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Adios, America! 10 Amazing Overseas Options for Wandering Expats

Ever feel like just getting out?  Quitting your job, selling your place, screaming ¡Adios, Estados Unidos!, and making another country your homeland for good? Maybe it’s a romantic notion about Americans overseas: Henry Miller in Paris, Henry James in Italy, Paul Theroux in the Mosquito Coast (actually, forget that last one—it didn’t turn out so well). New culture, new cuisine, new currency—new life?

Or perhaps it’s a byproduct of these politically turbulent times. It’s a collective American fantasy of the disenfranchised or disgusted: making good on your threat to just pick up and move to … well, fill in the blank.

As it turns out, more and more Americans are filling in that blank. The U.S. State Department estimates there were close to 9 million U.S. citizens residing overseas as of June 2016. That’s up from an estimated 6.3 million in 2011.

“It’s never been easier to live in international cities around the world,” says Ben Tyrrell, head of MoveHub, which provides global relocation services. “It’s easy to work remotely. And setting yourself up in overseas cities is so much simpler. You can order your stuff from Amazon, even find yourself a date on Tinder.”

But where should you turn your wanderlust fantasy into a reality?

Some countries, of course, are far more welcoming toward immigrants than others. Each offers its own array of visas, with different conditions and length of legal stays—and different rules about earning a living.

And countries have vastly different routes to homeownership. Prospective expats need to make sure their destination of choice even allows them to buy a house. Then they need to price out local real estate markets. Think San Francisco and New York are expensive? Check out Hong Kong. The median price for a place to live in the Chinese port city (including some so small—150 to 300 square feet—locals call them “gnat flats”) is a whopping $697,900.

“The ideal city, in my view, is a place where you can afford a city apartment or nearby house, from which you can jump on a bike, bus, or streetcar to get to cultural and sports events,” says Patricia Linderman, editor of Tales From a Small Planet, a magazine for expats. You also want to seek out places “where you meet a mix of people from around the world and locals.”

To find the best international cities for Americans seeking jobs, a home, and a fascinating life, we ranked 231 global hubs where we were able to gather sufficient data* according to the following criteria:

• Housing affordability, ranked by price-to-income ratio in each city
• City cost of living
• City quality of living index
• City unemployment rate
• Number of American expats in the country 
• Low national homicide rate

To get more variety, we limited our top picks to one city per country. So strap on that money belt and charge up the international phone. Ready for some speed dating with 10 global cities? Let’s go!

1. Stuttgart, Germany

Median home price: $269,000*

American expats in Germany: 137,575

Among the gentle hills in southwest Germany lies Stuttgart, an ancient city with a population of 612,441 that boasts urban sophistication, plenty of jobs for foreigners, and, yes, the world’s largest pig museum. It’s also an economic powerhouse, headquarters of Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Bosch.

“A lot of international jobs are created here, and the expat scene is growing constantly,” says Melanie Buck, a Stuttgart native who runs the blog Living in Stuttgart for English-speaking locals.

It’s relatively easy for Americans to enter Germany, even without a visa, and then apply for a residence and work permit. But those with a college degree and in-demand expertise (say, in computer programming) have the best chances of scoring one of those permits.

Americans can buy property in Germany, but may have to adjust their McMansion expectations. The majority of Stuttgart’s homes are apartments between 700 and 1,300 square feet, a mix of older gems with shingled roofs and sleek, new construction.

There’s a lively expat scene, with events that range from networking nights at cafes and bars, to English board game nights, to the Metropolitan Club, which organizes wine tastings for foreigners. And did we mention the pig museum?

2. Glasgow, United Kingdom

Median home price: $165,300

American expats in the U.K.: 212,150

The birthplace of the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Scotland’s largest city features many exquisitely detailed buildings influenced by his distinctive “Glasgow style.” Home buyers can also choose from the city’s many Victorian homes, as well as its buildings of striking red and blond sandstone.

Americans can easily purchase property in the post-Brexit U.K. (Just keep an eye out for a possible Scottish vote on whether it should secede and remain part of the European Union.) Plus, Glasgow homes sell for less than a third of the cost of homes in London.

“Glasgow is a lot cheaper than London, but incredibly accessible—it’s got an international airport and direct rail link to London,” says Cameron Ewer, a real estate agent at Savills in Glasgow. The city is also experiencing a building boom, with a lot of property investors coming in from around the world, as well as other parts of the U.K. Expats can find jobs in the city’s long list of global headquarters, but here’s the catch: Foreigners need job offers in hand before they can apply for five-year work visas.

Bonus: The city is the U.K.’s largest retail destination outside London. And yes, your AmEx card will work just fine.

