Why should I move to YOUR country?

[Divinus Arma]

Why Should I move to your country? (what the heck: or U.S. State, other than California. Worth a shot.)

I plan on retiring sooner or later and have given a bit of thought to moving away from the United States. I love my country and serve her still, but I need something that fits my needs.

I am not turned on by socialist-democracy governments, but I will consider one if the reasons are there.

I have thought quite a bit about New Zealand. My Sister-in-law lived there for about a year on study and she ranted and raved about it. I even contacted the NZ Army to find out about joining them as a career officer. I love the Climate, the cost of living, and the diversity of ecosystems. I also like that there are no illegal immigrants and their *appears* to be little social strife. I don't know much about the government and am pretty much ignorant to social politics.

Aside from NZ, I am pretty much open to many westernized countries.

A few that are certainly out:
Anywhere that it gets well below freezing on a regular basis for long periods.

Now that I think about it... A lot is out.

Here's what I want: Freedom of religion, of the press, of speech, to organize publicly, the basic bill of rights but I dont care so much about gun ownership. Also, temperate climate, as cold as maybe England/Ireland and as no hotter than 125 degrees F. (It gets to be 110 where I am now and I have no problem with that). I would also like my American dollar to go pretty far. I'll be on an American pension from my line of work, so I want the most bang for my buck. (who wouldn't, right?)

I think it also important to mention that I will adapt to the local culture, learn the local language, and adopt national pastimes instead of forcing my culture on you. I am also an educated producer and do not want government handouts.


So why should I move to your country?

[Soulforged]

When with your dollars and my devalutated economy you'll have a nice life here. A very beautiful place is near the Andes or in Tierra del Fuego.

[Reverend Joe]

I think I will break my own "no-backroom" rule for this one.

I would suggest Provence, in the south of France (but north of the Cote D'Azur). Beautiful country; the Provencale are very friendly; great food, too- a good mix of mediterranean plates. If you hate the country, you will not like Provence- there are very few cities, and a lot of vineyards and lavender fields.

[Divinus Arma]

I think I will break my own "no-backroom" rule for this one.

I would suggest Provence, in the south of France (but north of the Cote D'Azur). Beautiful country; the Provencale are very friendly; great food, too- a good mix of mediterranean plates. If you hate the country, you will not like Provence- there are very few cities, and a lot of vineyards and lavender fields.

I heard the South of France was very expensive. I also heard there is a huge Muslim immigration problem in France.

[Divinus Arma]

When with your dollars and my devalutated economy you'll have a nice life here. A very beautiful place is near the Andes or in Tierra del Fuego.

44.3% is below the poverty line! This compares with about 12% in the U.S.

That is a bit much for me. Poverty tends to bring in more serious problems.

[Soulforged]

44.3% is below the poverty line! This compares with about 12% in the U.S.

That is a bit much for me. Poverty tends to bring in more serious problems.

Oh don't worry DA, in those places i told you, you'll never face any "problems" for the rest of your life, those are elitist places, prepared to any stranger that comes with the greens.

[Papewaio]

New Zealand is a good choice to retire to. It doesn't have many illegal immigrants because they have to get through Australia first.

Australia is pretty nice, I would recommend Perth, it is hot but dry and the beaches are very good. Makes Sydney look dirty by comparison. However if you lived in Perth you have to be the type of person who is active, not the type that needs someone else to make the fun for them.

[Strike For The South]

Cmon man TEXAS is the place hell I suggest my neighborhood (lots of military) or just about ten minutes north get yourself some land, the nature is very nice the ladies are amazing the food is great and there are 3 yes DA 3 lakes where you can get hammered and piss on yourself and trust me its the greatest fun you will ever have

[Incongruous]

Don't come to NZ mate, bad choice at the moment.
Social and political strife abound.
The weather is crap at the moment.
But hey keep watching all that propaganda about our clean, green image.

[Papewaio]

Oh and a quick look at the Big Mac Index to do a quick look at the countries economies.

[Kanamori]

There is a reason businesses send all of their favorite high-ups and major divisions to Madison

All of the benefits of a city without all of the problems.

Other than Madison, check out Charleston. Same kind of thing with wonderful old roots and history; Mount Pleasant is quite nice. I'm a fan of North Carolina too. All the lovely flowers everywhere

[Papewaio]

Don't come to NZ mate, bad choice at the moment.
Social and political strife abound.
The weather is crap at the moment.
But hey keep watching all that propaganda about our clean, green image.

