Best Countries for US Expats and Their Families
The number of American expats that decide to live overseas for good continues to increase through the years. The majority of them move to Canada, South America, Europe, and Asia.
Seeking improved quality of life, better job opportunities, and lower cost of living are the main reasons why expats move to another country. A change in environment is also another factor that expats consider, and this is further highlighted when they are planning to emigrate with their families.
If you are planning to move abroad and permanently reside there with your family, check out our list of the best places for expatriates to work in and live with their families.
The number of American expats that decide to live overseas for good continues to increase through the years. The majority of them move to Canada, South America, Europe, and Asia.
Seeking improved quality of life, better job opportunities, and lower cost of living are the main reasons why expats move to another country. A change in environment is also another factor that expats consider, and this is further highlighted when they are planning to emigrate with their families.
If you are planning to move abroad and permanently reside there with your family, check out our list of the best places for expatriates to work in and live with their families.
New Zealand
If you are tired of skyscrapers and busy streets, New Zealand is the place for a change of view. Choose from the commercial and cultural hub that is Auckland and the dreamy location of Queenstown, which is said to be the world's adventure capital. Either choice is perfect for the work-life integration you have been looking for.
New Zealand remains one of the best places to live abroad with your family because of its safe, friendly, and peaceful environment. You are more likely to get hurt participating in sports activities than from encountering a mugger.
Canada
You do not have to look far for the best place for expats to live with your family. Canada is a country with mixed cultures influenced by people coming from different parts of the world.
The beautiful countryside combined with the modernity of the urban jungle will make you fall in love with the place. The conveniences of modern society and the sightly allure of nature create an atmosphere conducive for establishing families and preparing for retirement.
Opportunities: The media industry has a lot of job openings. So, if you are knowledgeable in production, digital marketing, or broadcasting, there is a high chance that you will get hired here.
Biggest Upside: There is no downtime for adjustments since the culture and beliefs are fairly similar to those in the US. Being in a neighboring country also makes moving with your family more convenient and cost-effective.
Biggest Downside: If you are looking for a breath of new experience, you might get disappointed since the US and Canada have many similarities.
France
Besides being the most frequented destination by tourists, France is also one of the best places for expats to live in because its work environment is more viable than the US. Additionally, expats can visit countless attractions for a weekend getaway, so you will never run out of things to do in your free time.
Opportunities: Teaching opportunities and Au Pair services are quite common for short-term jobs in the country.
Biggest Upside: A 35-hour workweek with longer breaks within the day, more frequent holidays, a vibrant community – you will not find any other country to work in that offers these advantages better than France does.
Biggest Downside: You must have a work visa pre-arranged by your employer before you can get into the country.
Australia
If you want to move somewhere healthier, the top country your search will give is Australia. The overall environment there is just so much better: the transport system is timely and accessible. The internet is fast and reliable, and the air there is fresh enough to lengthen your lifespan twofold. Australia is simply one of the best places to live abroad with your family.
Opportunities: Australia’s most in-demand jobs for expats involve software engineering, teaching, and accounting.
Biggest Upside: The quality of life here is high, and there is rarely any case of criminal activity.
Biggest Downside: The cost of living in Australia is quite expensive. While you get quality products and services in return, you have to be better at budgeting to make sure you and your family do not have to sacrifice your lifestyle.
Spain
Moving overseas with your family can be daunting, especially for kids. They are more prone to culture shock, especially if the country you are moving to speaks a different language.
Luckily, Spain is one of the best places for expats to live with their families because of the overall friendliness of the environment. The country is very accommodating to people, that children should have no trouble finding new friends.
Opportunities: Business consultants, financial directors, IT professionals, and engineers are some of the highly demanded professions available to American expats.
Biggest Upside: The leisurely atmosphere and the amicable neighbors will make it easier for you to adjust to your new home.
Biggest Downside: You can find queues everywhere and they will test your patience.
Singapore
The busy city-state of Singapore has always been one of the best places for expats to live and work.
When raising a family, you want to make sure that education and living conditions are top-notch. In Singapore, neither of these two areas will be a problem since there are many quality schools in the country. When it comes to job security and salary fairness, the country ranks among the top countries in the world in these categories, receiving satisfying remarks from locals and expats.
