Migration Patterns: Top-Ranked U.S. States and Overseas Destinations for Resettlement
Americans Eye International Moves for Better Quality of Life
According to a survey by Expatsi, over 116,000 US residents, including more than 5,000 Americans, revealed their top choices for international relocation if all barriers were removed. The results show a clear preference for countries that offer affordability, a welcoming atmosphere, high quality of life, and favorable visa options.
Taking the top spot is Portugal, followed by Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Ireland, France, Mexico, New Zealand, and rounding out the top ten, Japan. The choices reflect Americans' preferences for climate, healthcare, safety, political stability, cost of living, and visa accessibility.
The survey did not highlight specific U.S. states as top domestic relocation destinations. However, it was noted that the motivation for moving abroad stemmed from concerns about increasing political polarization, high living costs, and seeking better personal safety and work-life balance among Americans.
Other popular countries among Americans moving abroad include Australia, Germany, Scotland, Greece, Luxembourg, Belgium, Norway, the Netherlands, and China. For retirees, countries like Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama are especially appealing due to lower living costs and quality healthcare.
In terms of domestic moves, Alaska, Illinois, and Indiana residents voted California as their preferred state to live in if given the chance. Colorado is the second most preferred state, with over 9% of respondents choosing it. Interestingly, New York residents would choose Florida as their next destination, and vice versa.
Florida is in third place, with 9% of those surveyed saying they'd move there. North Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia selected Florida as well. Texas, North Carolina, Oregon, and Arizona are other notable mentions in the rankings.
Plenty of Americans are willing to move cross-country for a better quality of life, with examples including Alabama and Michigan choosing Colorado, and North Dakota and Nebraska choosing New York. New York is in fifth place with 5.7% of the votes, and Texas received 4.9%, North Carolina received 4%, Oregon received 3.4%, and Arizona received 2.7% of the votes.
The most preferred state to live in outside of one's own, according to the survey, is California. Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma all voted for Texas as their preferred place to live.
Surprisingly, Canada is the most desirable country to live in among US residents, with over 16% of respondents choosing it. Japan is in third place, with 5.6% of Americans deciding to move there. The United Kingdom is in second place, with 10.9% of the votes, and 68% of surveyed Americans said they would be willing to leave the US and relocate to another country.
In the realm of digital media, a blog dedicated to the lifestyle of international movers might delve into topics such as relaxing in Portugal's casinos or exploring the home-and-garden scene in affordable countries like Mexico. Additionally, the blog could feature posts about adapting one's lifestyle to match the unique culture of places like France or Ireland, offering practical tips for expats.