One problem with NZers are they are very parochial.

For good weather live in Northland.

Political and social strife... why what is happening that is so bad in NZ?

Not many countries do I know of that are as green as NZ? So what has happened lately that makes it less green?

BTW Bopa how many other nations have you lived in?

[GoreBag]

The Turks and Caicos. Canadians have been moving there to avoid paying taxes for years. Seriously, they have very little in the way of taxation.

[Divinus Arma]

Cmon man TEXAS is the place hell I suggest my neighborhood (lots of military) or just about ten minutes north get yourself some land, the nature is very nice the ladies are amazing the food is great and there are 3 yes DA 3 lakes where you can get hammered and piss on yourself and trust me its the greatest fun you will ever have

Actually, I have given a lot of thought to Texas. I spent some time training in San Antonio. San Antonio is okay, but Austin is awesome. I love Austin. When you turn 21, go straight to 6th Street. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. That is party central. I got a hotel room and just got bombed this last spring. Me and a bunch of other veterans stood on stage at one place (I was drunk as I could be, swaying back and forth, eyes squinting in the dim light), while the crowd cheered us for serving overseas. Then people bought me more drinks and I was near death. It was great.
I remember stumbling back to my hotel room, on the verge of blackout, when a local cop stopped me. He said "where you goin", I said "to my hotel room" and pointed (err... waved) in the general direction I was going. I was most certainly drunk in public and had no business being on the street. He looked me over with a suspicious eye and said, "well then straighten up a little". I sucked in my gut, stood at attention, , said "yes, Sir" and marched straight to the hotel. Where I passed out in a stupor.

I'm thinking Austin or Northeast Texas, near Dallas or Texarkana. Houses are still affordable in Texas.

[Del Arroyo]

Don't overlook Mexico-- the country is simply filled with gorgeous spots, and of nearly every climatic variation that you could desire. The cost of living for a retiree is quite low even in the places where large numbers of greying ex-pats have gathered.

There is quite a bit of craziness in the big cities, but the barrios of Mexico City aren't any more definitive of the nation as a whole than is Compton of the US as a whole.

Another, less conventional option could-- interestingly-- be Colombia. The cost of living is much lower than in Mexico, the people are friendlier than in Mexico, and if you keep a low profile you would actually be very safe there. They do have some problems with the guerrilla war-- but the risk to a US retiree living outside the hot zones and not driving a brand-new BMW is really pretty close to nil. And the government is rock-solid stable compared to many other Latin American countries.

Did I mention that Colombia is breathtakingly beautiful? There actually are growing numbers of US retirees making their second homes in this out-of-the-mainstream destination, often in smaller cities such as Bucaramanga.

Anyway, just a couple of thoughts.

DA

[Soulforged]

Another, less conventional option could-- interestingly-- be Colombia. The cost of living is much lower than in Mexico, the people are friendlier than in Mexico, and if you keep a low profile you would actually be very safe there. They do have some problems with the guerrilla war-- but the risk to a US retiree living outside the hot zones and not driving a brand-new BMW is really pretty close to nil. And the government is rock-solid stable compared to many other Latin American countries.

Are you sure about this? Hell my government is not the german's, but I don't think we're under Colombia, i'm pretty sure about that.

Did I mention that Colombia is breathtakingly beautiful? There actually are growing numbers of US retirees making their second homes in this out-of-the-mainstream destination, often in smaller cities such as Bucaramanga.

As I said Tierra del Fuego is one of the most beautiful places in all the world a mix of various other places and auroras from time to time. In any case to live there you must like the cold.

[Shaka_Khan]

New Zealand, Mexico, or Columbia sounds nice. How long can a foreigner stay in those countries? Is it easy to immigrate and gain their nationality? Is it easy to get a decent job there?

[GodsPetMonkey]

Australia is great. What more can I say!

Oh, I'll help you out a little though.

I am not turned on by socialist-democracy governments, but I will consider one if the reasons are there.

It's not what I would consider social-democratic, but it is definitely left of the US government (but none the less conservative).

A few that are certainly out:
Anywhere that it gets well below freezing on a regular basis for long periods.

Australia doesn't do freezing. There is some snow in the mountains, but you right pretty much everywhere else!