Opportunities: The financial, engineering, and software sectors are always on the lookout for the best candidates to fulfill the demanding requirements involved.
Biggest Upside: When it comes to safety, security, and cleanliness, Singapore is probably the best in Southeast Asia.
Biggest Downside: Since it is a tropical country, you might be surprised at how hot and humid the climate is. Additionally, overworking is a norm in this country, so be prepared to work long hours.
South Korea
South Korea remains to be one of the best places for expats to live with their families. The country is filled with a mix of cityscapes and breathtaking views, with Seoul being the haven of international employees.
Opportunities: Teaching English is the most in-demand job opportunity for American expats in the country. There are also other media, marketing, and creative industries that require native and fluent English speakers.
Biggest Upside: The country is very welcoming to foreigners. Plus, since there are many expats in the country, it is not that hard to find a friend in just a few days.
Biggest Downside: Korean employers can sometimes make last-minute requirements, adjustments, or schedules that you have to be willing to adapt to.
Germany
Germany may seem like an odd choice for expats to go to with their families. However, the endless job opportunities for highly skilled professionals, the relatively lower cost of living, and the number of top-notch schools throughout the country make Germany undeniably one of the best places to live abroad with your family.
Opportunities: To sustain its huge economy, Germany is looking for professionals who excel in STEM fields. Serious opportunities are available for experts who have vast experiences in their respective industries.
Biggest Upside: In Germany, you will not feel pressured to work overtime. The general workplace culture also discourages you from taking your work home with you.
Biggest Downside: While opportunities in Germany abound, the competition can be very tough for expats. You have to show that no one else can do a job better than you do.
Costa Rica
Many US expats like the thought of living – or even retiring – in a tropical country. Among the top choices include Costa Rica, its laidback vibe, beautiful beaches, and cool mountains.
The friendly locals make it one of the best places for expats to live. The crime rate in the country is meager, making it a safe destination for female expats who want to move in first before inviting their whole family to come over.
Opportunities: As a thriving tourist destination, tourism is the industry with the greatest number of job opportunities.
Biggest Upside: You will find many foreigners in every corner of the country, so you will not feel alienated living there. The numerous types of visas offered there also make it easier to move in with your family.
Biggest Downside: Underdeveloped roads make long-distance travel challenging.
Thailand
Thailand is a destination filled with natural landscapes, nature reserves, cultural heritage sites, and exotic beach islands. The general cost of living in the country is low and affordable, which is why Thailand always gets an upvote as one of the best places for expats to live with their families.
Opportunities: While a large population of the country understands English, foreign teachers are still highly demanded.
Biggest Upside: The low cost of living is the primary reason that many expats choose Thailand as their ideal work destination.
Biggest Downside: If you get into an accident, you will most likely be blamed even if you are not at fault just because you are a foreigner living in their homeland.
The Importance of Getting International Health Insurance
Whichever country you choose to go to, there is one thing you must not forget: getting expatriate health insurance. And there is no better and more reliable place to look for an insurer than International Citizens Insurance.
We are an insurance brokerage company dedicated to bringing the best international insurance policies to travelers, nomads, and expats.
In line with our mission to educate you on the importance of worldwide medical, life, and travel insurance, we have created a guide filled with tips in getting country-specific travel insurance. Knowing which countries are the healthiest to live in for expats will help you choose the best destination where you and your family can settle for good.
If you are unsure which insurance plan to get, head to our guide that compares expat insurance policies offered by the most trusted insurers worldwide. Also, do not hesitate to ask for a free quote on any expatriate health insurance you are eyeing to get.
Still, if you do not know where to start, we can guide you in selecting the appropriate expat insurance for your needs. Just get in touch with us through any of the channels available.
Author / Editor: Joe Cronin, Founder and President of International Citizens Insurance. Mr. Cronin, a former expat, is an authority in the areas of international travel, and global health, life, and travel insurance, with expertise in advising individuals and groups on benefits for today's global workforce. Follow him on LinkedIn or Twitter.