3. Montreal, Canada

Median home price: $213,700

American expats in Canada: 343,252

Our neighbor to the north may seem like just a colder, nicer extension of America. But the cosmopolitan city of Montreal, in the French-speaking province of Quebec, offers a slice of European living without leaving the continent.

Montreal is full of Old World architecture, such as the Gothic Revival Notre Dame Basilica and stone buildings on the cobblestone-lined rue Saint-Paul. And there are no restrictions on American home buyers. Chateau, anyone?

English-speaking expats usually reside in the western part of Montreal. That’s where Americans can bond in bars, like the Sir Winston Churchill Pub, that spotlight U.S. football and NBA games.

The city added 70,000 jobs between December 2015 and 2016, with manufacturing, tourism, and construction spearheading the growth. The tech sector was a big factor, too.

Those without business or family ties in the province (or Canada) can still receive permanent residency without having a job offer. Quebec, which has a skilled worker program that’s separate from the national one, looks favorably upon applicants with degrees and professional expertise.

4. Wellington, New Zealand

Median home price: $324,900

American expats in New Zealand: 22,300

New Zealand, the Pacific island nation with breathtaking coastlines, has an open-door attitude toward foreign buyers—there is no visa requirement or any other restrictions. The majority of Wellington homes are single-family structures, ranging from beachfront cottages with gorgeous ocean views to cozy homes closer to city amenities.

Living among the 204,000 residents of Wellington comes with plenty of perks. Dubbed the “coolest little capital” (by Wellingtonians, no doubt), the city has a hip coffee ’n’ craft beer culture. There’s a surplus of avid surfers, beach volleyball players, and mountain bikers in this outdoorsy mecca. And everyone speaks English!

“Wellington has a vibrant culture, beautiful views of the harbor, and lots of jobs,” says local real estate agent Craig Lowe, of Lowe & Co Realty. “And you [can] buy a good, quality home for a fraction of what you pay in Sydney or Auckland.”

The city has a massive and thriving film industry. Weta Digital is best known for working on the visual effects for blockbusters like “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “Avatar.”

5. Merida, Mexico

Median home price: $125,000

American expats in Mexico: 876,528

On the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula lies bustling Merida, the 14th-largest city in Mexico (pop. 777,615). A rich history has left Merida with beautiful Spanish and French Colonial mansions, some of which have been converted into hotels. Others are up for grabs.

Just check out this drool-worthy, 15,200-square-foot mansion with modern amenities, for just $1 million. For those of more modest means, Merida is rife with pastel homes like this one, with 3,000 square feet, for just $104,000.

“This is where I want to live for the rest of my life,” says Jim Mann, 65, who moved to Merida 16 years ago from Virginia and is now the owner of Merida Yucatan Real Estate. “The people are one of my favorites about Merida. They are so warm, friendly, and genuine.”

Merida is also among the safest major cities in Mexico, with little of the drug-related crime and political unrest that have plagued other metros.

But be warned: It won’t be easy for foreigners to buy into Mexico’s beautiful coastal areas. Americans need to set up a bank trust first—and then you have the right to use, renovate, and sell your home, but a Mexican bank holds the title. The trust is valid for 50 years and then can be renewed for another 50. It can also be passed down to heirs.

Americans can visit in Mexico for 180 days without a visa, but will need one for longer stays. Buying property in the country makes it easier to obtain a temporary resident visa for up to four years. But if you want to work, you must have a job offer and obtain a work permit.

6. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Median home price: $512,900

American expats in Netherlands: 27,285

Americans who love bicycles, high-quality legal marijuana, and a mix of quaint and innovative architecture love Amsterdam. The Dutch city sits on a labyrinth of canals lined with colorful houses sporting charming, gabled facades. The imposing configuration of the housing blocks of the “Amsterdam School” evokes massive sculptures.

The city also has huge swaths of futurist buildings, including the Pontsteiger, a glass and ceramic apartment complex that looks like a chair with an open back rising from the sea. And the floating homes in Amsterdam’s Steigereiland (Jetty Island) are as breathtaking as ever.

Homes don’t come cheap, though. The average price of an apartment is $484,500, and single-family homes run about $651,000.

Fortunately, good-paying jobs can be had. Amsterdam is a mecca for multinational companies like Adidas, Cisco, Heineken, and Tesla. Highly skilled Americans can have their residence permits fast-tracked through the system even before they set foot on Dutch soil. Meanwhile, self-employed foreigners can also apply to live and work in the country once they arrive.

Amsterdam’s expat community is booming. The city even sponsors free language classes to help out non-Dutch speaking foreigners. But don’t worry—most residents speak English.

