Want out of US and looking for advice

Hi John,  Thanks for replying. I'm not sure what meridian we'd like to head to. My research so far shows promise in Europe, Central America, South America and possibly the Caribbean. But, it sounds like it can be very difficult to get into some countries, I have concerns about violence and anti-American sentiment, the cost of living, employment opportunities (we're not independently wealthy or anywhere near retirement, so we'll have to find decent jobs) educational opportunities for my sons and, of course, climate (warm is fine, but stifling heat and humidity is something I cannot tolerate; I grew up in Phoenix, AZ so heat isn't the problem - it's the humidity that devastates me - I can't even tolerate Kansas in the summer . I'm not too keen on the cold weather of Canada, unless is was southern, coastal Canada, which is more temperate. I'd prefer springtime year round, but then who wouldn't?

With all the information out there about all the cities in all the locations people are moving to, it would take me years to investigate the myriad of options - which I'm currently trying to do. But, while I'm swimming neck deep in all this information, I'm hoping to hear from people who are more knowledgeable and experienced than I - people like you. Thanks so much for any info. you can provide. I really appreciate it.

Hello Meridian,
are you willing to move to a country with a different language ? And how different ?
For example, I'd rather move to Italy than to Germany (languagewise) because Italian would be much easier for me ;-)

Hi Jo Ann,  Thanks for your reply. We would prefer a country where English is spoken. With my teenagers needing to attend college/university soon, there would be little time for them to become fluent enough to be successful in an institution of higher learning that did not speak English. That's one factor. The cost of living is a factor too. We're not poor but not rich either. We can afford to make the move but will need to work wherever we end up. As John mentioned in his latest post, the economies of other countries is an important factor. Also topping the list is anti-American sentiment. There are so many factors to consider it's mind-boggling, and I trust the views and insights of those who have actually spent time in various parts of the world over Web sites that want to sell me their service. I would rather move to Italy than just about any place on Earth (I would like to get my Master's in Art History with an emphasis on the Italian Renaissance) but I understand it's very expensive and the economy is in trouble (I hear the Euro may actually fail) which may mean it won't be as expensive soon, but finding work would most likely be a problem in an economic downturn, just like here in the good ol' US -- which, by the way, I don't feel is the good ol' US anymore -- which is why we would like to relocate. We don't want to be a tax slaves who are told how much of what kind of vitamins we can take -- or IF we can take them at all, like our US Senator McCain would like to see come to pass -- while we're forced to eat GM foods that by law don't have to labeled as such, vaccinated with toxic brews and purchase a government health care plan that only benefits the insurance companies -- whether or not we want it or can afford it -- or be fined and possibly jailed. This is not the country I grew up in, and I would really like to get my family out of here if I can find a better place to go -- somewhere where we can make a decent living and breathe easer with less government interference in our lives. Any suggestions you can make based on this information would be more than welcome. Thank you very much.

Thanks for the advice John. I appreciate your experience and your insights very much. I realize there must be problems everywhere, which is what makes this process so difficult. And, it doesn't help that many Web sites gloss over the problems and make various foreign locations sound like absolute paradise. There are always 2 sides to every coin. As you may have read in my post to Jo Ann, I would really like to get out of the US if I can find a better place. We currently live in a small town because of all the violence, crime and filth inherent in big American cities. Many people move away from our little town to find better employment only to return because big city life is too ugly and stressful. I have family and friends strewn about the Phoenix metropolitan area, but we only visit -- do not want to live there. It's not the town we live in that's the problem. It's the direction the US seems to be heading. It's the government's ever tightening grip around our throats, liberties and bank accounts. Our wonderful Constitution has become practically meaningless, and I fear for my children's futures. There's got to be a better place where corporations don't control everything, where the well-being of the people is given higher priority than quarterly profit margins, where there's less government interference and control over the people's lives, and where war isn't what drives the economy via a military industrial complex -- or am I just kidding myself? Is there a better place? As a responsible parent, I have to find out. And, I appreciate all the help I can get. Thank you.

Hi Meridian,
I too am looking for information about Antigua.Cost of living, jobs, ect. If you find anything useful would you pass it on. Likewise, I'll do the same.
Merrie Lou

Hello Meridian,

I too am looking to move back to France. I have family there and I have my dual citizenship. Let me know if you hear how to do that.

Merci,
Jackie

Meridian,
You echo our sentiments. Panama has somewhat laxed laws for immigration.  It's climate is tropical however.  The currency is the US$ and it's close to Miami if you want to see family. Lots of Americans there. Working is going to be a problem wherever you go.  We can retire, therefore, it's one hurdle we don't have to climb.
I highly suggest you obtain work before you leave here. You will have to show employment or retirement when you apply for a long term visa wherever you go. You may be able to squeek in under a student visa with your kids. Ireland is nice. Other countries are not the US, their borders are closed!

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. Best of luck to you.

Hi Meridian

My name is Lawrence.  I noticed your post and thought maybe I could offer some information that might be of some assistance
in regards to your goal of locating a new home outside the US
for yourself and family .  I personally have reached my limit
and have made the choice to leave the USA .  I have researched
many countries over the last two years and have decided on Canada.  During my research New Zealand was also a strong possibility ( more attractive year around weather ) however it was Canada that fit my overall requirements and interests.  It sounds like you are seeking a milder climate , have you looked into countries such as Costa Rica, Belize, or Ecuador ?  Earlier
in my process of reseaching potential areas for relocation, what I learned about Ecuador was very positive.  I still have not ruled out Ecuador as a country of choice.  The cost of living
and just how much further one's income will take them In Ecuador
in comparison to Canada is of course huge.  Ecuador also is still relatively underscovered  by the Ex-Pat demands for a
new community in which to live .  Anywho , if I can be of any assistance based on my research and travels, please let me know.
I do know that my last stay in Nova Scotia , Canada last year did it for me .  Good luck , I wish you and your family the best in your desire to make a better life .

Lawrence

Best of luck!  My wife and two kids are in Turkey.  Beautiful country and the people are wonderful. Everyone else has offered a lot of great points.  But maybe a place to start would be with a family inventory of sorts. Have everyone list the ten most important things to have in a country.  Your teens need to be heavily involved I would think.  For me - I can do with   Also, Latin based languages like Spanish are going to be  easier languages than Turkish or Chinese for example.  Lots to consider. Just make sure you find joy in the journey.

I think Vietnam is okey for you.
You can work as an english teacher here and earn a lot.
The weather here is moderate and people are really friend and nice.
The only problem is language. The first langauge in VN is Vietnamese.
But I think english4turkey2699 got some points. Your sons are at teenage and this move will have tremendous on them.