Here's what I want: Freedom of religion

Yep

of the press, of speech, to organize publicly,

Not enshrined in anything, but they exist none the less. More in a sec.

the basic bill of rights but I dont care so much about gun ownership.

We don't have a bill of rights, in many ways, we have never needed one. Most of our rights come from the common law (surprising number there) or have been implied in our constitution by the courts (and Americans complain about Judicial Activism).

Gun ownership... well, it's not hard to get a hunting rifle, especially if you have military experience and no criminal record. Just don't think you can bring the AK over with you.
Not that you would need it.

Also, temperate climate, as cold as maybe England/Ireland and as no hotter than 125 degrees F. (It gets to be 110 where I am now and I have no problem with that).

Tasmania is pretty good, gets chilly in the winter but not below 0 (talking C. not F.). SE New South Wales is also fairly mild.
We also have plenty of warm if that is what you after (and we are more famous for it... ahhh, Queensland).

I would also like my American dollar to go pretty far. I'll be on an American pension from my line of work, so I want the most bang for my buck. (who wouldn't, right?)

Exchange rate is about US$0.75 to AU$1.00 (I think). But the relative prices are about the same. Sorry, this is no Mexico.

I think it also important to mention that I will adapt to the local culture, learn the local language, and adopt national pastimes instead of forcing my culture on you. I am also an educated producer and do not want government handouts.

None of those are major differences, we speak the same language, similar (perhaps more easy going, but just as friendly) culture, and if you can drink booze, you will have NO problems with national pastimes.
Please note we take our national day a lot less seriously then you do independence day... actually, most things we take less seriously, except perhaps Anzac day (our veterans day).

Oh yeah, it's also pretty easy for Americans to get a permanent residency visa (if you wish to be an expat) here too.

Australia is pretty nice, I would recommend Perth, it is hot but dry and the beaches are very good. Makes Sydney look dirty by comparison. However if you lived in Perth you have to be the type of person who is active, not the type that needs someone else to make the fun for them.

Perth is a great city, much nicer then Sydney and Melbourne (which I would not recommend living in if you want some peace), but Western Australians are a little different to the rest of us. Brisbane and Adelaide are also rather nice cities, but they are rather warm and dry.

[Divinus Arma]

Good Suggestions. Thank you! Keep 'em coming.

As for Mexico, that is a serious "no way jose". Sorry, but I think that pretty much goes for all of South America. No offense, but I don't want to live in a 3rd world country. I know that sounds elitist. If it does, I'm okay with that. I want to move freely through most of the country and not have to worry about

a. bandits or revolutionaries
b. A government crippled by corruption where I can give a cop 20 dollars and go home.
c. Beggars.

Yep. I am spoiled by the good old US of A. So, France might be okay, NZ sounds good. I am a little worried about Australia simply becasue Australia has like half of all the deadliest animals in the world.
Examples: Eighty percent of Australia's snakes are venomous. Uhm... deadly spiders and insects... Great White Shark infested waters... not to mention Nicole Kidman and Paul Hogan!

Does New Zealand have the same problem with deadly venomous snakes and insects?

[Shaka_Khan]

I have no problem with beggars who don't bother me. It's the bandits or revolutionaries that I have a problem with. From what I have heard, any American, Canadian, European, or wealthy person was threatened by some of them because of their ideology.

[PanzerJaeger]

Austria is amazing.. thats where id go.. but it seems you want a warmer climate. Italy? So much history and culture.. good food too.

[English assassin]

Come to the lovely south or west or England. The south (I mean the weald of kent, sussex and hampshire) gets the best weather, and is absolutely classic English countryside. The west (eg Herefordshire, Gloucestershire all the way down to Cornwall) also has good weather though a tiny bit more rain, and, hey, if its good enough for King Arthur its good enough for anyone. Also its a fair bit cheaper than the south.

For my money Herefordshire is the nicest part of the whole country, though I still have a soft spot for my old county, Kent. A small town in Herefordshire would be ideal, say Ledbury, http://www.ledburyonline.co.uk/ and its even on a train line to London and Birmingham. My parents live near there now, and everytime I go up there I fall about laughing reading the local paper with its headlines like "Local cat takes third prize in Hereford cat show"

But if you are retired then its worth saying that in the south you have two of the world biggest airports within handy reach, as well as the channel tunnel, so its a good spot for exploring Europe, and indeed the world.

