If you have found yourself daydreaming about setting up a home anywhere outside of the US, you are not alone. The feeling of burnout, frustration and disconnections from life in the US is all too real. This is definitely a reality for Black Americans. Heck, I could name a few groups that are feeling deflated and are in search of safety, peace and belonging. The idea of living abroad is weighing heavily on my mind these days. It’s not about escaping the US (ok sometimes it is) but more about choosing me and creating a life that feels freer and more aligned.
I’ve lived abroad before as an expat in Germany. For nearly 4 years I experienced the joy and sometimes frustration of living in another country where I didn’t speak the language. The culture was vastly different than what I was used to, I missed my family, my friends and good old southern food. Would I do it again? Absolutely!
More and more people are reimagining what “home” can look like and discovering that peace, opportunity, and joy are waiting beyond US borders. If you’ve ever caught yourself dreaming about starting fresh somewhere else where life feels freer, slower, or simply more affordable, this guide is for you.
In this guide, I’ll share real facts that can help you solidify your thoughts about living abroad. Some of them may even surprise you. In the end, you’ll have a new perspective on making this choice and some tools you can use to determine if living abroad is the change you’ve been craving.
Why More Americans Are Choosing to Live Abroad
I think it goes without saying that the US is a politically divided country. The weight of it all is hard to bear even for the most patriotic. There are days when you have tremendous pride to be a part of this nation and others where you hang your head in shame. It’s been a lot. A growing number of Americans are falling out of love with the place we hold dear and are exploring life outside of the US.
While some will see it as fleeing others see it as freedom. Deciding if this is the right choice for you, is not something to take lightly. Every place has its own set of challenges that you probably don’t see on the quick “vacation” trip. Here are the things to consider if a move abroad is on your mind.
What is Your “Why” for Leaving the U.S.
Before researching visas or destinations, get clear on why you want to leave. For some of us the reasons might be easy, competitive job market, cost of living, financial freedom, a slower pace of life, or a sense of belonging. Honestly the list could go on and on.
Your “why” will guide where you move and how you build your life abroad. For some the emotional relief that many Black expats feel living in societies where race isn’t the daily headline is comforting enough. Being seen as a person and not just as a Black person is hard to describe.
Before you make this important life decision, you need to be clear on what is real and what is social media hype when it comes to the place you are considering. The romanticized version of a country might showcase a standard of living that is not easily accomplished. Let’s face it, you will probably not eat dinner out every night and the service that you receive in a 5 star hotel won’t be available to you once you are living there full-time.
Determine You What
Once you have defined your why, you then need to think through “what” you are hoping to find. Many countries offer an “escape” from the constant grind culture of the US. We make fun of how much vacation time certain countries provide to their employees while secretly wishing we could take more time off.
A more acceptable work life balance might be the key to better health and an overall happier life. In some countries that is easier to accomplish than others.
You should know that it is not all roses and sunshine. The affordable healthcare, extra time off and better understanding of human needs aren’t as free as they may seem. Some countries have a tax system that will make you clutch your pearls. Your ability to obtain certain services may be limited. And not being a naturalized citizen might come with its own set of challenges. It’s important to understand what you need based on age, family status, etc and ensure the country you are considering can live up to those expectations.
How Will You Sustain Your New Life
While the cost of living may be cheaper than the US, there is still a cost. This inevitably means you will need some sort of income to live.
Even if you have very low overhead (paid off housing, no outstanding debt) you still need to eat. You’ll likely need some sort of healthcare even if it’s a dental cleaning. And if you have family back in the US, you’ll likely want to see them occasionally.
Take a good look at your finances and how long you expect to live. Think about the type of life you want to live. Does that include luxurious vacations, entertainment expenses, etc.? Consider factors like growing healthcare needs as you age and creating a nest egg to handle unexpected expenses. $100,000 might sound like a lot now but how long can you realistically live on it before needing an income?
In additional to finance, you will want to determine how easy it is to build community and connections. As much as we’d like to believe we could go off to an island and never speak to anyone, there comes a point when you want to have a meaningful connection.
Do some research to understand what the expat population looks like in the countries you are considering. Speaking from experience, the thing that made life easier for me in Germany was having a community who understood the challenges I was facing. Honestly, we talked each other off the ledge more often than I’d like to admit.
Top Destinations for Expat/ Immigrant Communities
Once you’ve figured out your why, what and how, it’s time to start looking at destinations. For some of us, this step can be easy. You have family somewhere or a thriving community in a country that’s just missing you. The rest of us have no idea where to start. There are a few countries that make it so easy to make it your home. I’ve listed a few destinations for you to consider that are both inspiring and practical.
Portugal
This country has been a hot topic for some years. Especially when they started offering a “Golden Visa” for almost nothing. While the Golden Visa is no longer available, there are still plenty of reasons to consider Portugal for your next home.
This country has an incredible coastline, amazing weather and is easily accessible from the US. You can fly direct from the east coast in under 8 hours.
Of course that’s not reason enough for you to uproot your entire life. But perhaps the fact that Portugal has been listed among Europes safest countries, the cost of living is 30-40% lower than U.S. norms (outside of major cities) and healthcare is excellent. Add to this the fact that getting a visa is relatively easy and you only have show proof of monthly income of 870 Euro might be enough to have you packing your bag sooner rather than later.
It’s a slower pace of living but central to the rest of Europe making it an easy jumping off point for additional exploration on the continent. Bonus it is full of established Black expat communities. Read more about my experiences as a tourist in Portugal here.
Panama
Panama has been climbing the list of popular destinations for expats over the past few years. It has an easy residency options and strong expat infrastructure. I recently met a woman from the US who has made Panama her home and she absolutely loves it. She shared a few of the reasons why she loves it that I’m passing along.
