to a new country… so you need to be sure it’s somewhere you’d enjoy living all year round.
Edit;
More info about people’s experiences of buying property in Spain (plus some living there) in this thread.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
San Perdro Alcantara/Benahavis (nr Marbella)
How did that move come about?
Bought a property here as a holiday/future retirement home 11 years ago, then moved here permanently after retiring early in 2019 and took Spanish residency as part of the Brexit withdrawal agreement in January 2021.
Why did you move?
Significantly cheaper to live here than the UK. All the benefits of an amazing climate… >300 days of sunshine, 20* day time temps even in the winter if the sun is out. Generally slower pace of life. Even in the summer the traffic isn’t anywhere near as bad as the UK. The culture is far less competitive/aggressive than the UK… it’s safe, there’s virtually no road rage, you can go out in the local towns at any time of day or night and the only drunk people you might see are tourists (and you can avoid them by not going to Marbella/Banus. I could go on…
What's it been like?
I moved here summer 2019. 2020 &21 weren’t a heap of fun due to covid (eg; I didn’t see my parents for 18 months), but most of that would have been the same pretty much anywhere. Otherwise it’s been life changing. I have a small business to keep me busy (and make the savings/pension last longer), and a wide circle of friends. IPTV gives me access to all the UK TV stuff (inc. footy).
It was 30* today… I got in from a painting job around 5.30, chugged a cold one, then wandered down to the pool (1 min walk) for a swim and an hours kip in the sun. I’m now sat on my terrace in just a pair of shorts typing this, one of my cats is curled up at my side. It honestly feels like paradise.
Any regrets?
Not really…. Biggest thing is family (parents, brother, nephew and nieces) are now in a different country, but I come back a few times a year and they come to visit.
Other than that I miss the odd Saturday morning fishing in the summer, good Chinese food and a proper doner kebab, but not much else.
What advice would you give?
I already had a good idea what it would be like to live here as I’d been coming for holidays multiple times a year for the 6 years before moving here permanently. I knew the area and what it was like here in the middle of winter as well as the middle of summer.
Not sure I’d have moved here if I hadn’t already got the property. Maybe I’d have gone to Portugal or Italy, where there are some really good tax breaks, or maybe I’d have gone to the states (my wife has a working visa for the US). More likely I’d have ended up staying in the UK and having to find another high pay/high pressure job.
In other words… its easy to say ‘just do it’, but it’s a big commitment to move your entire life to a new country… so you need to be sure it’s somewhere you’d enjoy living all year round.
Edit;
More info about people’s experiences of buying property in Spain (plus some living there) in this thread.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Edited by Chris Stott on Tuesday 9th July 19:10
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Aluminati said:
Currently considering this now Labour are in, probably Italy.
US with the current regime doesn’t appear attractive.
Leaving a country, or going to one, based on the current government seems mental to me. US with the current regime doesn’t appear attractive.
Louis Balfour said:
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Aluminati said:
Currently considering this now Labour are in, probably Italy.
US with the current regime doesn’t appear attractive.
Leaving a country, or going to one, based on the current government seems mental to me. US with the current regime doesn’t appear attractive.
Louis Balfour said:
I was in Lucca a few weeks ago and Livorno the week before last. I like your neck of the woods!
Currently looking south of Naples for a potential move. Though I won't be working in Italy.
We like it very much. where we are specifically feels very undiscovered, i suppose the terrain has something to do with that.Currently looking south of Naples for a potential move. Though I won't be working in Italy.
If you're still working, seek some advice around tax and whats expected of you from a contribution point of view, this also includes healthcare. Italy changed it's voluntary contribution system lately..
Fortunately, i rarely have two cents to rub together
mr_spock said:
Where do you live?
North Carolina, U.S.A. Small/medium town.
How did that move come about?
I married an American, her son lives here and it’s much easier to get a marriage visa to the US than to the UK. Also I wanted to try living here.
Why did you move?
See above. She was in the US forces and returned to the US when she retired.
What's it been like?
Mostly good. Very hot. My take home pay has increased quite a bit, things are generally less expensive, people are nice.
Any regrets?
I miss my mum and kids and mates, but we talk more or less daily.
What advice would you give?
You can’t run away from yourself. Whatever issues you have in the UK will follow you.
Any other insights
There’s much less whinging here. Tea and a good moan isn’t a thing, it’s very British. Generally people are more positive, although Trump-ism is giving permission for unpleasant people to express that. It’s highlighted how awful UK public services are to me. Even the much maligned US health system actually works well IF you have a decent job with insurance, but there are plenty of ways to get more affordable healthcare than the headlines we see in the UK suggest. The DMV is surprisingly efficient, roads are well maintained etc.
I’m the same person in another country. Don’t expect your life to change unless you change it. Moving can be a catalyst, but might not be. Yiu really have to try hard to make new friends, it’s not easy.
Where is "small/medium" town?North Carolina, U.S.A. Small/medium town.
How did that move come about?