I think England ticks all your boxes except poss the one about your yankee dollars, the exchange rate is not too good right now and you may find anything within say 100 miles of London quite expensive.

I will adapt to the local culture, learn the local language, and adopt national pastimes

So long as you are willing to drink bitter and admit cheerfully that American "football" is no such thing I think you will fit right in.

[Lazul]

q: "So why should I move to your country?"

a: You shouldnt

But if you do, we have a stable country with few internal problems. Stupid politicians, anoying religius leaders and about 1 or 2 good tv-channels.
Wonderfull summers, winter is cold as hell, rains alot, wonderfull landscape.

As for the 'muslim immigrant problems', well thats all over Europe.

added: Btw, i live in Sweden

[Divinus Arma]

I have always been fascinated with England, even if I am confused by the various names (great britain, england, united kingdom, british islands: which is what?). America is her child in a way. I certainly respect the British allaince with America. I have said in other threads that I will die for a Brit in duty as if he were an American.

The cost of living has me concerned. Is a home and a bit of land very expensive? It doesn't need to be too close to a huge population center, but I don't want to drive 5 hours to a market either.

[Idaho]

I have always been fascinated with England, even if I am confused by the various names (great britain, england, united kingdom, british islands: which is what?). America is her child in a way. I certainly respect the British allaince with America. I have said in other threads that I will die for a Brit in duty as if he were an American.

The cost of living has me concerned. Is a home and a bit of land very expensive? It doesn't need to be too close to a huge population center, but I don't want to drive 5 hours to a market either.

Britain is the main island of the British Isles. Great Britain is a geographical term to include Britain plus the small islands immediately next to it. Britain consists of three countries - England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Island is included to make the United Kingdom or Britain and Northern Ireland - aka the UK.

Imagine England is North Carolina
Britain is Mainland USA
Great Britain is Mainland USA including Rhode Island and the Florida Keys
UK is all of the US including Alaska and Hawaii

Calling Britain 'England' is a big no-no when there are Scots and Welsh about. Like calling a Texan a 'yankee'.


I think the biggest problem you are going to have in moving countries is the cultural differences. You sound to me like a dyed in the wool yank!

[English assassin]

If ever you are in doubt, if you simply refer to "Britain" (or if you prefer the UK) you won't upset anyone.

Property in London or within commuting distance of it is probably about as expensive as any on the planet. I can't pretend to be a big expert on property prices in the west country but if you avoid a few hot spots (Bath) I guess its OK. My brother lives out that way in a nice cottage with a big garden and an allotment, and he is a train driver, which is OK money but not big bucks.

Everything is smaller in the UK than you will be used to though. "a big garden" means about 3/4 of an acre, not something the size of Belgium ;-)

[LeftEyeNine]

GAH GAH GAH !

Why Turkey ?

You may have problems with organizing publicly, I mean, it's not "demo everything in democratic terms" yet here. I hope it does not..Anyway..

The coastal towns longing form Aegean to Mditerranean vary from fun-lovers to relax-all-day retired people's top preferences. Bitez, a town around the famous Bodrum, is nearly mostly British. I watched some guy talking about British in real estate agency business there...

Hospitality is a general characteristic assumption claimed about Turkish society. Actually, different people always draw attention, but in a warm way here, as long as you show the warmness too.

I'm residing currently in Izmir, I may welcome you for some stay if you ever land in Turkey.

GAH GAH GAH ! (I won't stop that unless someone tells me the meaning..)

[Ja'chyra]

For a good sized family home in a good area you could expect to pay from £200k up, I have a 3 bed terraced house in an ex-council estate in Hampshire and that costs about £140k.

[Adrian II]

Looks like Spain or France would fit the bill for you. You can buy a derelict Spanish farm for a pocket mirror and a handful of shiny beads, learn to plant tomatoes (because of the neighbourly contacts, this gets you friends in no time) and slowly rebuild the place to your liking. That is what I am going to do between now and twenty years on, I think.

[Sjakihata]

Llearn to plant tomatoes (because of the neighbourly contacts, this gets you friends in no time)

Plus a lot of funds from the EU agriculture support programme.


scandinavia is nice, especially norway sweden - the best nature. and good welfare states = a lot of added bonuses. probably too cold for you, if you cant stand it dropping below 0