7. Canberra, Australia

Median home price: $505,100

American expats in Australia: 110,643

Australia, and its 11,000-plus beaches, is hardly a secret among expats. But while Sydney has become overrun with tourists, the city of Canberra, about three hours away, remains an off-the-radar gem. It’s one-tenth of Sydney’s size, with a population of 422,510, and its homes cost half the price of Sydney’s. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the 10K jogging loop around Lake Burley Griffin and plenty of mountain biking paths, as well as the historic Manuka Pool. (Just remember that hole in the ozone layer, and slap on some 55 SPF sunscreen!)

Closer to the city center, buyers will find more modern, multistory rental buildings, many of which popped up during a decade-long apartment boom. There is no shortage of single-family homes, like this 1,655-square-foot brick home with mountain views, going for $545,000. Apartments are more affordable, with a median price of $312,200.

But be forewarned: It’s tougher for Americans to buy homes here than it is in other cities on our list. All buyers must receive permission from the Foreign Investment Review Board. Although Americans without a visa can buy a new home, they need a visa of at least 12 months to buy an existing home.

Similarly, it’s not easy to obtain a work visa. Professionals in high-demand occupations, like school teachers, engineers and nurses, receive highest priority. Also pushed to the top of the list: those who invest large amounts of money, those with “distinguished talents,” and families of Australian citizens.

But if you can swing it, you’ll be in good company. Canberra is a multinational city, with expats hailing from 180 countries.

8. Lyon, France

Median home price: $341,500

American expats in France: 53,906

Often overlooked by American tourists, Lyon is the third-largest city in France (pop. 484,344), and known among the French for its vibrant culinary scene. Its winding, cobblestone streets, lined with tall, skinny houses and shops, are less crowded than in Paris, and properties are nearly 60% cheaper.

“Lyon is not huge, it’s very walkable, and [it’s] reasonably affordable,” says CatherineRose Mountain, an American whose blog, La Vie en C-Rose, described her three years teaching English in Lyon. In addition, she notes, Lyon “has all the benefits of big cities, like interesting restaurants and lots of things to do.”

The chic sixth district has wide avenues filled with Art Deco apartments and mansions overlooking the green expanse of the Parc de la Tete d’Or. This is one of the most coveted residential areas, with apartments selling for $488 per square foot. Those who can’t afford the hefty price tag can check out the historic fifth district, filled with Renaissance-era apartments at a more affordable $355 per square foot. Fortunately, there are no restrictions on foreigners buying property.

Lyon is very expat-friendly, with plenty of parties for foreigners, ranging from craft cocktail soirees to sushi nights. And the sushi is pretty darn good.

Americans can live in France for up to three months before they need to secure a work visa.

9. Dublin, Ireland

Median home price: $294,300

American expats in Ireland: 30,690

International businesses have brought expats to Dublin from every corner of the world. It’s now common to hear different languages (or accents) on the streets of Ireland’s capital city and to find authentic ethnic eateries ranging from French bistros to Nigerian street food.

A welcoming attitude toward foreign business and low corporate taxes have attracted companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple, which have set up their European headquarters in Dublin. At the same time, local companies like the building material company CRH and bookmaker Paddy Power have gone global. Plus, it’s relatively easy for foreigners to buy Irish property without restrictions.

Dublin is filled with Georgian-style townhouses built in the 18th century. You’ll recognize them by their distinctive arched window frames, paneled front doors, and elaborately decorated walls and ceilings.

The Irish housing market is still recovering from its collapse in 2007, but has seen steady price growth since 2013. That means it’s now likely to be a good investment.

Workers with critical skills, such as engineers and high-tech specialists, can apply for residency after two years, while general workers need to wait five years.

10. Durban, South Africa

Median home price: $108,000

American expats in South Africa: 18,114

On the east coast of South Africa, about five hours from Johannesburg, Durban is the country’s third-largest city, with almost 600,000 residents. It is known for its beautiful beaches, happening nightlife, and luxe expat lifestyle.

Overlooking Africa’s busiest port, Durban Point has high-end condos and its own canal, so residents can dock their boats there. In the hilly suburbs, a five-bedroom Spanish mansion with a rock pool costs only $500,000. And a lovely two-bedroom apartment with harbor views is going for $60,000.

However, there is a head-spinning number of permits that those seeking to live and work in the country will need to apply for, ranging from business permits for investors to general work permits for just about everyone else. Those planning to set up businesses in the country typically receive priority.

But those beaches. When they’re not soaking up rays, expats can go kayaking along the coastline, or hiking in the nearby mountains. Not a bad life, if we do say so.

* Data sources: UNdata, Prime Asset Investments, Mercer, Numbeo, United Nations international migrant stock 2015, Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook, United Nations global study on homicide 2013, Demographia international housing affordability survey 2017, Notaires de France, Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek, Metros Cúbicos, HomeBid, and the equivalent in each country of a national bureau of labor statistics.

The home price in Stuttgart is calculated using median home price per square meter, multiplied by 80 square meters (861 square feet).

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