I married an American, her son lives here and it’s much easier to get a marriage visa to the US than to the UK. Also I wanted to try living here.
Why did you move?
See above. She was in the US forces and returned to the US when she retired.
What's it been like?
Mostly good. Very hot. My take home pay has increased quite a bit, things are generally less expensive, people are nice.
Any regrets?
I miss my mum and kids and mates, but we talk more or less daily.
What advice would you give?
You can’t run away from yourself. Whatever issues you have in the UK will follow you.
Any other insights
There’s much less whinging here. Tea and a good moan isn’t a thing, it’s very British. Generally people are more positive, although Trump-ism is giving permission for unpleasant people to express that. It’s highlighted how awful UK public services are to me. Even the much maligned US health system actually works well IF you have a decent job with insurance, but there are plenty of ways to get more affordable healthcare than the headlines we see in the UK suggest. The DMV is surprisingly efficient, roads are well maintained etc.
I’m the same person in another country. Don’t expect your life to change unless you change it. Moving can be a catalyst, but might not be. Yiu really have to try hard to make new friends, it’s not easy.
This has always kinda interested me about the US. As a traveller you tend to go to the hotspots but I always think when I am flying over states and look out the window and see these towns that kinda feel "middle of nowhere", what the hell people do for a living or what they do to exist.
I think if I moved to the states now I'd head for Ann Arbor in MI. Its not Detroit and it had a nice vibe because it feels rather like a gigantic version of the town I currently live in here in the UK: Its a University with a town attached to it. Really pleasant place I thought.
craigthecoupe said:
Louis Balfour said:
I was in Lucca a few weeks ago and Livorno the week before last. I like your neck of the woods!
Currently looking south of Naples for a potential move. Though I won't be working in Italy.
We like it very much. where we are specifically feels very undiscovered, i suppose the terrain has something to do with that.Currently looking south of Naples for a potential move. Though I won't be working in Italy.
If you're still working, seek some advice around tax and whats expected of you from a contribution point of view, this also includes healthcare. Italy changed it's voluntary contribution system lately..
Fortunately, i rarely have two cents to rub together
Where do you live?
A beautiful village in Charente, SW France
How did that move come about?
We had always planned to retire to Italy or France and had been looking at French holiday homes (France won because Italy is a bit lawless) for a while.
Brexit made us want to leave the UK early and settle in the EU before that option was taken away from us. Covid took away my career (web developer in advertising agency) and with it any reason to stay.
Why did you move?
I got no covid help and ran out of money in 2020. If I didn’t rent my London house out I couldn’t have kept paying the mortgage. We made a shortlist of houses, took one last trip to France to look at them, put an offer in on our favourite, it was accepted and I sold my Aston Martin and bought a house.
What's it been like?
Brilliant. I had big buyers remorse when we arrived in the middle of lockdown but two weeks later I never wanted to go back. Never have since. I started a consultancy business, earned some money again and have had a great few years. France’s healthcare system is loads better than the UK’s and the taxes (for me anyway) are lower. It’s a much gentler pace of life too. Kind of semi retirement.
Any regrets?
Not really. I wish I was better at speaking French. Luckily my wife is fluent.
What advice would you give?
Do it. But research an area and really nail down where to live. Don’t buy a stupid big Manor House and don’t live in the middle of nowhere. Don’t buy a place with too much work you cannot do yourself. Trades are not always available or any good. Don’t just use expat trades. Post-Brexit don’t bother importing a UK car just buy a new one there.
Any other insights
Learn the language. It will make life easier in every way.
A beautiful village in Charente, SW France
How did that move come about?
We had always planned to retire to Italy or France and had been looking at French holiday homes (France won because Italy is a bit lawless) for a while.
Brexit made us want to leave the UK early and settle in the EU before that option was taken away from us. Covid took away my career (web developer in advertising agency) and with it any reason to stay.
Why did you move?
I got no covid help and ran out of money in 2020. If I didn’t rent my London house out I couldn’t have kept paying the mortgage. We made a shortlist of houses, took one last trip to France to look at them, put an offer in on our favourite, it was accepted and I sold my Aston Martin and bought a house.
What's it been like?
Brilliant. I had big buyers remorse when we arrived in the middle of lockdown but two weeks later I never wanted to go back. Never have since. I started a consultancy business, earned some money again and have had a great few years. France’s healthcare system is loads better than the UK’s and the taxes (for me anyway) are lower. It’s a much gentler pace of life too. Kind of semi retirement.
Any regrets?
Not really. I wish I was better at speaking French. Luckily my wife is fluent.
What advice would you give?
Do it. But research an area and really nail down where to live. Don’t buy a stupid big Manor House and don’t live in the middle of nowhere. Don’t buy a place with too much work you cannot do yourself. Trades are not always available or any good. Don’t just use expat trades. Post-Brexit don’t bother importing a UK car just buy a new one there.
Any other insights
Learn the language. It will make life easier in every way.
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