Starting with the fact that the currency is the US dollar, the climate is pretty awesome and there are super friendly relocation policies.
Did I mention the cost of living is incredibly affordable? Often 30–50% below US averages for primary expenses. You can get a 1 bedroom apartment for around $700 a month and spend less than $100 per month on utilities. I spend double that on my cable/internet access alone in the US.
While the primary language is Spanish, English is widely spoken and there are Spanish-immersion options for people looking to learn the language quickly. It’s pretty close to the US making it an easy destination for those needing to commute for personal reasons.
Costa Rica
If a laid back lifestyle that gets you close to nature is on your wish list, then Costa Rica might have what you need. This country is ideal for nature-oriented families and remote workers prioritizing wellness. You have the ocean and you have the mountains giving you the biodiversity you need to check out of it all.
The infrastructure is fairly developed with good public transportation and air travel options. Costa Rica offers a high-quality healthcare system that is both affordable and accessible
There is some concern about safety in the country but applying common-sense precautions especially in tourist areas will go a long way to keep you safe.
The cost of living is 30-45% less than the US and the pathway to residency is quite simple. There is a retiree, income based and digital nomad visa available. You can obtain permanent residency after 3 years of temporary residence and citizenship after 7 years of legal stay.
Thailand
If you are looking to lower your overall cost of living, then you want to put Thailand on your radar.
Thailand is known for its stunning beaches, differentiated culture, and affordable cost of living. This, among other things like the warm climate and friendly locals, has made it a popular destination for American expats.
I must admit, I didn’t love the traffic in Thailand. If you love the idea of jumping on a scooter and weaving your way through some serious traffic, you will thrive here. Although the red bus/trucks they have in Chiang Mai were pretty cheap and an easy way to move around.
Thailand has a large and very active expat community especially in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Most are drawn to the exceptionally low cost of living. Housing, food, transportation and even services like house cleaning is cheap. Here you can live like a king for what we pay in one month’s worth of living expenses in LA.
Ghana
If sense of belonging and more connection is why you are leaving then it’s imperative that you consider some African countries. High on that list is Ghana. Sounds odd since this is exactly the place where large groups of Africans walked through the door of no return as slaves.
A lot has changed in 400 years. Ghana is now politically stable, democratic, and friendly to foreign nationals. It is considered one of the most welcoming and safest countries on the continent.
A couple of years ago, Ghana invested heavily in the “Year of Return” and introduced the country to an entirely new generation of Black Americans. Their residence visa pathways are among the most straightforward in the region and the cost of entry remains relatively low.
While the infrastructure is still developing, the country is making significant investments to attract big tech and tourism.
Preparing for the Move: Practical Steps for a Smooth Transition
Once you’ve identified a location that meets your needs, it’s time to get started designing your next chapter. A move abroad doesn’t happen overnight. It requires thoughtful planning and preparation. Some people plan for years before they make the move. While you may not need several years, you will definitely need a few months or more.
Get Your Finances in Order
Research cost of living, housing and healthcare in your destination. Then start building a savings account that will get you through at least one full year. Don’t forget about expenses back in the US that you may still need to cover: for example, taxes. Build a transition fund or explore remote work opportunities. Keep in mind some countries have strict guidelines around working. Be sure you are clear on any limitations.
Handle Logistics Early
Explore the visa options. Most countries have more than one option for long-term visas each having its own set of requirements and timelines. Processing times in some countries can be quite lengthy. Not to mention rules that change as well. I have a friend who applied for a visa, waited 2 years only to be told the law had recently changed and he would not be grandfathered in. In essence, he is starting all over again.
Leverage online forums or groups in the destination to get some real world insight that you definitely won’t find on any government agency page. Make sure you check your passport expiration and renew early if needed. Understand healthcare options and make sure you are covered. Order copies of important documents like birth certificate, health records, etc. early.
Prepare Mentally and Emotionally
Let’s be honest, some of us are ready to leave and never look back. We see the promise of a better life some place else in the world. Even with this, there are some things you need to prepare for emotionally that might catch you off guard. I was surprised at how much I missed some of the little things I enjoyed in the US like shopping on a Sunday or watching a TV series in real time.
Serious time zone difference will impact your ability to connect with family or friends back at home. You might miss simpler things like a class reunion, homecoming or birthday parties. Not to mention, your own personal celebrations may start to look and feel different.
Expect both culture shock and emotional growth when you leave the US. Every country operates slightly different than your home country and that will take some getting used to. If there is a language barrier, you’ll need to figure out how to navigate in a space where not everything is clear. Trying to explain a biscuit might prove to be more complicated than you think.
Overcoming these challenges will take careful planning and design. Finding a way to ensure you stay connected with the things that matter most will go a long way to ensure your move is successful.
My Perspective
Living abroad could be the change you need to start living your “soft life” era or it could be the boost you need to spark innovation. Whatever your reason, know that every big move starts with one decision: believing you deserve more.
Start by writing down one word that describes what you’re searching for: peace, safety, joy, or adventure. Then research one country where you might find it. That’s where your journey begins. There are a ton of resources available to help you think through your decision. I found The Global Citizens website to be quite helpful. You don’t have to settle for surviving when you can actually thrive abroad.
FAQs About Expats Living Abroad
Q: Is it really easier to live abroad as a Black person?
It depends on the country, but many Black expats report feeling safer, freer, and less racially targeted than in the U.S. The experience isn’t perfect but it can be profoundly healing.
Q: How do I find community once I move?
Join online spaces for expats in your destination, attend meetups, or connect with others through platforms like Facebook or InterNations before you arrive. Most expat communities are eager to welcome new members.
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